IT'S A PERFECT NIGHT // 1/1 MEETING

[HOWLINGSTAR]

The air within camp has been somber for days now. Fallowpaw has yet to turn up despite the countless patrols sent out to search for her, leaving many ThunderClanners to worry about the worst case scenario. Prey continues to dwindle as temperatures keep dropping, herbs becoming harder and harder to find. Luckily, her clan has been able to avoid whitecough thus far, and she can only hope their luck persists. But today is not a day to be down. It is a celebration as four kits are granted new names and can finally begin on their path to warrior. "Let all cat's old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!" She calls, head and tail lifted high.

Her frame is thinning from hunger, but her fluffed out pelt hides most of it, and her eyes shine with optimism rather than strife. "Today marks an important day in the lives of our clan's kits. They will leave behind the nursery and begin their training to one day become warriors of ThunderClan. This is a day of pride in the growth and strength of our clan, even despite the hardships leaf-bare brings us. Bravekit, Foxkit, Cougarkit, Softkit, and Vixenkit, please step forward." Her gentle eyes seek out the named kits from where they sit near the nursery, gesturing with her muzzle to invite them to the front of the crowd.

// Apprentice ceremonies for @bravekit : ̗̀➛ @FOXKIT @Softkit @Vixenkit. @Cougarkit

Activity shoutouts for the month of December go to @HOWLINGSTAR @HAILSTORM. @Flamewhisker @nightbird @RACCOONSTRIPE @batwing @ROEFLAME . @WILDHEART @SHININGSUN @STORMYWING @FRECKLEFLAME @FALCONHEART @COYOTEBITE @tigerpaw. @Marigoldpaw @FALLOWPAW
Thank you for your activity even during such a hectic holiday month!​

 

[Softsight]

Softkit had known this day was coming - it was only a matter of time until the date was right, and then she was called up to stand at the head of the Clan, waiting for Howlingstar to continue on with her christening of new names and ranks. She'd told herself to be proper for the ceremony, and she was; at the very least, she hoped she was containing her excitement as well as she thought she was. She didn't want to make a fool of herself and her family at such an important step up in the world.
Giving a cursory glance at her denmates Foxkit and Bravekit, and then looking over at her sister to both reassure and be reassured, Softkit stepped forward at Howlingstar's discretion, and she gazed up at the leader with her ever-curious, anticipatory eyes.​

 

[braveheart : ̗̀➛]

☀ . ° ✦ Trapped between the paws of his mother, Bravekit was forced to endure the grueling eons it took to untangle the curly ends of his coat and rid the film of dirt that often lived on his pelt. Howlingstar would be giving him and his littermates their apprentice ceremonies, and they were all expected to appear prim and proper for the moment they were introduced to their mentors. While the tabby was typically buzzing with enthusiasm to power the sun, his energy had dimmed with Fallowpaw's disappearance.

"Do you think my new mentor will pray for Fallowpaw with me tonight?" Bravekit asked, turning his gaze up to Leopardtongue as she gave a final rasp over his forehead. "Will you still love me, even when we're in different dens?" It's a silly question, but in the mind of a kit that had only ever known a nest beside his mother it made sense to ask.

Howlingstar calls for their Clan to gather and he joined his denmates outside the nursery. He glanced at Foxkit, seeking for her confidence to share and puffed out his chest as they were named. Wide set paws ambled forward at the black tabbys command, keeping his ears up and forward while his Clanmates parted to allow him passage. The sight of Howlingstar now, knowing she would grace him with a new name, a new purpose caused his stomach to turn. Would he make a good apprentice? Would he live to his namesake as they expect?

"... Hi." Bravekit whispered as he sat before her, his maw split into a smile. Being within the leaders sight washed away the anxiety that churned and replaced it with the courage he needed, embracing this moment beside his siblings.

✧ ° . ✶ . ° ✧​

ooc Information

• ooc: —
• 

  BRAVEKIT — HE/HIM ･ 4 MOONS ･ THUNDERCLAN & KIT ･ PENNED BY beatae!

  A Longhaired chocolate tabby/blue tabby chimera with deep blue eyes. Very thick coat that tangles easily. Paws that seem too big for his little body. Wide fuzzy satellite ears.

 

[vixencrown]

vixenkit wasn't sure how to feel. time flew so quickly that one moment she was a kitten, and the next she stood before the clan ready to become an apprentice. this is what she wanted right? to grow in the clan, to earn their respect?

the monochrome kitten sat close enough to her sister that it was known she was comforting the other, was it comfort to herself as well? was she ready to leave the nursery, to persue? she'd glance over and dip her head a bit, seeing her sister was ready. it gave her a small boost of confidence.

yes, she was ready, she had to be ready; but the kitten still felt a tug as she was called before Howlingstar, glancing back with blue hues to her parents with softened eyes. almost asking if this was gonna be okay.

she never seemed to worry about what was or wasn't okay, but... maybe she just wasn't actually ready yet.

and that was okay too right?


​

 

[Honeydapple]

The call of Howlingstar lured Honeydapple away from her earlier task of clearing out her old nest. Quickly, she set the bundle down and trotted to the clearing of camp, her blue gaze looking up thoughtfully as the older tabby began the meeting. Spotting a good place to go beneath the high rock, she circled it twice and then sat, her long tail tucked neatly at her paws, and her soft pelt fluffed twice its usual length.

Despite the frigid air, she listened intently as the kits were named off. Honeydapple was never far from the nursery and often provided kitsitting or aid to upcoming mothers, so she could pinpoint each kit with ease. Curiously, the pointed she-cat observed the youth in question. Pride swelled in her chest as the future apprentices stepped forward obediently. She loved experiencing ceremonies for the reactions of joy, but it also made her heart ache to know they would no longer be fluffy little kittens bumbling about.

Now they would be tasked with responsibility and hardships, just as their peers ahead of them were. Leafbare was always the most difficult time to be a paw in her opinion, but it's when the clan needed additions to their ranks the most. Either way, she prayed they would all become exceptional warriors in their own time. A sweet smile blossomed on her multi-colored snout as she awaited the next portion of the meeting.​

 

[BURNSTORM]

The clan needed new blood, and now was the perfect time for Batwing and Leopardtongue kits to leave the nursery. Leopardtongue could go back to her warrior duties and her kits would learn how to hunt, how to fight. With any luck, they would all become worthy ThunderClan warriors in due time, if only they have the right set of paws to guide them on their individual journeys. He would like to train a kit from the ground up he thinks. Having an apprentice he can shape, one he could mold into the perfect image, would be ideal. Not that he didn't enjoy training Falconheart but it had been... strange admittedly to mentor someone that only a couple of moons ago he had shared the apprentices den with. It had made him realize just what kind of weight now fell onto his shoulders.

He watches the meeting with an impassive gaze, though his eyes do flicker over the gathered kits briefly and he does allow himself to wonder if he would be bestowed with the honor of mentoring one. Hope blooms in his chest for only a moment before he wills it away. His past apprentice had just been made a warrior recently, and there were other, more experienced, cats who were apprentice-less. It would come again in due time, he reassures himself.

​

 

[FALCONHEART]

Fallowpaw still hasn't magically reappeared out of thin air, and the cream tabby's hopes fall more with each passing day. He'd been there to see the injured kit's unusual arrival into ThunderClan territory—he only wishes he could have been there to see her departure. It isn't the absence of the apprentice that feels the most wrong, but not knowing what happened to her. Does he dare to hope that maybe she's still alive out there, somewhere, rather than dead at the fangs of a dog, or the talons of another bird? The thought has visibly dragged Falconheart's mood down, quieting the boy and slowing his movements.

He comes trudging over at Howlingstar's call for a meeting, ever the dutiful warrior despite the dark cloud hanging over his head. There are more apprentices awaiting their assignments to mentors, and he glances to Burnstorm, wondering if the larger tom will be given a brand-new apprentice to train. Falconheart himself had been nearly a warrior already when he'd been assigned to Burnstorm; the fluffy warrior would surely appreciate being allowed to train an apprentice all the way from kithood to warriorhood. He watches the group of kits approach the leader with mild interest in blue-greeen eyes, trying to figure out which of them would be assigned to which mentor.​

[ find me way out there ]​

​

 

[FOXPAW]

Bravekit's bath time was complete, now came hers. When she feels the pink tongue atop her head she shrieks and squirms away, "Noooo! Stoppppp!" She pleads to her mother, "You're embarrassing me! I'm a big cat now!" She continues to insist, running a paw over her head as if to wipe off Leopardtongue's licks. Though her complains are likely fruitless, she is most likely subjected to the rosette she-cats licking anyways.

Unlike Bravekit, Foxkit was far less worried about leaving Leopardtongue behind. She loved her mother with all her heart, even if she didn't like her grooming. But the apprentice's den was far more enticing than staying in the nursery for even another second! She'd have her apprentice name and a mentor within minutes and she'd never look back! "Of course she will, fuzz-brain!" She mewls, playfully lifting a paw to prod at her brother. "One day we'll all share a den again anyways. We'll all be warriors!" With Leopardtongue and Batwing!

With her litter-mates and Vixenkit, they settle down at the foot of the Highrock. She looks up at Howlingstar with beaming orange eyes, her heart fluttering. She meets her brother's glance and gives him a grin, hopefully inspiring the confidence he needed to face this big moment.

♧ INFO BATTLE

• 
  » Foxkit
  » ThunderClan kit
  » She/they . AFAB
  » A red tabby & chocolate sepia she-cat with orange eyes.
  » "Speech"․ thoughts ․ attack
• 
  » An incredibly easy foe with no combat training.
  » Likely to swat or flee depending on the size of foe.
  » Fights defensively and to save herself.
  » May powerplay minor harm. Can powerplay healing

 

[freckleflame]

batwing and leopardtongue's litter was to be apprenticed today. she can hear them, just beneath foxkit's objections where she slinks from the outskirts of camp, eyes tired and bruised ; she pauses to lick the wildness of her chest fluff as she approaches burnstorm's side, hopes there isn't moss stuck in the dark shadow of her back. she smells of faintly of herbs, but she is not sick, has not been inside the hollow of stone herself ; it clings to the ends of ginger and black, something adjacent, something lingering but not yet brave enough to cross the medicinal threshold. she hopes berryheart hadn't noticed, but she feels herself rot outside his den since the incident — a fermented apple, bleeding her life into the ground under her when the clan could afford to sit still.

she settles next to the dark - pelted tom with a thick tail coming to curl around icy paws. foxkit, bravekit, softkit, vixenkit.. they bumble about, filling camp with an energy she could cut through with a claw. there is a low simmering spark in her chest, something expectant ; her talk with howlingstar rings in her skull just as loud as it has since the day it happened. did a kit need her, yet? did the tabby deem her worthy, capable of training a kit of this bustling flock? a small burst of curiosity, of happiness, but the wind whips again and she remembers wolfwind, remembers moonwhisper, remembers blood and starvation. her bones pulse, as if reminding her of their pain. an apprentice, now? she wasn't sure if it held the same charm, the same feeling as bringing her first charge along the riverclan waters, bathing on sunningrocks, bounding through the tall grass aside shadowclan border. it was all this — plain, vapid white. painful chills, a violent breeze rubbing her nose raw. a sigh bubbles in her throat but freckleflame only shakes out her pelt, working in short, quick licking rasps to make herself presentable in case howlingstar's eyes, by some cruel divine comedy, landed on her.

𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙼𝙰𝙺𝙴 𝙼𝙴 𝚂𝙼𝙸𝙻𝙴 -`☀︎´- 𝘗𝘓𝘌𝘈𝘚𝘌 𝘚𝘛𝘈𝘠 𝘍𝘖𝘙 𝘈 𝘞𝘏𝘐𝘓𝘌 𝘕𝘖𝘞

• i.
• 
• FRECKLEFLAME 𖦹 . LESBIAN, SINGLE. SMELLS LIKE SUN - WARMED OAK AND EARTHY MUSK. SIXTEEN MOONS. FRIEND & SISTER TO MANY. NAMED A FULL WARRIOR OF THUNDERCLAN ON 8 / 3 / 2023. PENNED BY ANTLERS --------
  
  f. she / her, daughter of sunfreckle and rabbitnose. large cream - ribboned tortoiseshell with seaglass eyes. larger than life! shades of vibrant russet, dousing swathes of shadow and interwoven with ribbons pale cream come to drape like licks of flame over a thick, broad - shouldered figure. unspecified maine coon heritage born of sunfreckle's kittypet background shows itself in large, round paws and tufted, long - furred toes set upon thick, tabby - splotched limbs. a characteristic lack of personal space leads her to a slouching, touchy posture, often inclined to lean or bump against her peers, all while bearing a wide, bright - eyed grin. she seems to sing confidence from every laugh, every word.. that can't all be for show, can it?
  

  prone to bouts of explosive emotion. all opinions are solely in - character and during these times, often untrue or said only in anger.

​

 

[SHININGSUN]

☼ Shiningsun hurried over as he heard the call of the latest meeting and he promptly added himself among the swell of clanmates as they gathered to listen to Howlingstar. The tom flexed his shoulders back as he puffed out his chest, which granted him a better view of the new soon-to-be apprentices whilst giving him a more imposing presence within the throng of cats. He was naturally eager to see who would be summoned forth as their mentors, and he was already wishing them luck. No doubt they were going to have their paws full!
​

 

[SPIDERLILY]

to be reborn , you have to die first .
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

The queen remained eerily silent, watching as Howlingstar called out their names, something to be proud of left a sour taste in his mouth. They were too young. To fight. To die. Spiderlily shivered, born out of pent-up emotions than the cold weather.

He had groomed them for the last time as kits, feeling hollow until he felt his mate's warm presence pressed up against his frame—a welcoming anchor to the maelstrom of thoughts gnawing at brittle bone. He knew it was unavoidable, but a life of uncertainty and unforgiving nature, Spiderlily couldn't help but turn, pressing his muzzle into the thick of Whitelion's neck, breathing in the warm scent of sandalwood and frankincense.

At least he could return to the warrior's den, no longer smelling of milk and honey, wrapped up in their shared nest before he fell pregnant with a litter. He breathed, rumbling slowly, almost guttural like when he felt Whitelion's gentle ministrations, cheek brushing against his own with an affectionate purr, Spiderlily sighed, releasing the building tension within his shoulders to rest his helm against the bulk of his mate's shoulder, pinkish hues peering out to meet Vixenkit's, blinking languidly, did he smile, jerking his chin toward Howlingstar, expression well-masked to one of 'go on, you'll be fine.' ​

​

thought speech​

 

[Flamestar]

Today there would be several new additions to the apprentice den. She cast a sympathetic glance towards Spiderlily and Leopardtongue, knowing very well how they were probably feeling right now. When her kits were young, she had looked so forward to the day when they were granted their freedom, but when that day had come it had broken her heart at the same time.

As the kittens were summoned, she watched their excited expressions and found herself smiling as well. The apprentice den would be lively tonight...the four of them would surely be too excited to sleep. ​

★ don't need to save me

• ​
• 
  FLAMEWHISKER of THUNDERCLAN
  LH red tabby with low white (masks black tabby, carries dilute, solid)
  — Lead Warrior of Thunderclan ; currently mentoring Acornpaw
  — she/her ; mated with Flycatcher
  — mother to Stormfeather & Falconheart
  — 28 moons ; ages on the 20th
  — Smells like dirt, old leaves, tree sap, faint hint of flowers
  — will start a fight, will finish fights, will kill (case depending)
  — "speech" ; thoughts ; attacks
  — penned by Icey ! ; link to tags
  — link to toyhouse​

 

[ROEFLAME .]

ROEFLAME — I fell in love with the fire long ago.

The cold season had only been here for a moon, and Roeflame felt although it had already been a whirlwind of both good and bad.
As the cinnamon warrior would beckon at her leaders call, she finds herself counting her blessings though- for the fact that her clan remained healthy and strong, and the three almost comically wide eyes that stared skywards spoke of new warriors to come, more paws to build their forest home.
Settling herself next to Burnstorm, the tabby subtly brushed a feathered tail over his with a warm smile as a silent greeting to her mate.
The content expression would remain steady as the trio of up-and-coming apprentices would begin to make their way towards Howlingstar, eager to see who the older molly would assign as their mentors.
"speech"
​

☀ —

•  

​

 

[HOWLINGSTAR]

Howlingstar's eyes crinkle in soft amusement as the five kits scamper to find their places before the Highrock. Little Bravekit, the seeming leader of the nursery up till now, utters a quiet greeting and she returns it with a mellow nod of her own. "Hello," She murmurs, a gentle chuckle beneath her mew. Her eyes lift until they settle on Spiderlily and Leopardtongue. These had been their first litters, so she knows this must be hard for them, but it is also a proud day so she smiles to them with her eyes shining. They'd done good work rearing their kittens these last several moons, and now it's time for their mentors to do the rest.

Her eyes first settle on Leopardtongue and Batwing's son, who beams and stands tall before the others. She can already tell this one has the heart of a warrior, even so young. She can't wait to see how he does in apprenticeship. "Bravekit, you have reached the age of four moons and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Bravepaw. Your mentor will be Sunfreckle. I hope he will pass down all he knows on to you." Her warm gaze flicks to the face of her friend, his features already seeming softer after he's been unburdened with the responsibility of lead warrior. She knows how heartbroken the tom was to lose Shallowpaw.. She can only hope being given a new apprentice will help him to relive his joy in teaching again. "Sunfreckle, you are ready to take on another apprentice. You are a kind, genuine warrior and I'd like you to be the mentor of Bravepaw. I expect you to pass on all you know to him." She nods and waits for them to meet to touch noses before moving on.

Next in line is young Foxkit, the fiery she-kit unknowingly orphaned when her mother was slain. Raised up with Leopardtongue's own brood, she acts just like any of them, her true parentage still unknown to her. She knows just the warrior to give her to. "Foxkit, you have reached the age of four moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Foxpaw. Your mentor will be Roeflame. I hope she will pass down all she knows on to you." She quickly finds her newest lead warrior who sits pressed against her grandson and offers her a smile. "Roeflame, you are ready to take on another apprentice. You gave Mothfur excellent tutelage when finishing off his training, and you have shown yourself to be a bold and passionate warrior. You will be the mentor of Foxpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her."

And finally, the last child of her lead warrior that is getting apprenticed today. Perhaps the most energetic of the bunch, Howlingstar knows that, like her siblings, she will make an incredible apprentice. "Cougarkit, you have reached the age of four moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Cougarpaw. Your mentor will be Freckleflame. I hope she will pass down all she knows on to you." Trying to stifle a too-big smile, the old woman gives a proud look to the young warrior in the crowd. It wasn't too long ago she had been in her den, panicking and worrying over the possibilities of getting an apprentice, and Howlingstar had promised her that she would get one when the right fit came along, and she would do amazingly. Well, she figured only a headstrong young cat would be able to handle such a headstrong apprentice! "Freckleflame, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Wolfwind, and you have proven yourself as a witty and open-minded warrior. You will be the mentor of Cougarpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her." She waits for them to touch noses before moving on to Spiderlily and Whitelion's brood.

The first of their small litter is little Softkit, ever-unique in her appearance but not quite as gentle as she looks. No, this child comes with a surprising amount of curiosity and confidence, all the traits to make a promising - but potentially troublesome - apprentice. "Softkit, you have reached the age of four moons and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Softpaw. Your mentor will be Honeydapple. I hope she will pass down all she knows on to you." She beckons the pointed warrior forwards with a smile, ears pricked. A fantastic warrior who has yet to fully train an apprentice, she hopes this is her shot to show just what she's capable of. "Honeydapple, you will be mentor to Softpaw. You have time and time again proven to be a reliable and meticulous warrior and I expect you to pass on all you know to Softpaw." She nods, waiting for them to touch noses before the crowd before, finally, she moves onto the final kit that now stands there alone.

Her green eyes settle on young Vixenkit, whose expression is unreadable. The tabby cannot tell if she's excited or nervous, but she hopes by the end of the ceremony she will have gained enough confidence to touch noses with her chosen mentor. "Vixenkit, you have reached the age of four moons and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Vixenpaw. Your mentor will be Coyotebite, and I hope she will pass down all she knows on to you." She finds the tabby, nods to her with her whiskers twitching. "Coyotebite, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have shown yourself to be a loyal and protective warrior, and you will be the mentor of Vixenpaw. I expect you to pass on all you know to her." She is one of the more notably cold cats in the clan, and her judgmental attitude does not go over the leader's head, but she believes she is ready to train an apprentice. Who knows? Maybe it could help her soften up.

When all five pairings have finished meeting at the front, Howlingstar begins to chant along with her clanmates, "Bravepaw! Foxpaw! Cougarpaw! Softpaw! Vixenpaw!" So many new apprentices...it makes her heart swell during such difficult times. And finally, the nursery is empty. Perhaps this leaf-bare won't be so bad.

// Apprentice Ceremonies completed
@bravekit : ̗̀➛ assigned to @Sunfreckle
@FOXKIT assigned to @ROEFLAME .
@Cougarkit assigned to @FRECKLEFLAME
@Softkit assigned to @honeydapple
@Vixenkit. assigned to @COYOTEBITE​

 

[FOXPAW]

Foxpaw can hardly contain herself from squirming as the ceremony commences. Bravekit is the first to be called, he is named Bravepaw and given Sunfreckle as his mentor. Foxkit looks on in awe, though no longer a lead warrior Sunfreckle was still a highly respected warrior of ThunderClan. Bravepaw would have to worry little about receiving adequate training.

Then they are beckoned forth, heart pounding at her chest they rise to their black paws. Proudly she plants herself at the base of Highrock where she is named Foxpaw. It was a strange change, but a welcome one she would embrace. Her mentor is Roeflame, a younger warrior than Sunfreckle but plenty experienced nonetheless. Prior to Foxpaw she had trained Mothfur, proving her capability as a teacher.

The bright orange apprentice moves to stand at the cinnamon tabby's paws, her large-for-her-age frame shaking with excitement. Craning her head up she squeezes her eyes shut as she touches noses with her teacher. Meanwhile she can hear Cougarkit called forward and being named Cougarpaw, receiving a mentor in Freckleflame. Softpaw and Vixenpaw too receive their names, seems they'd all be making the apprentice's den a little more crowded tonight!

♧ INFO BATTLE

• 
  » Foxpaw
  » ThunderClan Apprentice
  » She/they . AFAB
  » A red tabby & chocolate sepia she-cat with orange eyes.
  » "Speech"․ thoughts ․ attack
• 
  » An incredibly easy foe with no combat training.
  » Likely to swat or flee depending on the size of foe.
  » Fights defensively and to save herself.
  » May powerplay minor harm. Can powerplay healing

 

[batwing]

.i'll be your calm, —————————

————————— before the storm!.

▵ ———————— ◮ ———————— ▵

Pride. It was actually the word he was looking for as he gathered at Howlingstar's call, his eyes wide and full of wonder once again. The past few moons had been difficult, guilt and depression carried like a feather upon his shoulder- but today, he was so far from it. His and Leopardtongue's kits were groomed and ready. A grin spread on his face, touching his nose to each of his kits with quietly murmured affirmations. They could do this.

He wouldn't let them fall prey to the forest if he could help it.

Batwing settled down near Leopardtongue as his kits were called forward, his pelt brushing hers as green eyes shone with admiration. He waited quietly- something that must have come as a surprise to others- as his kits become apprentices. Foxpaw, Bravepaw, Cougarpaw. Each of their mentors were warriors he approved of personally. Not a moment of doubt flickered to his mind, as he had feared would happen if he had seen them all leaving their milk-nests. And finally, his head tilted backwards, cheering the names of all five apprentices.

"speech"​

 

[freckleflame]

she wasn't being serious, not really. if she were serious, she would have groomed herself beforehand, and she would not have been caught with a clump of ginger speckled fur pulled up in the barbs of her tongue when howlingstar calls cougarkit forward. the kits are apprenticed swiftly — bravekit to sunfreckle. a part of her is jealous, the child is a pawful but sweet, brimming with an energy she would have loved to bound the territory alongside.. but her father deserved him. an apprentice, long after his last, tragic one. she doesn't remember much of shallowpaw anymore. their family fights hard to avoid uttering the dark - eyed apprentice's name, lest the red tabby overhear. bravekit bounds to him to touch noses and freckleflame had watched with eyes tender, gleaming with a weary happiness.

foxkit is assigned to roeflame, and the tortoiseshell leans from where they had been seated on either side of burnstorm's flanks to waggle her eyebrow whiskers at her. exciting! there is another direct sting of rejection, strong enough for her to tell what it is — but the red apprentice would do well under her friend. she was a lead warrior now, after all. moth fur was a fine warrior, and she deserved it, as much as freckleflame wished she deserved it herself. they become bravepaw and foxpaw, and freckleflame returns to licking at her moss - clumped fur, tangled and jutting at every angle. she hadn't been sleeping, it had been hard, since the attack. she feels sick at night, feels sick during the day, even now as she whips her head faster along the ripple of muscle leading down her shoulder ; blood touches her skin still and she wants to drop to the snow, roll until the feeling disappears, or at least numbs enough for her to pretend it had. she wanted something. she wanted warmth, wanted this rotting peach pit of a heart gored from her chest to ease the ache. she wanted this weight, this constant worry, off her shoulders, she wanted —

your mentor will be freckleflame.

her head whips up so quickly her vision fades at the edges, dancing squiggles blurring the faces of those that turn to look at her. her tongue is still out. she puts it in her mouth with a snakelike schlp that sounds far louder to her than it truly was and stands, shakily, to her paws. her leader smiles at her and while shock widens her eyes, it widens her own grin even further. her cheeks ache, but it is a welcome pain — her eyes go to find the rosette tabby, feels herself bounce on mottled paws as she shakes her pelt and walks forward, into what beaming sunlight filters in from overhead. cougarkit — cougarpaw, batwing's child. leopardtongues lookalike. freckleflame casts a wild glance back to look for batwing, hoping to see something positive, but there are too many faces and she is focused on one. the warrior steps before highrock as she had for her own apprentice ceremony and looks down now upon cougarpaw for hers ; an apprentice, one that needed her, just like howlingstar had said. she can't help the delight that pulls a high, near manic giggle from her maw at that.

when she steps forward to touch noses with the youth, she can't contain her smile, closing her eyes only briefly, " ill take ya out after this — we can get ourselves some grub once th' clans taken care of. " she mews in a whisper, hushed and hoarse with thrill. her tail raises higher than she thinks it's ever been, splaying over her back in cherry waves to keep from flicking with newfound energy. she doesn't even have to lean down when she cuts her eyes playfully towards roeflame and m whispers, conspiratorially, to cougarpaw," if ya catch somethin' before foxpaw, ill let ya pick out which border we visit first " she wished wolfwind was awake to see this.

𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙼𝙰𝙺𝙴 𝙼𝙴 𝚂𝙼𝙸𝙻𝙴 -`☀︎´- 𝘗𝘓𝘌𝘈𝘚𝘌 𝘚𝘛𝘈𝘠 𝘍𝘖𝘙 𝘈 𝘞𝘏𝘐𝘓𝘌 𝘕𝘖𝘞

• i.
• 
• FRECKLEFLAME 𖦹 . LESBIAN, SINGLE. SMELLS LIKE SUN - WARMED OAK AND RICH, EARTHY MUSK. SEVENTEEN MOONS OLD. FRIEND & SISTER TO MANY! NAMED A WARRIOR OF THUNDERCLAN ON 8 / 3 / 2023. MENTORING COUGARPAW! PENNED BY ANTLERS --------------------------------------------
  
  f. she / her, daughter of sunfreckle and rabbitnose. large, fluffy cream - ribboned tortoiseshell with seaglass eyes. larger than life! every part of her is broad ; wide in everything from her face to shoulders to her feathered tail, something reminiscent of her father's kittypet heritage in the square of her chin and hulk of her figure. she appears illusionarily fluff - ridden at first, thickly pelted in shades of fire and soot, long & tangled, knotted with undergrowth — seeming soft and pudgy, and she is.. that figure curving into hard, hidden bulk along heavyset flanks and well - muscled limbs. a characteristic lack of personal space leads her to a slouching, touchy posture, often inclined to lean or bump against her peers.
  

  prone to bouts of explosive emotion. all opinions are solely in - character and during these times, often untrue or said only in anger.

​

 

[Honeydapple]

Honeydapple's gaze softened as the kits lined up dutifully, one offering the leader an adorable greeting. The molly's heart felt three times its size, overwhelmed by the genuine cuteness of the whole ordeal. Holding back the urge to playfully cuff their ears, she instead watched as mentors were paired with their new apprentices. First to go were Batwing and Leopardtongue's litter, each given to exceptional warriors. The earlier smile intensified as her clanmates touched noses with their new subordinates.

A pang of longing she hadn't felt in quite some time knocked at the back of her subconscious. Despite its cry for attention, the pale moggy ignored it as she focused on the next set of kits. Pleasant surprise lit up her multi-colored features as the tabby beckoned her forward. Elation soon followed as her paws danced to life, propelling her towards the row of kittens. The compliments did not escape the former loner, and her pelt heated with abashed gratitude. Nodding silently, she blinked quiet thanks to Howlingstar before turning sights to Softpaw.

Looking down at the newly named apprentice, Honeydapple's eyes crinkled from pure joy. Another chance to make a difference. Holding her breath, she leaned downward, extending her neck to lightly touch noses with the youth. Sitting back upright, there was no mistaking the pride radiating from her being. Playfully, she winked at Softpaw and whispered with a happy trill. "I'm so happy to be your mentor, Softpaw!" Honeydapple hadn't the chance to properly carry out her teaching duties in the past, and now she was given a second opportunity.

I won't let you down. I promise. Her mental oath was stern and earnest as she swore to be a positive note in this kit's life. Falling back into the crowd, she listened as the rest of the flock was appointed, joining in excitedly as the voices of her clanmates roared to life. "Bravepaw! Foxpaw! Cougarpaw! Softpaw! Vixenpaw!" Her features split into a bubbly grin, holding strong even as the crowd fell silent. Leafbare was a time of hardships and difficulties, but Honeydapple held no doubt in her mind that this mentorship would be a fulfilling one.​

 

[HOWLINGSTAR]

As the chanting dies down, Howlingstar's smile dips just a bit. She becomes more solemn as she calls out, "Next, Badgerpaw, Smudgepaw, and Palepaw, come forward." She waits for the three apprentices to make their way to the front; she does not yet know if their mentors have talked with them already for what is about to happen, and searches their faces for any sign of confusion or understanding.

"First, Badgerpaw and Smudgepaw - your mentors, Ashspirit and and Iceshadow, have decided it is time for them to retire to the elder's den. To carry on the rest of your training until you earn your warrior names, you will receive new mentors. Badgerpaw, your new mentor is Burnstorm. Smudgepaw, your new mentor is Raccoonstripe. I expect them both to pass on all they know to you, and pick up where your former mentors left off." She finds her grandson and son in the crowd, eyes glittering with confidence in them. Burnstorm had already shown promise as a mentor when he wrapped up the rest of Falconheart's training; she knows he can do it again, this time with a little more experience. And Raccoonstripe has successfully trained several apprentices - though he has harsher training methods than most, she has confidence he will shape his new charge into a skilled warrior.

"And Marigoldpaw," She continues, looking next to the young tom with a more somber expression. "Oakfang fought valiantly against the owl that attacked him in the forest, but Berryheart has been unable to bring back his sight. He is blinded, and while he recovers and learns to adapt to his new world, you will need a new mentor to finish your training." She looks to her granddaughter in the crowd, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. "Your new mentor will be Moonwhisper. She has proven to be a hard-working and loyal warrior, and I expect her to pass on all she knows." After their talk, Howlingstar hoped getting to train an apprentice might help her kin, give her something to focus on, give her confidence that she is trusted by her grandmother. She has every bit of faith in her.

"That is all. Let's get hunting patrols out, and remember to keep an eye and ear out when you're out and about in the forest. The predators are getting desperate in leaf-bare, just as we are." She thinks of her granddaughter, who lies in the medicine den with an eye gouged out by a hungry fox. She thinks of Oakfang, forever blinded when an owl tried to make him into a meal. The forest has been cruel to them; ThunderClan will have to be more careful.

// @badgerpaw reassigned to @BURNSTORM
@SMUDGEPAW reassigned to @RACCOONSTRIPE
@Marigoldpaw reassigned to @Moonwhisper​

 

[ROEFLAME .]

ROEFLAME — I fell in love with the fire long ago.

Howlingstar wastes no time, assigning Bravekit to Sunfreckle, and the tabby could not help but glance towards the fiery tom within the crowd. He was a good choice, and Bravekit would be sure to keep the warrior on his toes.
When Roeflame turns her gaze forward once more, Howlingstar is looking to Foxkit, now Foxpaw.
Then, her leaders gaze flickers upwards- towards her.
Roeflame, you are ready to take on another apprentice.
Though the surge that picks up her heartbeat is not as overwhelming as it was the first time Howlingstar looked to her with similar words, Roeflame is still stricken with honor and surprise.
Dipping her head towards her leader, the lead warrior sweeps to her paws, walking towards her new apprentice with a small but eager grin.
Thankfully, she does not have to reach her own chin up to touch noses with Foxpaw like she did Mothfur.
When they would step back, Howlingstar is now looking towards Cougarkit, ceremonious words being spoken, and Freckleflame is called upon.
Immediately, Roeflames grin grows to an all-too-wide smile, silently cheering the tortoiseshell on as she touches noses with her own apprentice.
Naturally, it doesn't take long for a conspicuous gaze to be shot in Roeflame's direction.
"Our first mission is to figure out what those two are planning." The silvered warrior would lean to whisper to Foxpaw, gesturing lightly to the newly paired duo. Her tone is playful though, accompanied by a lighthearted wink.
When Burnstorm is assigned to Badgerpaw, Roeflame straightens, watching pridefully.
There's almost an irony to the fact that once again, they were both made mentors in the same meeting once again. Almost cosmic.

"speech"
​

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