STRINGS OF FATE 〘 RETURN 〙ˊˎ﹤

[SUNNVAR]

The comfort of his skull to Wolfsong's is one to quickly wane. Chaos is a tireless foe, and it is quick to sweep through WindClan's camp. With their wounds frozen in the cold and their tongues bearing the full weight of their pain, his clanmates snap at one another with fervor and dissent has its jaws around the head of this beast. He steps forward, away from all that he finds safety in, and enters the fray. "Enough!" His voice is bold and hot in the leafbare's frosted air, a puff of dragon's flame from his maw. "We have suffered enough in the weeks before. This battle was not a matter of folly, but of love– we chose to go to war, not to spill blood in needless anger, but to save our clanmates." Nearly beseechingly, Sunstride turns to look at all those still standing. "It will do no good to cause more harm to one another. The strands of fate have already been woven. All that is left is to decide if we will stand together for it, or tear one another apart."

He has not sought Sootstar's approval. The thought does not so much as touch his skull until after the torrent of heated words has left his mouth, and even then he spares her only a lingering glance. Perhaps his call for peace would earn him no favors, but he could not stand by and tolerate an injustice when it stood so clearly at his front. Both to her and to their healer, a great divide is beginning to tear them apart. "It was not Sootstar's pride that carried us to SkyClan's borders. It was our own love for one another. Fighting one another will serve no greater good."

﹥ˏˋ〘  OOC NOTES INFORMATION 〙ˊˎ﹤

• ooc: —
• SUNSTRIDE. named for his coloration and his bold chasing of fate.
  —— cis male, uses he - him. thirty-four moons old. warrior of windclan and former rogue.
  —— cautious of clan life, but an apt learner. encourages close bonds between clanmates.
  —— loyalty uncertain, cares for those surrounding him. undoubtedly closest to wolfsong.
  
  sunstride is broad and bold– a creature standing above most of windclan, though not a beast beyond its borders, with fur that flames red at its base and deepens to a burnt amber with every whorl and stripe. his eyes, in comparison, are a pale summer's blue, still as bold as the rest of him.
• "speech"

​

 

[slatepaw]

---

slatepaw
6 moons - windclan apprentice - speech​

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ───────────────── ☾ ───────────────── ⋅ ⋅ ──╮



as gravelpaw moved out of the crowd towards him, slatepaw felt his heart drop. his brother was alive, but half frozen to death and caked in mud - he couldn't decipher if it was their own, or someone else's. they were alive, sure, but at what cost? injuries to the body and the mind alike plagued every cat on that patrol, and sunsetbreeze was dead. this was a mistake.

when gravelpaw pressed their nose into his fur, hot tears seeped out of the black-and-white tom's eyes. the conversation raged around him; accusations against sootstar, accusations against each other and themselves, skyclan, riverclan - wait, riverclan was there? once again, he felt his heart skip a beat. was ashpaw among them, slatepaw wondered? skyclan and riverclan may have won the battle, but at what cost of their own? please be alive, slatepaw pleaded silently. while his heart burned to know more about his sister, now was not the time to ask. even now, as he gazed down at his injured brother, he knew gravelpaw wasn't in the right state of mind to learn about their lost sister. he doesn't need to know, slatepaw found himself thinking selfishly. this is my happiness to hold. not his.

while the bitter thoughts circled through his head, he tried his best to put them to the back of his mind. gravelpaw was apologizing, but slatepaw didn't want any of it. promptly, he shook his head, meeting his littermate's eyes for a brief moment. "no, brother. it is not you who should apologize." with that comment, he casted a long glare in sootstar's direction, the first and likely only act of defiance he'd commit against his leader. sootstar was the one who set this clan to war in the middle of a snowstorm, full of half-trained apprentices, hungry and compromised from sickness and anxiety. sootstar was the one not taking blame for her actions - passing it onto someone else, under the will of starclan. the thought hung bitterly in his mind, yet he held his tongue, only staring down the leader with a dagger-sharp glare. he told himself that if gravelpaw died, he'd never forgive sootstar, but the current circumstances seemed appropriate too. to him, sootstar was losing her mind.

ooc | interacting with @GRAVELPAW


╰── ⋅ ⋅ ───────────────── ☾ ───────────────── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯

༶•┈┈⛧┈★ just a castaway, an island lost at sea

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[Irispath]

His anger only rose as he heard Juniperfrost speak. Oh, he wanted to rip his claws down his throat. No medicine cat or twoleg could remove the stick that was shoved up his ass.

He almost whipped around to spit at him when Sunstride called out. He speaks of love.

Yes.

He himself had wanted to go to Skyclan territory and steal catmint.....But more discreetly. He would have preferred to scour the territory in secret than start a war.

He looked to Sunstride as he thought.

Skyclan didn't owe them anything. But they made Dandelionwish break, and that set his blood on fire.

Love was at the root of his actions. Love was probably going to get him killed.

"Sunstride is right." He said flatly.

He said what he said. He meant it. Every word.

But he had to calm down. He spoke before he thought, likely damning him.

His thoughts went to Echolight and the kits.

If any of these rotten lunatics threatened them....

Well, he would kill them.

And so he forced himself to calm down and apologize. "I was out of turn." He said. "I apologize."

It was spoken bitterly, but honestly. He stepped away, going to sit with the rest of Sootstars loyalists. Specifically, he went to sit beside Sunstride.

"Something broke inside." He said quietly to him. "Sorry."

Whatever happens happens.

​

 

[snowspark.]

It is only with vacant eyes does he spot his apprentice, her monochrome face plastered with what he assumed was a concerned look. Crowpaw wouldn't need another reassignment, not if he could help it. Yet his mind is too far detached from his body to do much more than wave his now-crooked tail in her direction, a lazy reassurance from afar. He wasn't entirely sure when he stopped trying to clean his blood-crusted chest, but instead, he sat stiffly, seeing the commotion around him yet not fully registering. He was tired. He hurt everywhere. And he was still hungry. Just like everyone else suffering through the barren season, he wasn't special.

Something or someone warm settled beside him ― he'd be foolish to reject the shoulder to slump on, distantly aware of Hazeldash resuming where he left off in his half-hearted grooming. Static flooded his ears at that point. His throat ached, it wouldn't stop aching. He wanted nothing more than to crawl out of his skin, right then and there, to curl up somewhere dark and safe until it all blew over. His jaw trembled, teeth clicking behind his hollow expression as hisses of rage were flung across the camp, filled with venom. Too loud, too much, it all blended together. Only when the publically-shamed medicine cat calls for the wounded does he move, pushing himself to frozen-stiff limbs after a significant delay. Fuck this shit, whatever was going on. It didn't matter to him right now. Mechanically, he limped forward, keeping his gaze on the ground as he followed away from the scene.

out!​

 

[icebreath]

TAGS — The adrenaline still hasn't drained from Icepaw's small frame, long after their retreat. Her heart thrums painfully in her chest and her head still spins, although at this point it's more from anxiety than lingering dizziness from her several falls. Every little sound she hears sends a jolt through her — what if their enemies are in pursuit, looking to take back the stolen herbs? The sting of her wounds only heightens her nerves, worsened by the frigid air. But hers are absolutely nothing compared to some of the cats in her patrol, and for that she's immensely grateful. She clutches the catmint between her teeth as though it might be snatched away at any moment. It's a wonder she managed to keep her possession over it throughout the battle — another thing she's grateful for, even proud of. It's not much on account of her clumsy haste, but it's vastly better than nothing. She keeps telling herself that whenever she remembers just how little the entire patrol managed to nab.

It's a bit difficult to stay positive, though, throughout Nightmareface's lecture. She and her mentor quickly lag behind the patrols, with Icepaw listening and nodding along dutifully as they go over her performance in the battle. I can't believe I tripped like that, she groans inwardly amid the scolding. If she hadn't been so careless in her mad sprint, she wouldn't have lost her footing and subsequently been pinned. What if she'd been mauled or killed? She'd thanked Nightmareface endlessly for rescuing her from that terrifying pinch once the patrol fled, but it wasn't enough to save her from being chewed out. But she's right, and Icepaw promises to be more careful and mindful in the future.

Every now and again her mind wanders to the apprentices in the larger patrol; how did they fare? They're probably worse off than Icepaw's own, given the bloody nature of their respective mission. But fortunately she can't allow herself to drift off, lost in her own thoughts, and miss anything her mentor is saying, so she doesn't dwell on it. Her anxiety would be through the roof if she did. She is eager to get home, though, and touch base with them; her walk would border on jogging if she had the energy for it.

Relief washes over her at the sight of the camp's grassy walls, although it's chased away by unease the closer they draw to the entrance; she can hear shouting from within. "I blame you, Sootstar!" Her heart skips a beat, wondering what's going on as she slips through the gap in the gorse and heather... and it flips at the sight of Sunsetbreeze's limp body on the ground. Oh. She'd hardly known the warrior on a personal level, usually only mingling to the fullest extent with her fellow apprentices, but losing such a constant presence in her life is jarring and deeply saddening nonetheless — as is the realization that he might not be the only casualty. Pale eyes dart this way and that in search of any other corpses, but everyone else here is standing, thank StarClan. And that includes Rainpaw! She slinks over to her sister, quick and quiet to avoid drawing attention to herself amid the discord rippling through the crowd. Icepaw flashes her a smile, tinged with worry, and nuzzles her cheek, still gripping the catmint between her teeth. Firepaw only receives a nod of acknowledgment, but there's relief in her gaze all the same; annoying as she is, Icepaw obviously still cares about her safety.

She jumps when Dandelionwish's furious shout suddenly rises above everything else, quickly turning her wide-eyed gaze toward him. This pure anger is entirely unlike him, but then again he's not a cat she knows too well either beyond her occasional visit to his den; maybe this is something that's been stewing for a while, a boiling resentment. That's absolutely what it sounds like, with his talk of fragile pride and everything he blames her for. Her blood runs cold as she listens, glancing around to gauge the expressions of the onlooking crowd, but her primary focus lies on the matter at hand and it's not long before her gaze's path limits itself to Dandelionwish and Sootstar. All of this for two sprigs of catmint... she echoes internally, and then does a mental double take. Wait, two?! But Sunstride had also gotten ahold of some! Unless...? Oh, stars, did he grab the wrong herb? They only have enough to treat two cats...? But maybe not even two — what if one dose isn't enough to help a single cat fully recover?

"You treat your Clan like possessions," she hears the tom snarl. How in the world can he so openly criticize their leader? She leans lightly against Rainpaw beside her, vainly seeking comfort in her sister's touch. That's not true, she thinks anxiously to herself. Sootstar's a tough leader, but WindClan is a tough Clan; she's earned her title and her keep, and it's clear that so many cats here respect her, Icepaw included. So what in the world could he be talking ab—

Sootstar's thundering voice cuts into her whirling thoughts, talking about... a dream? An omen. Icepaw stares intently up at her, tail lashing restlessly as she processes StarClan's message. A corruption... that would explain why he went behind Sootstar's back and revealed WindClan's weakness to SkyClan, and now his explosive rage. But still... he's always seemed so kind... Her gaze drops to the ground, trying to make sense of it. But even if she can't, StarClan had spoken; surely if they're turning against a medicine cat of all cats, it's not being done lightly.

Dandelionwish is demoted and Vulturemask is the new medicine cat. It's a jarringly sudden decision — she looks at him with shock and pity in her gaze; what a stressful position to be thrown into without warning! What if he's not willing? Even if he weren't, Icepaw wouldn't have the guts to deny the position if she were him, at least not right now. And what if Dandelionwish intentionally trains him poorly? Feeds him false knowledge to set him up for failure and sabotage WindClan?

Their new prisoner's parting words to Sootstar are ice cold, leaving her with a hollow feeling. She initially ignores his sharp demand for all injured cats to follow him into his den for treatment; she wants to properly speak with Rainpaw and check in on everyone else before heading in, and to be honest she's nervous about being around Dandelionwish after what just happened. Obviously she herself has nothing to do with his and Sootstar's quarrel, but his mood is obviously awful and she's afraid he might verbally lash out, or maybe even half-ass her treatment.

Sunstride's exclamation demands her attention, and his words are true, reassuring even. Maybe the raid wasn't as strategic as it should have been, given the Clan's troubling circumstances, but how can anyone blame Sootstar for this course of events? How could anyone have sat around and done nothing when their Clanmates are suffering?

A quiet sigh escapes her, and she looks up at Rainpaw and Firepaw after a few long moments of staring worriedly ahead, her face a mask of worry. After struggling to find her voice, all she can manage to mumble through her cargo is: "...Wow."
​

 

[GRAVELSNAP]

They get hardly a moment to lean on Slatepaw before a fight breaks out. This time, at least, it's arguing instead of physical violence, but the apprentice deflates anyway, rubs their forehead against their brother's fur with a deep sigh. "We were outnumbered. Those RiverClan scum…" they cut themself off with a hiss, anger rising as they recall the feeling of claws in their face, the scent of not-SkyClan warriors, Badgermoon's order to retreat.

For a few moments, Gravelpaw doesn't say anything more. Squeezes his eyes shut to block it all out. Doesn't focus on anything, only listening to the scene that Dandelionwish and Sootstar have just made. Vulturemask is named the new healer of the clan, and the now ex-healer is named a prisoner.

He lifts his head from where it rests against Slatepaw, moves to stand at his side, flanks brushing but not pressed together. Their uncle is shouting too, now, but the black-patched apprentice doesn't feel too bad for whichever sad sack Juniperfrost is tearing a new hole into with his words. Sootstar is the highest authority of this land, and it's only right that those who defy her are punished accordingly. The she-cat is powerful—and ruthless, cunning. And those who are powerful get anything they want if they are ruthless enough, cunning enough. She deserves what she's built for herself, scraped together from the ashes of the Great Battle that Gravelpaw has only heard of in stories from the elders.

To his brother, and to anyone else near enough to hear, Gravelpaw snarls, "Traitors deserve worse than exile." Exile is too light a punishment, too forgiving to those who defy their leader's rule—those who are far too comfortable taking the fruits of Sootstar's labor of forming WindClan, but who hold no true loyalty to the cat they all owe their lives to. No. Exile is not enough. Gravelpaw didn't just risk his life for those fools to be unsatisfied, for them to say that it was a pointless endeavor.

No, Gravelpaw thinks. He wants to see blood spilled today, he wants to see worse than banishment. Dandelionwish may have been their healer, but now he's nothing. He's shown his true colors, proven Sootstar's own predictions correct. The warriors who dissent are more easily forgiven—they've been led astray, somehow, lost their faith in the leader. It can be fixed. But it would be easier to just kill them, and he doesn't doubt that Sootstar could do it.


// interacting with @slatepaw !
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[ DEATH OF A DREAM ]​

​

 

[Coyotecrest]

I won't apologize for being who I am

Not long after the question left his mouth Dandelionwish turned on him, telling him to close his mouth. Surprise flickers across the young tom's features and his brows quickly knit together in confusion. But this was wrong. Everything about this was wrong. Within the short time he has known the medic, Dandelion has been nothing but kind, helpful. Trapped. He didn't deserve this. Yet he was reminded of his conversation with the sepia tom. "Patience, keep yer head down and temper cool as best ye can." Coyotepaw breaks eye contact with the newly made prisoner. Wrestling for control over his temper as he glares at his paws He had to honor Dandelion's request, no matter how much it irked him to remain silent.

Quietly he watches the former medic leave with Tigerfrost in tow only to glance at Galeforce and Yewberry as they too bubbled over the edge with unrestrained malice. The shouting grows as his father demands them to mind their tongue and Sunstride tries to offer reassurance with calming notes of wisdom. Silence continues to envelope the boy as he turns to take his leave, wanting nothing more than to put as much distance between himself and the chaos continuing to unravel. (/out)​

Tryna throw shade on me say a lot 'bout you​

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[Firefang]

She can feel the presence of her brother at her heels but it doesn't bring her comfort, she doesn't know why he clings close to her like a lost kit but he's to distracted by everything else to pay much mind to her littermate that she really hardly notices him there. She just notices the fact one of them wasn't, she can spot Strawpaw a frozen mess of a living statue still close to where they entered the camp and the rest of the patrols filtered around but still no Icepaw but before she can leave her brother and Rainpaw something stirs within the camp something dangerous was about to unfold and her ears shoot up as she hears Galeforce's decree. His voice ragged with emotion as he yowls his grief in the face of Sootstar his blame resting squarely on her shoulders and she can't agree to that did he understand what he was saying, and who he was saying it to? Would she blame Sootstar if Icepaw was dead, if any of the apprentices were? She doesn't think she would, but how could she be so certain. Badgermoon attempts to fix things to take the fall but it's not his words she agrees with but Tigerfrost's the blame rested on the foxheart who'd slain Sunsetbreeze in cold blood not their leader not their deputy but a coward who went for the kill instead of fighting fair and square. She disregards the yearnings she felt in the fray of things, the desire to tear the apprentice she was entangled with to shreds didn't matter now. If things ended there, if Galeforces words of dissent stayed just his own it wouldn't be a big deal.

Her ears flatten down, Danedelionwish's shriek rips through the air a caterwaul that spells his doom his future sealed the moment he stalks over to his clanmates; stalks his way over to Sootstar. The medicine cat has always fought fate, it was his job to do so to put together the battered and bruised bodies of the injured and restore vitality into the ill despite his assumed weakness for staying out of harms way she knows his place is important and rarely did she have a negative word to speak about him much less so to him. She's never seen him like this, so furious frothing with rage directed at their leader, the fur on her hackles raise and involuntarily her claws unsheathe as if she expects him to rush Sootsar. He doesn't but the words he spits like venom may as well be an attack on her, metaphorically he spits in her face blaming her for far more then what Galeforce did. He was losing it he had to be he'd looked so fragile returning from the other medicine cats he'd not been himself then and now he was hardly more then a shattered reflection. They did this not for Sootstar but for him did they not? To get him what he needed to treat the sick, they didn't do this for Sootstar's pride and bloodlust did they? She wouldn't endanger them, she was doing what was best for them and if she wasn't pregnant she would've been there fighting shoulder to shoulder with them! He didn't know what he was talking about. Sootstar was NOT a monster!

Sootstar speaks after a silence that felt too long to be accurate, it was likely just a few seconds if even before her even voice goes against the maddened ramblings of the medicine cat but what she says confused her. Words of a vision, an omen? But a field of dandelions didn't seem so horrific not like the rabbit they'd found, why would Starclan send something so vague to her. She doesn't expect the reasoning for it that Sootstar comes to and she doesn't hide the shock from her face as Sootstar gives her declaration; Dandelionwish would get replaced by Vulturemask he was nothing more then a prisoner who's home would be Windclan for as long as Vulturemask stayed untrained. That seemed like a insane decision! Why cast him out they needed him didn't they? She gulps hard. Sootstar was their leader though she knew what was best it was her vision, she wouldn't lie, she wouldn't cast him out without any reason. He was a danger to Windclan. But Firepaw can't see how the tom who'd kept them all alive for moons and was fighting day and night to keep the sick from succumbing to black-cough like Wisteriapaw did could be dangerous... She looks to her brother, looks to Rainpaw as if they could read her mind as if they understood what was happening anymore then she did. There was no arguing, Sootstar's words were final, she was right she was always right this time was no different it's just a shock. This whole day had been a shock she just needed to lay down.

More hastily spoken words come, rage and disbelief littered in their tones and it's telling the normally noisy Firepaw stays silent maw half agape ears folded back and tail low. Even if she agrees with Juniperfrost, Sunstride and Tigerfrost she can't join her voice in support with theirs for the sake of Sootstar and her clan. Even when she tries all that comes out is a garbled choked noise hat quickly returns to silent as her jaws clasp shut. She turns her head and somehow she'd not heard Icepaw's soft pawsteps approach whilst her gaze was enraptured by the sight of Dandelionwish and Sootstar, she almost jumps out of her fur quickly pulled back into reality as her gaze meets Icepaw's own and she lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding a gasp of relief freeing her lungs of strain. Her ears twitch when she hears the smaller mollies voice and she huffs a pained chuckle coming out of her. ❝Yeah... Wow❞ she's okay, they're all okay banged up but fine. Her eyes do look closely at Icepaw's fur looking for wounds that may mar her, there's none quite as bad as the scratches on her own side but it still annoys her to see the flecking of blood on her soft pelt.

She knows she should go follow Dandelionwish but there's others who are more hurt, she saw the scores of wounds on Badgermoon and she knows there's others baring deeper wounds then she had inflicted onto her. She also like Icepaw doesn't wish to face him, unsure of what to expect or even say as he worked on them. Uncomfortably she shifts her attention still laying on Icepaw and she at first speaks of the Catmint in her mouth. ❝So it was you who got some.... I'm surprised❞ her voice shakes uneasily even as she tries to focus on the apprentice in front of her and her peers around them. She tries to still her trembling paws. ❝nice work for once❞ she looks away from her gaze staring out again towards the others already beginning to filter away further into the camp if they didn't head to the medicine den. ❝Are you - uh - hurt at all, did any of those ratfaced sonuva-kittypet bitches get a claw in ya?❞ she finally asks a twinge of passion returning to her tone.

( PLACE ME IN MY CASKET TONIGHT ; BECAUSE IM ALREADY DYING INSIDE )​

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[LYNXTOOTH.]

// cw for abusive mentality towards apprentice
interactions are tagged in medias res, hopefully for added clarity

. . .

when the patrols arrived, one after the other, lynxtooth had scanned the battle-worn group for his golden child: his strongest son, his warrior in training. slatepaw's warbling tone sounded below him, calling out for his brother — lynxtooth allowed the show of emotion, searching himself, gaze kept carefully neutral.

and there.

@GRAVELPAW.

the boy looked half frozen — wounded, fatigued, as any soldier would be — a very first battle. pride had swelled in lynxtooth's chest. his brother and sister, too, were among those returning alive.

(sunsetbreeze was not. lynxtooth made a note to give juniperfrost his condolences —

but for now, his son.)

gravelpaw does not collapse. he stands strong, dropping only his head to rest on slatepaw's shoulder. "gravelpaw," lynxtooth murmurs, coming to rest beside his children as they share their near-embrace, tail brushing once along the apprentice's back, a single moment of rare affection.

"you did well."

he says nothing else as the party trails in, as tensions rise and spark and burst into flame once more, as they always do — teeth gnashing, lynxtooth will join his brother, tipping his chin up and flashing teeth and talons alike; @Juniperfrost offers his claws to end the lives of the dissenters, those still brash enough to speak out — "If you want to die you may choose my claws or the storm." — and lynxtooth adds, "or mine." his gaze rests on galeforce, then yewberry. "always happy to do away with a traitor."

he'll draw closer and closer to @Yewberry as he speaks, head tilted to one side, ginger fur raised along his spine. "it could be a quick death... or i could draw it out." his lip curls. "that is, if you truly hate her moorland majesty so deeply. or could you be persuaded to fall in line?"

the last sentence he growls, the massive tabby's muscles braced, prepared to execute sootstar's orders the moment she should give them — he can mark the jugular, path the lunge. yewberry could bleed out in seconds at his feet. it would not be difficult.

he rounds on @Galeforce next, the same threat burning in amber eyes. "perhaps exile first, and then we send a patrol out to hunt you like prey. how does that sound?" it's mocking, angry, unafraid; he knows where he stands next to these traitorous scum. he'll show his rage for sootstar's glory. "if you've any more brains than a rabbit, shut your mouth."

then @slatepaw — slatepaw.

lynxtooth sees red. his son, his own apprentice — but he has had his tirade now. so he bites his tongue and levels the child with a look: slatepaw will pay for that comment tonight and it will be painful.

(for lynxtooth, it will be welcome stress relief. stars above, there are so many cats he wants to tear into. his restraint really is incredible.

slatepaw may be useless for everything else, but he does serve one purpose, at least.)

gravelpaw's own vicious retort fuels lynxtooth's righteous fury, malicious smile settling over his features — at least one child hasn't turned out a catastrophic failure. "precisely," he praises gravelpaw once more. "worse than exile indeed."


. . . tags.​

 

[JaggedOak]

"THEY SAY THAT IM RECKLESS BECAUSE I'M RELENTLESS"​

❝ Back off, you two!! ❞ Large paws carried the brown tabby into the chaotic tension that was crackling among the group. The patrol had returned, and instead of celebration and success, there was arguments and exiles. From what he could discern from the many voices yowling and hissing, was that there were barely any herbs retrieved to help two cats, let alone half the clan that was struggling to breath in the badger set.

However, despite all that, despite the words being spat at his leader and childhood friend, despite the demotion and future exile of Dandelionwish, Jaggedoak moved to stand in front of the two siblings of fire and ice. He moved to place himself between them, and Yewberry, and Galeforce. ❝ Sheath your threats, Juniperfrost and Lynxtooth! We already have a warriors death to take care of, don't make it more while half the clan is either injured, weak from sickness or dying! ❞ His words were heated and his tail lashed side to side behind him.

❝ No matter their opinions, we need all the able bodied warriors we can get during leaf bare. Would you dare to cut our numbers down when those kittypet loving foxhearts across the thunderpath could be planning a retaliation?! Yewberry and Galeforce would still give their lives for this clan, no matter if they disagree with our choices. ❞ He glanced to Yewberry before looking at the new lead warrior sitting by the tunneler's side. Fiery gaze turned back towards the siblings. ❝ Save your energy for when those kittypets come across the border and invade our territory instead of wasting it on leaving us with even less warriors to combat them! Sunstride is right. This is on Skyclan, and Skyclan alone. ❞

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⊱ ♞ ⊰​

 

[WOLFSONG]

──⇌•〘 INFO 〙 /cw just for some slightly graphic wound metaphors ajsbdja

They may have returned from battle freshly injured, but as Dandelion and Sootstar's conflict unfolds, Wolfsong recognizes that there is an older wound here, festering and reeking of rot. It leaks and spills out over the rest of the WindClanners here, those who fought and those who stayed, and he presses in close at Sunstride's side with the sharp-eyed vigilance of a deadly-taloned bird. Even the maggots would avoid this dying flesh; there is no sustenance to be found in this infection, and he knows that Sootstar would blame it on dissenters, but Wolfsong isn't so certain. She didn't send them to battle, but would they have needed to go at all if it was someone else leading them?

His gaze drifts briefly to Sunstride when he interjects, though he does not watch his impassioned features long. Instead, he searches the faces of those who listen to him, taking note especially of the cats who do not listen. Yewberry moves to occupy Sunstride's other side, murmuring to him, and Wolfsong smoothes the instinctive bristling below his skin. A fine speech as always, but too few listen. What is to encourage Dandelionwish to teach with so many eager to see his blood freed? Let alone to teach well.

His eyes narrow as Lynxtooth advances on Yewberry, and by extension of proximity, Sunstride. Wolfsong doesn't hesitate to insinuate himself between them and smiles, the curve of it a bear's claw. "I am glad such a warrior remained to guard WindClan," he says, light and roguish, all playful flattery. "There were so many SkyClanners and RiverClanners that I worry it would have been...difficult for you to distinguish friend from foe." His voice dips into a lower register of pretend sympathy, as though Wolfsong is comforting a senile elder back to their nest. "Given how closely they smell to you." He does not miss the look given to Slatepaw.

Jaggedoak's own speech and intervention gives Wolfsong the opportunity to lean in close to Sunstride's ear and murmur, "Shall I watch him, haustmyrkr?"
​

 

[SOOTSTAR]

StarClan makes mistakes, you're one of them.
Perhaps at times, Sootstar knows she has not stayed in the good graces of her father the entire reign. It's only because shes shown weakness, failure to act. The blue smoke knows she is making StarClan proud by heeding their wisdom, the weed will say anything to further extract his poison onto her clan, to turn them against her. The fact some of them took his word even now that the gods have spoken went to show that whatever treacheries he's been up to have been working.

Galeforce and Yewberry's words are horrid, they speak blasphemy and no apologies could take back or erase the words they just spoke. Galeforce states she is a warning sent by StarClan, that she is to be used in kit bedtime stories to keep them in line. Yewberry implies her own name is a bad omen, that soot is all that's left after a forest fire. These claims were too creative and took far too much thought to be just a slip of the tongue.

Sunstride speaks and to an extent Sootstar can appreciate his diplomacy, it gets Yewberry even to choke on his words and give out a measley apology. But her traitor clan-mates have already decided, and so has she. Sootstar wouldn't ally, care for, and lead cats who spoke such vile against her and in the same paw the words of StarClan. She gives Sunstride a glance before her eyes pivot to Yewberry who now meekly sat beside him, her eyes narrowed.

"Your "apology" means less than a rabbit's tail to me. You speak only words of loyalty when it'll save your rear, every incident you've had to go against me you've taken it fox-heart. I exile you, and for falsely renewing your vows with me and wasting WindClan time- let's hope you can run faster than Juniperfrost and Lynxtooth." Yes, she was inviting her bloodthirsty hounds to give chase if they so desired. "You best run, traitorous rabbit." A final hiss to Yewberry in warning, she doesn't care if her warriors or the snowstorm gets him.

It's Galeforce's turn. "I imagine you're still bitter about your mentor's exile, yes? What type of rot did she manage to inflict into your head before she went running to RiverClan? I assume the words you speak are the side affects of it." Hyacinithbreath loyalty aside, blatantly had been a good warrior. She was skilled and likely passed down some traits of a great warrior onto the young warrior. "What do you think I should do with you, Galeforce? Should I give you the release that comes with exile so you can join that treacherous fox-heart in RiverClan? Should I keep you? If so how do you plan on making up for the terrible words you just spoke? Tell me, Galeforce." Is she truly putting the tom's fate in his own paws or was she just toying with her prey before she puts an inevitable end to its life?

// @Juniperfrost @LYNXTOOTH. @Yewberry @Galeforce
I apologize I couldn't respond to *everything* but hopfully this suffices! ​

---

Spoiler: TAGS ★ 01/07

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

╰ ★ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,
· SOOTSTAR, female — she / her
╰ ‣ 34 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 Windpaw & Sootpaw
╰ ‣ mentor to Smokepaw & Coyotepaw
╰ ‣ average fighter . skilled hunter .
╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .
╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.​

​

​

 

[Badgermoon]

For a moment, it was simply a matter of trying to console Galeforce and soothe the ragged edges of everyone's nerves. And then, in what felt like only the time it took for a single breath of wind to gust past his bloodied body, the skies opened and the ground split open everyone went mad. Nonplussed, the black-and-white tom watched as disrespect, cruelty, grief, rage, anger, prophecy, and retaliation ran wild, bounding deer across the field of discourse. Perhaps it was good all of this was happening after a raid, after he had traveled and fought and been wounded, for his mind had the frayed-edge clarity of exhaustion, with no extra room for nuance or doubt. StarClan had spoken clearly, both then and now, and it was far beyond him to question their wisdom. Moreover, just as he had faith in their ancestors, he had faith in Sootstar. Besides, she had faith in him, didn't she? She had chosen him to be Duskfire's successor; it would be unjust to not reciprocate that trust.

Curlewnose's concern was acknowledged but gently put aside, as the deputy stood and attempted to press his nose against the tunneler's flushed cheek. "We'll talk." was all he could manage to say before pushing himself to his feet and padding unsteadily, but purposefully, toward Sootstar. Not too long ago, he had been defending the smaller tom against Rampaw's unkindness...but things changed, he supposed. Now the former tunneler had been declared an enemy of WindClan, and was it not his duty to defend his Clanmates against their enemies? In a show of support and, perhaps, to indicate that any attempts to retaliate against the blue smoke would require dealing with him first, Badgermoon eased himself into a sitting position next to Sootstar. He placed his speckled paws neatly in front of him, feeling somewhat detached from it all; this made sense, he felt. This was where he belonged. This moment, here and now, was a difficult and upsetting one - but there were better ones ahead, he was sure. After all, they were obeying StarClan's will. He just wished that these cats who he cared about, who he viewed as friends, had had the sense to trust their leader - or, if nothing else, to be quiet about not trusting her.​

 

[ELKSKULL]

Throughout his inspection of Bunny things were happening. Things were kicking off it seemed and he was hardly inclined to care about what that other apprentice said to him. Don't say that? What? Don't say the truth of the matter. It was indeed death they had decided to tangle with over some pieces of plants that may not even save anyone at all. Blind faith comes at a price they say. His small smile doesn't falter and he merely watches the dramatices with a small inclination. "She didn't ask if anyone was okay." His voice is barely above a whisper. The first thing their leader asked about were the plants. Something he takes note of. His tail wraps around his paws and everyone is snapping, snarling, fighting. Tye leader speaks of a dream and then Dandelion is punished. Exiled. Vulture to be made a medicine cat befoee he leaves. "A waste..." He sighs. And during leafbare at that. How anyone can think this a good idea he doesn't know but he merely shrugs his shoulders.

Gale is shouting, upset about that Sunsetbreeze. Maybe they shouldn't have went. It was a choice after all. His muzzle twitches and he is done with all of this clamoring. All the threats. It's not fun to watch anymore. He rises to his paws and he glances to Bunny for just a moment before he lowers his head. "Well you heard Dandelion. Get to the former medicine cat's den." The way he says it is quite amused before he turns and walks away from the scene. Too much happening for him to truly find the feelings to care.​

 

[Galeforce]

↞ RACE THE WINDS

It gets harder and harder but he remains standing tall and musters up the courage to puff out his chest in the face of the zealots who rush to defend their Mad Queen. Breaking now would only lead to a greater fall. Briefly he finds strength when Yewberry speaks out, but all too soon they wilt under his apologies. It's too late however, he was exiled by Sootstar for it all. Treated like prey, he fears for the other tom's chances to evade the brutal psychos that Sootstar dares to keep in her ranks.

Galeforce does not bow in front of Juniperfrost, and neither does he buckle before Lynxtooth's threats. He keeps his gaze cold and sharp, just daring the bastard to even try. "Treat me like a rabbit and you'll rapidly feel the fangs of a dog at your throat." He snaps back with a flash of teeth. After what he had just faced during the raid frankly Lynxtooth was no more than a mewling piece of filth that stained the moorland. Dirt.

It's then that Jaggedoak wades in and speaks, and some of it is true. Galeforce would still fight and die for WindClan, just not for Sootstar and her pandering dancing bunnies. His loyalty would always be to his clan of birth, but he longed for them to be free. To be better.

He's addressed by Sootstar and given a choice; exile, or find some way of begging to remain.

Silence descends over him as he weighs up his options and he takes the time to look back at Sunsetbreeze's cold form. Slowly he turns and he moves to press a kiss to the corpse's cheek before stepping back. "I'm sorry, I won't be there to bury you, but know that I will return to you someday." He swallows hard and he steadies himself before turning back towards Sootstar. "I wasn't influenced by anyone, I opened my eyes on my own." He began as he squared up his shoulders and flexed his claws. "I love WindClan, and that is why I will one day return here to save it. Mark my words Sootstar, the next time you see me it will be when my claws rend you of your final life." A grim promise, one he hoped to make true... provided that he could survive long enough to see the day it happened.

His attention shifts to that of Yewberry, someone now worth making an ally out of. Together they could potentially make it. "Yewberry, come, we're leaving."

//IC opinions!
Gale! What are you doing?!
​

 

[rainpaw.]

Rainpaw naively thought that, once she found Icepaw, everything would be... passable. Not okay, because Sunsetbreeze was dead, but it wouldn't feel like the world was crashing down around her. Her frown deepened as Firepaw explained what had gone down with the SkyClan patrols. Cowards, they were, calling in reinforcements for a battle that they could have prevented. She didn't have time to unpack whatever her fellow apprentice startled snapping about because, only a few moments later, Galeforce's angry voice broke through her thoughts. She turned, Icepaw-finding mission temporarily forgotten as the brown tabby shouted at Sootstar. Rainpaw's eyes were huge as she listened. The clamor of voices started up, and they didn't stop. Badgermoon tried to take the blame, with comforting words that Rainpaw hoped were true, and Tigerfrost tried to deflect blame onto SkyClan. She wasn't sure who was right.

But for a moment, it did not matter. She spotted Icepaw, catmint held in their mouth, and felt a wave of relief crash over her. When Icepaw nuzzled her, Rainpaw returned the gesture with an affectionate bump of her head into Icepaw's. They didn't look unscathed, that was for sure, but a once-over told Rainpaw that they were in no danger of death. They would heal. They were safe, most importantly, and they had succeeded in grabbing herbs. She opened her mouth to congratulate and verbally welcome Icepaw back, but then Dandelionwish started shrieking. The jittering anxiety in her body had started to die down, but it came roaring back up, and Rainpaw's gaze snapped over to the medicine cat. He had always seemed easygoing, friendly, but apparently he had his limits- and had reached them. She wasn't sure that she had ever heard such bitter anger from anyone. Not even Galeforce matched the rage that practically radiated off of Dandelionwish.

Rainpaw had heard the story over and over that SkyClan was to blame for not giving the herbs. They were just selfish, probably scared of what a force a healthy WindClan would be. But here Dandelionwish was claiming something different. They weren't given the herbs because of pure distrust for Sootstar? Two sprigs of catmint... it could save two lives, maybe, which was more than the one that had been last in the battle, but lives couldn't be valued like that. Everyone was returning home with wounds. SkyClan would probably hate them forever. Was the benefit outweighing the cost? Rainpaw couldn't find an answer. She was grateful for Icepaw leaning on her, distracting her for a heartbeat before Sootstar retaliated.

She spoke of a vision, one sent from StarClan, and she drew her conclusions from it. Rainpaw stared at her, looking lost. Dandelionwish and Sootstar were basically accusing each other of destroying WindClan, but while one of them had the backup from StarClan. Rainpaw had prayed to StarClan only a night ago- she just hoped that they knew what they were doing, and that Sootstar had interpreted the vision right. A quiet camp filled with dandelions didn't have to mean destruction. Dandelionwish was demoted, exiled. A prisoner. It felt wrong, but Rainpaw wasn't sure what was right. If StarClan was trying to show Sootstar that Dandelionwish would do harm to the clan... then he deserved it, didn't he? Galeforce and Yewberry seemed to think otherwise and even Vulturemask looked upset.

Sunstride tried to put a stop to the arguing, and Rainpaw was glad to finally locate someone she wholeheartedly agreed with. They had fought in hopes of saving their clanmates from the disease that had wracked WindClan, of course, he was absolutely right. But what if, like Dandelionwish said, SkyClan had only denied them herbs because of Sootstar? Then the battle wasn't just a labor of love, it was also her fault that they had to go in the first place... Rainpaw's head hurt. One ear twitched in acknowledgement of Icepaw's little "wow," but otherwise she remained completely still, unable to even get out a few sentences like Firepaw was. She was starting to feel sick, and she shut her eyes, trying to block everything out. WindClan was her world, and now it did feel like it was crashing down.

Her eyes only snapped open again when Yewberry was exiled, and Galeforce decided to go with him, with the threat of death hanging after them. The words that she had tried to avoid hearing finally processed. She turned to Lynxtooth, shaking, perhaps from the cold or just her anxiety. "'Hunt them like prey?' You're awfully quick to want to!" The words spilled out of her mouth before she could stop them, backing up Jaggedoak and Wolfsong's sentiments. She then promptly shut her mouth, realizing that Sootstar wasn't reprimanding either Lynxtooth or Juniperfrost. Rainpaw didn't want her name added to the list of exiles... at least, she didn't think so. Not when Icepaw was standing next to her.​

 

[bunnywhisker]

For a few moments, the air was peaceful. Bunnywhisker isn't too eager to call it that when there's hardly more than a body lain on their ground, soaking the snowy limits with blood, but it's the closest she can think of in the moment. She diverts her attention from the tunneler apprentices and messes with her new scab, almost ignorant of Elkpaw following her - until the fluffy white tom settles in beside her. It's not necessarily abrupt given she addressed him quietly, however the touch of his fur to hers startles her. He worries over her, in his own weird apathetic way. She presses her lips together, unsure what to do, to say -

She thinks of Sharpeye, the tom she faced off against in the battle. How his mercy saved her life when she almost wanted it to be damned. Would Elkpaw have been distraught of she didn't come home? Would any of them? Her tongue sticks to the roof of her mouth and she shakes her head gently, "The only thing that'll scar on me is this nasty thing," she lies. His offer is left in the air, however, as the world around them becomes unbearably louder. Elkpaw murmurs something quietly, allowing his voice to be consumed by the lot of everyone else's, and Bunny nudges him with her shoulder. A silent warning, just in case.

Bunnywhisker can hardly keep up with all of it; the shouting, the accusations. Some keep their cool, like Sootstar and Badgermoon, as they speak. The spit doesn't fly off their lips like Galeforce or Dandelionwish - but what difference does it make at the end of the day? Sootstar could be rabid, snarling every word she utters, and she would still be their StarClan-gifted leader at the end of the day. She still receives prophecies and omens, still has the gift of many lives and power over them all. Bunnywhisker can't tell if this is a curse or a blessing. The noise hardly gives her time to decide.

Dandelionwish is imprisoned and gone, and both Galeforce and Yewberry are on the chopping block. She wonders if it were any of her friends - of the apprentices, she corrects herself evenly - if she would attempt to back them up, even against a leader. If she would risk being exiled for their sakes. Her gaze flutters over to Icepaw, Firepaw, and Rainpaw, each enthralled by the mess. Then to Elkpaw, who seems disinterested. And genuinely, Bunnywhisker is unsure. Would she put her comfortable, protected life on the line for the other cats around her? Maybe once the decision would've been easier to make, but now, she's neither here nor there.

Elkpaw stands to leave and Bunny collects herself as well, "No -" she starts, eyebrows furrowing. "It's just a little scratch. Dandelion will have his paws more than full with the rest of them," the moor runner decides easily. Be it fearful of nearing the prisoner, or simply because she craves to retain a spot of companionship, the young fem moves to follow Elkpaw. "Why don't we go on a hunt? I'm sure plenty of the others will be damn-near starving after... this," her breath shudders from her maw, and she internally blames it on the cold. Regardless of if Elkpaw takes up her offer, the she-cat leaves, unwilling to watch the rest of the show.
​

 

[GRAVELSNAP]

// CW: gravel thinks about blood quite a bit in this post! not too much, but probably an uncomfortable amount if you aren't good with blood

---

They pointedly do not expect praise for their actions—they'd let an enemy escape with her life. They'd not done enough to distract the SkyClanners while the stealth patrol stole the precious, lifesaving catmint. They think of bloodied white paws, red blooms falling upon the snow. What should have happened.

@LYNXTOOTH. approaches, says that they did well, and Gravelpaw lifts their head to stare up at him. Their father, broad and powerful tom that he is, should have been the one to go. He would have stood a greater chance against the cats of two clans bearing down on him in battle. But no, the ginger-striped tom remained here in WindClan while Gravelpaw trekked through snow, bled onto it, fought in it. For a moment they consider thinking Badgermoon a fool, for sending them instead of Lynxtooth—but the clan needed someone powerful to defend their camp while such a large patrol was away. Without a beast such as their father, what would have become of the clan had RiverClan attacked their camp instead?

They bask in it for a moment; it is an admission of something, even if it still doesn't feel like pride coming from Lynxtooth. Hazel eyes blink closed once, slowly, and then Gravelpaw cracks the smallest smile. "I did what I could." It's almost a correction, but their words are too soft to be taken as argument—unless their father is truly seeking to find such disrespect. They feel the ghost of a touch along their back, and sink a bit further into warmth, despite the chill of the air around them. The man may be harsh, but they know that he cares for them, loves them and Slatepaw both.

Their attention is drawn once more by Sootstar's words, and they focus back in on the shouting that they've been carefully tuning out.

Yewberry is banished. Told to begone, and warned to watch his heels, for the most ruthless warriors of the clan would likely be hot on them. But Yewberry still stands, alive, and it is not enough for the bicolored apprentice. Wrath floods their body. They want to see the moorland queen sink claws into throats, draw blood until her paws, her face, her pelt, the very earth is stained with it. They huff, straightening their shoulders even though it hurts.

Exile. Gravelpaw nearly protests louder, pushes for the both of them to be dealt with now so that they can be done with it all. But his father and uncle seem bloodthirsty, ready to track and chase down the newly exiled maggot-breaths, spill their black blood onto the snow. Because of course they don't bleed red, either of them. They're corrupted, overgrown with yellow flowers. With weeds, as Sootstar says. Their blood would be black as pitch, as night itself, would spill like water all across the ground, to be frozen with the snow, forgotten once melted. Never mind the red blood across Galeforce's fur—only living creatures bleed red. And neither of them will be living for much longer, as far as Gravelpaw can tell.

Galeforce goes on his own, at least—though first he has the audacity to threaten Lynxtooth, snap fangs at him like he's in any state to fight. Their father can defend himself, they know, but still Gravelpaw takes a few long steps toward the larger tomcat. They look back at Slatepaw, urging him to join them at their father's side.

They close their eyes for a long second, and see snow stained with ink, with the remnants of a battle. Paw prints and scuffle marks, and a telling streak of crimson across the white. Two forms, unrecognizable, slumped in the snow.

They hope that what they see will come to pass someday, no matter how long it takes.
​

[ DEATH OF A DREAM ]​

​

 

[icebreath]

TAGS — Between the battle and the current environment, she's too overwhelmed to feel much at all other than numb unease — but a sense of pride does shine through when Firepaw comments on her achievement. Not that they need her approval, but it's no secret that the dark-furred apprentice views them as lesser in terms of skill. Which, to be fair, isn't entirely untrue. Icepaw certainly had little faith in themselves going into the mission, and frankly they think it's a wonder that they succeeded with very few wounds, all things considered. If they weren't so stressed about everything, they'd smile to themselves. "Thanks." They do have to wonder if now's really the time for a backhanded compliment, but they don't have it in them to really feel strongly about it.

At least Firepaw's question makes it clear that she has no real malicious intent. "Oh, yeah, I got a bit scratched up," she replies, stepping forward to present her chest; Rainpaw had been blocking it from Firepaw's view from where she stood. 'A bit' is something of an understatement; the SkyClan apprentice she'd tangled with in the medicine den's claws had dug kind of deep into her flesh, and blood caked the pale fur around the wound. It hurts, especially after a warrior pressed down on it while pinning her; every breath she takes irritates it, and the cold air isn't helping. Not to mention how achey she is from all the tumbles she took — her jaw especially. But there's no use complaining about all of that, so she doesn't. "How're you doing? You look pretty roughed up."

The brief moment of respite ends almost as soon as the murmured words fall from her lips. They look up as Sootstar begins addressing everyone who'd spoken out — including Yewberry. She'd watched it happen but hadn't fully processed it; StarClan, she's so overwhelmed and it's so hard to keep track of everything. Yewberry? That's entirely unlike the tom who'd been targeted by his fellow warriors and even an apprentice for his meekness (a memory that still stresses her out, in part due to her own unwilling involvement in the ordeal). Exiled... seems like his loyalty pledge had been a sham after all. Icepaw finds herself nervously wondering how many other dissenters might lurk among their ranks, if any at all.

Rainpaw's voice is one of the last she expects to hear right now — especially given what she says. Icepaw's wide-eyed gaze snaps to their sister, fur bristling in their shock — and fear. "Rainpaw!" The hushed exclamation nearly comes out as a hiss. How could she talk back to Lynxtooth like that? Not to mention all the other cats watching! She's seen how the stern warrior disciplines apprentices for disrespecting each other — but to disrespect a warrior? Newfound anxiety floods her small body. Even if Icepaw agreed with her, they'd still feel the same; hasn't she learned from all the other cats who've suffered for speaking out? She looks up at Lynxtooth, afraid of how he might react.
​

 

[Sedgerunner]

"BUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR"​

Paw steps gently crunching against the snow was near heart-lurching for the limber warrior, virdian eyes brimming with shining moonlight as her clan mates finally returned. Sedgerunner was about to gasp with excitement, but seeing the state of her clanmates had her breath hitching in her throat immediately. Sunstride's patrol would return first, battered and broken with solemn faces. Something was not right. Where was all the cat mint? She made out some unfamiliar herbs clasped within some of the warrior's jaws but, barely enough to do really do anything. Maybe they don't need as much? Her face fell into a confused expression, ivory whiskers twitching at the pungent smell—though the metallic tang of blood ran rancid in the air, almost causing her to choke on it's thickness.
Sedgerunner was about to ask what happened, but soon the other patrol had arrived at last; the smell of blood growing ever more. They were beaten and bloody, droplets of blood splattering against the white canvas of snow. Her stomach turned into knots over and over, knowing without words what happened. They were clearly bested. Not one proud warrior stood there, no prideful boasts or smiling faces. Just dark.
And then the chaos ensued.
Sunsetbreeze's body had been recovered, his limp body caressed gracefully by the delicate snow. He was gone—dead. Killed in the midst of battle—an unnecessary death. Galeforce was completely distraught and grief-stricken, his mind a blinding rage as he screamed to the skies and to Sootstar. Arguments swirled around her prominent ears as they pinned back in attempt to shut out some of the noise. Sootstar's words would cut everyone like the sharpest of blades, leaving everyone to bleed out onto the clearing. Outraged caterwhauls would scream in protest, Dandelionwish's screeches above all. What was happening?! Sedgerunner could only watch in absolute horror, her face draining of all the blood into an ashen white. Her heart lurched, beating wildly in her chest like a tribal drum. Her fur bristled on end as the repercussions unfolded before her.
Prisoner. Exiled. Exiled. Warriors began to bicker amongst themselves, some defending Sootstar while some defied her. WindClan was falling apart right before her very eyes and she couldn't do anything to stop it. Galeforce left, then Yewberry. Dandelionwish was now stripped of his rank and now a prisoner. Vulturemask was the new medicine cat. Sedgerunner could only stand there, frozen, mouth agape the whole time.
It's not fair—it's not fair! So much was happening, so soon—all while Sunsetbreeze's slain body laid in the midst of it all. Beaten. Forgotten. WindClan turned on each other like a pack of rabid coyotes all while one of their own laid there lifeless. No one grieved for him. No one tried to clean his wounds one last time. No one.
"Stop it..." She whispered, tears welling in her eyes as she continued to stare at the russet tom's face. Her heart raced, thundering in her chest as she spoke softly. No one would hear her, her plea falling onto deaf ears. More tears fell, droplets cascading onto the snowy earth. Did they not care of their clan mate? Were they too tied up in their own pride and anger to grieve him? Yes, Badgermoon tried to console Galeforce—but he did nothing but anger him further. Her eyes never left the dead warrior, briefly catching Galeforce make a last good bye to his beloved before leaving. Her jaw clenches hard, incisors piercing the inside of her lip until she tasted the coppery tang of blood. Ivory claws dug into the soil as she mustered up a new found strength, shutting out her own thoughts and what consequences that might come of it.
"Stop it—STOP IT! JUST STOP, DAMMIT!" The warrior shrieked, her frail voice cracking as her throat tightened and eyes squeezed shut. Sedgerunner takes no time to breathe or hesitate, there is no going back. She will not be quiet this time. Her looming anxiety will not hold her tongue. Not for a clan mate like Sunsetbreeze. "Can you not see what you're all doing?! Sunsetbreeze is dead. He. Is. Dead. And instead of grieving for a lost clanmate—you're all going at each other's throats like savages! How dare you send him off to Sta-StarClan in such a way! He died protecting his clan—d-died saving someone he loved and this is how you repay him for it?! Shame on you all!" Sedgerunner's voice broke the clearing, voice trembling but strong. Her gaze raked the clearing of cats, virdian eyes blazing in her own rage as she stared at each one of her clan mates that still lingered in the clearing. At this rare moment for the warrior, she cared not what her clan thought of her. Did not care if they laughed at her or would chastise her later. She'd take the punishment. She just couldn't bear all the fighting any more; especially while Sunsetbreeze lay there in the middle of it. Her gaze cast to where Galeforce and Yewberry left, praying that maybe they heard her also, but it wouldn't change anything, would it?
She bows her head as she sulks towards the slain warrior, crouching by him while lightly pressing her frosted nose upon his flank. Galeforce will miss you. We will all miss you, Sunsetbreeze. Please forgive your clanmates and please—please be welcomed into StarClan with open arms. I am so sorry, my friend. Tears streamed down her face as she silently cried for her clanmate and for the future of WindClan. What would become of them now?
​

✦ ★ ✦​