camp set me free ࿐࿔ december '24 meeting

[lichenstar]

✦˚.✧˚✧˚✦˚ ✧ ˚✧˚✦˚✦.˚✧

CLAIM THE BURIAL I SEEK IN DREAMS FLOWING RIVER CEMETARY ✧

• There are far too many things to sift through, there are the losses of two pillars of her council both willing and unwillingly. The success of Sunningrocks returned to their reach at the cost of several lives. A heart-torn argument that would define her next steps... Her vision settles on her children, where they mingle amongst the crowd as fully realized adults in their own ways. Was she making the right decisions? Ones that would see them to brighter futures...? Or would her leadership be rued as one of messy uncertainty... of short-sighted judgements? Lichenstar tries to settle her turmoil as a symptom of the winter... an uneasiness brought about by the chill.
  
  "We have... much to cover..." Her voice does not glitter with excitement like in meetings past, haunted by the circumstances that wrap around them, a blanket with needles hidden in its softest parts. An illusion of comfort.
  
  "Brindlekit... Newtkit..." There is a smile painted onto her face, a practiced one. It would be unfair not to treat this moment with the excitement they surely felt. Her own hardships and worries could not bleed onto their joy and drown it, lest they become demoralized from the very start. "You've reached... your sixth moon... it's time... we start your... training." Her tail flicks, beckoning them forward. "Brindlekit... from this day... forward... until you receive.. your warrior name... you will be known... as Brindlepaw. Your mentor... will be.... Pikesplash." Her vision cuts towards the tabby tom with a knowing sort of stare- Don't... make me regret this. If nothing else, this would serve as a reminder to Iciclefang that trust could be rebuilt, even after being broken. Besides... he was plenty competent enough to see to an apprentice. "He is a dedicated.... warrior... who will do well... to teach you... to hunt... and to bond with... your peers." Pikesplash had the gift of gab, if nothing else.
  
  "Newtkit... until you... receive your... warrior name... you'll be... known as... Newtpaw." Another example to be made, a promise though this was only the half of it. "Splashdance... will be your... mentor... She's an... exceptional hunter," the leader bows her nose in a nod of acknowledgement- their tourney champion deserved the recognition. "And her adaptive... nature... is something to... admire." Something to praise and praise again.
  
  She whiskers twitch, reminded of one other detail she must sort- "Oh... and Heronpaw- Troutsplash... is still recovering-" [though she grows less and less certain he ever will] "So I'd like... Tarantulamask... to continue... your training." She leaves the space of silence to allow them the time to touch noses, to exchange eager grins and murmur their introductions. The clan could celebrate their continued growth, even in the harshest of seasons they did not stagnate. Even when bellies growled in protest, new paws filled in the old.
  
  "Cloudpaw.... Sunpaw.... Owlpaw..." She can't help the way her gaze lingers on the last two, hoping they've learned their lesson... that they've spent the last bit of their training understanding what great responsibility was coming their way and that they must learn to cooperate. Their individuality would not suffer just because they listened and took direction... In time they might understand why the harshness for their punishment was merited. "StarClan... I ask you... to look down... upon these young... cats... They've trained hard... to understand... your code... and honor it. Today... I commend them... as warriors... in turn."
  
  "Do you three... each promise... to uphold... the warrior code... to protect... and defend... your clan? Even... if it costs... your life?" Their eyes gleam with the promises of the future, with a certainty that spoke to the loyalty that had been nurtured in their young hearts. They would not fail- they could not afford to.
  
  "With StarClan's eyes... upon you.. I name you," she continues, fixing Cloudpaw in her sights first. "Cloudpaw... from this moment... onwards... you will be known... as.... Cloudheart." Her heart aches, knowing her mentor is not here to witness it. That the molly Swirldance had a paw in crafting dances beneath the stars tonight in solitude. "You honor... Swirldance... with your thoughtfulness... your compassion. RiverClan welcomes... you as a full... warrior." She stands as a testament to good nature, to the softness of her name.
  
  "Sunpaw..." She holds the former kittypet tenderly in her gaze, overwhelmed with a pride that belongs to Foxtail far more than it should belong to her. It can't be helped... she was a rare exception to the typical RiverClanner and like Splashdance she'd bloomed. "Your name... from this day... forwards... will be... Sunspark!" She glances for Foxtail, her lead warrior who has now found success in mentoring two worthy cats. "StarClan embraces... your insight... and resolve. We... welcome you... as a.... full warrior... of RiverClan." If she could just use that insight for the benefit of more than just Owlpaw...
  
  Speaking of that tom...
  
  "Owlpaw... from today... onwards... you shall be... known.... as Owlcrest." He had thrown his temper tantrum for long enough and come out the other side of it with some amount of wisdom, hopefully. He would be a fine warrior as long as he wasn't so quick to prioritize his own feeling and lunge to defend Sunspark at any chance. "StarClan honors you... for your maturity... and blossoming patience." Hopefully he'd believe her as sincere.
  
  She descends her perch to wander closer, giving each of them a proper touch of her nose upon their heads to finalize their ascension to warriorhood. They would finish the last piece that night, in the silence of their vigils. But there was still something that clung to her tongue, eyes flicking from various members of the crowd, pausing on certain pelts and hurrying past others. Ultimately, they settle on foggy curls... verdant glass... a silent affirmation, an understanding.
  
  The blue lynx point lifts her voice to cheer for the new warriors, waiting until the commotion died down to make her way back to the river's throne with a solemn sense of duty. She waits, not signaling that the meeting is over... There is always something more.
• about
  
  speech hex code ✧ #6368A5
  
  ooc notes ✦ ACTIVITY SHOUTOUTS (10+)
  Thanks to everyone for being so involved and awesome during the busy holiday season! Hopefully you got a kick out of the Sunningrocks battle and aren't too tired from the site-wide event... there's still more in store for RiverClan, even if we weren't going hungry O_O
  @Moonbeam @robinheart @Snakeblink @FOXTAIL @BEEFANG @iciclefang @MIDNIGHTASH @splashdance @carawaysong @PIKESPLASH @Twinkleflight @EVENINGPAW @CRABPAW @CRAGPAW @Pinepaw @SUNPAW @MERLINPAW ✦ @owlpaw. @rivuletpaw
  
  Got two more big announcements to come in the next post ;)
  tagging ✶
  penned by tieirlys
• ˚ ★⋆. ࿐࿔ ✦ . . ˚ . . ✦ ˚ .
  
  . ˚ * ✦ . . ✦ ˚ ˚ .˚ ✦ . . ˚ . ✦ . . ˚ ੈ✧˳·˖✶ ✦ ˚ ✦ . . ˚ ★⋆. ࿐࿔
  
  . ˚ * ✦ . . ✦ ˚ ˚ .˚ ✦ . . ˚ . ✦ ​

 

[MERLINPAW ✦]

As they do every moon, Merlinpaw gathers at Lichenstar's call for a meeting dutifully and with no fuss. They remember briefly, when they'd been a kit, hearing the leader's call for a meeting and trying to join only to be shoved back inside the nursery, his ears too young to listen to some of what's discussed there. They hadn't understood why back then, but based on recent meetings, the queens had been right. A Clan meeting is not typically a place for a kit. Now, though, as he's gotten older, Merlinpaw is not that eager kit, wanting to hear the going ons just for the fun of it. Now, it's out of necessity. Out of duty. Out of obligation.

Many in RiverClan are injured or sick after the blizzard, Merlinpaw can count themself lucky to not be among them despite having ventured out to hunt and collect materials for the clan. It hadn't helped a whole lot.. although their dens are strong and insulated, they have shockingly little prey - only enough that the kits, queens and elders might have a morsel every now and again. Warriors and apprentices can expect to have nothing. It's not a satisfying situation, but it is reality, and there is nothing to be done about that.

Still, there's a meeting to pay attention to, and Merlinpaw trains tired, sepia eyes on his leader as she speaks. Brindlekit and Newtkit become Newtpaw and Brindlepaw, new apprentices are always cause for celebration among the Clans, and the two of them can enjoy their first gathering this full moon as well... they should be excited. And, following those ceremonies, Heronpaw is reassigned. Merlinpaw themself had been assigned a new mentor only a few moons ago. It's a bittersweet feeling, and though they struggle to express it in any meaningful way, their sympathies go out with Heronpaw. And then, Cloudpaw, Owlpaw and Sunpaw are called forward. Merlinpaw can only blink as the three are ready for their warrior names. Would he be next? Probably. His training is pretty much finished... he needs to catch up on battle, though.

Cloudheart, Sunspark and Owlcrest all get their new names. And it's... odd. It feels odd. These are not cats Merlinpaw considers friends - if there is any cat in the whole of RiverClan who they consider a friend, they have yet to find them - but they can't help feeling.... weird, about being left behind to the apprentice's den while those three start a new chapter of their lives as warriors. They aren't sure what the feeling is called. They don't really want to find out, either, but it stings like a bitter tasting herb in the back of their throat, and part of his mind registers that this might be what is called jealousy. Twinkleflight, too, is already a warrior, and that one stings just because she is the same age as him, and yet... Merlinpaw is falling behind. Falling short.

"Brindlepaw! Newtpaw! Cloudheart! Sunstreak! Owlcrest!" They call out in signature monotone regardless of the odd storm swirling in their gut. It would not do well to be impolite.

i used to think // that memories were like pollen

• 
  ooc -
  
• 
  #6360c4
• 
  (img) Merlinpaw * they/him* 11 moons
  mentored by Streamsong
  short furred blue classic tabby w/ low white; brown eyes
  Peaceful & healing powerplay allowed || underline for attack
  penned by Neptune. || Neptune on disc, dm me for plots

​

 

[brindlepaw]

brindlekit sat next to newtkit patiently. she didn't have the same type of excitement for this as her companion probably did. she didn't see herself being much of a warrior, really. it was hard to imagine herself as much of... anything, for that matter. looking into the future was just as fuzzy as looking to her past. brindlekit stared at lichenstar with her signature round eyes and head-tilt. only for the first part of her leader's speech however, as once her name rang out for everyone to hear, she was struck with a sudden feeling of... something.

it was unpleasant, being the center of attention. the last time it had happened was when she had shown up suddenly in the center of camp. to be named brindlekit. and now, as she was adorned the name brindlepaw, she felt every pair of eyes scorching her fur. suddenly aware of herself, she straightened her posture and head-tilt.

brindlepaw looked at pikesplash blankly as he approached. what was she supposed to to again? with a quick glance to newtpaw and heronpaw, it finally clicked and she touched noses with the tom. she'd have to work on that, probably. she mostly spoke the new warriors names aloud for the sake of remembering them. "cloudheart, sunspark, owlcrest," she called, though quietly.

BUT ITS LIKE YOURE ✹ . + 　 ˚ 　 · MADE OF ANGEL DUST

•  "speech"

• 

• 

  abandond kit, brindlekit found mysteriously on the border of riverclan, with no memory of how she ended up there. she is 6 moons. she is very small for her age, but is healthy. she is a dilute tortoiseshell with a white throat and chest. her stomach, paws and tail tip are also white. her eyes are golden and round. penned by Twitchtail, ✦

​

 

[BEEFANG]

࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ — Beefang slips into the crowd easily only to find a spot near the front and off to the side, her tattered ear flicking to the side as she focuses her lone amber eye towards Lichenstar. Her feathery tail wraps around her snowy dipped paws as she tries to ignore the cold that begins to nip at her, she wishes that she had a longer coat especially now that leaf-bare seems unforgiving. Her whiskers twitch as she peers up towards the blue point as she begins to speak about two kittens becoming apprentices today and she can't help but be attentive towards this wondering if she'd be trusted with two apprentices at some point, it's a short-lived thought that she brushes away knowijg that she would have to complete Roepaw's training first.

Brindlepaw's assigned to Pikesplash but Beefang doesn't bother glancing in the direction of the tom to acknowledge this pairing, it's a second chance at gaining trust after what he had done and she thinks of a certain tortoiseshell within the crowd pondering how long it'd take until her own betrayal is forgiven. Splashdance's given Newtpaw and her eye glances in the direction of the snow flecked molly to regard her carefully only to nod her silent congratulations on her first apprentice, she already knows that none of these apprentices would have a rough start like Roepaw had.

Her tail tip twitches at the thought only to tilt her helm to the side to listen as her leader calls upon three apprentices, her whiskers twitch at the sound of Owlpaw' and Sunpaw's name being spoken and how Owlpaw had offered her a rather feeble apology. Hopefully, as a warrior, he would know to hold his tongue a lot better so she quietly nods her approval as well if he glances in her direction. She listens closely to the names bestowed upon them... Cloudheart, Sunspark, and Owlcrest.

She chants their names alongside the rest of her clanmates and once everyone falls silent, Beefang blinks her molten eye once more noticing that Lichenstar has yet to dismiss them all so she remains seated and waits to hear what the blue point molly may say. Surely, it would benefit Riverclan in some way considering how prey seemed to be scarce despite how warm their dens are. Perhaps, they'd take more territory during this leaf-bare so that they could get back onto their paws, thrive despite the harsh cold, fill their growling bellies up, and the thought itself makes her claws itch as she thinks about the lifeless, floating corpse of Raccoonstripe in the water.

Lichenstar just needed to give the order and the black smoke would eagerly serve her matriarch...

DROWN IN YOUR SORROW AND FEARS ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ CHOKE ON YOUR BLOOD AND YOUR TEARS

• ooc —

• 

  WARRIOR SKILLSET;
  — ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✧✧ HUNTING
  — ✦✦✦✦✦✧✧✧✧✧ TRACKING
  — ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✧ COMBAT
  — ✦✦✦✦✧✧✧✧✧✧ STEALTH
  — ✦✦✦✦✦✦✧✧✧✧ STRATEGY
  — ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ SWIMMING
  — ✦✦✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧ CLIMBING
• 
  ✦ a shorthaired black smoke molly w/low white and a singular amber eye
  ✦ oftentimes comes off as untrusting of those around her, closed off, and not the easiest to engage in conversation with, she's not easy to befriend. distrusting of outsiders and will snap at you if y/c walks up to her on her blind side. all her opinions are IC only.
  ✦ 17 moons old; ages the 10th every month
  ✦ asexual homoromantic; mated to moonbeam
  ✦ currently mentoring... roepaw ; formerly mentored by smokestar
  ✦ firstborn daughter of cicadastar and smokestar
  ✦ sister of cicadaflight and loveburn
  ✦ "speech", thoughts, attacking
  ✦ peaceful powerplay allowed

​

 

[tarantulamask]

Tarantulamask stands at the edge of the gathering, half-listening as Lichenstar's voice drifts over the crowd. He doesn't need to see her to feel the weight in her words, the thin veneer of composure that barely conceals the turmoil beneath. He's felt it before, lived it in his own way—the quiet unraveling that comes with trying to hold too much together at once. His amber eyes flicker toward her briefly, sharp and assessing, before returning to the apprentices being called forward.

When his name is spoken, his gaze snaps to Heronpaw. A flicker of recognition passes over his face—he's been here before, stepping in for another cat. A replacement, not a choice. Not that it matters. The work remains the same. Tarantulamask rises fluidly to his paws, moving toward the apprentice with a deliberate, measured stride. His expression is calm, unreadable, as he leans down to touch noses with Heronpaw. There's no flourish, no warmth, just an unspoken understanding: This is how it will be. "You'll find me by the reeds tomorrow morning," he murmurs, voice low but steady. "We'll see where you stand."

He steps back, gaze flicking over the rest of the apprentices and mentors before settling briefly on Lichenstar once more. He wonders, in a detached sort of way, how much longer she can carry the weight of these choices without cracking beneath them. Leadership is a balancing act, and the scales are never truly even. For now, he says nothing, melting back into the crowd with his usual quiet grace. If Lichenstar's decisions weigh on him, it doesn't show. His duty is clear, and he will complete it.​

 

[lichenstar]

✦˚.✧˚✧˚✦˚ ✧ ˚✧˚✦˚✦.˚✧

CLAIM THE BURIAL I SEEK IN DREAMS FLOWING RIVER CEMETARY ✧

• Puzzle pieces fit together with a little bit of force... some do not sit so neatly as she would like and others slide into place like they were always meant to be that way. Her stare grows distant, uncertain even in the face of the unavoidable... and it isn't until she grows aware of the dawning quiet that she remembers herself and the task at hand.
  
  "Ferngill... has chosen... to step down... from my council," she hopes no one takes it as an admission of his shame; he did not regret his actions and the only apology he really owed belonged to StarClan (and maybe those poor kits, so blind-sided by the truth of their blood). He deserves to be remembered for his kindness, his welcoming heart... his perseverance. "He isn't the only one..." Her lips twist painfully to withhold a frown, to not feel like this rejection is something far more personal than just work.
  
  "I'll be... choosing a new... deputy," and she cannot bring herself to find Hazecloud's patient stare, will not force herself to witness the relief that will surely roll down her mate's spine like droplets in a pleasant rainstorm. Was it selfish to want you by my side? Through everything? The distinction between deputy and mate is blurry after this much time... and she hopes that the presences in her nest at night do not grow more fleeting. "Hazecloud has... served her time... with grace... and represented RiverClan... as a fine pillar... of our strength." What had happened at the Gathering that had been the final tipping point? Or had this always been building and Lichenstar had remained blind to it?
  
  "I can think... of no one... more qualified... than Snakeblink... to take her place," she finds the patchy brown tabby in the crowd, her brows furrowing in plea for his commitment, "If... you'll honor me... with your acceptance." Maybe he too would find himself terrified of the future, a future written in pawfuls of painful deaths and flee from her side at the last second. She wouldn't spurn him for it... but hoped not to spend her last seasons as leader grabbing at fraying tethers.
  
  Should he choose to accept, then there would be half so much worrying, even if she could not predict if he'd remain. But a denial... it would mean another era of time spent without a deputy... while she scoured her resources for who was fit to fill that hole.
  
  "However... this does not... cover... all we've lost.... We won... Sunningrocks... but in doing so... lost great warriors. Otterbite... Lakemoon... and Swirldance. Their absence... will be felt... when our bellies... grow emptier." Her eyes stray towards the nursery, realizing she had been so absorbed in her own exhaustion and scrambling to reunite her clan under a common banner that she had not once checked in on Claythorn. I'm sorry.
  
  "My council... is in need... of fresh eyes. Young minds... unwavering in their... loyalties." A splash of fire along pebbled shores. "I extend my paw... to Pebbletail... Midnightash..." And the smallest quirk of her lip foretells her amusement- certain Foxtail would be gawking in just a moment, "And Splashdance..."
  
  Splashdance especially, who stands as a champion amongst their hunters and hopefully will encourage Iciclefang's children that their blood does not ruin their future. That their devotion to their clan is what will earn them their place here, nothing else.
  
  "Will you accept?"
• about
  
  speech hex code ✧ #6368A5
  
  ooc notes ✦ THANK YOU SO MUCH TO PIN FOR HER SERVICE WITH FERNGILL HE WAS SUCH A DELIGHTFUL LITTLE GUY TO HAVE!!! I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE WHERE HIS NEXT ARC TAKES HIM!!!
  AND TO POE, WHO WAS SUCH A CONSISTENT PRESENCE IN THE DISCORD AND PROVIDED SUCH FUN PROMPTS FOR PATROLS OVER THE LAST MANY MOONS!!!
  
  congratulations to kangoo, i know you've waited a long time for this reveal since we've plotted snakeblink's eventual rise to deputy <3 it is deserved, his recognition for his tenure is overdue and i cant wait to see how many more of his feet he can fit in his mouth as deputy!
  
  congratulations also to rhos, raenya, and lavs (welcome back to you specifically) who've been so active and involved! i think this trio will give me gray hairs but they will be worth it... let's see how messy things get with so much fresh blood in the council ;)
  tagging ✶ @Snakeblink @splashdance @MIDNIGHTASH @pebbletail
  penned by tieirlys
• ˚ ★⋆. ࿐࿔ ✦ . . ˚ . . ✦ ˚ .
  
  . ˚ * ✦ . . ✦ ˚ ˚ .˚ ✦ . . ˚ . ✦ . . ˚ ੈ✧˳·˖✶ ✦ ˚ ✦ . . ˚ ★⋆. ࿐࿔
  
  . ˚ * ✦ . . ✦ ˚ ˚ .˚ ✦ . . ˚ . ✦ ​

 

[HERONPAW !]

A smile was spread wide across his face. The lynx point had been about to cheer for his friend, Brindlepaw, when Lichenstar spoke again.
"Oh and Heronpaw..."
The world froze over and ice eyes snapped up towards her. A dull hum took over the sound of the gathering. Those flecks of blue widened as her mouth kept moving, but his ears heard nothing. That wide smile faltered and fell from his face.
"...Tarantulamask..."
Plumed ears warmed as he swept his startled gaze across the cats. They were searching each face for the white and blue one of his father. Troutsplash. Taking in a shaky breath in an attempt to focus, but he could only just think one sentence. It lingered at the edge of his mind, I've been reassigned. It felt like claws raking through his belly's soft fur and tender muscles. Slicing deep. Did he do something wrong?

Heronpaw's vision was quickly taken up by the chocolate warrior. He'd walked up to to him and they touch noses. It wasn't warm, it wasn't like the first time, though it was cold. The apprentice nods at his words as the other pulls away. There was no cheering for his friend. Only silence as he swept his gaze toward Lichenstar. It was true that his training didn't begin with Troutsplash, for his father had been in and out of the medicine cat's den. It was only a cold. Right? Why did he step aside for another warrior to train him?

The apprentice sat for the rest of the meeting in silence and chewing the inside of his cheek.

I HAVE TRIED OTHER THINGS ( BUT NOTHING CAN CAPTURE THE STING ) 𓆝･ﾟ:

• ooc.
• HERONPAW —— apprentice of riverclan . mentored by tarantulamask
  ✦ penned by DROID
  ✦ male . he/him . six moons . ages every 19ᵗʰ
  ✦ single . bisexual demiromantic . monogamist . open to petty crushes, short romance
  ✦ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted . tag account when attacking
  —— no combat experience or training, very easy to beat
  
  ✦ "speech", thoughts, attacks, all opinions are in character
  ✦ tags — toyhouse — spotify
  ✦ message junkyard.droid on discord for plots or go to 'droids-junkyard' in the riverclan server
  
• 
  
  

  a longhaired blue lynx point with low white and blue eyes. a feathery soft, longhaired, and thick furred tomcat of beautiful blue pigments. eyes a bright electrifying blue. strong and sturdy legs held by white webbed paws dimpled with pink pads. fangs peek out from under his lips due to their curious length. well cared for fur is attached to lean, hard packed newly earned muscle. an unconventional teenage heartthrob followed by a thick air of fresh apprentice confidence.

​

​

 

[claythorn]

She had been watching from the nursery- once again, to make sure her own didn't scatter amongst the crowd. Though, they were permitted to actually listen this time, sitting just beside or behind her. Mismatched goldens watch their leader take her perch. Despite the look in Lichenstar's eyes, she speaks with a loftier, warmer tone- yet anything up beyond her muzzle betrays that. At least, to Claythorn's watchful eyes, anyways.

Two kits leave the den towards- Newtkit and Brindlekit, and become apprentices. Her voice is soft as she speaks to her young- "That will be you, come next moon. Pay attention to what they do." She bids them, before turning her eyes back towards the ceremonies. Newtkit becomes Newtpaw, and Brindlekit becomes Brindlepaw- the start of their lives, perhaps, where they will grow into paws far larger then their own. Next came apprentices that came to their names during her pregnancy. Eyes blinked with bewilderment- what a statement, that she had been stuck in this den for nearly eight moons.

She thinks little of their warrior names, only lifting her voice to cheer in what could only be a monotonous mumble- "Brindlepaw! Newtpaw! Cloudheart! Sunstreak! Owlcrest!" A breath inhaled, then exhaled. Next, came the more important announcements- to her, at least. None of the ceremonies yet were her own young, or were her apprentices. .. Ferngill and Hazecloud? Eyes widened briefly, turning to look at the change in council. Now this was sudden. Was this in the face of Iciclefang's trial?

Ears turn and flatten backwards as she looked back towards their leader. Snakeblink wasn't an.. awful choice, she thinks to herself, and lost in her mulling she nearly misses what Lichenstar brings up next. Otterbite... Her breath stagnates, mismatched goldens lifting towards their leader. Their eyes meet- mismatched goldens narrowed briefly at that of ice blue, and her vision drops away, no response given non-verbally. There is silence for a long moment in her own mind, trying to reel herself in, but the information continues and she must continue with it.

Pebbletail. Midnightash. Splashdance. Young. They're all so young. She thinks to herself, bitterly, grievously. Splashdance, a figure with a mixed bloodline- but surely, a more noble one that Claythorn's. Pebbletail was Lichenstar's son, that was to be expected. Midnightash... she'd have to see how that would pan out in any regard. A breath is heaved, her shoulders curling forward as she considers the rapid information.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ┌── LIKE LOVERS ENTWINED ⋅❁⋅ I KNOW YOU FOR THE LAST TIME ──┐‎

• "speech"

• 

• CLAYTHORN she/her, queen of riverclan, nineteen moons.
  ⭃ LH chocolate torbie with mismatched golden eyes, scars across her right cheek and over her left ear. cold exterior and threatening glares, built for stamina/battle and not swimming (tall/muscled)
  ⭃ mentored by darkbranch (npc) / / mentoring no one
  ⭃ mated to otterbite / / mother to dark-kit, onyxkit, sparrowkit, eelkit, dropletkit
  ⭃ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ⭃ penned by dallas ↛ dallasofnines on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

​

 

[MIDNIGHTASH]

જ➶ A sleepy look is across the burning woman's gaze as she hears the beginning of the meeting. Shaking moss from her pelt she pushes her way from the nest that she shares with her mate, carefully glancing over her shoulder @splashdance before she makes it to the meeting area. Quietly and without much quelms she sits in the snow and pulls her ears forward. The first is two new apprentices and her eyes spark a bit, light blossoming for the fact that Lichenstar sees something in what is her's to give Splash an apprentice. Hmm. Her eyes narrow slightly but she only raises her voice for the new apprentices and then what follows next is warrior ceremonies. Cloud, Sun, and Owl all get to stand within the limelight and receive their warrior names. It is always a joyous thing to witness new strength to Riverclan. A joyous round leaves her maw as they stand before the clan as adults and warriors. "Cloudheart! Sunspark! Owlcrest!" It brings back memories to her own ceremony the only difference being she shared it with no other apprentices. All eyes remained on her that day and she allows an easy smile to pull at her muzzle.

Yet it seems that the meeting is not over yet as Lichen does not dismiss them and so she tilts her head up at what is to be expected. There is more. Ferngill steps down from the council and in her eyes he should. He kept this secret from all of them and is guilty by association. He knew and kept quiet. But what causes surprise in her is when she speaks of Haze stepping down as deputy and Snakeblink is to take the other's place. Her fiery gaze sticks to the tone. Appraising but she is inclined to trust and believe in him. Afterall, he saved her life once. She nods casually to the new promotion and shouts his name. The talk of winning Sunningrocks pulls her attention back and she is pleased at it but they did lose warriors. Three. Yet those just made make up for that. They will be missed but Riverclan must move on. And it does as Lichenstar asks three to join her council. Her eyes widen and she finds herself stammering a little. To become a lead warrior is a great honor to the rough molly and she dips her head. "I do. I can think of nothing else that would be such an honor." Perhaps becoming deputy and then Starclan heralding leadership but that is not now. She turns then to look for her mate, eyes searching and she sees Splash moving but not to her. Oh, no, she can see where her icicle blues look. Him. It's always been him hasn't it? Her maw twists into something almost foul before she feels her back bristle.

"Splash!" Her voice cuts the waves of voices and she forces herself to fix her face. Neutrality settling in sharply before she grins a little too wide. Go on then, go to him. She will handle it later. "Congratulations on your apprentice and becoming a lead." Her maw then snaps shut, thin lined before she gets up and takes her steps from the meeting.​

 

[FOXTAIL]

Foxtail's ears prick forward at the call of Lichenstar's voice, and the lead warrior makes his way to the crowd. He ignores his rumbling belly, silently hoping that it isn't loud enough for others to hear.

(But who is he kidding? Everyone feels starved, especially right now.)

He sits down on the frost patched ground, wrapping his bushy tail around his paws. Olive green eyes land onto Lichenstar, and she focuses first on kits & apprentices— apprentices whom require new mentors, and those graduating to warriorhood. Brindlekit is the first kit to be addressed; receiving the name Brindlepaw... and Pikesplash as a mentor. He deserves this, The lead warrior thinks to himself, as Lichenstar shifts onto Newtkit. Foxtail wasn't involved in the council meeting that had decided Pikesplash's fate within the clan, but he knew trust had been lost... at the time of Splashdance's discovery. Trust can be rebuilt, and surely with time, it can apply to Iciclefang as well. Speaking of his daughter, the lead warrior nods with approval as she is entrusted to train Newtpaw.

"Brindlepaw! N-Newtpaw!" The lead warrior cheers out for the two new apprentices.

Next, is Heronpaw. The apprentice had been given his own father as his mentor, originally. It's certainly an interesting mentor & apprentice dynamic, and the lead warrior was certain Heronpaw would've grown into a fine warrior under his father's guidance. It must be hard... having your mentor be injured, to the point where they cannot continue with training. It must be even worse, considering that it's his father. He briefly glances at the apprentice, lightly frowning at how... unhappy they appear to be. He knows what that's like— Sunpaw wasn't too happy with her re-assignment either. It'll take Heronpaw some time... to come to terms with it.

His eyes land on his apprentice, as she pads forward along with Cloudpaw and Owlpaw. He almost didn't believe this day was coming— especially after the argument with her and Owlpaw. She was a force to be reckoned with, and he almost wondered if her warrior ceremony would have to be delayed.... if he didn't see improvements. Sunpaw is nothing like Pebbletail, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. She just... needed someone to put her in her place. She surprised him with the hard work, and improvement, she put in place over the last moon and a half. He looks at her with pride now, and he hopes that as a warrior.... she can rely on more than just Owlpaw.

Speaking of the tom, he hopes he will continue to learn... and grow as a warrior. He hoped that, somehow, his time away from Sunpaw helped him grow into a mature, patient cat. The tom nods with approval as the apprentice becomes a warrior... being renamed to Owlcrest.

Cloudpaw is named Cloudheart, in remembrance of her mentor.... Swirldance. One of the warriors they tragically lost during the battle of the Sunningrocks. He can't imagine what she is thinking, but he hopes Swirldance is watching from the stars above.... smiling down at Cloudheart with pride.

Speaking of pride, the lead warrior's chest swells with it as Sunpaw is renamed to Sunspark. In honor of her insight... and resolve. She has grown into quite a fine warrior; conquering the challenges of clan-life as a former kittypet. It was harder for her, you know, to get to this place. She has grown a lot since she was re-assigned to him, and he hopes she continues to grow as a warrior.

"Cloudheart! Owlcrest! S-Sunspark!"

He expects Lichenstar to dismiss them, but their leader pads down from their perch... and briefly glances at her deputy, and mate. The tom can only wonder what was silently spoken to one another, and their leader quickly makes her way back to her perch. The first few words that leave her maw shock him— Ferngill is stepping down from the council? He knows Beefang suggested his demotion alongside his sister, but he hadn't been in agreement with the newer lead warrior. Foxtail is honestly unsure what he would've done.... if he was in the same shoes as Ferngill. Foxtail's littermates mean the world to him, and he can appreciate how much Ferngill cares for Iciclefang... and for her kits. His eyes briefly scan for the tom in the crowd, but Lichenstar doesn't stop to surprise him.

RiverClan needs a new deputy?

His gaze whips to her direction, eyebrows furrowed with shock. Hazecloud will no longer represent RiverClan as their deputy? She seemed to be handling it well, in his own opinion, and he certainly wasn't expecting her to step back from it anytime soon. He glances over at Hazecloud in the crowd, and only finds understanding flashing in her green eyes. ...Perhaps this is what Hazecloud was wanting? She worked hard serving under her mate, but she also deserves time to rest.... to take a breather.

He wonders who Lichenstar thinks will represent RiverClan as her new deputy, and his heart almost skips a beat.

Foxtail never thought about the possibilities of becoming deputy. It's an even more responsible, and honorable, role to be entrusted with. Those who Cicadastar, Smokestar, and now Lichenstar entrusted with the rank of deputy knew their clan would be in good paws.... if something were to happen to them. Frankly, the tom didn't even see himself becoming a lead warrior.... all those moons ago. He feels like he is just starting to find his voice... finding his place within her council. Can he see himself as her deputy? One day, potentially, serving RiverClan as it's leader?

He tucks his tail tightly against his paws, but Lichenstar's blue gaze does not fall onto him. Foxtail almost feels relief as Snakeblink is named deputy... he is, was, the oldest (and most experienced) lead warrior in the council.... after all. Thank the stars, I wasn't sure if I would be ready for such a task, Foxtail silently thinks, Not right now, at least... "Snakeblink! S-Snakeblink!" Foxtail lets out a cheer for the newly named deputy.

But his ears prick, as Lichenstar speaks up one more time. She's right, our council has dwindled down to Beefang and me, with the loss of Iciclefang, Ferngill, and Snakeblink. The tom silently agrees, and he knows a council of two sounds far too small. She speaks of her council needing fresh minds... warriors with unwavering loyalty to their clan. He knows he expressed his interest in having Splashdance in a previous council meeting, but there are so many young warriors with undying loyalty. Who could Lichenstar possibly else have in mind?

"I extend my paw... to Pebbletail."

Foxtail's olive green eyes widen, and pride explodes out of his chest as his former apprentice's name reaches his ears. Pebbletail, a cat that he had the honor to train, a cat who turned into such an honorable warrior— being entrusted with such a responsibility at such a young age. And there is no doubt in his mind, with this choice. He wants to cheer loud as ever, but Lichenstar opens her maw again. Pebbletail isn't the only cat joining her council today.

"...Midnightash...."

He blinks with surprise as her name reaches his ears. He doesn't know Midnightash as well.... but he had been wary of her since she was an apprentice. She seemed to be rough around the edges, far more than his second, successful, apprentice. She has grown into a prideful warrior, and surely being offered lead warrior will only set that pride even higher. With narrowed eyes, the tom slowly nods... wondering what to think about her being on the council.

"...and Splashdance."

Foxtail can't help it but let out a gasp, and his eyes widen once again. He catches that amused smirk on Lichenstar's maw— she knew he would be the most surprised about this promotion, huh? Even more shock than his own former apprentice being added to the ranks. It all goes down to the fact that Foxtail had suggested adding Splashdance to the council.... as Iciclefang's replacement. She actually considered my suggestion? The tom briefly wonders, and he tries not to dwell on what Iciclefang must be thinking in this very moment.

Splashdance deserves this... whether based on his suggestion or not. She has proven that even a half-clan cat, can be just as worthy to have a place on a council. He glances her way, while also catching the gaze of her mate, and gives her a nod of approval. The lead warrior stands onto his paws, and his tail goes high into the air with pride....

"Pebbletail! M-Midnightash! Splashdance!" He finally cheers for the three cats, with a loud voice.

He feels pride, especially for Pebbletail and Splashdance, but he wouldn't be lying if he didn't feel nervous... knowing how he's noticed how the previously mentioned two have been avoiding each other more and more. Perhaps he should talk to Pebbletail, to congratulate him mostly.... but perhaps he could be enlightened, as to why, Splashdance and him drifted apart.​

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• 
  
  

  ---

  credit to raphaelion (via da) for the artwork <3
• Foxtail

  ​
  

  lead warrior
  25 moons
  warmhearted
  timid
  experience: trained
  backstory: [HYPERLINK]
  biography: [HYPERLINK]
  credit to trops for the chibi <3
  

  cisgender male [he / him]
  eyes: green
  pelt: cinnamon/chocolate
  fur length: long
  parents: dawnflower and redfur (riverclan npcs)
  

  ---

  ​

​

 

[Newtpaw.]

MIND OUT OF ORDER
AND HEART ON MY SLEEVE​

---

newtpaw & 07 moons & agender & they/it & riverclan kit ​

---

━━ Newtkit can hardly sit still through the rasp of their mothers tongue against ginger-and-white fur, nervous excitement mounting with ach moment they are forced to wait. Lichenstar calls for the clan to join her in a meeting, and no sooner then the words are out of the leaders mouth they dart off - ignoring mothers calls as it beams at its siblings. There is anticipation spread clear across its face, golden eyes glowing - apprenticeship, at last. Brindlekit, too, is called forwards, but Newtkit pays them no mind - whiskers twitching as head whips around almost violently to stare at Splashdance - their new mentor!

Nose eagerly bumps hers, wide grin on its face - now newly dubbed Newtpaw. But it seems this is far from the only news to be shared today. While they listen only half-heartedly as various cats step down and others take their place, they do pay attention to the repeated call of their mentors name. Lead warrior - they're the apprentice of a lead warrior? How cool was that? " Splashdance! Splashdance! "

━ actions & " speech, " & 'thoughts/quotes' ━

---

j u s t ━ t h a t ━ k i n d ━ o f ━ b e a u t i f u l ━ a n d ━ i m ━ h e l p l e s s

---

 

[SUNSPARK]

It's finally happening. She's trading her 'paw name for a warrior name. Shaking off the shadows of her kittypet life and finally inegrating into RiverClan in a way that can never be refuted. The moons that have passed have gone more quickly than Sunpaw could have ever thought. And in many places it was slower too. But there's something in the air as she sits before Lichenstar, with the kits who will be named 'Paws in their stead, and Cloudpaw and Owlpaw who sit waiting besides her.

Lichenstar doesn't seem happy. There's a lot on the mind of her leader. The smile on her face that Sunpaw can't be sure whether or not it's genuine.

Brindlepaw, Newtpaw; and new mentors too. And Heronpaw, getting reassigned. She knows that life well, and her ears flick briefly in acknowledgement of such a thing. But Heronpaw has always been a little more mellow, less like her; so, he'll probably be fine. At least she doesn't see him blowing up at his mentor in the middle of camp.

Speaking of.

Lichenstar calls their names and her gaze lingers on her and Owlpaw and it takes everything in her body not to react to it. To not bristle, to not put on her defenses. Lichenstar looks at her like she's she can see the mistakes that Sunpaw bears on her shoulders. How closely she's still tied to Owlpaw. Not that she can blame Lichenstar. Two moons and change ago she never would have doubted that she deserved to become a warrior. But now, even though she's still standing right here, moments away from being given her name, she isn't sure. She's not sure if she deserves it anymore. She has so much to learn still. And it's not that simple, being a warrior. She didn't really get it, until recently, but maybe she really is unprepared. Something in her chest tightens. Maybe this mistake will hang over her head forever.

And maybe Lichenstar knows it.

Cloudpaw is named Cloudheart, with merits that sound so nice even in her ears, fits the new name that they were given well. And Lichenstar looks to her and her ears start to turn backwards at the tone in her voice. It's tenderness, but it's not pride. It's like her being here is just a fact of life, a thing that must happen with no great fanfare. Does Lichenstar even regard her kindly now? Does Lichenstar have any modicum of faith in her to improve, to learn; did she not prove herself already to be capable of it?

Sunspark. Her throat tightens. Her fourth name, but such a beautiful one. Spark. She wonders why. She wonders why its to Foxtail that Lichenstar's gaze lingers, even though it's supposed to be her being honored. Does... she deserve this at all?

Sunpaw- Sunspark keeps her head high, her gaze forward, but she doesn't feel the elation she thought she might getting her name. There's weight on her shoulders instead, a phantom of her misdeeds from not that long ago, a mark on her reputation Moonbeam promised her would slowly be forgotten. At her side, Owlpaw becomes Owlcrest, and it's a similar weight that Lichenstar holds him, too. Ah, so it's like that. Adults and their way of saying something positive to cover up the negative underneath it. And StarClan honoring Owlpaw with maturity? Patience? Her friend is many things, but mature is something they're still both learning. And patience with Owlpaw has been a tumultuous thing with everything he's gone through, losing his mother, his mentor, his friend -

She doesn't believe Lichenstar one bit. Her tail flicks out, just enough to touch Owlpaw's back paw in a quiet acknowledgement. So much for celebration. But Sunspark inhales a short breath as Lichenstar steps forward to touch her nose upon their heads. "I'll make you actually proud of me one day, Lichenstar," she whispers into the space between the two of them when Lichenstar's nose is upon her head.

Lichenstar might not think anything of her now. But who really has? She's always just been some kittypet loud mouth they all put up with - But the cheers raise for them anyway, shouts of Brindepaw and Newtpaw and Cloudpaw- Merlinpaw saying Sunstreak instead of Sunspark. Her shoulders feel heavier.

Then among the cheers she hears it, the stuttered syllable of her name. S-sunspark! A stutter that she used to find so grating, so annoying. Now she couldn't be more glad to hear it. Foxtail. She lifts her head higher, determined, the peek of a smile starting to shine through. Part of her is sad that she doesn't get more time, that she wasted so much of it with him.

But he's... proud. It's in his voice. He never really could lie, even if he wanted to. His heart was always on his sleeve, and that little choked feeling is back in her throat again.

Someone's proud of her.

And it's not to Owlpaw - Owlcrest- that her gaze turns for first, but for Foxtail.

What a good man he is. How stupid she is that it took her so long to see it.

Lichenstar has more to say; they don't get dismissed so easily, but somehow the information feels less... important. Not that it is. Snakeblink becomes deputy. Good, he'll be a good deputy. He's got a good head on his shoulders, isn't afraid to tackle hard things. And the council is growing too. She's happy to hear Pebbletail is among them. Though they were apprentices together for so short a time, Pebbletail and Foxtail are alike in their namesake. Levelheaded, calm people. Midnightash she knows of vaguely, and they'll be a good balance to Pebbletail perhaps at best. Splashdance too- so many honors for them in one day. An apprentice and a place on the council.

Maybe one day she'll be on that council too.

But that's for a different version of her. A version of her who gets pride in Lichenstar's eyes for real. A version of her in the future, maybe; but right now she doesn't care. Right now, Foxtail's voice echos in her head instead.
​

 

[splashdance]

She wakes alongside her mate, blue eyes still dragging closed with the weight of exhaustion. It's the second glance of burning auburns that drag black paws beneath her body and pull her to walk in stride beside Midnightash, more eager to avoid an argument than to stand in yet another Clan meeting. What will this one be - judging the offending kits for their split lineage? Asking them to swear fealty to the stars and river even though they've done so since birth? She feels she knows Lichenstar, knows that the point molly would never damn Pinepaw, Cragpaw, and Crabpaw to spill their blood to prove that it can run like the river. And still, she recalls in the depths of her nightmares how she had been received and mishandled, and as she sits inbeside her lover... she is forced to wonder how much has truly changed.

The meeting, however, begins with kittens eager to grow into their paws. Brindlekit, who weaves their way to her father's side. It's immediate, the way light battles dark in her chest, a warmth and pride as trust is forced into her father's skill once again. She tremors with the urge to shout his name alongside his apprentice's, just so that he knows of her boundless excitement for him, too. Shortly after, Newtkit is renamed - and to her paws, they are guided. Blue eyes widen, a sense of joy slowly blooming as she obeys tradition and finds the newly made apprentice amidst the crowd. They bump their pink nose against her black one eagerly and she can't help her giggle, whispering to her apprentice, "We'll be having so much fun, Newtpaw. I promise." Alongside true training, of course. Lakemoon taught her well; her apprentice will maintain the same standards of strength and resilience.

Admittedly, as she brings her apprentice back to Midnightash's side, she pays little mind to the warriors made. Their new names click into her mind - Cloudheart, Owlcrest, and Sunspark - and she looks on to her tourney-champion companion and the two meddlesome apprentices - now proven warriors - and shares a broad grin. She can only imagine how each of them are holding up, now. She recalls getting her name and simply wondering what it meant to Lichenstar, and if the warrior knew how much it meant to her in turn. She cheers them on, "Cloudheart, Sunspark, Owlcrest!" just as she should.

The meeting continues and she keeps her murmurings to a minimum. Eagerness to chat with her apprentice, to gauge what they're excited for and what they want to do first - all dismissed for changes of the council. Ferngill has decided to step down. She figures it's out of allegiance to his own sister, who no longer presides in her rank beside the leader. She doesn't know the tom well enough beyond her comradery with the situation. She can only hope that he is happy with his decision. As with Hazecloud, who is another surprise to behold. The molly has been the only deputy that Splashdance has known, as with Lichenstar as leader. The shift of power is nearly disorienting at this point, and the council desperately small in its wake. She supposes there are less cats to betray Lichenstar if they keep it so small - but is the lynx point so jaded to believe such as truth?

Deaths. For a moment, her excitement is dampened as Lakemoon's name is murmured amidst others. Otterbite has left behind children, and Swirldance was unable to watch her apprentice succeed... Her tail slinks tightly around Newtpaw, and she leans her shoulder against Midnightash. Comfort; she needs it desperately. This leafbare... it may rival the one she was born into, she fears.

And yet - Lichenstar wheezes on, insisting new blood and fresh opinions to hold fast to their council. It is here that she feels the tremor of her mistake as she makes it.

Pebbletail. Midnightash. Their names are said morsels apart. In tandem, in pride and courage, in loyalty and dedication, they are hoisted upon the council in the wake of so many leaving.

Seconds hardly bled between their names. Splashdance heard them, nearly, as one through the breathy tone of their leader's voice. She sits beside one, warms her pelt and her nest, shares walks and future talks and dreams and desires...

She looks for Pebbletail. She notices how she does just as she does it, and worse feels the fire burning at the back of her ears. A mistake made too quickly, and her heart is no longer in excitement.

Seconds more, and her name is added as a third invite. Splashdance tears her eyes from their venture and finds Lichenstar incredulously. She knows not that Foxtail had suggested she replace Iciclefang. But she cannot claim to know less of the circumstance. An example is she, that muddled blood can still prove strong and reliable. Splashdance cannot find her pride in the moment, everything on fire from her momentary wish to find another. But she holds the scarred leader's gaze and knows she only has the moment to decide. She cannot dwell and think on it - for the example she is must be unwavering and prideful. She swallows the pit of disgust in her throat, tucks away the want to flee (from Midnightash, from this meeting, she cannot so quickly discern,) and nods to Lichenstar.

"Yes, Lichenstar," she says, her voice cracking. She puts space between her and Midnightash, holds her new apprentice closer if she can. A mess she will be forced to clean up later. "I accept. Thank you." She can be the council's heart, alongside Foxtail and Pebbletail. She can be their claws, with Midnightash and Beefang. Their tongue, their cunning, their strife, for Snakeblink, for Lichenstar. She can be all that and more for RiverClan. It's all she wishes to be.

Midnightash shouts her moniker, gathering her attention. Her teeth grind together as the other congratulates her, as her name is added to the list of celebration. Newtpaw's side is met with her tail tip, and she sees in molten lava the dare - Go. Do it. Her paws are stagnant and instead she leans forward, pressing her cheek to her lover's, attempting to quench the flare that wants to burn her. "I'm... so excited for us. For - for you," she corrects, placatingly, chewing on her cheek until it bleeds and its all she can taste. "You'll be an asset to the team."

She stands, dipping her head to her partner. Just so long as the meeting is over, the young molly bids a farewell to her russet-and-coal mottled mate, suggesting she depart to be alongside her father instead. They have new apprentices to train; she will see Midnightash later.
​

 

[LAMBLEAP.]

⬤
⬤
⬤
⬤
⬤

Another moon, another meeting. It was not anything special to Lambleap. Yes, many things had happened over the course of the moon, and they should be addressed, but he felt that they could be somewhat boring.

The cream tabby slipped into the back, watching, and hearing the names being called. He joined in, smiling a bit. Hey, they probably earned it. There was nothing wrong with a little joy. "Congrats, Owlcrest, Sunspark, and Owlcrest! You too, Brindlepaw and Newtpaw!"

//recovering + mobile​

 

[iciclefang]

Iciclefang sits obediently among her Clanmates, ignoring any lingering stares that might graze her tortoiseshell pelt. She is here only because she is expected to be. The unwavering fealty she'd felt for RiverClan is tempered by recent events, and the camaraderie she'd once felt for the warriors who wreath around her has withered and died like some flower on its vine. She searches only for her children, knowing that even if she were to find them among the rest, they would not sit with her now. That is the burden she must bear, she supposes — isolation.

And bear it she will. She meets any cat's gaze with unflinching, blank-as-water blue eyes. She offers no change in expression as Lichenstar names three warriors barely old enough to patrol by themselves the title she and her brother once held. One of which had been with them for less than a full cycle of seasons, formerly trained in an enemy Clan. Iciclefang eyes first Pebbletail, then Midnightash, and finally Splashdance with those blank blue eyes, but she neither grimaces nor cheers their names. This is not the RiverClan I knew. That feels certain, now.

Regardless, it is the RiverClan she serves. Hazecloud is mysteriously stripped of her rank without explanation, and Iciclefang's brow threatens to furrow at this — but Lichenstar raises up Snakeblink in the gray molly's place, and it smooths again. Snakeblink, she thinks, is not fit to lead a gaggle of mice, but it is not her choice to make. She will follow orders, as she always has.

Sunspark, Cloudheart, and Owlcrest are given warrior names. Iciclefang's voice is flat as she cheers for them. There will be a day, surely, when this Clan feels like her home again — but she does not know when that will be anymore.

Once the ceremonies have concluded, Iciclefang will slip from the meeting. There's work to be done somewhere, she's sure.

『 out of character. 』 ✧･ﾟ:* 『 about. 』

• ooc: PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE 100% IC OPINIONS, congrats to the new deputy and leads!!! <3
• 
• Iciclekit . Iciclepaw . Iciclefang, she/her w/ feminine terms.
  — "speech", thoughts, attack
  — 30 moons old, ages realistically on the 17th.
  — mentored by Smokestar ; mentoring Pinepaw ; previously mentored Cicadaflight
  — riverclan warrior. mudpelt x icesparkle, gen 2.
  — former mate to Stormywing ; current mate to no one.
  — penned by Marquette.
  
  
  sh tortoiseshell and white she-cat with ice-blue eyes. confident, capable, proud, dry, conceited, condescending, distrustful.

​

 

[pebbletail]

(☼) pebbletail's ears are still slightly numb as he joins his clan in the clearing. cast against a vacant, leaf-bare sky, lichenstar strikes a stark figure, sharp, crystal gaze roaming the crowd of her clan until it settles upon a foggy gray figure near the front. the young tom watches his mothers exchange a glance, ice meeting fern. something is happening this meeting, something far bigger than the few apprentice ceremonies they usually have. seating himself straight-backed next to beefang, the tom scans for splashdance, as he has always done. she sits not far away, next to midnightash, the mottled molly's tail curled around her mate. a chill shakes pebbletail's spine, and he glances away.

lichenstar begins the meeting, her gravely voice calling forward a pair of kits. bright-eyed they are, tails up in the air with excitement. it's endearing, watching as they receive their names - newtpaw, brindlepaw - and reach to tap noses with their new mentors. brindlepaw receives pikesplash, a patient warrior if there ever was one. newtpaw is gifted to splashdance, and a smile will flicker across the blue tabby's face. his best friend deserves this honor - to be trusted with a young life, allowed to shape and mold it - it's a big sign of trust. he wonders if splashdance is thinking about lakemoon in this moment.

"newtpaw! brindlepaw!" pebbletail joins in with the chanting, watching the young apprentice skip back into the crowd with their mentors. heronpaw is then assigned to tarantulamask to continue training. a thought for the apprentice's ill mentor is spared before lichenstar moves on to warrior ceremonies. shifting his stance, the snow-dappled tom peers over the crowd, finding the silhouette of owlpaw where he rests beside sunpaw and cloudpaw. excitement ripples through the young man as he watches his friend called to the front. a memory of kithood stirs, the childish brainstorming of warrior names. owlbite, pebblekit had suggested for owlkit, owlclaw. something fierce and strong for his friend. now it is about to become a reality.

the three apprentices take their vows with a serious tone, and lichenstar strides down to gift them their new names. cloudpaw becomes cloudheart, befitting of her grace and honor. sunpaw is next, and pebbletail taps his tail excitedly. their training together had been short but not disliked. he considers the bright girl a friend, a comrade in arms. sunspark, she is named, and it works perfectly. like the sun, the girl gleams, something shining in her eyes. honored for her insight and resolve, lichenstar says, and it is the perfect way to describe the spitfire. perhaps she will cool with warriorhood, but some part of pebbletail hopes she stays the same stubborn flame for life.

finally, it is owlpaw's turn. the boy's dual-hued eyes fix upon lichenstar, and she strips him of his 'paw name. "you shall be known… as owlcrest," pebbletail's mother says, and joy sparks in pebbletail's own heart. owlcrest, for his growing patience and maturity. whiskers twitch as the leader says this, and somehow peb doubts that owl is taking it sincerely, but it is kind all the same. his friend's warrior name is the kind any kit would dream of. not owlbite or owlclaw, but owlcrest, because he has crested the mountain of difficulty that had been apprenticehood, and come down the other side better for it. "owlcrest!" pebbletail howls to the sky, pride for the other tom gleaming in sunset eyes. "cloudheart! sunspark! owlcrest!"

sighing with delight as the new warriors pad back to their places, the tomcat shakes himself and stands to leave. however, the tone of lichenstar's next words halt him, and he sits back down, sharing a glance with beefang. ferngill has stepped down - the flaming warrior has bowed out of the role as lead. white capped brows furrow, scanning for the ginger tom. with the loss of his mate and the sudden revelation about his sister, he can imagine ferngill is feeling low. he sends a thought to the tom. lichenstar continues with an ominous "he isn't the only one…" and orange eyes flit to her again, wondering. who else could possibly be stepping down? snakeblink has been on the council since the cicadastar days, so surely not him. foxtail? he doubts his former mentor would leave. "i'll be choosing a new deputy," the river queen announces. it hits her son like a stone.

hazecloud is giving up her place? hazecloud, gentle and graceful and put together, and everything a deputy - a future leader - should be. the white chin dangles open as the tom takes in the news. some selfish thought argues that if this were real, they would've told him first. obviously, they hadn't, but it is real all the same, because suddenly snakeblink is deputy. it takes a moment for pebbletail to shake off his shock, but once he does, he can see the sloped shoulders of his mother, the relief so palpable within her fern-hued eyes. at least, he thinks, she will not have to take over upon her mate's death. it is a kindness, perhaps.

lichenstar moves quickly on, as if the point does not wish to dwell on the subject. a somber moment is held with the reminder of the cats they've lost during the sunningrocks battle. the blue tom bows his head, glancing back up as new leads come into the conversation. the clan is lacking in council, it is true. wondering vaguely who would be trusted enough to join the leader's closest associates, he almost misses his name being called. it is only after eyes turn to him, after midnightash's name is spoken, and then splashdance's, that he blinks. his gaze finds not lichenstar, nor hazecloud, shellpaw, or any number of his siblings, but foxtail. his former mentor beams in pride, and he allows that pride to warm him. "i accept." he tells his mother, because, really, what other choice is there?

splashdance looks for him and he finds himself turning his gaze from his former mentor to meet her river blues. there is something unspoken there, happiness at their shared promotion, regret for something neither of them have figured out yet. midnightash's voice breaks the magic, pulling the dark molly back to reality. pebbletail watches her go with clouded eyes. he cannot blame the flame-licked feline. she is keeping her mate on track. turning back to foxtail, the young man presses his nose to the older man's, like he had done so many moons ago as little pebblepaw. "uhm, wow!" he breathes, excitement building. "guess you can't boss me around anymore."

LET ME BE YOUR OWN ☼ ICARION CARRION

• // " #848DAE"
• 
• PEBBLETAIL ☼ HE / HIM, LEAD WARRIOR OF RIVERCLAN. 13 MOONS OLD, PENNED BY LAVS
  
  
  a large blue tabby with low white and vitiligo. pale blue fur covers the length of pebbletail's stocky body, sliced through with darker tabby stripes and spots. baleful orange eyes peer out of heavy set sockets, and his muzzle, paws, and tail tip are dashed with white.

​