October's Activity Reward Claim is up! See your clan's OOC board to post in the claim thread.
juniper
"and this time, she won't be forgiving"
already the wind feels sharper. the ground is less forgiving with every rough landing from a frostbitten perch. it's a haunting reminder of what this time of year had meant when it had last reared its ugly head. and a warning not to let history repeat itself. there is a nervous anticipation that coats the back of their throat, like an itch that you just can't reach to scratch. it becomes an annoyance at first... then it lurches towards driving you mad. she clambers up onto the half-fallen trunk that demarks the entrance to her den, looking out at her clan as they crawl from the warmth of their dens (or what little warmth they can find; another issue to be addressed). they will become demoralized soon, if the fear has not already set in. "Good morning ThunderClan."it is a gentler start, a still-frame moment where she almost looks like Juniperstar again, if not for the redness that circles dull turquoise hues. "Owlbark will be organizing patrols after I've gotten through my announcements. We have a lot of work to do to prepare for leaf-bare so you'll need to be well-rested from here on out. I won't hear excuses for being late to patrols, slacking on training or chores." firm, like a steady trunk in a howling breeze, but not yet bristling with thorny growth.
"I've had my guards oversee the status of some of our apprentices. We feel confident that some of them are ready for the freedom that comes with warriorhood-" she struggles not to betray her excitement by glancing directly at their successors. but it is hard.. and it is a bravado destroyed in the catching of Boarpaw's eye. "Boarpaw... Sandpiperpaw... and Flurrypaw, step forward." Boarpaw had been soft, a boy tempered by affection and compromise more than anything. she saw so much of herself in his trepidation and only hoped he wouldn't stumble into the same unwelcoming arms she'd found time and again. Sandpiperpaw, another of Magnoliapeak's apprentices and no less capable than Flickerdance... and Flurrypaw... vastly younger than his peers and talented beyond his moons.
"The moons ahead will be difficult... but I have no doubt you're ready to take on their challenges as warriors. Boarpaw... I stand before you as not only a proud leader, but an even prouder mentor. Today, you are Boarpaw no longer... I name you Boarthorn. Your strength, outside of just the physical, comes from your perseverance. Hold onto that, stay devoted to what you care for." quickly, she unseats herself to stand in front of her former apprentice, struggling to reach to press her nose to his cheek in congratulations before turning to the next.
"Sandpiperpaw, Magnoliapeak has trained you well... but your wit is all your own. No longer an apprentice, I name you Sandpipersong! Your determination will carry you far, don't forget to slow down and admire all you've won." the chocolate molly rests her nose briefly against the new warrior's forehead, drawing away with a small nod of approval before finding her last subject. hardly grown out of too-long limbs... cheeks barely carved into sharper planes than kitten fuzz would allow. but still... resilient. smart. ready. "Flurrypaw, you are young but capable.. and I would commend you as a warrior, knowing yourself to be equipped with all the skills you need to thrive. I name you... Flurryvale. You've proven to pick up on new skills exceptionally quickly, adapting to what's new without hesitation. Your loyalty shows itself in your work ethic..." a final, gentle touch against his temple before he too is unbound from being another cat's shadow.
she steps back, admires the three of her newest warriors and listens for the cheerful celebration of her clan before finding Owlbark, lips falling slightly into a dutiful sort of frown. "We will be attending the Gathering this moon again, I will announce my decision on who goes at another time... For now, please turn your attention to your deputy. And keep each other safe."
-
-- congratulations to @Flurrypaw @Boarpaw and @sandpiperpaw !!!
please wait for @OWLBARK to post patrols, we're trying something new where it all gets handled in the same thread :3c and ofc feel free to give us feedback on how we can improve <3 -
loonstar
leader of thunderclan
six lives remain
