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Post by Justice on Jun 27, 2019 15:46:39 GMT -5
SiLverStaR 49 Moons RainClan Tom "Let those strong enough to swim the waters gather together now." He called out early that morning, making sure to project his voice. He saw the look given to him by his Deputy, Lilygleam already knew what was going on. She'd been the one to suggest he bring the matter before the clan. They had to be prepared for anything. Two clans were preparing for war, if their actions and words at the Gathering were of any indication. And what did that have to do with RainClan? If history was anything to go by, everything. There was a chance TreeClan particularly would try and ask them to come into the war they'd created, or that it would somehow spill downstream as the fighting continued and intensified. He had to make sure his warriors were ready for any eventuality.
He took a breath, perched himself where he needed to be, and addressed them all once they'd had the chance to gather. "As some of you know, and others may have heard, two of our neighbors have essentially declared war on one another. While we are not technically allied with either group I wouldn't put it past one of them to try and drag us into it as well. TreeClan has been on good terms with us in the past, and may believe they can ask us to become involved. Everyone leaving the camp is to go out with a partner until these tensions have died down. While we were not directly called out I have the sense that if they were arrogant enough to bring their politics to light at the Gathering, then they may yet involve those of us who have nothing to do with their fight. Warriors, be on guard. Watch your apprentice if you have one, patrol with caution and report anything that seems off to myself or Lilygleam. We will be doubling the guard around camp, and anyone leaving camp should be aware of potential threats making their way upstream. While we will not go looking for a fight, I can promise you that should TreeClan or NightClan bring their war to us, they will regret it."
Silverstar was very well known for being non-combative towards the other clans, so this stance may have come as a surprise to some of the cats gathered together now. "If grown cats want to act like spoiled kits then that is their matter. I don't want our clan caught up in this, and we will not be caught unaware. While this may not spread to us I would rather remain vigilant for a few seasons than lax and someone get hurt or killed in the chaos this will bring. If a cat from TreeClan comes anywhere near our territory, chase them out. I don't care who they are or what they are doing here, they need to leave. This includes their medicine cat. Don't hurt him, but he isn't welcome here, even to gather his herbs." His blue eyes were blazing at this point, tail lashing around behind him.
He was so done with the childish antics of the other clans. This was why he was hesitant to offer alliance to any of them. An alliance ended up in a large scale war in the valley, and he already knew it had happened before and would happen again if he wasn't careful. No, there would not be another alliance like that with RainClan. Not while he was leader.
The future lies before you, like freshly fallen snow
Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show
author unknown [OPEN to all RC cats!] |
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| I will not be like a bird bred in a cage, I thought, too dull to fly even when the door stands open. |
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INVENTORY
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Post by Ginger on Jun 27, 2019 17:45:19 GMT -5
Wasp-paw The young bengal, upon hearing his leader's voice, roused himself from his nest in the Apprentice's Den and lazily padded out to listen to what Silverstar had to say, yawning intermittently. Despite his desperate attempt to sit alone, his mother still managed to find him and purr a soft hello. "Go away, Sparrowfoot," he grumbled under his breath, not in the mood for his mother's dawdling. Of course, that would never stop her. "If I want to sit with my son during a meeting, I will do as I please." Wasp-paw sighed, begrudgingly accepting that Sparrowfoot was not going to leave him alone. She never could, the poor thing was such a clingy mother.
Wasp-paw quickly forgot about his mother as Silverstar began to speak. The apprentice had remembered what had happened at the Gathering among the leaders, but he had especially remembered his encounter with Gracklestrike and Graywolf, two despicable Nightclan cats. How he wanted more than anything to have a reason to sink his claws into their throats. The more Silverstar talked, the more excited Wasp-paw got. Could this mean a battle between Rainclan and Nightclan?
And just like that, Silverstar went on to talk about vigilance. Vigilance? That wouldn't save them if Nightclan and Treeclan decided to attack Rainclan for not taking sides. The rest of Silverstar's words didn't matter to Wasp-paw. In fact, the young bengal didn't even hear them as he was fuming and stuck in his own head. Vigilance was just a fancy way to say cowardice. He looked to his mother, his eyes seething with anger. "At this rate, Rainclan will go down in history as a bunch of worthless cowards," he hissed out through clenched teeth, loud enough for all the warriors and apprentices on the ground to hear, but not quite loud enough to reach Silverstar and Lilygleam. A few murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. Emberlight The previous night's hunt had left Emberlight feeling weary, so he was unpleasantly surprised to have been taken away from the light meal he had been sharing with Skychaser, in which the two cats had been having a friendly conversation about the best way to hunt a trout. With a friendly "Oh well," Emberlight finished his last few bites and walked over to the clearing in which the clan meeting was to occur.
The Abyssinian warrior sat down in the middle of the assembling group of cats, looking expectantly up at Silverstar and Lilygleam. He had not been to the most recent Gathering, so it would be nice to finally hear the full story of what happened rather than tiny bits and pieces. As he listened, he found himself rather taken aback that the other clans would be so aggressive to one another at a Gathering. Is peace such a foreign idea that it cannot even be entertained for one night? He shook his head with disappointment in the immaturity of Treeclan and Nightclan. The hatred that those two clans possessed for one another was ancient and should have been disposed of a long time ago. At this point, they just hated each other because they were told to from a young age.
Emberlight found himself generally agreeing with the words his leader had to say; however, he was appalled to hear that Treeclan's medicine cat would no longer be allowed to gather herbs. How many deaths will Rainclan contribute to this war by cutting ourselves out completely? Despite disagreeing with Silverstar's complete separation of Rainclan from the other clans, Emberlight understood that Silverstar was doing everything he could to protect the clan.
A hissed retort caused Emberlight to prick his ears and look back to see a seething Wasp-paw. Of course this apprentice would be the one to make such fired remarks. Looking around, he noticed how unsettled the apprentice's comment had made the others. With a reassuring voice and a light smile, Emberlight spoke: "It is more brave to keep your loved ones safe than it is to endanger them." Hopefully, after tensions settled among the other clans, Rainclan could once again be more friendly and open.
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| "If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks." |
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GaleClan Leader
GorgeClan Medicine Cat
INVENTORY
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Post by Ghost the Undead Goddess on Jun 27, 2019 18:37:15 GMT -5
Skychaser 48 Moons - Rainclan Warrior
Silverstar's voice pulled the white warrior from the soft conversation he had been having with a fellow clanmate while enjoying some freshly killed prey. Swallowing down his remaining bite, the duel eyed tomcat stretched each snowy limb quickly before falling instep beside Emberlight, the two making their way to the center of the camp where the rest of Rainclan was filing in, just as eager and curious as the pair of toms.
Ear flickering, the sturdy warrior lowered his haunches into a sitting position, though his tail remained relaxed behind him. Only the tip of the alabaster appendage twitched occasionally as he listened intently to his leader. He had taken a position near Emberlight once more, as they had walked over to the group together. It also gave him a good vantage point to keep multicolored pools upon his rather brash apprentice. The white feline hadn't been at the most recent gathering, though from the sounds of it he was glad Silverstar hadn't picked him for such an event. Tension and negative cutthroat mannerism just gave feelings of unease.
War was a tragedy, and a trauma. Skychaser had seen what it could do internally, when a clan was split down the middle and killed their own because of an ideal or belief. He couldn't imagine the damage two highly volatile clans could do at the worst, at the peak of their ancient rivalry. He still felt the stabbing pains within his heart at the thought of those he lost that had been important or special within his life. Upon Silverstar's sharp words, he couldn't help but find himself agreeing whole-heartily. Even if it meant that Rainclan eluded themselves from the others, closed themselves off, it was needed. The clan among the reeds and rivers needed more time to heal and grow from the devastating Civil War, though past still a fresh wound.
Wasp-paw apparently had different views about such a thing.
Blue and green orbs swirled to view the young Bengal, sitting pointedly next to his mother. While he was pleased with Emberlight's quick and calm response, Skychaser had another point to prove to the apprentice. The white warrior hadn't always been Wasp-paw's mentor, but Skychaser hoped that his calmer and more even tempered nature could soothe over the apprentice's wild flames. Giving that long tail of his a full motion flicker, eyes keeping an emotionless but wise look about them, the alabaster feline parted his maw to speak.
"There is a difference between Courage and Stupidity." It was a singular statement but it had it's effect as Skychaser's tone was a soft and patient one. "This is a problem between two clans that are not our own, it would be stupid for us to waste or risk Rainclanners just for the sake of friendships or battle glory." Blue and green pools stared hard at Wasp-paw for a moment, as if letting that sentence sink into his head. Wasp-paw was always ready for a fight, in fact Skychaser had been informed that during this last Gathering, the young apprentice had almost gotten into it with two grown warriors from Nightclan. The last thing they needed was for Nightclan to hold a grudge against the clan among the river.
"We must strengthen ourselves, our warriors and our clan, that should always be our priority. Even if it does mean we seclude ourselves from the rest of the valley." It was Skychaser's final agreement with his leader, so what if Rainclan hid away from the other four clans, as long as the fixed the internal problems that threatened the stability and integrity of the clan. The white feline didn't want to see any more deaths or damages done to his clanmates due to claws of others. Too much blood had been shed already, too much blood for a lifetime.
"Out of the darkness, each breath that I take will be mine"
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| "Monster is a relative term. To a canary, a cat is a monster. We're just used to being the cat." |
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Staff
GorgeClan Leader
MistClan Medicine Cat
INVENTORY
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Post by Abyss on Jun 29, 2019 20:07:50 GMT -5
W A T E R S T E P
Unclear and eventless dreams had been all that the she-cat experienced that morning. She had waken up early, she ate a small fish, and she sat at the edge of camp grooming her multi-colored pelt. As she relaxed for a short time before she would likely go out on patrol, the voice of Silverstar filled her ears. Waterstep’s vibrant sapphire eyes slowly turned to see the white and silver tabby up on his perch from which he called a clan meeting. With a quick and smooth swish and curl of her long tail, the unique calico stood from her resting spot and joined her clanmates beneath the Rainclan Leader. As she merged with the rest of them, she took a slow seat where she stood, wrapping her tail around her paws.
As she listened to what Silverstar had to say, her ears twitching slightly each time he said something that she agreed with, she found herself ignoring the voices of those around her. It was when Silverstar made what she believed was his first official threat towards the other clans that her ears truly perked and her attention was caught. He said that Rainclan was going to have nothing to do with the political affairs and aggression between the other clans. While on one hand she did believe that chasing off any and all cats that tried to come onto their territory was a little bit extreme, she also understood where he came from. Silverstar wished to keep Rainclan neutral and war-free, which was something that a member of the clan should always want. Or at least she believed so. Until she heard a voice break through the barrier in her mind that surrounded Silverstar’s voice.
She turned her head to find Wasp-paw, an Apprentice that she hadn’t had much experience with, speaking his opinion loudly within the crowd. He stated that, with the action that Rainclan was to take in this situation, they would all go down in history as cowards.The dark pupils within her bright eyes narrowed, as did her eyes. This young tom had a lot of courage to say something like that out loud, especially when there were lots of cats in the crowd, such as herself, who fully supported Silverstar.
“And how, would you say, does Rainclan staying away from a battle that has nothing to do with us make us cowards? We are keeping our home safe from the needless war that those two clans are starting. If anything, Rainclan will be known as wise and smart for keeping to itself. You may not agree, but we are not a clan of cowards, ” she stated, her voice calm and gentle, yet laced with that of danger. It wasn’t a secret that Waterstep was a very laid-back and kind she-cat, one who hated violence and tended to avoid any unneeded aggression. Yet when she got angry or had a reason to stand up, she was actually pretty scary. Her overall appearance didn’t suggest that she would ever actually attack one of her clanmates, yet the look in her eyes and the tone of her voice suggested otherwise. He was an Apprentice. But if he was to be a Warrior Rainclan could be proud of, he needed to learn some manners.
While there were a few other Warriors who either spoke up and agreed with him or argued against him, Waterstep ignored these statements, looking back to Silverstar. Regardless of what anyone else thinks, Silverstar is very intelligent and wise. This is not our battle. We have no reason to lose some of our own because of two other clans not getting along.
WORDS: 608 | Ginger | NOTES: - |
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Post by Justice on Jun 30, 2019 15:25:15 GMT -5
"Peace, all of you." He eventually called over the din as cats started talking all at once and calling out their opinions. He was prepared to start answering questions and dealing with the fallout of his choice, when Echoshade crept along behind him and told him of a comment made in the crowd that had bothered her. Well then.
The silver tom stepped down from the stone, stalking towards Wasp-paw with his blue eyes hard and cold as the leafbare snows he so favored. "And what, exactly, does an apprentice know of courage? What do you know of what happens to a clan during war, what happens to the families of those that don't survive? Cats die, sometimes without reason, over and over again." His pelt was stood out on end, and several clanmates had scooched away from the apprentice as their leader's wrath bore down on him.
Silverstar lunged at the apprentice, knocking him off his paws until he had him pinned under him. His tone had gone glacial, eyes reflecting that same cold distance. "Worthless is not knowing when to shut your mouth. Cowardice is in being so afraid to make yourself heard that you mutter so that the one you have issue with can't hear you. If you disagree with me, say so to my face. You will not sow dissent against me within this clan."
He stepped off, watching with a detached and cold stare as he took a few steps away from the apprentice. "War took place when I was an apprentice. It is not what you think it is. There's no reason to fight when we aren't involved. All we will do is lose cats. Kits orphaned and growing up without one or sometimes both of their parents, families torn apart, including my own. No. It is not cowardice to choose not to charge blindly into a fight simply for the sake of fighting. Those kinds of cats get killed very young. But, by all means, if you want to die for a senseless reason, go feed yourself to Demon." The gasps he heard from some of the others quietly amused him, while others agreed with him.
He thought over what else he'd heard and sighed, the glacial ice in his eyes not fading as his pelt settled back against his frame. "I thank those of you who stood up against the ignorance I see here, but in others I see that you might agree with Wasp-paw. If you aren't old enough to have been involved with the last war RainClan was part of, then you have no say in this. I value all of you, I value your lives and your opinions, but I refuse to be pressured into war for those seeking only to fight and make a name of yourselves in war. War is not something I wish for, and neither should you. But that is your choice, and I will hear any complaints. But make them to my face." Because if anyone else had a problem and simply grumbled to everyone but him about it, he'd let his mother shred them like she was itching to do. Judging by how she was twitching right then.
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| I will not be like a bird bred in a cage, I thought, too dull to fly even when the door stands open. |
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INVENTORY
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Post by Ginger on Jun 30, 2019 17:29:53 GMT -5
Wasp-paw Wasp-paw huffed at Emberlight's short response, rolling his eyes at the idea that the older warrior thought he could get through to the apprentice with his witty remarks. At his mentor, Skychaser, he listened for a moment before toning him out again once he realized his mentor was going on the same thread that Emberlight had gone on. By the time Waterstep had begun to speak to him, Wasp-paw had completely zoned out, not listening to or looking at anyone.
Wasp-paw didn't even notice Silverstar's looming shape until the silver-furred leader was upon him. At that point, it was too late. Wasp-paw felt the air get completely knocked out of him as Silverstar lunged and pinned him to the ground. The young apprentice didn't even try to hide his fear as Silverstar's full rage was directed on him, his ears flattening and eyes dilating fully. Wasp-paw had not intended for his leader to hear his comment, and now he was paying the price.
As Silverstar stepped away from the Wasp-paw's small and terrified form, the apprentice scurried slightly back, pressing himself down. He was feeling so many things. One of those things was fear, a feeling he had previously felt for the first time at the Gathering. But there was another new feeling that was gnawing at Wasp-paw. It felt hot and belittling -- it was none other than shame. As a kit, Wasp-paw was never subjected to this emotion. Sparrowfoot had done nothing but praise the mischievous bengal, no matter what it was he had done. But now, here he was, being put down by none other than his own leader: the cat who essentially was Rainclan.
By no means did Wasp-paw want to die. War was glory! Wasn't it?
Wasp-paw looked back towards his mother in the distance, who stared at him with despair and concern in her eyes. Families torn apart. As much as he hated to admit it, Wasp-paw loved his mother. What would he do if he were to stumble around the carnage of a battlefield and see her mangled body lying there, nothing but food for the scavengers who happened to pass by? Slowly, a dull understanding dawned on Wasp-paw. An understanding of mortality, of impermanence. Not for himself - of course this young apprentice was invincible - but for others.
For the first time in his life, Wasp-paw was at a loss for words. Was it the fear, the shame, or the lesson that caused his speechlessness? Not even Wasp-paw knew. For now, all the apprentice could force out was a quick, "I-I'm sorry," before scampering off to his mother, who welcomed him back to her with a stern yet loving lick on the forehead. Wasp-paw sat behind Sparrowfoot and bowed his head, feeling the burning pain of Silverstar's physical and verbal attacks.
467 words
Emberlight Emberlight nodded his head in agreement with the other warriors' statements. After Skychaser had finished talking, Emberlight looked over at the white-furred warrior with an encouraging smile. "Your patience with Wasp-paw is commendable. I have no doubt you will help him see." Emberlight was fixing to turn to Waterstep to invite the wise she-cat to sit and converse with him and Skychaser, but his attention was diverted to a fuming Silverstar who was quickly approaching an unwary Wasp-paw.
The Abyssinian warrior visibly cringed at Silverstar's attack of Wasp-paw. While the warrior knew that force was sometimes necessary to break into the thickest skulls, he still struggled with the image of his leader pouncing on an apprentice. However, as Silverstar continued to speak, Emberlight found himself agreeing even more. Silverstar's uncharacteristic show of aggression had definitely surprised the ruddy warrior, but after seeing Wasp-paw's reaction, Emberlight nodded approvingly. The silvery leader had shaken the young apprentice to the core - a necessary evil that would hopefully help Wasp-paw wisen up.
At Silverstar's final words, Emberlight saw an opportunity to speak up about his own concerns. Standing up and perking his fluffy tail up in a measure of good faith, trying his hardest to diffuse the tension with friendly body language, the gentle tom looked towards Silverstar with soft amber eyes. "I mean no disrespect, but I must ask.." His voice softened, a tone genuine confusion taking over. "Why is it that we must refuse herbs to wandering medicine cats? They have no ill-will towards any clan. They seek only to heal the sick and wounded."
263 words
Ghost the Undead Goddess , Abyss , Justice |
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Post by Fawn on Jun 30, 2019 20:41:36 GMT -5
Brookfall, Russethawk, Lotuswhisker Silverstar was intent upon making his stance clear - through whatever means necessary. It was a hard lesson he forced Wasp-paw to learn, and Brookfall's virulent yellow eyes narrowed, observing the spectacle of his brother breathing fire and ice down upon the insolent apprentice. Wasp-paw was as excitable and venomous as his namesake, but also over thirty moons younger than Silverstar. He could not help the era he'd been born in; Wasp-paw did not know how RainClan had been ravaged by the civil war, how Clanmates, friends and enemies both, had died and suffered at one another's claws.
He's right to avoid conflict that has nothing to do with us, Brookfall inwardly agreed with his littermate, but his eyes remained in their narrowed state. But temper, temper. Silverstar's approach was a little heavy-handed, and there were a few cats amongst the group that gasped at his last remark about Demon - one being Lotuswhisker - while others clamored to have their voices heard.
Russethawk, who seemed almost a permanent fixture in the nursery now that his mate had had her four offspring, stood protectively by the nursery entrance, looking serious. "I agree with Silverstar," mewed Russethawk. "This isn't our battle. Denying herbs to a medicine cat, though..." Russethawk trailed off, hearing that Emberlight had already brought up this question. Did he consult with Dewfrost about this? Medicine cats had their own way of doing things, and sometimes they operated outside the Code - and outside their own leader's wishes. Dewfrost and Falconstorm were not close, as far as the ruddy tom could tell, but Dewfrost was passionate, underneath her brusque (and now chilly) exterior.
Passionate, and with her heart in the right place.
Lotuswhisker gulped, the fur along her spine still raised from Silverstar's aggressive rebuke of Wasp-paw, but secretly she was relieved for Silverstar's stance after the mess at the gathering. Even if that meant denying Falconstorm some important herbs; the valley was big enough, surely, that he could go someplace else to get what he needed? The brown-furred queen curled and uncurled her tail around her paws, distracted from the concerned mutterings of her children, Falconheart, Owlpaw and Swanscreech, beside their father Gullswoop. Memories of the civil war were enough to make her shoulders hunch; Lotuswhisker rasped her tongue over her fur in a self-soothing gesture, before seeking out Willowbreeze. No words were exchanged, at least on Lotuswhisker's behalf, merely the pressing of her dark pelt against Willowbreeze's lighter one.
Yes, Silverstar was making the right choice. One that would make it so much easier for her - and may like her - to sleep at night. (Willow, Gull & Owl mention) Justice Ginger Ghost the Undead Goddess Abyss OOC: just kind of made a generic response, xD feel free to ignore it and continue amongst yourselves. |
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