LEAVE ME IN THE MOONBEAMS [⭐️] MAY MEETING

[SOOTSTAR]

SOOTSTAR ♀​

Several sunrises late was the meeting, most of the clan could guess why with ease. Promotions were usually a celebrated event within the clan, new warriors welcomed with yowls of approval and praise, but Sootstar did not celebrate. She was uplifting these cats knowing they were nothing but kittypets and children of traitors. Despite all her cunning tricks and schemes, she’s never been able to catch them up to something that would’ve proven them incapable warriors of WindClan. Now here she stood on Tallrock, calling the clan together to give them one of the biggest honors in a clan cat’s life. Ridiculous. ”Let all cats old enough to race the moors gather beneath the Tallrock!” From their nests in the grass the clan rose, some leaving behind half-eaten fresh-kill to settle beneath the stone. Whispers broke out and glances were sent in the direction of Silverpaw, Periwinklepaw, and Nightingalepaw. News had spread that they had all passed their assessments, their ceremony several days late. ”Today we gather to declare three new warriors of WindClan. Periwinklepaw, Nightingalepaw, and Silverpaw, step forward.” Despite all her bitterness she’s for the most part appropriate. The words are not spoken with a sneer or mockery, those words were coming later… ”I, Sootstar, Leader of WindClan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn.” StarClan would love the newest addition of WindClan warriors! Kittypets and traitors were whom they seemed to favor anyways… Sootstar suppresses a huff of disdain. ”Periwinklepaw, Nightingalepaw, and Silverpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?” No vow you take will make me trust you. Her gaze washes over Periwinklepaw and Nightingalepaw, your mother took an even heftier vow moons ago… and look where her loyalties lie now. They lie and take their vows. Sootstar is quiet for several long moments before continuing. ”Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Periwinklepaw, from this moment forward you will be known as @Periwinklebreeze. StarClan honors your ‘loyalty’ and faith and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan.” He had not failed Bluepool’s test, the trap Sootstar had wanted him to set off. She does not step down from the rock to traditionally touch her nose to his forehead, ”I am glad your loyalties lie with WindClan, Periwinklebreeze.” Though she’s not quite convinced they do... ” @nightingalepaw , from this moment forward you will be known as Nightingalecry. StarClan honors your perseverance and competencry and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan.” Nightingalepaw, at the very least, has been significantly less questionable than Periwinklepaw. Still, you would not catch her trusting any of Hyacinithbreath’s brood, she couldn’t afford it… Whether this one would betray the clan one day, only StarClan knew. To the kittypet her attention turns, ” @SILVERPAW , from this moment forward you will be known as Silverthorn. StarClan honors your ferocity and adaptability and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan.” This, Sootstar cannot believe she has allowed to happen. A kittypet warrior of WindClan… who would’ve thought… May StarClan be thrilled by the new addition of warriors. Now that they were out of the way… perhaps an apprentice with the potential to outshine these new warriors one day. A future warrior she could actually depend upon… He was not WindClan born, but many of them including Sootstar, was not. She holds faith in him, “ @Thriftkit , step forward.” The cream tabby is beckoned further by a flick of her blue tail. Once settled beneath the stone she continues the ceremony. ”Thriftkit, you have reached the age of three moons, it is time for you to be apprentices. From this day until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Thriftpaw. Your mentor will be @GRAVELSNAP .” Sootstar looks to the dark-furred warrior, proud of the cat he has become. ”Gravelsnap, you are young but have proven to be a strong and loyal warrior of WindClan. You will be the mentor of Thriftpaw, I expect you to pass all you know onto him.” A smile breaks onto her face, and she allows the new pairing to greet each other as mentor and apprentice for the first time. Unfortunately, they cannot remain on the subject for long. ”Cats of WindClan, a moon has passed since Smogmaw of ShadowClan trespassed on WindClan land and got away with it. ShadowClan has since introduced a new code built off lies, their disrespect towards WindClan cannot stand!” Her yowl is angry as green eyes narrow into slits. ”They may think we’ve forgotten, but we have not! At dawn we strike, we will march onto their territory and give them a taste of their own herbs!” Perhaps this would serve as yet another test for a couple of their newest warriors? //VERY eventful first post! Congratulations to new apprentices and warriors!!! FYI, those joining the skirmish will be chosen by HPs based of IC realism. We’re going to take recent activity into account and go off the census ! Please know we are still discussing and will be considering everyone equally. Also!! Activity shoutouts! @Badgermoon @WEASELCLAW @VULTUREMASK @SCORCHSTREAK @Bluepool @SUNSTRIDE @WOLFSONG @GRAVELSNAP @SNAKEPAW @Firefang @Periwinklebreeze. And @sunflowerpaw ! Thank you ALL for your activity and your contributions to WindClan!

 

[Azaleafrost]

Oh, this was just grand. Three cats were to become warriors, three cats Sootstar loathed. She watched with excitement, her friend finally receiving his warrior name this moment. Sootstar must be fuming inside, and Azaleapaw couldn't help but smile at the thought. Suffer.

When it was time to cheer for their new warriors, she did so loudly and cheerfully, hopping over to give Periwinklepaw a friendly headbump on the shoulder.

"Congratulations! I knew you could do it." She said, her voice cheerful instead of monotone for once.

Soon, she'll have her warrior name too. Sootstar would have to say something nice about her. Even if she didn't, she'd still bask in the knowledge that she was succeeding purely out of spite. Azaleapaw thrived on spite, and she wasn't stopping now.

The following news made her ears perk to listen. A raid on Shadowclan? Now she was really excited. She didn't think much of Shadowclan, she was sure it would be an easy sweep. The only problem was the marsh. If she were to go, she would have to adapt quickly to that awful....Soggy..Squishy ground. How do those cats live there.
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[GRAVELSNAP]

When news had reached Gravelsnap that their friend passed his warrior assessment, they had smiled, happy for the black-pointed cat. They are glad that, at last, Periwinklepaw seems to be fitting into WindClan, seems to be assimilating into the clan that has given him shelter when his mother did not. Gravelsnap is proud of the younger tom, but most of all they are relieved. Sootstar doesn’t seem happy about Peri passing their assessment, and she surely isn’t happy about Silverpaw or Nightingalepaw being made warriors, either. That’s probably why this meeting comes late—why her call comes in the midst of Gravelsnap’s meal. With one final, longing glance, they part from their half-eaten hare, leaving it resting on the ground. They will return for it later.

They settle beneath the Tallrock, gaze fixed on the blue-furred leader. The clan’s protector, their founder, their queen of the moorland. She looks just as regal as ever up there, and the young warrior watches her closely as she begins making her announcements.

When Peri is named, Gravelsnap cheers loudly despite himself, despite knowing that cats like Firefang will likely pass judgment on him for it. Their opinions don’t matter right now, though, not when he has bigger things to deal with. "Periwinklebreeze!" He calls his friend’s new name—Periwinklebreeze, fitting in a way that catches him off guard—and attempts to catch the other’s eye. He is supportive, even if the leader sounds less than enthusiastic about naming them a warrior. But when Nightingalecry and Silverthorn are named, Gravelsnap is silent. (And no, he will not be doing any introspection about where the differences between Periwinklebreeze and the other two new warriors lie, thank you.)

The next order of business is the naming of a new apprentice, and Gravelsnap watched intently as Sootstar calls forward Thriftkit. A rather recent addition to the clan, but not of traitorous descent, the cream-striped kit will surely find his place within WindClan soon enough. And—Sootstar looks directly at them, and their stomach does an admittedly impressive somersault. Perhaps they should have skipped that meal before. Because they are called upon to be the freshly-named Thriftpaw’s mentor. It will be their responsibility to teach the child the ways of WindClan, to instill within him a sense of loyalty.

"Thriftpaw," he greets the newly-named apprentice with a hint of a smile on his muzzle. Something in his chest tightens as he steps closer to the small feline—so small. Fragile. Had he looked the same when he’d first been named an apprentice? He doesn’t remember, and perhaps that’s for the best. "I’ll do my best to teach you everything I know. We will start training as soon as possible." They will certainly need to ask Houndthistle for advice—they have begun to turn out fine, by the tom’s own admission, and they hope to help their own apprentice do the same.

Sootstar’s next announcement is one of battle, a fight against ShadowClan for the insolence of their deputy. Attacking the leader of another clan on their own territory, and then crying about it enough to make his clan add a rule to the warrior code in an attempt to prevent retaliation? How cowardly Smogmaw is. What other reason could there be for ShadowClan to suggest a rule against trespassing, after only recently committing trespass? The swamp-paws will get what they deserve, at least. "At dawn we strike," they echo, lifting their voice in support of Sootstar’s decision.
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[ DEATH OF A DREAM ]​

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[HOUNDTHISTLE]

"BECAUSE COWBOY DAN'S A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE COWBOY SCENE"​

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Houndthistle comes to sit at the base of Tallrock intermingled with the other warriors, amber eyes upward to gaze upon Sootstar as she beguns her announcements. He is silent as new warriors are announced, his amber eyes cutting to the familiar faces to really commit them to observation now, his own opinion on them actually more favorable then perhaps other Windclanners. Periwinklebreeze and Nightingalecry had stuck in their clan despite their mother's betrayal and had continued to train-debatable given Periwinklebreeze's condition-as warriors of Windclan, but given how Sootstar and the other clanmate's looked at them, he could imagine this could lead to bitterness and resentment festering worse then ever. Silverthorn, as well, was perhaps even a cat Houndthistle could respect. He left his twolegs, unlike those snakes in Skyclan, and had fought tooth and claw for his place in Windclan, and Houndthistle approved of that much, but again, the clan's opinion could lead to the warrior going rogue. He'd have to keep a close eye on these cats, ensuring they don't step out of line.

His attention is pulled back as Thriftkit is called forward, listening idly as Sootstar announces his apprentice name before Gravelsnap, Houndthistle's own former apprentice, is called forward and his ears perk, eyes widening in pleasant shock. He wondered, idly, how Gravelsnap would train the young cat, what he'd pass on, and what they'd do, but what didn't enter Houndthistle's mind was doubt. An ebb of pride entering his chest, Houndthistle found himself sitting a little bit taller, glancing confidently at the young warrior and his newly named apprentice with that same pleased look in his eye. Yes, he knew Gravelsnap would do well, and he knew if Gravelsnap needed it, Houndthistle would be there for them. In-fact, likely the pair could train their apprentices together.

The call for battle with Shadowclan, though, wipes that pleased look from his eye and replaces it with a darker tone, conflicted even. Revenge? For lying? It tasted bittersweet but the call for battle from the moorland queen makes Houndthistle's claws slip from their beds. This wasn't revenge on his part. Merely defense of his home, and that's how he'd have to look at it. He growls his support, wordless, as he intensely meets Sootstar's gaze, itching to join her in battle.

---

"speech"

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OOC CURRENT STATS INTERACTION RULES

• text
• Physical Health
  
  100%
  ⤷ no current wounds
  Mental Health
  
  98%
• 
  Single | Bicurious | Not actively looking | Interested in none currently
  
  Houndthistle is both an easy one to gain the trust of and impossible to gain the trust of. He'll rarely reveal personal information or be vulnerable-if he's even capable of such things-but he will show trust in his willingness to lay his life down. To gain it, he needs evidence that you're loyal and strong, same as him, otherwise he understands he may one day have to come head to head with you.
  
  — will start fights / will not flee / will not show mercy
  — excels at Fighting, Tracking, Following Orders, Intimidation
  — poor at climbing, swimming, stealth, talking, strategy, politics
  — sounds like: deep, gravelled and thick with a sort of country accent / Arthur Morgan
  — smells of iron, leather, and wood
  — speech is #435E75

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[Mintshade]

[TW: Minor ableism mention!]

She does not cheer for the newly named warriors, does not even spare them a look. If they did the bare minimum to become warriors then she would not oppose Sootstar's ruling but she thinks to the limp body in the middle of a hunting patrol that could not even feed his own fool mouth and her lips curl in a sneer; not even Bluepool's training could fix what was wrong with the traitor cat's kin but at least her sister could have a proper apprentice now and no longer be burdened with the scum their medicine cat wasted time on when he had sneered in the past at healing their actually worthy warriors. Mintshade bristles somewhat as Azalaeapaw cheers, shoots her apprentice a look but does not silence her. Her leader's decision was final, but that didn't mean either of them had any authorty worth speaking for and they'd never be trusted with apprentices so if they wanted to exist to be fodder for battles then by all means.
Silverpaw was another irritating example of what happened when you didn't put kittypets in their place and if he stepped out of line she'd cut him open to make an example, unlike her own apprentice who was shaping into something more tolerable.
The only pleasant part of this meeting was Gravelsnap getting an apprentice, the newly found and promoted Thriftpaw, and she'd always liked that kid so it was nice to see him moving up in the world and making WindClan proud so here she did raise her voice, "Aye, congratulations Gravelsnap. Got your own little protege now do you? Good for you."
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[SCORCHSTREAK]

The tunneler will always, always heed her leader’s call. Even days away from her perceived due date, Sootstar’s words bring the she-cat waddling out of the nursery, settling awkwardly onto her haunches before the Tallrock. Scorchstreak listens intently as the leader names new warriors, but she does not cheer. The children of traitors did not choose their heritage, but Periwinklepaw in particular has shown his disloyalty. She does cheer for the clan’s newest apprentice, the child who was brought in by Ghostwail, with paws too large to mark him destined for the tunnels.

Sootstar’s announcement of their upcoming attack on ShadowClan doesn’t come as a surprise—but it does come as a frustrating statement. She should be going, she should be fighting tooth and claw to get revenge for Smogmaw’s audacity. But she knows her own limits, knows that she’s likely to have her kits any day now. It would be dangerous for her to go, especially now that she can’t squeeze her way into the tunnels. For once in her life, Scorchstreak truly feels useless. But she lends her voice to those who speak their approval of the leader’s orders.
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[ LIKE A RATTLESNAKE ]​

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[Periwinklebreeze.]

❀​❀ I FEEL SCARED AND I'M STARTING TO SINK ❀❀​
periwinklebreeze | 10 months | demi-boy | he/they | physically medium (pacifist) | mentally easy | attack in bold #ccccff

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If you had asked periwinklepaw even a day ago if he'd thought he'd ever get his warrior name, his honest answer would have been no. Because he is not stupid - even now he sees the distrust and loathing in his leaders eyes. He's never stepped a paw out of line except to hunt alone - as far as they're aware, anyways. He'd simply been born to the wrong parents, been friends with the wrong cats. But he'd stayed in windclan, chosen them over his own kin, and he will never understand why it won't be enough. He'd tried not to stand out, and gotten only scorn - now that he was what they wanted, they viewed him with suspicion? There is no winning with these cats.

But as he steps forwards, as makes his pledge, as he finally becomes Periwinklebreeze - he hears the voices of his friends in the crowd, echoing even louder in the wake of the sound of silence of those who he will never be enough for. He holds his head high, though blue eyes do not dare meet hers. "I do," he says, jaw tense, listening as salt is rubbed in his wounds, and then it is over. Azaleapaw greets him cheerily, shoulders brushing in a friendly manner - and though his smile is a bit bittersweet, knowing there should be a third to their once trio who is now gone, lost to the tunnels, he is happy he is not alone.

Gravelsnap is called up next, and given thriftpaw to apprentice. The smile that shines on his face is truly something - wide and bright and joyful. "C-congratulations g-g-g-gravelsnap" he says once his friend is back, absentmindedly giving them an affectionate headbump against their shoulder before looking to new newly made apprentice with a lopsided grin. "I b-b-bet he'll teach you t-to be a g-g-great warrior!" he adds. He's already fond of the newest addition to the clan - truly, he cannot imagine a better pairing.

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[Thriftfeather]

There are a countless number of things that frighten Thriftkit. When the meeting is called, it is as if WindClan as a whole moves in a single unit until they are crowded around the Tallrock. Even with clan life explained to Thriftkit there is still so much that he doesn't understand, but one thing he has learned quickly is that when Sootstar speaks, he is supposed to listen. He settles near enough to Periwinklepaw to hide behind them if he must — but even with how large and how loud this crowd is, Thriftkit suspects that the need won't be arriving.

He understands in a rudimentary way that this is a significant moment. He knows ranks and he knows warriors and names — he knows that earning a name is as important of a step as growing in milk teeth. It startles Thriftkit when Periwinklepaw is summoned and is changed to Periwinklebreeze before his eyes. Thriftkit mouths it to himself, but doesn't announce it as much of WindClan does with each new name.

Thriftkit startles further when his own name is called. His mind tells him harshly to back away, that he should be anywhere but in the middle of this, and Thriftkit can feel the sand shift beneath his paws with every step forward until the shadow of Tallrock is looming over him. He's Thriftpaw now — when he was just getting used to being Thriftkit.

At least the warrior assigned to be his mentor speaks calmly to him. Thriftpaw nods, eyes wide, and wonders if he should say something in turn. His opportunity passes him by — Sootstar continues on. He doesn't know anything about this attack, but he knows how sour it feels to be disrespected and how it isn't okay to lie, and it's enough for Thriftpaw to hope that WindClan wins whatever strike they are planning.​

WINDCLAN APPRENTICE ✦ GOLDEN TABBY TOM ✦ 3 MOONS​

 

[SILVERTHORN]

ALL NIGHT GAMER​

---

It had been a trial and a half reaching this point but now he had his fancy little name change that so many other cats liked to get all excited about. A warrior name. From Silver to Silverpaw, now to Silverthorn. How many more names would he be forced to memorise as he travelled through life? Probably none now, it wasn't like he'd ever become something like 'Silverstar'. He wasn't crying over such a loss of opportunity either, he frankly wouldn't want such a horrid job. He gave a gruff mumble of thanks over receiving his name but he didn't do much more than that, and it was hard to ignore the severe lack of celebration over the newly named warriors.

The tom gave a roll of his eyes as he blended back into the crowd so he could listen to the rest of the meeting. A new apprentice, joy, and then the announcement about attacking ShadowClan. It sounded like fun but he doubted that he would be called up. Perhaps one day his claws would be put to good use.
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[Bluepool]

"SPEECH"
She does not want to say that she is happy to be rid of her charge, but when Periwinklepaw stands in front of her sister and receives his warrior name, much to Sootstar's obvious disdain, she cannot help but feel free. He hadn't been a particularly troublesome apprentice, other than the time in the beginning when he had sassed her after being caught wandering outside the camp, but there had been other things that Bluepool didn't particularly care to take responsibility for. If Periwinklebreeze wanted to starve himself and pass out on patrols as a result that was a him problem now. He was a big boy, if he couldn't be bothered to feed himself then perhaps nature should be allowed to take its course. A small part of her did have to admit she cared about him, in a weird way. He had been her first apprentice, after all.

She watches the ceremony quietly. What a meeting. Periwinklepaw and Nightingalepaw the children of a traitor and Silverpaw the kittypet. Her sister understandably does not sound thrilled. It is not typical for a warrior ceremony to be met with so little cheering but only a few members of the clan call out the new warriors names. She herself only calls out Periwinklebreez's new name.

The next part of the meeting is happier. Thriftkit is named Thriftpaw and Gravelsnap is their mentor. A good choice. Thriftpaw's name rings throughout the hollow in stark contrast to the cermony earlier. Gravelsnap is a fine choice and she is certain Thriftpaw will grow into a warrior that will make WindClan proud.

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[SUNSTAR]

There is an air of disinterest to this meeting, but Sunstride is not ensnared by it. He watches, joyous, with eyes bright as glassy water beneath a midday sun. They are not the names of celebrated clanmates. Unlike Gravelsnap, or even Snailstride, he has not seen the growth of these cats. Perhaps that was not their own doing, but his own– even still, it colors the way that he looks at them. It matters none that they are the children of kittypets and traitors. He too had been born outside of these heather walls. He knows where they have been, and so he chants their names loudly and without fear of Sootstar's reprisal. As soon as he begins to seek out the new apprentice's shape, however, his gaze is drawn elsewhere.

To the promise of battle, and thoughts of ShadowClan. What warmth he had held fades quickly. In the face of the battle to come, the burnished tom's tail lashes behind him. She does not list names to begin their raid. Though he has some idea of what they may expect, it is not enough. To know is not to do, to feel, and he wishes nothing more than security in this knowledge. Should StarClan favor them, his clanmates would return victorious. If not– then they may only hope to see them returned at all.

＞ˏˋ〘  OOC NOTES REFERENCE 05.28.2023 〙ˊˎ＜

• ooc: —

• 

• SUNSTRIDE. named for his coloration and his bold chasing of fate.
  —— cis male, he - him. thirty-eight moons old. lead warrior of windclan + former rogue.
  —— gay, but somewhat closeted. will not be open about his interests.  single, will be so.
  —— seems comparatively stranger than who he was some moons ago, serious and cool.
  
  sunstride is broad and bold– a creature standing above most of windclan, though not a beast beyond its borders, with fur that flames red and deepens to a burnt amber with every whorl and stripe. his eyes, in comparison, are a pale summer's blue, still as bold as the rest of him.

• "speech"

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[Addervenom]

Life doesn't discriminate

Eyes of hellfire bore into the crowd from beyond the shadows of Vulturemask's den. He watches silently as his mother calls forth a few apprentices to mark them as newly named warriors. The crowd seemed to have mixed reviews of the matter. Some cheered while others grimaced at the idea of kittypets rising in rank despite all odds. In more interesting news Sootstar reveals that a raid will take place against shadowclan. A raid that he more than likely will not be in attendance for, due to his injuries A low huff escapes his nose as he lays his head back down upon his paws, counting the seconds until he was finally released from the medic's den. ​

Between the sinners and the saints​

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[nightingalecry]

The young silvery femme isn't sure if she can even call this situation bittersweet - if anything, simply bitter is enough. Sootstar looks as if she's dragging herself through the mud just to get this meeting going, and more than half of the WindClan cats there feel much of the same. Nightingalepaw attempts to ignore it, but her pelt feels unnaturally warm and her frame incredibly small. She doesn't deserve this, clearly; in no world would a child of her lineage deserve any sort of pomp and circumstance. And yet, their names are called, their vows are taken, and one by one each are gifted newly minted epithets. Nightingalecry, she's now called, and the name is received with reluctance as much as it is relief.

At the end of the day, the new warrior is simply such. A pawn in an army unwilling to have her. Her brother is greeted by friends and she sits stunningly still, frankly amazed that she's even made it this far. A part of her wonders if Wisteriapaw would've been made a warrior alongside them - or sooner, should he never have gotten sick. Would he hold it over their heads until today? She dares not think of Hyacinthbreath in the moment, dares not wonder if her mother wishes to be here for this moment. Bitter, indeed.

Gravelsnap is gifted an apprentice and the meeting ends on an uplifting bit - a planned skirmish, one that, like Silverthorn, Nightingalecry is certain she is not invited to. Regardless she nods her thanks and dismisses herself at the earliest convenience.​

 

[BLUEFROST]

Bluepaw is drawn toward the Tallrock by her mother’s call; she sits beside her aunts, stoic and regal-looking as the wind ruffles her thick fur. Three cats were to receive warrior names today. Bluepaw can tell Sootstar isn’t thrilled to be naming any of them, and Bluepaw is quick to agree with her mother. Periwinklepaw is not her favorite cat, and both he and Nightingalepaw are the kits of a traitor. Silverpaw is a kittypet, and Bluepaw remembers hearing about how he’d talked down to Harrierpaw before. She isn’t a fan of any of them, and her nose bridge wrinkles almost imperceptibly as all three receive warrior names in sight of StarClan.

She does not cheer for them, remaining silent beside her kin. Most of the crowd doesn’t bother crying their names. She’s more interested in the kit being apprenticed—Thriftpaw is given to Gravelsnap, and she can see the surprise, mingled with pleasure, on the young warrior’s face.

She offers him a polite smile. “Congratulations.” Idly, she wonders what it would be like to train an apprentice. To be responsible for a cat’s future and their place in the Clan.

Her mother brushes past the ceremonies and speaks of an impending attack on ShadowClan. Bluepaw shifts her paws nervously. She and Sootstar have not begun battle training; surely, her mentor would not request her presence. She believes ShadowClan does deserve to feel the sting of their claws, but she does not share her aunts’ excitement at the prospect.
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[ PENNED BY MARQUETTE ]​