[♛ 𝔽𝕒𝕓𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟]

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Leaf-fall OTS Nominations

THREAD OF THE SEASON

Thank you all for your submissions for thread of the season! Threads are the way in which we connect with each other, spend time together and have our characters live out their lives on Fate. I know most of us here are prolific thread stalkers who read other people's threads (or is that just me?) so there have been a few threads over time that we really, really enjoyed reading. Well done to all the participants in the nominated threads for writing such masterpieces.

ANCESTOR OF TOMORROW
The role of elders in Warriors cats in the books were as holders of knowledge. In the books, elders were turned to for advice by even the most powerful cats in the Clan, relied upon for their many years of life experience. In roleplays, we don't often get to see that portrayed, as not so many people enjoy writing elders. That is what makes this thread in particular so interesting. It is a reflection of traditional warrior values, expressed by our second-most non-traditional leader, Birdstar. In it, he seeks advice from Nightpetal, one of StoneClan's elders, as to how he should fulfil his role as leader. It is touching to see a leader so involved with the elderly members of his Clan, and nice to see that the "respect for the elders" value in Warriors rings true in StoneClan.

A PROFESSIONAL ENCOUNTER
The tension in this thread is incredible. We have two powerful characters confronting the duality of their morals. Lionstar, with his immovable sense of honour, having to confront the chilling, cold and merciless character of his deputy. Lionstar clearly believes that the best in Pumafang can be brought out, but with the end of Lionstar's reign looming near, does Pumafang really care about what Lionstar thinks? After all... I don't need him to trust me. Pumafang had thought, calming himself with the truth of his own conclusion. I just need him to die.

CROWNFALL
This was it. Lionstar's final thread. And man, did Fawn write us a masterpiece. Lionstar taking his final stand against one of his oldest enemies, Demon, was such a fitting final fight for TreeClan's lion. With lines that send a chill down your spine, even if you didn't know Lionstar well, this thread will definitely be something that I know we'll return to re-read in the future. "Run back to your den, but know you have set paw on TreeClan soil for the last time." And Demon's response, which felt like a kick to the gut. "So have you."

IN THE EYES OF RAPTORS
I really enjoy this thread because it's a great view on how both cats work, not to mention the way they are basically sizing each other up. Birdstar is more emotional but still proper in how he acts while Owlmind is calm and observant. The meeting of two minds. This aptly named thread takes place in a time of tension between LightningClan and StoneClan. StoneClan's new leader, Birdstar, encounters Owlmind on the borders, and voices his suspicions. Owlmind is recognised as a threat to StoneClan, her intelligence and planning skills capable of being used against LightningClan's enemies. Though there is tension in this thread, there is feeling that both these cats have a certain level of mutual respect for eachother. Each acknowledge a strength in the other that they admire, and it is interesting to see such a stand-off occur with casual politeness expressed from both sides.

NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY
Is it any surprise that nearly every nominated thread includes Lionstar? This was the thread where people's characters got the chance to say goodbye to Lionstar. The heartbreak in this thread feels... real. In a way, it is. We all loved Lionstar, just as most of our characters did. The Robert Frost quote that forms the title is perfect, too.

PICK YOUR POISON
And here is where we get the ball rolling on the poisoned fish plot! A fishing patrol head down to the river to catch some, you guessed it, fish, not knowing that the fish aren't quite as healthy as they used to be. What could possibly be making them sick? The cats don't know. What they will find out, though, is that the fish cannot be eaten. Cats who eat fish fall ill, even die. The thing that makes this thread so interesting is the feeling of apprehension, like the calm before the storm. Emberlight is so cheerful leading these cats off on their hunting mission, with no idea of what awaits them.

SCREAMING EAGLES
There's something really special about this thread. Kara gave me a genuine laugh with Flintheart's teenage sass. Never have I enjoyed an NPC ceremony more sincerely. It is an excellent example of good ways to use NPCs to give life to the Clan, and that NPCs can be more than just plot fodder or random cats to list for patrol. Kara used the NPC apprentices here in a very clever way and we have to commend her for that. On top of this, we have the emotional aspect of Beetlejaw wishing he could have been Squirreltalon's mentor longer, and Orioleflight's speech about how her parents will be waiting for her in StarClan if she dies. Man, my heart. I love these characters.

SHARE WITH ME
Abyss really did write a jewel of a response for this thread. She captured that moment where everything connects and Batear realises that Kindleflare is telling her she loves her perfectly. There's something so accurate and relatable about Batear not realising until the last moment that this is what Kindleflare is saying until it is undeniable. That magical rush of emotions when you realise that the one you love... also loves you. This thread is about a moment of vulnerability, two cats pouring their hearts out to eachother. Abyss finished the post in a simple yet beautiful way, with Batear finally saying "I've fallen for you too.".

SORRY FOR GOING AWAY
Valiantstride was a fantastic deputy, and would have made a fantastic leader. Heli did an amazing job with his death. He doesn't realise at first that he has died, as he passed away peacefully in his sleep. There is something so eerie about the concept of looking back and seeing your own body. This post was beautifully written and so emotionally impactful.

SPEAK TO ME
One of the most iconic couples in Fate's history (Echobreeze and Hollowcry) are reunited again in StarClan. Their love for one another has never faded, not after so many moons have passed and their kits have grown and had kits of their very own. Their love stood the test of time, and let's be honest - there is no cat in existence that would greet Echobreeze before Hollowcry got the chance. It was always him. It was always her. This was a beautiful sendoff to a well-loved cat, whose very existence bucked NightClan tradition, and helped bring into the world the likes of Darkstar, Thornscar, Cobrastrike and Shadowchaser. Her legacy lives on, as everlasting as the stars.

THE BADGER AND THE MOUSE
This thread revolves around the interactions between Mousepetal and Badgerscar, two of the less battle-inclined cats in NightClan. It is nice to watch characters find a kindred spirit, another cat with which they can feel comfortable. I'm interested to see where this friendship may bloom. Is romance in the future for Badgerscar and Mousepetal? Or will they both remain friends? With long, elegantly written posts, Gemini and Fae did great work with this thread and it was a pretty good read.