Full Circle [Gathering 1]

[StarClan]

Night had fallen upon the forest, enshrouding the Fourtrees in a blanket of starlight and darkness. The eyes of StarClan were watchful tonight, because the clans would once again meet to keep their promise to their warrior ancestors: the Gathering.

StarClan was skeptical. After seasons of fighting, one night of peace? In this forsaken forest, it hardly seemed possible. Tensions were higher than they had ever been before.

But it had been moons since the leaders had even thought of the Gathering, so StarClan held out hope. Perhaps, for tonight at least, peace could rule the forest again.

For this reason, the silvery warriors held the clouds back from the moon. They allowed the orb to glow proudly in the sky, beckoning the clans to the center of the forest. But the sky was not clear. The clouds were there, waiting for the clans to mess up... waiting to cover the moon...

For not even StarClan knew what tonight held in store.

OOC

1. Leaders post first, leading their invited clan members to the Fourtrees.
2. Warriors/non-leaders can only post after their clan leader has posted.
3. Only cats who have been invited can appear at the Gathering.

Cats Attending The May 2013 Gathering
Edited 5/28 to include new members (WindClan only)
THUNDERCLAN
Scourge (Kratos), speaking on Tigerstar's behalf
Foxheart (Robin)
Cloudfall (Amber)
Eagletalon (Willow)
Tawnypaw (Shiny)

SHADOWCLAN
Fogstep (Blush), speaking on behalf of Brokenstar
Runningnose (Willow)
Silverfur (Talon)
Shadowfall (Shadsy)
Alderthorn (Tango)

WINDCLAN
Mothstar (Kyra)
Cinderfoot (Gray)
Ashfoot (Blush)
Mintpaw (Talltale)
Breezepaw (Moli)

RIVERCLAN
Leopardstar (Tango)
Jaymist (Leafy)
Emberstorm (Selkie)
Duskfire (Lo)
Honeyflame (Shiny)

[TANGO]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://i42.tinypic.com/n2nzas.png); width: 500px; height: 594px;border:1px solid #000000] Leopardstar had been pacing nervously around the camp all day. This was it, she kept thinking, her head filled with an equal mixture of proud anticipation and nervous fear. This was her day. She had already faced several moons as RiverClan’s leader. She had given ceremonies, led battles, chosen warrior names. She had proven time and time again that she had stepped up as RiverClan’s leader—to RiverClan. And sure, occasionally, she had shown herself to ShadowClan, but she had not yet had the chance to step in front of the whole forest, to look into the faces of every cat in every clan, and declare herself Leopardstar, leader of RiverClan. RiverClan was different now that Crookedstar was gone; they were stronger. Crookedstar had been a great leader and he would always have Leopardstar’s respect, but she did not think he was the right leader for wartime. She, on the other hand, could be the right leader. She was determined to be. Under her rule, RiverClan would thrive in the face of its enemies. In spite of the war, her clan would grow and strengthen and learn. They would not be torn down by Tigerstar, bossed around by Tallstar, or preyed upon by Brokenstar. RiverClan was stronger, and tonight, the entire forest would see that... as long as she didn’t screw up. When the sun began to sink lower and lower into the sky, Leopardstar knew that it was time. The she-cat bounded up the bark of the Wide Willow, her golden spots glittering in the waning sunlight. She had given much consideration to which cats she would bring with her tonight, and it was time to announce her decision. Loudly, she called out, “RiverClan! Let all cats who can catch their own prey gather here at the roots of the Wide Willow!” Her brown eyes anxiously tracked the clan as they gathered at the foot of the tree. When enough cats had gathered, she spoke again. “As everyone knows, tonight is the first Gathering in many moons. It is an important event for all of RiverClan, and I need everyone to be on alert, both those who will be attending and those of you who will stay behind. I have though very carefully, and I have decided that Jaymist, Emberstorm, Duskfire, and Honeyflame will accompany me to the Gathering. I have decided that Mudfur and Featherpaw, plus many senior warriors, will be staying behind, because I do not trust the other clans to keep their truce. They may try to attack RiverClan tonight, so Patchfur and Cedarclaw, you will be in charge of guarding camp while we are gone. Do not let anyone harm this Clan in my absence.” She eyed the warriors that she had chosen to accompany her closely. “As for those of you coming with me, we need to leave quickly. I expect you to be on your best behavior tonight—the other clans will be looking for a reason to fight.” On that note, she brusquely ended the meeting and leapt down from the branch, landing swiftly on her feet. She nodded to her warriors and headed out of camp. It wasn’t a rough trip to the Fourtrees. The river wasn’t so high that the cats had to swim; the stepping stones would suffice for an easy crossing of the river. Leopardstar bounded confidently through her territory, skirting the new border they had established with ThunderClan. The leader scented the air suspiciously as they approached the clearing. They were the only clan here. Was this a trap? Her hair raised, but she forced herself to remain calm. Perhaps the others were arriving shortly...

[Blush]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=width,425,true] [atrb=style,background-color: #EFEFEF;] ❝ F ogstep wasn't about ceremony. That was Brokenstar's job, and apparently, he wasn't interested in doing it tonight. He had dismissed the deputy from his den with some excuse about having better things to do beside going to the Gathering, and now Fogstep was stuck with the job. She wondered what her leader was up to and why he couldn't attend the Gathering. She had an inkling of suspicion against him, but she wasn't the type of cat who honestly cared. Maybe he would sneak into ThunderClan tonight and steal more kits. Maybe he'd launch a sneak attack on the warriors left behind at WindClan's camp. Fogstep didn't know, and she didn't care. Brokenstar's shady politics did not concern her. The she-cat didn't even bother jumping up onto the Dark Stump and calling a meeting. She padded softly around camp and found each cat individually. "Runningnose..." "Shadowfall..." "Silverfur..." "Alderthorn..." "We're going to the Gathering now. Come on." The silvery she-cat floated calmly out of camp, assuming the necessary cats would follow her the Fourtrees. When she arrived, she didn't even look back to check that they had. The lithe deputy leaped up onto the tree branch that was usually reserved for leaders and averted her eyes from the other cats in the clearing. She didn't need to explain herself for being here. ❞

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=width,425,true] MADE BY AYU OF BACK TO NEVERLAND [x] WORDS 221 TAGS shadowfall, alderthorn, silverfur, runningnose NOTES shadowclan can now post at the gathering

[willow]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,10,true][atrb=style,width:350px; background-color:#e3e3e1; border:4px solid #ececef,bTable] carry on, carry on like nothing really matters The Shadowclan medicine cat had been finishing up his chores for the day when Fogstep called him forth to join her for a Gathering. At first he had been puzzled. A Gathering after so long? Was Starclan ready for it? Were the clans ready for it? Then he was hopeful; Maybe their ancestors had seen a change in the hearts of the clan leaders and this would be a turn for the better in the war. But then, he was afraid...with the tension between clans rising, it was very likely the night could end in bloodshed with one wrong move from one cat. Though he was reluctant, Runningnose didn't refuse to join the deputy. He didn't bother to rouse Talonpaw, who was already asleep, just so he didn't have to answer any tiring questions. Every conversation with that apprentice was a verbal and emotional battle. It was a relief to know Brokenstar decided not to go and when he stepped out from his den to join the group, he was impressed by the young deputy's choice of cats. They were a group who wouldn't be easily provoked, like herself; Though Alderthorn was one to be a braggart and disagreeable, he would know better than to start a fight tonight. Or at least Runningnose prayed he would... Rather than dwell on the threat of a battle on the horizon, the gray and white tom followed the patrol out to Fourtrees while thinking about how he pleased he would be to see Mudfur or Barkface tonight. Perhaps they could exchange some encouragement, speak of something other than the waging war. A small smile cracked Runningnose's tight expression. Yes, it would be a refreshment after being around nothing but battle-hungry cats the past few moons. When they reached the Gathering place, the scent of Riverclan came over him rather gently. He guessed it was because the Shadowclan warriors who hunted on Riverclan land carried it back and he had gotten somewhat used to it. Not completely, but more than he was accustomed to. Looking up at the great tree, he saw the odd-pelted Riverclanner deputy, Leopardpelt, sitting on the Greatrock looking over the small group she too had brought and he wondered if Crookedstar wasn't able to make it either. A frown replaced the smile at noticing Mudfur wasn't among them. While Fogstep went to take her place beside Leopardpelt, Runningnose took under the shadow of the rock. Keeping his head high, he didn't try to avoid the stares from the present cats but didn't quite acknowledge them yet. His nerves were on end and he wasn't sure if even a simple nod would set a cat off. After all, Shadowclan had been hunting on Riverclan land...there was obvious hostility between the two clans because of the prey strain. The small medicine cat remained silent and kept his gray eyes neutral as he overlooked the two clan groups. picture here tags: Leopardstar, Fogstep, Alderthorn, Shadowfall, Silverfur words: notes: WOO~ GATHERING! credit to ALPHA! of BTN and GS!

[shiningheart]

RIVERCLAN

[/i] land, she could handle anything! She was a bit disappointed to hear, though, that they'd be expected to keep the peace.

She shrugged and followed Leopardstar out to Fourtrees, mumbling under her breath, "I'll behave. But if any of them start something, I'm not keeping my claws sheathed!" Honeyflame would prove that RiverClan was the best Clan in the forest, whether the other ones wanted to believe it or not.[/ul][/blockquote][/size]

[LEAFY]

Jaymist's ears perked up as she heard her leader call the clan to meet at the Wide Willow. She missed the Gatherings these past few months, and it felt like it had been ages since she'd last seen her friends in other clans. The war had made those friends her enemies, and she hated that. More than anything, she wanted peace.

The she-cat purred in excitement when she heard her name called in the list of cats that would be attending the Gathering. Finally! she thought, unable to contain her happiness. A chance to see my friends again. Her tail waved with excitement, but she didn't say anything, aware that Leopardstar was still speaking. She should be more attentive.

When her leader had finished, Jaymist nodded ardently. I'll behave myself well, she mewed. I promise. And with that said, she fell into step behind her leader as they padded out of camp toward the Fourtrees.

The entire way there, Jaymist was lost in her thoughts. She couldn't help wondering what cats would be attending. It had been moons since she'd seen Leaffoot or Dappleclaw, and she hoped that perhaps they'd been chosen as well. She idly wondered if her old friends would meet her with the same kindness; Jaymist wasn't used to receiving the cold shoulder from any cat.

She didn't realize they were at the Fourtrees until she almost ran into Honeyflame. Sorry, she apologized quietly. It's been so long I almost forgot what this place looked like.

tags: Honeyflame, Leopardstar

[{ KYRA }]

Mothstar wasn't sure if it was coincidence or fate that the first Gathering since the start of the war would be held during the moon that he became leader. Perhaps Tallstar was smiling at him up in StarClan, granting WindClan's new leader his dream of tradition... Of course, he loved nothing more than following the warrior code, and whether or not it was his destiny, the Gathering tonight filled him with contentment.

Proud and confident... Proud and confident... His mantra rang through his head as he leaped, for only the second time mind you, onto Tall Rock to address his clan. WindClan. The faces before him were as proud and confident as the tom liked to imagine himself. But maybe even that was just him projecting... Mothstar could never be sure.

Either way, there were cats staring at him and needed to speak. He sat up straighter, opened his eyes wider, and let out a deep, rolling meow. "I would ask all of WindClan to gather by Tall Rock...but I see you already have," he said easily. He wasn't the only cat eager for the night to begin. “Well, I’ll cut to the chase. Cinderfoot, Ashfoot, Mintpaw, and Breezepaw will be coming with me tonight, and I expect each of you to reveal nothing about WindClan’s affairs.” The apprentices, really, he was worried about. Ashfoot and Cinderfoot would only say something dire if driven to anger or outburst, but apprentices... Well, he just never knew about them. At least these two would have a chance to prove themselves tonight. Either way, another warning couldn’t hurt. “This may be a night of peace, but it is a season of war. You never know who will be an enemy one moon from now.” A solemn nod wrapped up the words and sent the rest of the cats ambling away. To the cats coming with him, a simple tail wave beckoned them to follow as he skidded down the Tall Rock and skirted out of camp.

WindClan had always been lucky for traveling to Gatherings: a straight shot across the moors and then, suddenly, Fourtrees... As long as the ground was dry, it wasn’t difficult. And though slightly damp, the ground seemed dry enough tonight. His legs stretched out and he was loping over the ground, specks of gooey dirt flying around him. He’d love to run, but he kept Cinderfoot in mind and kept checking his pace. Rather they arrive late and alive with energy than early and winded.

Then the horizon clouded over and there were the Fourtrees.

Mothfur padded over to the other cats sitting where the leaders usually sat, and surprised filled his expression. Leopardfur and Fogstep? Or was it Leopardstar and Fogstar now? Did all the clans have new leaders?

“Ladies,” he nodded. Better to stick to a generic term than risk insulting a leader with their warrior name or promoting a deputy to leader too soon. “It’s good to be here again.” But suspicion crept in, now that he noticed... Where was ThunderClan? Was WindClan here only to be attacked? He wouldn’t put it past ShadowClan, and he knew nothing about Leopardfur and her politics. The tom shifted uneasily, hoping his ally would appear soon.

[talltale]

Mintpaw
She-cat || 6-moons || Windclan
--~-----~--

Mintpaw's large slivery-green eyes were locked on her leader as he spoke, she couldn't believe that she had not only just been promoted to the rank of apprentice but likewise invited to attend a gathering?! This was not what she expected and it was not the way she thought her apprentice debut would go… No doubt this would only go to Breezepaw’s head, she’d think there was something special about them or something. Mintpaw didn’t think this, but none the less she didn’t understand her leader’s invitation… not that she was really complaining. She had wanted to learn more about the other clans for a long time now. Mothstar seemed just as unsure of his decision to bring the apprentices along as Mintpaw was. Oh well, Mintpaw knew the rules, she knew to behave and make her mama proud… maybe… just maybe she could keep Breezepaw out of trouble tonight too. Though she somehow doubted it.

Mintpaw nodded as her leader concluded his monologue and she was quick to her feet and eager to follow, but there was no way she was leaping in front of her leader, not for fear of punishment so much as her notorious shy attitude. She didn’t want to get attacked! She didn’t even know what she would do in a battle. The very thought of it made her twitch her little bobbed-tail… that was her first battle scar, taken by a badger when they were young. If war was that terrifying Mintpaw would have done anything to change their fates… ANYTHING.

Tonight, however, as they approached the gathering area, Mintpaw reminded herself that she must be brave and she must represent her clan well. She looked immediately for her sister and scooted close to her remaining by her side at all times, though those curious green eyes did wander and she examined every cat at the gathering. Who were they? What were they like? What would they be like if it was not a time of war? All these questions bombarded her little mind as she looked around in bewilderment.

--~-----~--

[Moli]

The full moon hung in the sky like a cold, milky eye. It meant one thing for the Clans: the Gathering was tonight.

Breezepaw kneaded the ground in anticipation as she waited by the Tall Rock with her Clanmates. She had only just been made an apprentice, but she was hoping she would get to go. Even though there was war, and no Clan was fully trusted, she wanted to see what they were like. Were all the kit tales true? She wondered how fast RiverClan could really swim, how sneaky ShadowClan actually was, and how brave a ThunderClan cat could be. Her tail flicked excitedly. She knew it was unlikely for her to be chosen to go, but she could still hope.

As Mothstar bounded up the rock, she stilled her body, an unusual action for her, as she liked to be moving. But she was eager to hear, and didn't want any distractions.

When he announced her name, she nearly had to bite her tongue to prevent her cry of delight. And her sister Mintpaw was going too! She glanced at her sister, eyes glowing. However, when Mothstar spoke again, she flipped her gaze back to him. She listened carefully to his warning and nodded in understanding.

"Right. Wartime. Quiet." She told herself quietly, just as a reminder. She didn't want to be the one who accidentally spilled secrets to the other Clans! She might be a friendly cat, but she wanted to be loyal to her Clan first. No, I am loyal to my Clan! She told herself firmly. Just because she had never been to a Gathering and met other Clan cats before didn't mean that she wasn't loyal.

Mothstar dismissed the cats and she followed after him, glancing back once to make sure Mintpaw was on her tail before bounding after her Clan mates whole-heartedly.

When they arrived in the den, she looked around wide-eyed at the tall trees. She sniffed the air. RiverClan and ShadowClan, but no ThunderClan yet. She noted. She looked around, gazing at all the different sizes, shapes, colors, and scents that surrounded her. She spotted a cat she recognized as Leopardfur, the RiverClan deputy. She admired her beautiful pelt - her name was well-deserved. She took her gaze away and saw another cat she knew from stories: Fogfoot, the ShadowClan deputy. At least, she was pretty sure that was his name. Or was it Fogstep? She couldn't remember, but she would have to know soon! Moving her yellow eyes around the clearing, Breezepaw couldn't see any of the Clan leaders other than Mothstar. Where were they? Replaced? That would be really fast! And she wouldn't have gotten to meet them. The tip of her tail twitched in annoyance at the idea.

As she looked around, she noticed that the gathered cats seemed a little edgy. It had been awhile since a Gathering, she recalled. But while she was here, she was eager to at least meet another Clan cat!

"Come on, Mintpaw, let's go say hi!" Breezepaw told her sister before trotting over to a pair of RiverClan she-cats, one a dark gray tabby, the other a brownish-ginger tabby.

"Hello!" She greeted them both with a respectful dip of her head, doing her best to remember her manners and contain her excitement at the same time.



((Hee hee, Breezepaw is so excited. XD Talking to Honeyflame and Jaymist. Whoo meeting other cats! xP))

[gray]

Cinderfoot followed his leader through the short trek from WindClan territory to Fourtrees. The four massive, majestic oak trees stretched their limbs high into the nighttime sky, as though holding up the sky. The newly unfurled leaves along the branches made the hollow look much more welcoming than it had during the long, tense moons of leaf-bare, though the slender gray tomcat knew that danger was far from over—it always lurked in the shadows. The medicine cat apprentice bounded down the sloping sides of the hollow, reveling in his smoothly functioning muscles and wishing he could once more take part in the boastful gossip of warriors. Since his resignation of his warrior status in favor of becoming the medicine cat apprentice, his presence received mixed feelings. Among his Clan, he was slightly revered and very much respected, for all knew of his brutal courage and saw his act as an act of sacrifice or foresight for the good of the Clan. Others, he knew, scorned and laughed at him for turning back on the rough life of a warrior—a coward, they called him. Cinderfoot itched to give those scrawny ‘warriors’ from the other Clans a glimpse at their former adversary and unsheathe his claws, but he would not break StarClan’s sacred truce. Besides, Barkface would certainly be upset with him.

Lost in his memories from days with Fireflower, Cinderfoot sat in the midst of a throng of chattering cats with his tail wrapped around his paws, the paws that so long ago nearly froze right off, maybe in this very spot.

word count // 263
ooc comments // yay Gatherings xD
tags // err’bodeh

[Blush]

ashfoot

"i just want my clan to be safe"

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true] [atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#282828; padding:10px, bTable] The gray she-cat felt a pang of sorrow at the sight of Mothstar standing upon the Tall Rock. She had respect Mothfur as a deputy. He was an honest and hardworking cat, and she had always thought he was the right tom to replace Deadfoot, but she had never thought of him as leader. Tallstar was her leader. He had been her leader for so many moons, through so many good times and bad times, that she still had not adjusted to Mothstar. Still, she knew she owed it to the tom to suck up her memories and move on. Clans changed, leaders changed. That was the nature of life. Of course, having Mothstar announce her as one of the cats chosen to attend the Gathering didn't hurt her efforts. Ashfoot felt a sense of pride inflate her chest when her name was announced. There were so many cats who could've gone instead of her. She dipped her head, proud that her new leader thought so highly of her. I expect each of you to reveal nothing about WindClan's affairs. A small sigh escaped her maw as she heard the words. She had a feeling she knew who that was directed to, and she sneaked a glance at Breezepaw. She really liked Mousefoot's kits, but Breezepaw was like a force of nature all on her own. She'd have been better off named Galepaw, in Ashfoot's opinion, because there was nothing easy and breezy about her. Like most apprentices, she'd be a good warrior one day, but for now she needed some guidance. Mothstar was right to worry about them. The leader didn't keep them long. The meeting was dismissed and before Ashfoot could get her wits about her, the patrol was headed out for the Gathering. She found herself at the back of the pack, chasing the others' tails as they headed out the Fourtrees. When they reached the landmark, the warrior paused to look around, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. After a minute, she noticed Jaymist, one of the older RiverClan warriors, and a she-cat she knew from previous Gatherings and... Was that Honeypaw or had she been made a warrior now? But Breezepaw had already beaten her to them. Well, this way, she catch two birds with one paw, she figured as she walked over to where they were gathered: she could keep an eye on WindClan's little chatterbox and catch up with some old non-ShadowClan friends. "Hello, Jaymist. Nice to see you again," she said warmly. She blinked a greeting at the cat she assumed was Honeypaw, although it had been so long she doubt the RiverClan cat would recognize her. OOC: I'm assuming that she and Jaymist and Honeyflame would have met at other Gatherings, more so her and Jaymist than anything else, considering they're both older. If you want to say they've never met, though, I'm fine with that. 445 words with Breezepaw, Honeyflame, and Jaymist, template by oxymoron of btn

[selkie]

[atrb=border,0,true] [atrb=width,376,bTable]

[atrb=style, background-image: url('http://myprofilebackgrounds.com/myspace-backgrounds/images/Colors%20~%20Grey/BlackAndWhite-1.gif'); border-top: 5px solid #1F1F1F; border-bottom: 5px solid #1F1F1F] LOOK INTO MY EYES WHEN YOU FEEL MY HEAT Ah, of course. The gathering. Emberstorm had never been a cat to care too much about the affairs of other clans - really, she only bothered with the affairs of RiverClan itself when it was necessary - and as such, to her, the gathering was simply something that got warriors out of the camp for a night. And considering the rising tensions of the four clans, she had made up her mind long ago to keep as far away from the other clans as she possibly could. “I have thought very carefully, and I have decided that Jaymist, Emberstorm, Duskfire, and Honeyflame will accompany me to the Gathering.” Oh, for StarClan's sake. “As for those of you coming with me, we need to leave quickly. I expect you to be on your best behavior tonight—the other clans will be looking for a reason to fight.” She debated whether or not to say she couldn't go, that she had a stomachache, but decided that rebelling against the clan leader during a period of war wouldn't be the best or smartest thing she'd ever done in her life. Besides, she could simply stay with her clan, couldn't she? Sit in the shadows, avoid talking to anyone, and use her claws if it came to that. Gritting her teeth, she responded to Leopardstar - it wouldn't be polite if she started sulking right away, after all. “I suppose we should head out, then. Sitting here gathering dust isn't going to do anything for the clan.” With a flick of her tail and a twitch of her whispers, she padded out the camp entrance * * * * * * “Leave it to the other clans to be late.” The she-cat meowed to no one in particular. Glancing up at the sky, the she-cat noticed that wisps of clouds covered the moon – perhaps StarClan had realized the high-strung clans below? Either way, this gathering looked like it would be over with quickly. A win for the she-cat. Deciding that she trusted her own clan more than anyone else, Emberstorm padded close to the two RiverClan cats she could see – Jaymist and Honeyflame. “Bit of a cloudy night tonight, eh?” She mewed with a glance at them. “Maybe StarClan’s realized what’s going on down here.” words, 381. tags, honeyflame, jaymist. notes, first roleplay post heyyoooo credits, kiwii at btn! IT'S WHERE MY DEMONS HIDE

[shiningheart]

RIVERCLAN

[/b] she meowed with a friendly flick of the tail.

She looked around at the empty clearing, getting a feel for it again. She knew what Jaymist meant about forgetting what it looks like. It felt odd being here again. The last time there'd been a Gathering was when she was still an apprentice, which was some time ago. With the forest at war, no cat felt safe coming to a peaceful Gathering.

ShadowClan filtered into the clearing first. Honeyflame felt her nose wrinkle at their putrid scent. Alliance or not, she despised those fox-hearted thieves. That's what they were in her mind, at least. They had no right to hunt on RiverClan land, whether their kits were starving or not. If they couldn't find enough food on their territory, then that was their problem! Honeyflame felt her hackles raise at the sight of them, and had to take a deep breath to calm herself.

She turned her back on the crowd when she felt Emberstorm sidle up to the pair of sisters. “Bit of a cloudy night tonight, eh?” She mewed with a glance at them. “Maybe StarClan’s realized what’s going on down here.” Honeyflame looked up at the full moon and nodded. "StarClan's probably warning us to not cause any problems."

The warrior was about to go on when WindClan finally arrived. Honeyflame was about to ignore them when a she-kit ran right at the gathered group and greeted them. It was probably a new apprentice brought to her first Gathering. Honeyflame was about to scare her off when a WindClan warrior, Ashfoot, approached behind the apprentice. "Ashfoot." she meowed with a respectful nod. This was a warrior she genuinely respected, even if she was a rabbit chaser.

Honeyflame looked at the apprentice in amusement but spoke to Ashfoot instead. "And who is this? A new apprentice of yours?"[/ul][/size][/blockquote]

[Blush]

ashfoot

"i just want my clan to be safe"

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true] [atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#282828; padding:10px, bTable] Ashfoot nodded a greeting toward Emberstorm as she noticed the RiverClan warrior. She had never been close to the she-cat, but she was good with names and faces and remembered her from border patrols, or possibly from a past battle. And who is this? A new apprentice of yours? "Oh no, she's not mine," the gray feline meowed, tacking on a silent Thank StarClan! in her head. She didn't think she had the energy to keep tabs on Breezepaw every day, and she didn't envy Spottedthorn the task. "This is Spottedthorn's new apprentice, Breezepaw. And her sister, Mintpaw, is Onewhisker's." She used her tail to point to the two apprentices respectively. "No apprentices for me, at the moment," and her soft purr made it apparent that this was a blessing she was thankful for. She didn't want to go on chatting without knowing the she-cat's name. Was she still Honeypaw or was she a warrior now? So much had changed in RiverClan, just as it had in WindClan, Ashfoot was sure, but it still seemed rude to ask. If the clans had kept up their Gatherings, Ashfoot would know by now, but they hadn't, and the lack of information left her with many questions. She debated for a while wether it was more rude to ask for the cat's name or to simply continue the conversation without knowing it and hope that Leopardstar announced it later. Finally, she decided it had been long enough since the last Gathering that she might as well go ahead and ask. If she could have flushed in embarrassment, she would have, but she asked anyway: "It's been too long... You're not Honeypaw still, are you? Have you earned your warrior name?" It really had been too long. Kits the other clans didn't even know had been born, kits like Mintkit, Breezekit and Stonekit, had been made apprentices. Apprentices had been made warriors with names she didn't even know. They had earned their warrior names in the heat of battle, with the shedding of blood and the destruction of lives. So many cats that should have been here were missing, Ashfoot realized as she looked around at the emptiness of the clearing. The clans were smaller than they used to be, with so many lost souls watching down on them from StarClan. And with all the bloodshed, no cat bothered to pause for one peaceful night to attend a Gathering. What have we done? The she-cat wondered. What had the clans become? Perhaps tonight was the first step in undoing that hatred. Tonight, she hoped they could begin to heal the wounds they had inflicted upon themselves. 442 words with Emberstorm, Honeyflame, Mintpaw, and Breezepaw template by oxymoron of btn

[Moli]

Breezepaw was glad that Ashfoot had joined them. She knew the names of these warriors, or at least the one named Jaymist, so Breezepaw didn't have to ask. And even if she wanted to meet other Clans, it was kind of nice to have a warrior with her and Mintpaw so she didn't do something completely mouse-brained.

But, even with this reassurance, she was still Breezepaw, and she was excited. Once she was introduced, she had a question she wanted to ask. "Hi! Do RiverClan warriors really eat fish?" She asked, timing her question after Ashfoot's, about the warrior's name.

It seemed like a silly question, but she was curious. She wanted to know what it was like in other Clans, even if she didn't want to live there. WindClan was clearly the best Clan to live in, but she was interested in how other Clans lived, too. Maybe she could talk to a ShadowClan warrior next! Or maybe an apprentice. She was still a little nervous about ShadowClan. RiverClan may be working with ShadowClan, but their leader didn't sound as scary as Brokenstar did. She wondered if Crookedstar was still leader of RiverClan - she didn't see him anywhere, and she was told that his crooked jaw made him hard to miss.

She saw Mintpaw beside her out of the corner of her eye, and felt reassured. Everything was better with her sibling here. She knew she could count on someone to watch her back for sure now.