Posts of the Week

The wild crest of Lucille's neck and shoulders prickled coldly as she rounded the perimeter of cats, the smell of herb packs for the worst of their injuries becoming concentrated. Last meeting had not gone so well, but she wasn't sure if that was for her or for Dusty. She felt petulant, like a kit, at the notion of such abrupt changes, none of them she really thought of before or desired. The change she was chasing led her away from all of this: away from structure, from duty, from permanence.

Dustystar called upon two recognizable toms, the very ones she'd seen as the grey leader's company to the Highstones. The new names were callbacks of their old ones, close enough to even remain as nicknames. She never noted when she began to do as she did often, eyes never leaving Dustystar, staring absently as her mind took lead and went as far as the wind carrying through camp.

She assumed her position at the edge of the crowd disguised her from consideration. The calling of her name connected her thoughts together by a cord, sparks as her back twitched uncomfortably. Was it only a coincedence Dustystar acknowledged her after the toms she had brought with her to Highstones? Had she seen her, and this was how she was made aware?...

The alarm dissolved, tail unwinding from its soothing clutch around her as it began to swipe across the short grass. Lucille stood on the perception Dustystar had formed of her – strong will and spirit. Something about it made her ears burn. It was not the Lucille she saw when she looked into the puddles that had toured their territory. She had lied to her superior. Passed off her spite and bitterness as power, as confidence.

Goldenroar's thank you was not enough to mask the obvious confliction going on in her eyes. Just as quickly as she had changed Lucille, gave her something new in her collection of old ragged luggage, she was onto the next cat, extending this offer. The announcement of Raven's name overpowered the sound that came out of her mouth, something between a splutter and a grunt, quiet and unapproving.

Maremane. It was nothing like 'Lucille'. All of it was a cordial mention to the natural world, perhaps to soothe the supernatural nature of their Clan-shaping tragedy. She had been given a mask, hiding the dictionary definition that had formed around her birth name like a cyst. A name nobody wanted to hear on group hunts, a name delivered with flatness at best and negativity at most.

But it had been hers in a world where she felt like nothing else was.

indentDustystar climbs atop the tallrock for the first time since she had announced her communion with the stars. It's been two days since then. She's given it a bit of time to settle, for cats to make up their mind and come to terms with her first announcement. She had received far from resounding support, but she refused to let it bog down her mind. Instead, she willed herself to focus on all who had offered her support, despite her inexperience and wild claims of cats from beyond the stars.

indent"Everyone old enough to hunt their own prey, gather under the tallrock. I've got some more things to say."

indentShe waits a few moments before continuing, to let cats make their way over. Once she's satisfied everyone who's going to come has, she speaks again. "I'd like to thank you all for comin' here, listening to me. Your support means a great deal to me. I do hope you know this." She bows her head, grateful.
"I know I said we could take our time, what with the names and all, but there's a few I'd like to get out of the way, now. If ya don't mind."

indentFirst her eye drifts towards the two cats that had accompanied her to the Moonstone in her first action as leader. "Goldie, Sweet. You've both been very good to me. I think you deserve some recognition." The two tomcats had been among the first to place their faith in her. Although they weren't close before the fire, Dustystar is sure she'll end up leaning on their support for many moons to come. "Goldy. We may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but you've proven yourself to be loyals and trustworthy, willing to stand up and take action when others hesitate. For this, I grant you the name 'Goldenroar'." The name also suits his long mane and charisma, she thinks. She hopes it serves him well. "Sweet, you're one of the most perceptive cats I know. Without your help, I'd for sure have been carried off my some hawk on the way to the Moonstone. I give you the name 'Sweetnose', in honor of your keen nose and tracking skill."

indentWith the most pertinent names being done with, Dustystar moves on to some of the others. "Lucille." Dustystar didn't know the molly well, but she had made an impression, rushing out during the first meeting. Was it anger or frustration that had sent her away? "You have a powerful will and a strong spirit, like a leading mare. The name 'Maremane' will suit you well, if you choose to take it." Dustystar isn't sure that she'll accept, but she decides to extend the olive branch anyways. "Raven. You've got a good head on your shoulders. Like your namesake, you let reason and intellect guide you." Dustystar has often admired that about him, how he doesn't let emotions sway his decisions. "I offer you the name 'Ravencall'. I hope it serves you well."

indentDustystar takes a deep breath before she continues. "Whorl. You've had a storied life with plenty of experience. I hope that you can stand alongside us as 'Whorltail', and guide us with that you've learned." Only one more to go. "Hibiscus. You're a reasonable cat. I grant you the name 'Hibiscusbelly'. Please continue to stand alongside and support us." Dustystar bows her head once more, regarding the newly names warriors before her.
"If you don't want these names, I suppose i can't force you to use them. But please know they're a piece of history and culture, connecting us to our past. I hope you grow to appreciate them."