Open Border RC SkC Build my kingdom || Skyclan Patrol - Teaching the code!

[flowercloud]

{$title} We're going to be trying out teaching Riverclan the code... How do they react to this? Flowercloud seems so hopeful!

Flowercloud led the patrol with confidence. It wasn't just for her ... It was for her shadow, her apprentice, the patrol behind her. It was for motivation, for positivity. The deputy saw what Fidgetpaw had to deal with, and she wanted him to be able to lift his chin and feel good about doing so. Not... Smug. Not cocky, but proud. Proud of who he was, and what he was working towards every day for. Flowercloud was a bit higher in spirits it seemed- with a new apprentice, and oddly enough seeing Pikestar again. Against her shoulder, carefully wrapped and secured was a object weaved together as if an eyepatch. Perhaps it was silly- but Pikestar mentioned it, and Flowercloud had decided in boredom that she would work with a new idea and make it true. It was trial and error, really. Several hours throughout the days where she would weave in moss and petals- then wrap vine that could secure it around a head. Hopefully it fit- it wasn't as if Pikestar had sat before her the entire time...

She shook her head- blinking in realization that she had been thinking a lot about their talk and the tom that was essentially in another world. But... It was only fascination. She had made a new friend, that's all there was to it. Besides... How could Riverclans leader ever even like her. That would be silly- she was so sure he had to have someone considering his looks and demeanor. She turned her focus back to her apprentice, her voice lowered as she slowed to make sure not to rush him in a quick pace.

"Okay, I know it's gonna be a bit scary Fidgetpaw. But I need you to remember what I told you. Inhale, loooong, through your nose." She performed the action, pausing to inhale, letting her chest fully puff out and expand with the breath, before she slowly let out her breath through an open maw. "Breathing really helps the nerves, trust me. I may not seem it but, I have so many nerves that try to gnaw on me. If we take a breath, it helps slow us down and calm our thoughts, especially in stressful social situations." She kept her voice low, gentle, offering the boy a smile and bumping her shoulder against his in a friendly action. Because the truth was, she hated talking in front of crowds. She could almost get sick, but every day she was getting better.

"Okay, guys! We'll be talking in front of Pikestar. I chose each of you because I trust you to help me, and I know you guys know what you're talking about and can remain cordial. They're so interested in our code, Hawkstar and I have agreed to work with Pikestar so that they may learn." She flicks her tail behind her as she turned to face them as she greeted them. There was a weight off her shoulders not feeling under Hawkstars scrutiny, but it still sat tense between her shoulder blades where her fur sat bare and stretched as she turned back forward. "I want best behavior, and positivity, please and thank you!" She purred, her chest rumbling as she led the patrol finally to the edge of Skyclan territory and to Riverclans border.

"Alright, Fidgetpaw. Open your maw, close your eyes, and really take your time. I need you to tell me what you smell. What you hear. Then... Open your eyes and tell me what you see." She murmured softly as she sat down on the border, carefully placing her haunches down and then playfully, she hung her tail over Fidgetpaws face, attempting to try to block his view. "And no cheating!" She teased, grin wrapping along her maw.

@FIDGETPAW!

flowercloud - 38 moons - skyclan deputy - mentoring none

 

[TAWNYBEAM]

Flowercloud's request about this patrol had been met with full support from Tawnybeam. He is always happy to accompany her on whatever errand she must run in any given moment, but this particular patrol sounded fun too—the other Clans certainly need pointers, and SkyClan is ready to offer. At least it's not ThunderClan... or ShadowClan. Those two specifically had not been very fond of potentially following the rules that their ancestors had laid out for them, generations upon generations ago. Tawnybeam doubts they would be open to a "lecture", even if Flowercloud certainly won't mean it to come across as such. Pikestar and his cats are reasonable.

...Tawnybeam doesn't understand how the other Clans cannot see their view. How can they call themselves warriors without the very thing that tells you how to be a warrior? Lawless. He is eternally grateful that his path had led him to Coffeestar, and now Hawkstar; it is their leadership under the warrior code that shaped him into who he is today.

"When will you comfort me like that?"

he chimes in, whiskers twitching in amusement. Thank StarClan Fidgetpaw has gained a new mentor; and a good one at that.

He drops the humor when Flowercloud turns to them with sincerity. Tawnybeam knows that the bond the two of them have is strong, but it's always makes him purr with pleasure to know that she trusts him. It is yet another piece of proof that SkyClan has changed him for the better—while he likes to think that his Clanmates could always rely on him, he knows that his past self had been a lot more... flimsy. Capable of slipping through your paws. That tom is no more. Tawnybeam will stand beside his Clan deputy today, and face RiverClan with confidence, should they retort.

Though... something tells Tawnybeam that Flowercloud does not fear Pikestar's scrutiny.

"I bet you're happy to teach Pikestar a thing or two, hmm?"

he teases, tongue sticking out momentarily—blink and you miss it.

 

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

It had been some time since he spoke with Hawkstar. Their conversation had been short and only pertained to business as she desired. If he had his way with things he would've preferred they told some jokes here and there with one another, but doing so would only make the Skyclan leader cross with him. Not that he was particularly pained with Hawkstar's decision in keeping their conversations strictly related to business, as he wasn't too fond of her either. He loathed to admit she had been correct in her demeanor when they first met. There was merit in being particular of ones territory. It was a lesson he and Riverclan learned the hard way and one he would not soon forget. Their clan was looked down upon by the others. Cats of other clans and even most (all) other leaders didn't consider him as Riverclan's leader. He'd hear a rumor going around that he was the youngest among the leaders, which... Which he couldn't necessarily prove, but he was not as young as they thought him to be. He was not some fresh young warrior who was thrust the mantle of leadership. Or was it a good thing they thought as such?

Either way, he knew things had to change within their clan. Much has changed since then, such as a smaller council. It was a bit harder to run the clan, but the council already expressed some interest in some warriors within the clan to join their ranks. It was still too soon to say. For now, all they would do was wait and observe those who showed promise. To consider not only the skills they'll bring, but how they would mesh with the existing council. Then... There's the question of a medicine cat apprentice. I don't want to rush Jinglemoon, but we'll be forced to have a new medicine cat apprentice soon. Oh... the clan had a lot of work to do alright.

For now he takes Iciclepaw with him and a couple of warriors with him to check their borders. Normally he'd leave this task to Pineheart, but he didn't want to trouble the tom after working so tirelessly on the council. They are about to retire to Riverclan, until the scent of Skyclan fills his nostrils. He sees no reason to be concerned, considering they are neighbors. However, it would be in Riverclan's best interest to check. The last thing he wanted was for the clan to be caught by surprise should Skyclan decide they've had enough of playing nice. Not that he believed their neighbor would strike, but one could never be too sure.

Instead he is met with the sight of a few Skyclanners waiting by the border. As he approaches he flicks his tail in greeting to the patrol. It is only when he draws close enough that his green eyes trail to Flowercloud's figure. The light that shines in his eyes dull as he takes in her new scars. He knew of the skirmish between sky and thunder, but hadn't thought she would fight. After all, when they conversed at fourtrees she seemed to be done with fighting. Her son had been avenged, and she expressed great sorrow in the first impression she left the clans. The words of his clanmates and their feelings towards Skyclan and Thunderclan echo in his mind. Each and everyone of them was conflicted, but it seemed the safe bet was to remain neutral. He shifts his attention to Tawnybeam and smiles,

"Teach me what?"

To ease the worries and fears of the Skyclan patrol, he returns his gaze to Flowercloud. The dullness in his eyes is replaced with a glimmer of joy,

"It's good to see you Flowercloud! Did you like the present I left for you? I wasn't sure what kind of flowers you liked, so sorry if I ended up using some you hate. Totally wasn't my intention."

It's then that the eye patch, or what seems to be one against her shoulder catches his eye. The leader can't help but hop forward from excitement, whiskers twitching.

"Whoaaaa not bad! I didn't think you'd actually make one after I told you about them, but it turned out really good. I bet it was a bit of a pain, huh? Did you want to show it to me? Or are you giving it to me?"

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• PIKESTAR

  — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  ♱ 42 moons — he/him — ages realistically on the 1st — mentoring iciclepaw
  ♱ speech is

  "#36D9AB"

  — thoughts are italics — attacks are underlined
  ♱ short haired silver mackerel tabby with green eyes
  ♱ peaceful & healing powerplay permitted — underline & tag when attacking
  ♱ penned by velou — kasaven on discord — open to plots & dms
  

 

[Iciclepaw Iciclepaw]

We will call this place our home
The dirt in which our roots may grow
Though the storms will push and pull
We will call this place our home

.

He was growing, that much was evident. His tiny form had grown more lankier, slowly growing into his body. His pristine white fur blended beautifully with his baby blues as he gazed around, ears ever swiveling to pick up any sound that could mean trouble. Pikestar had taught him so much, and Iciclepaw wanted nothing more than to make his father, mentor, and leader proud, proud of him, proud to be part of RiverClan, proud to be part of the family.

His head snapped to the side quickly when a familiar scent hit his nose, causing him to blink once.

" D-dad, I think there's a SkyClan patrol close by. " he meowed, blue eyes wide as he looked to his mentor, though it was clear Pikestar had already deduced the presence of the other Clan. Without a second thought, he bounded after Pikestar, a shy smile tugging at his muzzle the closer they came to the border. Though in the past he would have cowered behind Pikestar, now he hesitantly walked beside him, almost as tall as the leader, peering over at the cats gathered ahead.

The big one, that must be Flowercloud, right? The SkyClan deputy. Iciclepaw remembered the last Gathering and the whispered rumors of tension between SkyClan and ThunderClan. Something about a life being taken unnecessarily... His whiskers twitched nervously as his mind tried to reconcile the stories with the calm demeanor of the deputy before him. " H-hello, good day. " he finally piped up, stammering slightly, as he blinked at Pikestar for guidance. Pikestar's calm interaction with Flowercloud offered a hint of reassurance, and Iciclepaw's tail flicked a little with relief.

" You... You made her something? That's so nice! " he purred softly, heart fluttering as he glanced at Flowercloud. His ears burned hot, and a small, awkward smile crept across his muzzle. " Hello, Miss Flowercloud.. " His voice wavered just slightly as he added the polite greeting, feeling the tiniest spark of pride for stepping forward and speaking to another Clan. He shifted his paws nervously, unsure if he should stay close to Pikestar or inch forward to observe the SkyClan cats more closely. Every instinct told him to shrink back, but a quiet determination kept him rooted in place. Maybe... Maybe if he paid attention and learned from this, he could be braver next time. Maybe he could be the kind of apprentice Pikestar would be proud of.

Iciclepaw's chest heaved slightly, and a tiny purr of anxious excitement trembled from his throat. He flicked his tail, trying to appear calm, though his ears twitched with every movement around him. He wanted to say something more, to show he noticed, to show he cared... But all that came out was a soft: " I... I'm glad to meet you... " his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with honest eagerness.

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

10 MOONS

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[Frostmoth]

"I have no desire to learn anything from another clan," Frostmoth declares sharply, tipping his muzzle up in an indignant manner as he eyes SkyClan. As far as RiverClan is concerned he has no reason to dislike them, but it certainly rubs the deputy the wrong way that he overhears them talking about 'teaching' them something. They had never wronged their neighbors, but he had been rubbed the wrong way after hearing about the proceedings a few gatherings ago. He and Pikestar had not been present to see it on behalf of Pikestar being dead and Frostmoth having to exile Adder for his murder, but the RiverClan cats who had stayed behind for the show were quick to tell him what they'd seen.

Since then, he'd viewed their northward neighbors as haughty and self-righteous. Like ThunderClan, in some ways.

"Surely you won't entertain this," he looks at Pikestar, then to Flowercloud, and then rolls his eyes "Regardless of your personal affairs." Iciclepaw fawns over the interaction, and he has to suppress another eyeroll. "I guess I'll leave you to it, then. Just don't bring home any ideas with your romance." He turns to go, aiming a quick and playful jab at Pikestar's shoulder. Despite the lightheartedness, there is truth to his words. Frostmoth sees no point in learning the ways of other clans. What was the point in them all being separate then?

OH, MY GOD ★ MAKE ME IN YOUR IMAGE

• "SPEECH"
• ★ FROST — he/him, riverclan deputy, 21 moons
  — penned by carat, feel free to ping or dm for plots!
  — longhair black and white bicolor with blue eyes
  — peaceful powerplay ok! all interactions ok!
  
• penned by carat!

 

[FIDGETPAW! FIDGETPAW!]

It was his first time meeting RiverClanners and Fidgetpaw didn't know what to expect. Frankly, his opinion amounted to nothing more than bits and pieces of conflicting information from his past. The Twolegplace had told stories of the Clans, but the apprentice now understood that these rumors were of little substance; they were too fantastical, far-fetched—kittypets had missed the mark completely. And yet, Fidgetpaw found SkyClan's perspective to be rather… firm. It seemed that SkyClanners were supposedly the harbingers of justice and righteousness, tasked with the critical role of educating those who went astray. But Fidgetpaw didn't dare question it. The significance of SkyClan's history, and the sacredness of their code, still alluded him, despite his best attempts to understand it. He had no qualms with submitting to those more knowledge than himself; he desired to be the most loyal, the most humble, like a sheep to the shepherd, like a peasant before the king.

That said, politics overwhelmed him. How could he possibly remember who lived where and who did what and who liked who—and who didn't?

Inhale. Pause. Exhale... Inhale. Pause. Exhale...

According to Flowercloud, this kind of breathing helped with nerves—and boy, did Fidgetpaw need the help. He shuffled with a palpable, restless energy and a straight face, which only broke into a slight, nervous smile when the deputy nudged his shoulder. The apprentice tried his best to focus on Flowercloud's words as they approached the border. "Open your maw, close your eyes… tell me what you smell… what you hear… open your eyes… tell me what you see. No cheating!"

Fidgetpaw giggled, then took a breath.

The air, full of pine and fir, mingled with something unfamiliar: the mild, fresh scent of rivers. And he could hear water, too, how it rippled and gurgled ahead of him. It was a peaceful sound. "Water," Fidgetpaw murmured, a smile spreading across his face. His voice was full of wonder. "It's like the water is everywhere."

He opened his eyes, but felt his breath catch and his heart pound. The RiverClan patrol was arriving. There were three of them: two older toms and snowy-white apprentice. His sage-green gaze roved over the group before lingering on the youngest RiverClanner. They couldn't be more than a few moons apart, if any, and the stranger seemed just as shy as him. Oddly enough, Fidgetpaw felt his spirits lift, however slight. It appeared he wasn't the only bundle of nerves in existence.

...Presents? His attention wandered back to his mentor and the stranger who greeted her. He seemed so charismatic and easy-going, but spoke with an authority than made Fidgetpaw straighten up. Was this Pikestar? It seemed so. But, what is all this talk about flowers and presents? The apprentice glanced at Flowercloud and Tawnybeam for any unspoken guidance. He was ready to teach the code—he had studied, studied, studied—that was the only plan he'd had, and now it was going awry. There were even cats, like the black and white one beside Pikestar, already resisting their good cause!

 

[flowercloud]

Tawnybeam spoke, and Flowercloud flicked her ear, raising an eyebrow. "Are you saying I haven't? Mmm.. maybe I should then. Do you have any anxieties about being a True Skyclan Warrior now?" She teased, her smile gentle and warm as she glanced towards Tawnybeam, a snicker as she held a paw over her mouth. Of course, Tawnybeam knew that she at one point didn't feel like she could fit in the role of 'true skyclan warrior' as well. "You can take a deep breath too, if you'd like-" she teased.

She was glad when she spoke, others took in her words like a breath- but of course, her friend couldn't be serious, and she didn't blame him. It was hard not to feel so free when they were not in the face of scrutiny or danger. And lately, everything seemed content. Things have fallen into places she didn't expect- and with Quailstep and Brightnose stepping up, she felt a bit of relief in her knotted shoulders.

Fidgetpaw announced what he smelled, what he heard. Its like the water is everywhere, and she purred, resting a tail on his shoulder. "It's how you will remember Riverclan, darling. They eat the fish that reside in it's water, and they swim in the depths of the river. Maybe they sleep in it too-" she said, jokingly. But before Fidgetpaw actually thought that- she shook her large head. "I'm joking, I don't think that would be possible. But their home is where the rivers are, and we must respect their borders. If you can familiarize yourself with the smell of the water, you'll know which border you're on." She instructs softly, hoping it was enough. But she wasn't sure.

But never fully, her guard always remained up, anymore at least. Perhaps one day she could let it fall. But that wouldn't be now, especially with the darting anxiety that swooped around in her stomach. Green eyes widened as his tongue stuck out- and Flowercloud felt her ears heat, head ducking down- "now, now! I don't mean it-"

"Teach me what?"

Flowercloud didn't even see the patrol arrive, and Pikestars voice made her straighten up instantly. Did her heart skip a beat? No, no that was foolish. Her smile was warm as he spoke- rambled more so, but she didn't seem to mind at all. He had brought her a flower crown but whilest being injured, and well, grounded- she couldn't properly thank him. So instead, she made the patch, and used this moment.

"The Flower crown was beautiful, Pikestar. My favorite flowers are orchids, but I do like a lot of different flowers. The lillies you used were perfect," she purred, before swallowing it down and feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. Be normal, she pleaded with herself. Business! Easy, just like Hawkstar does, except- more fun. Pikestar mentioned the patch strapped to her shoulder, and her tail lifted as he recognized it. "I had to thank you! Fortunately, I healed sooner than expected so I was able to bring it to you and thank you in person... But it's for you!" Her green gaze fell onto a younger cat who spoke up- calling him kind and seeming entirely too sweet. He spoke softly, nervously, and Flowercloud dipped her head in a small bow of greeting before moving to pull the patch off her shoulder and set it before her towards the leader.

"Hello! It's very nice to meet you all too... this is Fidgetpaw, my apprentice- and Tawnybeam. The rest of the patrol is catching up, but they shall introduce themselves when they come," she says softly, before continuing.

"But the teaching that was brought up.. I didn't mean any ill matters of course, except for what we discussed during the gathering.. about the code. I've brought warriors that know our code like the back of their paws-" Her gaze leveled and gentle on Pikestar immediately darted as a black and white cat who intended not to learn anything. And there goes the anxiety, a stutter of a breath, a duck of her head. "Oh-oh I'm not.. forcing anyone, or..." Her voice faded a bit, sheepish, casting a green gaze over to Tawnybeam before back to Pikestar. "Wait- romance?" Her cheeks would raise in heat, tucking her head down as a nervous laugh escapes her. Surely, surely, no- Pikestar had children, and there was no way he was flirting with her. Did his clan know something she didn't? Then again- the way Tawnybeam looked at her-

At least no one seen the heat she felt in her face. At least she hoped not. "Um, well, if uh- this is a bad time, I don't mind coming back later?"

flowercloud - 38 moons - skyclan deputy - mentoring Fidgetpaw

 

[Teaselfeather Teaselfeather]

Let me die, let me drown, lay my bones in the ground
I will still come around when the time for sleep is through
Over hill, over dale, through the valley and vale
Do not weep, do not wail, I am coming home to you

.

Though Teaselfeather still carried their doubts about what they were meant to do, they were willing to try. These cats, above all, were still Clan cats, weren't they? Even if they were young, even if they hadn't grown up with the Warrior Code, that didn't mean they couldn't learn it. What they did with that knowledge afterward... That was up to them. They were not kits to be guided by the tail, nor strangers undeserving of trust.

As the RiverClan leader greeted them with more warmth than his deputy, Teaselfeather's gaze lingered on the half-and-half tom who turned to leave. Wisdom urged them to stay silent, but pride in their mother and in her kindness, urged them to speak. " Maybe... " they murmured, voice soft. " We don't learn to become one another... Only to understand why we are different. " Their mismatched eyes lifted toward Frostmoth, calm and thoughtful. " If the river never met the sky, it would still flow... But it would never know how far its reflection could reach. "

They looked then to Flowercloud, the faintest flick of their tail betraying their quiet affection and faith. " My mother doesn't wish to change RiverClan, only to share what helped us keep faith when everything else fell apart. The code of the warriors... " A beat passed before they settled their eyes on the leaving form of Frostmoth again. " Sometimes, wisdom isn't about learning something new. It's remembering what we've all forgotten... "

With those words, Teaselfeather moved to settle beside Flowercloud, their tail curling neatly around their paws. They dipped their head politely toward Pikestar, a sliver of a smile softening their features.

" .. Good day. " they murmured, voice light and even. " I am Teaselfeather, child of Flowercloud. "

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15 MOONS

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SKYCLANNER

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