Post by Fawn on Apr 19, 2013 14:47:44 GMT -5
[smear:f5c633]LIONSTAR[/smear:000000]
39 Moons || TreeClan || Tom
He had dreamed of thunderstorms, the sky continuously shocked by bolts of lightning, air heavy with moisture as the clouds finally split, a torrential downpour that was trying to wash away the entire forest. When he awoke, the sky was clear, and the only thunder to be heard was an echo fading away in the back of his mind, the nightmarish din having thrown the TreeClan leader into full alert.
Only a dream. He reasoned, licking flat the startled fur. Only a dream. It's been so dry lately...maybe even a storm that severe would be welcome. Well, Lionstar would have preferred a pleasant warm rain over the chaotic storm clouds and blustery winds, but beggars could not be choosers.
It was fortunate, noted the golden tom as he stretched out both front limbs, then back, before swiping a damp paw along the broad muzzle and brow, that he had no reason to share his den with anyone. Bringing another feline unnecessary alarm because he couldn't handle a dream about a thunderstorm wasn't something he ever wanted to do - not when he invested so much effort in giving the impression of mental solidity and unshakeable resolve. To think that an imaginary thunderstorm could have woken him was absurd.
It must've been the stress.
If only his stress would suffer from a drought right about now.
With an immeasurable amount of pain, the golden tom's thoughts flashed to the disappeared Featherpaw, the distraught Batear, shifting into a solar flare of anger as his mind refocused onto NightClan. He almost spat into the dirt, walking over a clump of dry grass and sun-withered dandelions on his way towards the Ancient Stump. NightClan's impudence had been on the forefront of the leader's mind even before his brief nap to escape the heat, and it returned with an unpleasant, bitter wave.
Time to address their behavior, before Ravenstar insisted on making a mockery of his Clan.
"May all cats strong enough to attend gather beneath Ancient Stump for a Clan meeting." Yowling even as he leaped onto the enormous well-aged stump he had inherited from the leaders before him, Lionstar watched, collecting and sorting his semi-prepared speech into a state of decency, vowing not to rant so much as he was to present the state of things and what he planned to do about it.
When the cats had congregated - a small nod in the direction of his family and friends - Lionstar began seamlessly, wishing to waste no more time while the heat of the late afternoon closed down around them.
"I understand that it is hot and the air is dry, bear with me and I shall try to be brief. Until this dry spell has passed, all apprentices are - when not training or performing other duties - to help carry soaked moss to the queens, kits and elders when needed." Even as he spoke, he felt the dirt churned up by so many cats approaching attempt to lodge in his throat, coating his tongue and threatening to make his facial features twist into a grimace, but he held still.
"And what of NightClan?"
All eyes and ears swiveled to settle on the insolent creature who had directly addressed Lionstar, but several murmured under their breath that the unnamed cat had a point. To quell any more discontent, Lionstar let his gaze sweep across all of the gathered TreeClanners, his claws gripping into the worried bark of the ancient stump.
"Yes, what of NightClan." He blinked back a heavy frown, not wishing to let his aggression take control of the situation. "Their behavior can no longer go unpunished; Greenleaf has brought all Clans plenty of prey, they have no reason to keep stealing prey as they have. That being said, there will be double patrols from this point on - today's patrols will be lead by Daringheart, Briarshade and Barkbite." Lionstar nodded to each cat in turn "With the exception of NightClan's apprentices, and of course their Medicine Cat, any trespassers shall be met with severest of hostility. I will not allow any unnecessary NightClan deaths, for those...enthusiastic few amongst you," Lionstar's gaze lingered on Adderstrike, Grayowl and Bloodtalon in particular. "Otherwise, be sure to send any straying NightClanners home with a limp."