LUZ Y SOMBRA [✨] meeting 03.16

[Periwinklebreeze.]

STEADY THE RIGHTS AND THE WRONGS
periwinklepaw | 08 months | demi-boy | he/they | physically easy (pacifist) | mentally easy | attack in bold #ccccff

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Periwinklepaw is happily surprised to find himself joined by not only gravelpaw but azaleapaw as well. It means a lot to him - after all, he's quite certain that neither would have willingly chose to sit anywhere near each other were it not for him. Flashing both a smile and pointedly ignoring the glare he can feel at his back, he watches with rapt attention as sootstar speaks not of the raid, but of the gathering, of starclans actions.

A lightning strike of all things - he wonders if it would've been as pretty up close as it is from afar. And then the spotlight is no longer on the queen but on vulturemask - the boys posture changing immediately, leaning forwards as though the not miss a single thing. But the words that come from his friends mouth are disappointing - according to his friend, the sign meant starclan was just as mad at his mothers actions as sootstar herself was. But... was that really true? Dandeliowish had claimed sootstars vision to be misinterpreted - was this case the very same? Or was he lying on purpose?

Whatever the case, he cannot blame him. They are both doing what it takes to survive. "If v-vulture-m-mask says s-so, then it m-must be true," he says softly instead - hiding all signs of his uncertainty and doubt behind a smile. He doesn't expect his opinion to matter anyways - but it is better to be heard than to leave doubts in his clanmates mind. He'll never be free from her shadow otherwise.

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[MALLOWLARK]

That lightning strike- you'd have to be deaf not to have seen it! And even if you hadn't, the message had passed on as quickly as the light had collapsed from welkin. Silver eyes fastened wide upon the soot-soaked molly, and snapped like clockwork over to their medicine cat as he began his spiel. That what had seemed a condemnation was in fact a message that WindClan should be obeyed- cowered at the sight of, like the splitting strike itself. That the other four Clans were at fault from their transgressions.

How would they have explained it if they sky had struck Sootstar instead of the stone? Perhaps that... whatever flames would have burst from her flesh meant ferocity. Oh, he was no good at signs- it was a wonder he'd forged a connection with someone who read them so well. Speaking of... he would ask his phantom of his opinion, next time they saw each other. Who he believed the wrath was in condemnation of... whether they'd meant to mark the stone or melt away a leader's flesh. The light had struck the land under which the skeletons slept... he was sure it was the doing of the dead, but would the dead drag others to join them?​

☺PENNED BY PIN​

 

[Addervenom]

Life doesn't discriminate

Adderkit shares his brother's frustration. There he sits with his head low and ears back, glowering as every spiked tip and loose curl lay perfectly streaked back all for presentations sake. The moorland prince grumbles under his breath, tail tip flicking to and fro until the news of the gathering rings throughout the camp. It is enough to pull the boy out of his irritated stance, near vermillion eyes lifting to tall rock. A lightning bolt? Previously pinned ears perk as Vulturemask gives the meaning behind this sign, an explanation that starclan stood with Sootstar. After all why wouldn't they? They were the favored clan out of the five, they slept beneath their stars and received blessing after blessing. The other clan's should be terrified. "Any clan that tries to come against us now would practically be begging for starclan to forsake them." Adderkit huffs in the direction of his siblings. ​

Between the sinners and the saints​

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[GRAVELSNAP]

Azaleapaw makes her way over to sit opposite Periwinklepaw, and the monochrome apprentice feels regret sinking into their bones. They had been trying to apologize to their not-friend—without saying the actual words, of course—but now they’ve gotten themself stuck sitting beside her. They just hope the rest of the clan doesn’t see it as associating with her.

Their attention is drawn away from their mortal enemy and to Vulturemask as the healer begins to speak. Gravelpaw hadn’t gone to the gathering, their paw holding them back, but they had heard talk of the absolute wreck that the gathering devolved into. They had, too, heard of the lightning strike. StarClan must have been giving some sort of sign, but the apprentice hasn’t thought too hard on the meaning of it. The healer says it with certainty, though; the stars are on WindClan’s side, showing their support through violence from the clouds. It’s a comfort, to Gravelpaw. Juniperfrost’s death was unjust, and the cats of the stars agree.
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[ DEATH OF A DREAM ]​

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[SOOTSTAR]

Sootstar watches the reactions of her clans slowly and when she finds they are reasonably convinced she dips her head. ”Thank you Vulturemask for your wisdom and insight.” Her tail flicks gently to indicate he may find his seat once more. ”Speaking of unfairness, ShadowClan has abandoned their alliance with us. Chilledstar’s reasoning was that WindClan did not keep him up to speed and that they did not wish to deal with our squabbles with other clans. Funny, considering we were never warned when Pitchstar decided to steal prey from ThunderClan… didn’t see us shed a whisker over it.” Sootstar shakes her head, still vividly bitter about the ordeal. ”Cowards the lot of them. WindClan does not need them, they are no longer friend. That being said don’t make more trouble with them as needed, I’ve already given Chilledstar a piece of my mind.” With a set of very colorful vocabulary…

”I’ll be heading over to ThunderClan, however, to discuss a potential truce- not an alliance. Howlingstar and I may stand for different values, but I believe we can still work together to rid ourselves of common enemies. Badgermoon, Firefang and Lambcurl will be joining me.” They were warriors all still healthy despite the recent battle, ”Sunstride will be in charge while I am away. It won’t be for long so I’m positive things will go smoothly.”

Was that at last it? She thinks so.

”Time for ceremonies. @SPARROWKIT , @Petalkit. , @MOORKIT , @Adderkit , @HARRIERKIT , @BLUEKIT , @cottonkit , @whitekit and @BURNETKIT , step forward. You have all reached the age of three moons and are ready to become apprenticed.” Sootstar patiently waits for them all to step forward, her eyes naturally gravitate to her own kittens.

”Sparrowkit from this day on until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Sparrowpaw. Your mentor will be Clawtail. I hope Clawtail (NPC) will pass down all they know onto you.” The new pairing is given time to touch noses before she moves onto Petalkit. ”Petalkit from this day on until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Petalpaw. Your mentor will be @LAMBCURL. . I hope Lambcurl passes down all he knows onto you.” The new apprentice is known to be particularly quiet, she hopes the tunneler is up for the challenge.

”Moorkit from this day on until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Moorpaw. Your mentor will be @WINDSTRIDER . I hope Windstrider passes down all they know onto you.” Child and daughter, perhaps most would think unwise to pair the two but she thinks otherwise. There was only a certain breed of feline she could trust to train her precious kits, her eldest being among them.

”Adderkit from this day on until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Adderpaw. Your mentor will be @SUNSTRIDE . I hope Sunstride passes down all he knows onto you.” And for Adderkit a lead warrior, she thinks Sunstride will be know how to hone his temper and allow him to turn it into strength. She dips her head approvingly to the lead and proceeds.

”Harrierkit from this day on until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Harrierpaw. Your mentor will be @Firefang . I hope Firefang passes down all she knows onto you.” Firefang was a new warrior with a fiery temper, sure, but Sootstar likes this about her. She is young and fierce, she trusts her to train her son into the best cat he can be.

”Bluekit from this day on until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Bluepaw. I will be your mentor.” The mother leaps down from her stone in order to press noses with her child. It was only fitting she trained one of her tunneling daughters, wasn’t it? She gives her splitting image a swift lick to the ear, ”We begin at sundown.” With that, she’s back on her perch.

”Cottonkit from this day on until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Cottonpaw. @icebreath will be your mentor. I hope they pass down all she knows onto you.” Again a new warrior, but Icebreath had been a prodigy in Sootstar’s eyes. Perfect for Cottonpaw, she knows she can trust them to train her well.

”Burnetkit from this day on until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Burnetpaw. Deadleap (NPC) will be your mentor. I hope he passes down all he knows onto you.” She nods approvingly to the new pair and allows them to touch noses as tradition.

”Whitekit from this day on until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Whitepaw. @AMBERTAIL will be your mentor. I hope they pass down all they know onto you.” Again a pair she is confident will work well. She bobs her head approvingly and allows the crowd to cheer for their new apprentices.​

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Spoiler: TAGS ★ 03/13

( primary character / "speech" / ic opinions )​

╰ ★ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,
· SOOTSTAR, female — she / her
╰ ‣ 39 moons . pisces. ages on the first
╰ ‣ windclan leader . marsh-born . believes in starclan
╰ ‣ former soldier of the marsh group

╰ ★ ჻ 002 VISUALS & AESTHETICS ,
· DOMESTIC FELINE, smells like heather and wet dirt , status — 100%
╰ ‣ blue smoke . scarred chest, difficult to see through fur . green eyes

╰ ★ ჻ 003 MENTALITY & MANNERISMS ,
· ESTJ-A ❝ EXECTUTIVE ❞ , Slytherin, Lawful Evil
╰ ‣ Cunning, brash, fierce, confident, self-reliant, envious & selfish
╰ ‣ finds great difficulty in relating to others . can be cruel, usually shows mercy to those she can find sympathy with
╰ ‣ sole key to her heart is loyalty, if you have her trust, she often shows a completely different side of herself. Aggression tends to manifest from her extreme paranoia
╰ ‣ Appreciates titles such as "miss, m'am" etc

╰ ★ ჻ 004 INTERACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS ,
· SOOT CLAW x PEBBLE BREEZE, sister to Pebblenose
╰ ‣ heterosexual. mate to Weaselclaw
╰ ‣ mother to Windstrider, Sootchaser, Moorkit, Adderkit, Harrierkit, Bluekit & Cottonkit
╰ ‣ mentor to N/A
╰ ‣ average fighter . skilled hunter .
╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .
╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.​

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[BURNETPAW]

Burnetkit hardly paid attention to the other news until Sootstar's bell-chime voice held up her name in that stony valor. It was as if the sun itself commanded her - burning bright, with a tongue of pure fire. And yet, she called for her. If she who blazed brighter than Silverpelt prescribed her, what was she to do but offer her attention? Burnetpaw. Burnetpaw. My name is Burnetpaw!

Golden gaze seemed as though they would melt with pure excitement, as though a sea of the stars' ardor, ambrosian waters of her own ambition. If eyes were the windows to the soul, then hers led to a great ocean of possibility. The little former-kit's body wrested in place, like electricity coursed through bird-bone veins, as though the energy within fragile frame was almost too great to hold. Truly, her exhilaration was feverishly palpable. Perhaps it was even contagious, though she had certainly gotten the worst strain if that was the case. Whiskers twitched as she searched around for Deadleap's face among the faces that all blended together, picking through the masks of those she didn't know.

Burnetpaw remembered first seeing Deadleap when he delicately dropped off tousles of mossballs to the nursery, impossibly taller than the small feline as his soft shadow painted itself all over fire-flushed pelt. But she wasn't scared of it! She knew his name, vaguely. He was a tunneller, and probably a friend of a friend. The kitten had pestered him about being a tunneller with a mouth like a babbling brook, with questions springing forth as if the soil that nourished them knew no end, for Starclan gave its greatest curiosities to the newest creatures. If the cygnet didn't ask what would become of its down, then who would? His forbearance shone through the yielding wrinkles of his countenance, as though the sun shining through the heather's twists, like the moonlight peeling through thick clouds. He had been marred by his age, but Burnetpaw hadn't known that.

She figured she loved him so much because he reminded her of Swiftshrike. Ever-patient, ever-loving, ever-wise. And she saw him, within the crowd, ambling towards her. He was the same as he had always been.

She practically flew over to Deadleap to touch noses with him. "Don't worry, Burnetpaw. I will teach you everything you must know. Only the most promising apprentices get assigned to me, after all." A gravelly laugh tumbled from the tom's mouth, before he departed once more into the sea of mismatched pelts.
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[HARRIERSTRIPE]

Harrierkit nods in silent agreement to Adderkit, for once agreeing with his brother. Any of the clans would be foolish to question them and their strength now, surely? Harrierkit’s chest puffs out in pride of his birth clan, he was about to be an apprentice of the best clan in the whole forest! Still he remains a calm disposition aside from the quivering of excited whiskers.

When Sootstar calls him forward he strides forward with his litter and den-mates. His neck cranes to look up at her with admiration, what a strong and gifted leader his mom was. Ambition swells inside of him, hoping to become at least half as powerful as she was one day. It was no secret amongst his siblings he aspired to be apart of her council, but all kittens dreamed of rank and glory, Harrierkit’s case was hardly anything to bat an eye at.

Jealousy in an instant swells up inside of him for Adderkit who was named apprentice to Sunstride. He cannot believe his brother’s luck! And Moorpaw had gotten Windstrider. Well… who would he get? Wolfsong and Weaselclaw were out of the question, could Tigerfrost take another apprentice even with Snailpaw? Surely Snailpaw didn’t count much for a real apprentice?! They should’ve been a warrior moons ago!

Harrierkit, from this moment until you earn your warrior name you will be known as Harrierpaw. Firefang will be your mentor.
Firefang?

His gaze meets the dark pelted she-cat, he isn’t sure what to think at first… He had been hoping for someone in the council, or maybe at least someone with more experience than Firefang, she was only a warrior of a few moons! But… he does know she is fiercely loyal, Harrierpaw had been impressed by her several times around camp.

So by a miracle, his stoic expression breaks into a smile. He tilts his nose up to touch noses with her, a heavy purr rumbling in his throat.​

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Spoiler: TAGS 🪶 03-22

( primary character / "speech" / ic opinions )​

╰ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,
· HARRIERKIT, male — he / him
╰ ‣ 3 moons . pisces. ages on the 14th
╰ ‣ windclan apprentice . believes in starclan

╰ ჻ 002 VISUALS & AESTHETICS ,
· DOMESTIC FELINE, smells of the earth and dry grass , status — 100%
╰ ‣ blue and brown chimera . average sized WindClanner . yellow eyes

╰ ჻ 003 MENTALITY & MANNERISMS ,
· ESTJ-A ❝ EXECTUTIVE ❞ , Slytherin, Chaotic neutral
╰ ‣ self-reliant, loyal, disciplined, direct, impatient, unsympathetic, judge mental
╰ ‣ finds moderate difficulty in relating to others . can be cruel

╰ ჻ 004 INTERACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS ,
· WEASELCLAW x SOOTSTAR, sister to Windstrider, Sootchaser, Moorpaw, Adderpaw, Bluepaw & Cottonpaw
╰ ‣ nephew to Mintshade & Bluepool
╰ ‣ sexuality unknown
╰ ‣ apprentice to Firefang
╰ ‣ poor fighter . poor hunter .
╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .
╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.​

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[SUNFLOWERMASK]

.°☀ AND IF IT EVER STARTS TO FEEL BAD, LITTLE FANG

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A lightning bolt at the gathering, striking Sootstar's seat? It's strange to hear, a sign from StarClan, yet Vulturemask's words soothe the apprentice's fears. Of course he knows what they meant by it, of course StarClan's anger was directed towards the other Clans. Sunflowerpaw has seen RiverClan's cruelty, surely the stars feel as much anger towards it as the WindClanners do.

They are quick to move from the news -- StarClan's dealings are more Vulturemask's concern than his sibling's -- as the time comes for ceremonies. Apprentice ceremonies. So, so many apprentice ceremonies. All their old denmates are becoming apprentices now, and Sunflowerpaw feels a swell of excitement, if tempered by the knowledge that they won't be able to train alongside them. (Not for a while, at least. Once their paw has healed, because their paw will heal and they cannot bear to think otherwise.)

Of the new apprentices, there are three that catch Sunflower's eye in particular: Whitepaw, Cottonpaw, and Petalpaw. They have always been one to play favorites. They don't know their new mentors very well, though, are sad none of them got Sunstride. They like Sunstride. But... all three are tunnelers, and they feel a pang of disappointment, though they had a suspicion that this was coming. They'll still be apart from their friends, it seems, even once they can train again.

Not one to spare words for just anyone, Sunflowerpaw cheers the names of their friends, voice louder than it's ever been yet still too quiet to stand out from the roaring crowd. They try to catch their friends' eyes, try to offer each one a small but warm smile. They're so excited to finally see them all apprenticed.

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IT'S EASY TO EXPLAIN 'CAUSE THIS WORLD'S NOT TAME .°☀

⟪ OOC ⟫ ⟪ INFO ⟫ ⟪ REF ⟫

• //​
• SUNFLOWERPAW named by their half-brother vulturemask after his friend and mentor.
  — they/them, 4 moons. semiverbal.
  — windclan apprentice, mentored by wolfsong.
  — reserved yet loyal, distrusts most.
  
  primary character, high activity. penned by saturnid.​
• 

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[BLUEFROST]

It's her day -- her day, her littermates' day, her denmates' day -- and Bluekit is likely the calmest kit present. Though her paw pads tingle with anticipation, the tiny blue-gray she-kit does not leap up and down; she does not fight Kestrelsnap's pushy tongue, grooming the long white fur feathering the sides of her cheeks. Bluekit knows what is expected of her today. She must remain calm, must remain composed. She will not embarrass Sootstar today.

She can feel something electric in the air, something that is explained by their medicine cat. He tells them about a lightning strike at the Gathering. A message from StarClan about WindClan's strength.

Bluekit nods, easily convinced. WindClan is the closest Clan to StarClan. They are the most blessed. StarClan must be telling RiverClan to leave them alone, that they are too powerful to be reckoned with. They would not kill more of their warriors without consequence.

She does not understand her mother's comment about ShadowClan. Allies. She'd heard the word, knew WindClan and ShadowClan were meant to be friendly, but it seems that is not the case anymore. Bluekit wonders if this means they are as bad as SkyClan and RiverClan. And where does that leave ThunderClan? Bluekit's head swims, but her confusion ebbs as Sootstar begins the apprentice ceremonies.

One by one, their names are changed forever. Moorpaw is apprenticed to Windstrider, their older sibling. Adderpaw to Sunstride. Harrierpaw to Firefang. She blinks, unmoving, wondering who her mother has deemed worthy enough to train her.

Sootstar's paws thud against the camp floor, and in a heartbeat, Bluekit is transformed into Bluepaw, apprentice to the leader -- to her mother. Bluepaw's eyes are wide -- does this mean she is loved best? Does this mean Sootstar sees the most potential in her? She ensures she maintains her poise as she brushes her nose against her mother's. "We begin at sundown," she tells Bluepaw, swiping her tongue against her ear. The young she-cat dips her head to her mother and murmurs an agreement.

At sundown, will she go into the tunnels? She almost misses Cottonpaw's ceremony -- she is apprenticed to Icebreath, the she-cat who'd stolen catmint from SkyClan's medicine cat. Bluepaw tries to catch her sister's eye -- would Icebreath bring Cottonpaw with them? Would they take those first uncertain steps beneath the earth together?

Burnetpaw, Petalpaw, and Whitepaw join them, the other two tunnelers added to the ranks, while Sparrowpaw will join her brothers and Moorpaw above ground.

The nursery is empty now, and when she looks back to look at Kestrelsnap, there's a sadness in her face. She almost feels bad -- but she can't, not really, because tonight is her first time sleeping among the stars.

Bluepaw's tail curls up with pride as her name, and the names of her denmates, are chanted and celebrated.​

[ PENNED BY MARQUETTE ]​

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[cottonsprig]

She watches with curious blue eyes as Vulturemask pulls from the crowd to stand beneath Sootstar. He dictates what the lightning bolt truly means - that they're blessed and protected by StarClan's wrath, that they are strong and the other Clans should continue to fear them. It makes sense, the kitten thinks. Then again as said before, anything to WindClan's benefit would make sense to the young child.

He pulls away from her mother's perch and the reigning queen speaks again, announcing that the alliance with ShadowClan is no longer. She sort of understands the concept and frowns a tad, the continued reasoning hardly justifying the decision to her. There'll be a patrol to ThunderClan to sort something else out and Cottonkit fixes her expression, figuring that at best, Sootstar will handle it, and everything will be fine. They're just rabbit-brained fools, she decides silently, tail twitching to the side as she, personally, dismisses ShadowClan.

And then - and then! - it starts. Their names are called, her mother's commanding tone drawing her, her littermates, and her denmates forward. And one by one, each are given new names, mentors, and promises that their lives are just starting. Her tail twitches and she tries to think it something other than anxiety, however watching as her older siblings get their mentors first, she can't help but wonder. Harrierkit - paw, she corrects herself - had suggested that their mother would pick a favorite between her and Bluekit. The concept of them both becoming her charges wouldn't make sense, as she wouldn't have the time. Her heart stutters when Bluekit is made Bluepaw, and Sootstar welcomes her as her own apprentice.

She holds steady onto her excited smile, but it feels like she's just been dunked into ice-cold water. So Bluepaw's her favorite, huh? Harrierpaw could be wrong. Cottonkit lets out an unsteady breath as her mother returns to Tall Rock and calls her next. She dubs the youngest Cottonpaw (and it doesn't feel as great as she once thought it would,) and welcomes Icebreath as her mentor. Icebreath, the nervous tunneller, the one who saved them from plagues that happened prior to Cottonpaw's birth, sharp-toned and worried-eyed, a prodigy. Cottonpaw lets out a shaky breath as she seeks out the point-patterned tunneller, her smile yet to disappear.

Frustration and fear spread through her veins, but she clouds them easily with a simple thought. I'm an apprentice, now! Yes, yes. Freedom from the nursery is now in her claws and only her mentor and WindClan's council can stop her now. Icebreath will be grateful to have an apprentice such as her, and perhaps in time, Cottonpaw will return the gratitude.

She stands tall, tapping her nose to her mentor's. She whispers, "I'll make you proud," as a promise to the other. A promise meant for Sootstar, in the hopes that her mother would take two apprentices. But Icebreath - Icebreath will be enough.

Cottonpaw chooses to follow her new mentor back into the crowd rather than settling in with her siblings again. Bluepaw's gaze is hardly missed as she goes, and jealousy lights a short-lived flame in her gaze. She catches Sunflowerpaw not long after, shouting the names of the apprentices as best they can, and spots of her worry and envy melt away in the moment. She settles down and waits out the rest of the meeting.​

 

[SPARROWBREEZE]

It's not all that long ago she arrived to the moors, injured, scared, and alone. It's not been that long since her name had gone from Sparrow to Sparrowkit - a moniker she was still getting used to, bestowed upon her with the guise of safety in this new world she's found herself in.

It hasn't been all that long, and yet, her wounds have practically healed into something more manageable, though a permanent reminder of what has brought her here. It hasn't been all that long, and yet, she stands amongst the rest of her denmates at the front of the crowd that Sootstar has called for. For Sparrowkit is three moons old now, and in WindClan, the third moon of a kits' life brings change.

Apprenticeship.

Another name change, a warrior to follow around. An opportunity to learn what the moorlands has to offer.

And Sparrowkit, like most of her other denmates, is excited. But, as she watches Kestrelsnap with Sootstar's kits, she can't help the twinge of sadness she feels. Would her Ma be just as proud, just as excited for Sparrowkit to become an apprentice today? Would Kestrel have become an apprentice alongside her?

Her wondering passes the time, drowns out talk of gatherings and StarClan's symbolism - both things she has yet to learn about, both things she probably should have been listening to. But soon, it is time for ceremonies, and soon, her name is called to step forward.

She is the first of the group to be given her name, above Sootstar's own and kits who'd been born within WindClan's territory. She doesn't know why this is, but she thinks she would've liked to be further down in the line, so she could watch on and know what she's supposed to do.

It's Clawtail she's assigned to shadow for her apprenticeship. Clawtail, a tired-looking, scarred warrior - was there a reason for their pairing? A similarity shared in their scars, was it purposeful?

Sparrow - no, Sparrowkit... no, Sparrowpaw! - looks up at her new mentor with wide eyes, uncertain of the next step. A sigh escapes her mentor's maw - a roll of green eyes she fails to see - before Clawtail presses his nose to Sparrowpaw's, completion of her apprentice ceremony and an allowance for the rest to proceed.

The girl steps back, eyes still wide, as she watches her denmates gain their apprentice names. One by one by one, until there are no more kits to occupy the nursery, until they too become apprentices, just like her.

And as the chants begin, she chants too.
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[Addervenom]

Life doesn't discriminate

Kestrelsnap's tongue rasps over the ivory curls against his neck one last time to hold them in place. Irritation bubbles beneath the surface at the constant fussing over the perfection of his coat. But he would allow it for a special occasion such as this, his first major ceremony, it had to be perfect. Sootstar calls forth his denmates, siblings, and himself. Within an instant all irritation is forgotten, breath hitching in his throat as he takes his first steps forward. This was it, this was the moment. The moorland prince lifts his head and sets his jaw as he stands beneath tall rock. Nerves ignite as the seconds tick by, his mind wondering who he would be paired with.

Sparrowpaw and Petalpaw are both gifted their respective mentors before Moorpaw is assigned to their half brother Windstrider. How lucky she was to receive a family member as her mentor. Before he can wonder much longer who his match would be, the moorland queen calls his name next. Adderpaw's posture straightens further, heart pounding in his chest once she finally announces her pick for him. Sunstride. The former kitten's eyes cut to the tom within his mother's council and a surge of joy and pride swells within the young tom over his mother's choice. An excellent choice that he wholeheartedly agreed with. He quite enjoyed the lead warrior's tutelage whenever the spotted tom indulged in enlightening him on different subjects. Now it would continue.

The boy's typical judgemental glare is broken by a rare smirk that overtakes his maw. Dual toned paws lead Adderpaw toward the older tom. "You won't be disappointed." Burning amber meets cool blue as he stretches his neck forth to touch noses with the council member. Quietly he follows Sunstride back into the crowd to sit by his side, watching the rest of the pairings with interest. He's not too surprised when Sootstar chooses Bluepaw to be her apprentice, although he does briefly wonder what Cottonpaw's feelings were towards it. ​

Between the sinners and the saints​

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[icebreath]

TAGS — Icebreath approaches on weary paws at their leader's call, scanning the gathering cats for anyone they'd feel comfortable enough to approach. Rainpaw, Smokestep, and Strawmoon have yet to arrive — but Firefang is already here. They pause on the outskirts of the steadily increasing throng, briefly debating whether they should sit beside her. Would that be weird? ...No, obviously not, they chastise themselves. If they're at a level where Firefang can confide in them about her personal issues, Icebreath can tearfully seek comfort in her, and they can sleep under the stars together, they can sit next to her at a meeting for StarClan's sake. They're friendly now. It still feels kinda weird to acknowledge that, as if Icebreath didn't think Firefang was one of the most annoying, rude cats in the clan up until fairly recently, in the grand scheme of things. Granted, she still is annoying and rude... which makes it all the more special that Icebreath's no longer an unwilling recipient of that attitude. It's a good feeling, a reminder of how far they've come from the weak, useless little apprentice they once were (even if it feels like she still has a ways to go, she's really been trying to let herself trust Sootstar's judgment in her early promotion).

Her pale gaze subtly lingers on Periwinklepaw and Azaleapaw on her way to Firefang's side — lousy excuses for WindClan apprentices like them are helpful reminders that she probably doesn't have too much to worry about. If she managed to scrape by and earn Sootstar's favor, they're beyond saving. Naturally, spotting Gravelpaw sitting alongside the pair comes as a surprise; he's one of the last cats she'd expect to willingly associate with them, especially after his hostility in the whole thorn confrontation. She tries not to look at him for too long on her way past the trio, quickly redirecting her gaze forward and hoping no accidental eye contact was made before taking a seat beside Firefang and murmuring a quick hello, hoping she doesn't seem awkward.

They listen dutifully as the meeting commences, tail tip twitching without end. Nerves reflexively flare up at the mention of StarClan's lightning; naturally, Icebreath had heard all about it once the gathering patrol returned. She hadn't gone that night, though she likely should've considering her warrior name was announced to the rest of the clans, but the thought of facing RiverClan after everything was far too anxiety-inducing to bear — enough to make her nauseous. She'd embellished just how horrible she felt that night to drive it home and make sure no one could rightfully insist or question her. And after hearing how the entire night went, they're definitely glad they didn't go; between the lightning and all of the vitriolic feuding, she probably would've had a nervous breakdown.

Vulturemask's interpretation, spoken with conviction, comes as a relief. She hadn't been too worried, though. At least, that's what she tells herself. How could StarClan take issue with WindClan for retaliating against a clan harboring a murderer? The clan who'd broken the peace they'd been promised by the stars! A clan full of traitors and lawless brutes! But it is nice to have this reassurance to quell the whispers in the back of her mind.

The meeting continues and her eyes are pulled back to Sootstar. A long list of soon-to-be apprentices is recited, including Sootstar and Weaselclaw's litter. What an exciting day! It'd be such an honor to mentor one of them. She often wonders what that'd be like and has briefly entertained the idea, but it was quickly, decisively dismissed; she's a brand new warrior and nowhere near as capable as most of her clanmates. Her panic and general uselessness after finding Cottonkit and Burnetkit in the tunnels was a good reminder of how little she knows about dealing with little ones, as much as she enjoys being around them. With thoughts like these in mind, Firefang being paired with the newly named Harrierpaw comes as a surprise; she's a greenhorn. But she knows what she's doing; they've heard from Snailpaw how she held her own in battle, and its no secret how loyal she is. They glance at the dark-furred molly beside them with a smile, murmuring, "Congratulations," before she rises to meet her new apprentice. Bluepaw is paired with Sootstar herself, and then—

Oh, stars. She's mentoring Cottonpaw. Her stomach does a flip as her own name is called; Sootstar speaks with the same confidence she had when announcing Icebreath's promotion. They want to call their leader's faith in them inexplicable, and like last time they fight back the self-doubt by reminding themselves that they've earned her favor for a reason. They're dutiful, loyal, and skilled on at least some level. But— stars, they're so new to all of this and it's been so hard to adjust to being a warrior, to losing Nightmareface's guidance and the cushion of being given some leeway to make mistakes as an apprentice. As a warrior promoted moons early, that security is gone; each mistake is now a reason for Sootstar to doubt her judgment about Icebreath. And now... now her mistakes have so much more weight! She'll be letting Sootstar and Cottonpaw down, and it would be so shameful if they messed up bad enough that Cottonpaw got reassigned to a new mentor, and Sootstar's eyes will probably be glued to them since Icebreath's now responsible for her daughter's training and safety in the treacherous tunnels— oh no, the tunnels are so dangerous! What if there's an accident? What if Icebreath gets her leader's daughter maimed? Killed?

Suddenly Cottonpaw is approaching her, yanking the nearly trembling warrior from her tumultuous thoughts. Owlishly wide eyes blink down at the little molly as they hastily stand up and pad up to meet her, returning her smile as convincingly as they can manage. Their noses touch, and the contact and this whole situation feel so bizarre. I still feel like an apprentice, she muses. How am I supposed to train one? "I know you will," she replies numbly to her new charge. They notice her following them as they return to their seat, realizing she's about to be their shadow for many moons to come.
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[SOOTSTAR]

A hearty purr rumbles in her throat as she watches the new apprentices greet their mentors. She was excited to see how they would all do on their first several days of training, Sootstar most certainly had a lot in store for young Bluepaw.

Alas they’ve had their moment, there were still a couple of subjects to go over this meeting. Periwinklepaw was once again mentorless, and with the young Tom being kin to Hyacinthbreath they needed to ensure he‘d get a mentor to train him properly. ”Periwinklepaw, you stand with no mentor to train you. I’d like to turn over your training to Bluepool, she is an experienced and loyal moor runner. I know she will do well and manage in finishing your training.” She allows the pair to touch noses, but her eyes remain fixated on Periwinklepaw. Would it be possible to make a loyal warrior out of him? She feels her neck fur prickle.

”Gravelpaw, step forward.” She moves on from the reassingment by beckoning the senior apprentice. They have trained well and has proven to be a loyal feline of WindClan. It was time to present them with a warrior name. ”I, Sootstar of WindClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in your turn.” She steadies her emerald gaze upon the black and white Tom.

”Gravelpaw, do you promise to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?” Her ears prick expectantly, only continuing when she hears the words “I do”. ”Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior name. Gravelpaw, from this moment on you will be known as @GRAVELSNAP . StarClan honors your quick-wits and diligence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan!”

// @Periwinklebreeze. @Bluepool ​

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Spoiler: TAGS ★ 03/13

( primary character / "speech" / ic opinions )​

╰ ★ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,
· SOOTSTAR, female — she / her
╰ ‣ 39 moons . pisces. ages on the first
╰ ‣ windclan leader . marsh-born . believes in starclan
╰ ‣ former soldier of the marsh group

╰ ★ ჻ 002 VISUALS & AESTHETICS ,
· DOMESTIC FELINE, smells like heather and wet dirt , status — 100%
╰ ‣ blue smoke . scarred chest, difficult to see through fur . green eyes

╰ ★ ჻ 003 MENTALITY & MANNERISMS ,
· ESTJ-A ❝ EXECTUTIVE ❞ , Slytherin, Lawful Evil
╰ ‣ Cunning, brash, fierce, confident, self-reliant, envious & selfish
╰ ‣ finds great difficulty in relating to others . can be cruel, usually shows mercy to those she can find sympathy with
╰ ‣ sole key to her heart is loyalty, if you have her trust, she often shows a completely different side of herself. Aggression tends to manifest from her extreme paranoia
╰ ‣ Appreciates titles such as "miss, m'am" etc

╰ ★ ჻ 004 INTERACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS ,
· SOOT CLAW x PEBBLE BREEZE, sister to Pebblenose
╰ ‣ heterosexual. mate to Weaselclaw
╰ ‣ mother to Windstrider, Sootchaser, Moorkit, Adderkit, Harrierkit, Bluekit & Cottonkit
╰ ‣ mentor to N/A
╰ ‣ average fighter . skilled hunter .
╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .
╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.​

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[Bluepool]

At first, Bluepool thinks her sister is joking. She wants to let out a laugh and say ‘yeah right! Good one sis!’ But the look Sootstar gives Periwinklepaw suggests that she is not. Bluepool bites her bottom lip, lest she say something she would later regret. She knows this is not a punishment, and that it means her sister trusts her but honestly!

Her pale yellow eyes find the aforementioned apprentice. He’ll be a warrior soon. She reminds herself. And then, maybe, she would be given a proper apprentice. Who knew, maybe she could even turn this one into a proper Wind Clan warrior, after all. She makes her way to Periwinklepaw now, leans down and presses her nose to his in the ceremonial gesture that was customary for new pairings. "Looks like it’s you and me now kid" she says, her tone neutral and flat. She isn’t excited about this arrangement but he didn’t have to know that.

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[Periwinklebreeze.]

STEADY THE RIGHTS AND THE WRONGS
periwinklepaw | 08 months | demi-boy | he/they | physically easy (pacifist) | mentally easy | attack in bold #ccccff

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Oh great, another new mentor. He's still left with two moons minimum of training he supposes, behind his sibling as he is, but it still irks him that sootstar is constantly controlling him this way. One mentor seems suspicious? Give him to the nest. His mother causes trouble? Do it again. With a brush of his tail against each of his friends - a silent warning now that two cats who can't stand each other have no one to serve as a divider - and strides forwards on quiet paws. Clear blue gaze is empty, tired and broken as he touches noses with Bluepool, who seems similarly unenthusiastic. Figures.

He steps back into the crowd, sitting down with a more dramatic thump than necessary, doing his best to ignore everything except whatever sootstar says next. This time it's his friends turn to become a warrior - and a smile flickers on his lips. "G-Gravelsnap! he cheers, forcing himself to put as much effort as he can into getting the words out without stammering too much. There s no jealousy, no bitterness - only happiness for his friend despite their recent issues. He's not usually one to hold a grudge.
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[GRAVELSNAP]

Sootstar names new apprentices—and there are a lot of them—and the black-patched apprentice watches eagerly as Firefang and Icebreath are both assigned fr apprentices of their own. Jealousy bolts through their frame, feeling like fire in their veins, at the thought of their friends not only being given more responsibilities, but also having less time for Gravelpaw. Now that his friends are warriors, will he be left behind? Despite his envy, he offers a smile to each of his friends. They will be good mentors.

Periwinklepaw’s name is called next, and he shifts to raise their uninjured brow at the other. Are they in trouble, or being called out by the leader in front of the clan for their actions? Should Gravelpaw move away, distance himself so he isn’t seen near the other? But no, it’s nothing negative. Periwinklepaw is being reassigned to another mentor, again. They don’t look excited, and neither does their mentor. Sympathy tugs at Gravelpaw’s chest, but then their own name is being called and their attention is drawn away.

They step forth at the leader’s request, limp noticeable as they come to a stop before Sootstar. At first, they believe they are about to be reprimanded, but then the she-cat continues to speak, and their mouth twists into an uncharacteristic smile. Pride surges through them, but they still feel… pinned, intimidated beneath her clover-green gaze. They are being named a warrior. Under the eyes of all of WindClan, of all of StarClan, they are becoming a warrior.

”Do you promise to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?”

"I do," they say without a moment of hesitation, dipping their head to their star-chosen leader. They are commended for their dedication to their clan, for their perception. And then, just like that, Gravelpaw is no more.

Their name is Gravelsnap now, and they are a warrior. They turn back to face their clan, looking across the gathered WindClanners in search of a few faces. First Houndthistle, and then Firefang, Icebreath, Periwinklepaw, Tigerfrost—they attempt to make eye contact with each of them in turn, a silent thanks.

The prickle of excitement down their spine throws their gait into disarray as they stride as smoothly as they can back to their place in the crowd.
​

[ DEATH OF A DREAM ]​

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[WEASELCLAW]

Weaselclaw hadn't been able to attend the Gathering, and, in fact, hardly feels able to attend the meeting -- but he drags himself to stand outside the medicine cat's den, for damned if he can miss his kits' apprentice ceremonies. Cicadastar had tried to take that from him and had failed -- so he will revel in that failure, just as he will revel in the joy that fills his chest as all five of them are called to receive their new names.

Kits no longer, and Weaselclaw watches with solemn pride as they touch noses with their mentors. Each of them is given an excellent mentor worthy of their ranks, and Sootstar even elects to train Bluepaw herself. The tabby, for a moment, wishes he could have mentored one of them. But Sparkpaw had saved his life, and Sparkpaw will make a fine warrior. Weaselclaw should not regret that.

After the nursery is cleared, Gravelpaw is given his warrior name. Gravelsnap. Weaselclaw nods approvingly, though the motion hurts the wound in his throat. Gravelsnap deserves their name, and he chants with the rest of his Clanmates to celebrate his promotion.​

[ PENNED BY MARQUETTE ]​

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[SOOTSTAR]

ㅤ

SOOTSTAR

WindClan Leader
☆☆★★★★★★★

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HP:​

██████████

Loves:

Hates:

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After allowing the clan to celebrate their newest warrior she continues with one final thought. ”Our raid on RiverClan was a success, but the taste of defeat has made them bitter. I am expecting retaliation.” She allows her words to sink in before proceeding. ”I believe we have plenty of time to prepare with them licking their wounds. Nonetheless I want the gorse walls of camp reinforced and I want extra patrols sent to the RiverClan border. Our scent is to be pungent.” She doesn’t care if it harms attention to the other borders for a short period of time… especially ThunderClan’s, she was not worried about the forest group in the slightest.

”Lastly, Badgermoon and I will begin to check into the training of WindClan’s apprentices from time to time. Mentors, do not be surprised if we pull apprentices away for an assessment of their progress.” It shouldn’t be anything to fear, this was merely something WindClan’s leader and deputy should be staying in the know about. Anything they can do to make their apprentices stronger warriors one day, after all.

”This meeting is adjourned.“

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