Backwritten Camp RiverClan CHAOS ASSEMBLY — COUNCIL MEETING

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

When he had returned with the battered patrol, what he was unprepared for was the chaos that awaited them in camp. The scent of Shadowclan invaded his nostrils. A couple clanmates breathing heavily with some wounds of their own, and when he rushed to the medicine cat den, where the putrid stench of Shadowclan was the strongest? Crushed herbs and seeds were scattered about. Claw marks carved into the ground and bits of the den as well. In the center of it all was his dear friend Jinglemoon. Rainpaw stood beside their wounded mentor, attempting to aid them with whatever herbs available. The last clear memory from there was a yowl and shredding of a nest. He was dragged away shortly after, thrashing about. When he awoke, it appeared as if a storm passed through his den.

Slumber would prove restless. The images of his wounded clanmates haunted him while Shadowclan cackled such a horrid sound. Frustrated tears slipped down his cheeks. Teeth gritted, preventing yowls of agony from escaping his maw, waking the others with him. Eventually, the sun would rise and when it did he went to gather the members of his council who weren't injured to the medicine cat den. He would not make his mostly injured council drag themselves to his den. No, especially when he was in much better shape.

Once he made his way inside... The rage began to bubble. It was in much better shape than the day before, but it was still in disarray. Unknowingly, he had unsheathed his claws. It was more than evident that this ordeal had taken his toll on him. They would forgive him for it. His haggard appearance was just proof of his care for each and every one of them. How could they expect him to remain cool and collected when they lost so much? This was the best he could do for now.

"The next time you dare cross into our territory with children, make no mistake, we will strike them down just like any criminal."

That is what he said then. Before seeing the state of the medicine cat den. Before sitting here with a good number of his council hurt. Before seeing Jinglemoon injured. When he was foolish. Now as the smell of blood and herbs invade his senses, he regrets. I shouldn't have shown them mercy. It was because of him and his faults that Riverclan paid the price. He was supposed to protect them. It was his duty, that was why the stars granted him these nine lives. Did they watch him with anger? In regret? He did not know and frankly he didn't care. What he cared most about was Jinglemoon. The pair of them were thrusted their respective duties by the stars and he had promised to do his best to support the medicine cat. However, here he sat unscathed while his friend was harmed. Unable to rest fully because it was his duty to tend to others as well. If Jinglemoon attempted to assuage his worries with a gentle smile, it would be met with a scowl. Your wounds should have been mine. Then, his gaze trailed over each and every member of his council.

"I'm sorry."

It's not enough and he knows it. No apologies will make this better. With a trembling frame, he continues,

"I should have given them the punishment they deserved instead of mercy. Because of me, this all happened."

Claws rake slightly across the ground before digging themselves.

"I won't let Shadowclan get away with this. That being said we've got a lot to discuss on what we should do from here on out."

Difficult it is not to give into his lust for blood. To not think of sinking his claws and fangs into each and every Shadowclanner who was there. Even a child who was forced to partake in the crimes of those who were supposed to teach her well. Her frightened expression at that time.... Why?

He really shouldn't be thinking about that child at a time like this. He needed to take care of Riverclan first.

"I think we should focus on finding herbs."

To recover what we lost.

"Maybe send out a patrol or two. At least, as a start. Do any of you have other ideas?"

// @Frostmoth @Peachtrot @Adderfang @pineheart @Russetfall @PIGEONPEARL @Jinglemoon @Rainpaw this council meeting takes place in the early morning after the herb heist thread in the medicine cat den

 

[Russetfall]

FALLING FOR THE PROMISE OF THE

EMPTINESS MACHINE

If she could have had her way Russetfall would have tracked those fox-hearted cowards all the way back to their own camp that night. Would have broken into Shadowclan's own medicine den and trashed the place beyond any meaningful repair. They would have deserved it after what'd been done to Jinglemoon and Adderfang. An eye for an eye...

Impulse said it was worth it. But logic dictated that it was a fool's errand. As much as she'd love to claw out that rosetted molly's eyes in retaliation for hurting their medicine cat (Thank the stars Rainpaw had been unharmed...), she knew that would be foolish. She was just one cat and their herb stores were all but obliterated. She realized she hated logic winning out in this case.

Sleep had not come for her at all- instead Russet had made herself busy trying to do what she could to tidy the medicine den somewhat. Tried to sort what herbs could possibly be salvaged into a pile for Jingle and Rain to sort through to confirm later. Herbs that were ruined tossed out with a growl. All the while she seethed. Wallowed in her anger and disbelief until she was pacing when there was little else to tidy in the den.

When Pikestar enters the den with the rest of the uninjured council, an apology tumbling from his maw, she nearly snaps at him with a growl but holds her tongue. Barely. This was his fault and he knew it. Instead she sits, tail curled around her paws and tail tip thumping harshly against the ground. "...We're all lucky this happened now, right before greenleaf, instead of the middle of leafbare." Russetfall finally bites out, green eyes narrowed on her leader. She does not need to elaborate how much worse this could have been in leafbare.

A claw pierces a stray leaf she had missed in her cleaning, studying the ruined herb for a moment before flicking it away.

"You're right that we need to restock herbs first and foremost," She murmurs coldly. "But we should also make it absolutely clear to Shadowclan that this will not be tolerated. And sooner rather than later. They took your good will and spat on it." Her mouth snaps shut with an audible click of her teeth at the last syllable.

A small part of her wants to look Pikestar in the eye and say 'I told you so', but that would do little but anger everyone involved when emotions were already high. Instead she lets out a huff and looks to the rest of the council, avoiding Pikestar's gaze. "I think a few of the most able bodied of us- no offense Adder- should lead a patrol to speak with Shadowclan's leader. Those with less drastic wounds should help Jinglemoon restock our herb supply. I can help gather herbs or go to Shadowclan, wherever I'm most useful."

Either way she was NOT going to let Riverclan struggle to recover.

ITS BEEN DECIDED HOW WE LOSE

RUSSETFALL

— Life Guard of Riverclan
— She/Her
"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
— A Green-eyed Chocolate Mackerel Tabby With Low White
#8a2c55

 

[Frostmoth]

RiverClan returns to camp with their tails tucked like beaten dogs, utterly defeated in their own home. Their herbs have been stolen, ransacked, and destroyed. Frostmoth kicks himself for his politeness at the border when he had first encountered ShadowClan. There is a part of him that wishes he had pounced on the ShadowClan apprentice he'd met there and let her have it before Pikestar could have intercepted him. An eye for an eye. The injuries were not enough. With no casualties, Frostmoth is sure that they are likely to try this all over again. But next time they might bring bigger, stronger warriors instead of kits. Frostmoth trails after Pikestar, but he walks a few paces back as if misaligning himself with his leader.

Something sticks out in his mind: "You sent me back to camp. Jinglemoon and Rainpaw would have been safer with us where we were instead of sent back to a sleeping camp to be ambushed," Frostmoth is seething slightly when he addresses. His eyes are narrowed. He hasn't had time to simmer on the hot current of emotions that run beneath his pelt. The shame at being outnumbered to protect their medicine cat, the anger at being sent back to camp as if he were a child, and the frustration that this had even happened to beginwith. "There was no strategy to our defense. It devolved into tactless fighting and throwing our more vulnerable clanmates into the direct line of danger."

He stiffens at Pikestar's suggestion. They do need to recoup what's already been lost, but there are other areas in which RiverClan is lacking, too. "What we need to do is make allies. We need to speak to SkyClan and ThunderClan, and rather than act like shocked kits when SkyClan doesn't want us skittering on their border we should seek their allyship," Frostmoth's words have a sharp edge to them, but he does not recoil as usual. His anger has emboldened him. "I doubt ShadowClan's leader will care," he turns to look at Russetfall and finds that his gaze softens at her camaraderie "A group of cats like that is probably lead by someone who is equally as smarmy and conniving."

He glances around at the council with varying levels of wariness and injury before turning back to Pikestar. "I will take a patrol to SkyClan, and Adderfang will take one to ThunderClan. It might be best to try and speak with every clan we are aware of on a diplomatic basis, too." Frostmoth, who typically has resigned himself to being orderly and organized, now finds that anger seems to bring out something more commanding in him. And though the edges are sharp, his message is clear: he will not let this happen again.

OH, MY GOD ★ MAKE ME IN YOUR IMAGE

• "SPEECH"
• ★ FROST — he/him, riverclan deputy, 20 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!

 

[Adderfang]

The shuffling of paws came from the entrance of the medicine den. A hunched figure leans against the hollow. Slitted eyes swept across those gathered. A night's rest had done him no good. Though some of his wounds had been patched to the best of Jinglemoon's ability and what meager herbs they had left, he hardly looked any better than before. The taste of blood still lingered on his tongue. His pelt remained ruffled and bloodied, thin lines of exhaustion etched deep beneath heavyset eyes.

The disheveled tom limped inside, jaw set tight, a single serpent's fang drawn over his lip. It was good of him to expect this discussion, and no surprise that he found sleep difficult. Adderfang wouldn't have missed this meeting for the world. Too many thoughts weighed on his mind, and he'd see it fit that they heard every one.

The air inside was heavy—thick with discontent. His gaze dragged over the floor, over the emptied shelves. The sight made his face screw up, nostrils flaring as he fought to contain the typhoon that surged forth.

As Pikestar apologized, it didn't get any easier. Pointless—self-soothing apologies would not help them now. He spoke when Adderfang would rather see action. Only his promise to Wavesong dampened the rage brimming on the tip of his tongue… at least until the silver tom finished speaking.

That was a courtesy he did not extend to Russetfall, who takes a poorly timed stab at his pride. He was not in a tolerant mood. "I would thank you, Russetfall, not to tell me what I am or am not able to do," He responds curtly. "You will not leave me out of matters where the safety of my family is concerned." His long-banded tail rattles and sweeps the floor where he leans.

ShadowClan trampled their goodwill. They came, they stole, they ravaged. The idea of strangers waltzing into their camp uncontested, while his mate and children slept, made his vision blur red.

What fools we all are.

"Strangers invaded our camp unchallenged. They mocked us. Stole from us. Left our medicine cat bleeding in the dirt. We should consider ourselves very lucky they were only here for herbs and nothing more!" Adderfang could contain his anger no longer. He could not keep his voice from trembling as he hissed through clenched teeth. "I hope we don't forget it soon. What our weakness has cost us—what it will continue to cost us in the days to come."

His gaze drifted over them all, but it lingered on Pikestar just a heartbeat longer. "No one else seems to have the guts to say it out loud, so I will." He angles his head back, saying the next words with his whole chest. "I told you this would happen." Maybe he's just being spiteful now, but he's in too deep to care. After nearly dying for them, he can be forgiven for being a little unreasonable. "And it will continue to happen if we do not get our shit together."

The tom jerks his head away, nostrils flaring. The frustration in his chest boiled over, and while Pikestar bore the brunt of it now, the blame wasn't his alone. It was all of theirs to bear. There would be hard days ahead.

When Frostmoth finally spoke, it was the first lick of sense he'd heard since the meeting began. Adderfang hated the idea of relying on their rivals for charity, but they no longer had the strength to stand alone.

"Frostmoth is right, but I do still think we should pay ShadowClan a visit—whether their leader cares to listen or not. There must be consequences for what they've done. They need to see that RiverClan isn't as weak as they think. "

Frostmoth, as green as grass not long ago, was showing the strength they desperately needed now. Maybe it was anger that gave him the courage, but he has earned a sliver of respect. Decisive action would carry them farther than regrets.

"Once we've healed, of course." He continued in a raspy tone. "Let's hope that happens quickly before they think to try something like that again." Adderfang limped forward a few paces to stand beside the bicolor tom, claws scraping against root and stone. He hadn't risked his life just to let those filthy thieves try their luck a second time.

___________________ There wasn't a wrong or a right he could choose 𓆟 He did what he had to do ________________

• "speech" - thoughts
  
  

• 

• Adderfang he/him & riverclan
  𓆟 Chocolate ticked tabby w/ amber eyes. Peppered with scars. Deep gash across the right side of his face exposing one canine slightly. Missing left ear.
  𓆟 Deep gravelly voice that might unsettle others.
  𓆟 Would and will kill a man.
  𓆟 Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. For other powerplays, DM.
  𓆟 Fur smells faintly of river reeds and damp earth.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​

 

[pineheart]

✦Pineheart lays still in his temporary medicine den nest and listens quietly as the younger ones squabble, all of them like kits in his eyes. Apologies… regret… too little too late. He drags his large form out of his nest, stooping slightly under the roof, and looks down at them all. What a sorry sight they all are, himself included, no doubt.

He addresses Pikestar first, tone even.

"I agree with Frostmoth– you made a mistake sending Jinglemoon and Rainpaw back to camp. You couldn't have known they'd attack our camp, but you should've known better than to let such vital members of our clan out of our sight while we were under attack."

He looks around again, for a moment. "It's like I told that big bastard from Shadowclan. Leniency is not inaction. It is not a weakness either. If we all went around attacking anyone that crossed the border, we'd eradicate each other within a moon. We'd be no better than wild dogs. However, taking advantage of leniency– that is a move of the weak indeed. A coward's play."

He looks towards Frostmoth, giving him a nod, "I agree. Allies are needed, or at the least, warnings. Tell them to be wary of Shadowclan, to not show them leniency nor mercy, to doubt their words. Rats will be rats. If we can turn the other clans against Shadowclan, they will hesitate to try anything like this again. I… have been ordered to rest. And I wish to honor Jinglemoon's advice," he shoots Adderfang a glance, not angry, but more of a get it together sort of look. "So I won't be making any long journeys right now. But I can come with the herb patrols, keep them safe in case Shadowclan tries anything again."

haven't had a dream in a long time

see, the life i've had could make a good man go bad

• ooc: -
• 

  PINE, - 49 moons / riverclan + warrior
  large brown tabby town
  adopted guardian of Torrentpaw and Squidpaw / future mentor to Torrentpaw
  healing and peaceful powerplay allowed

 

[Jinglemoon]

JINGLEMOON, 25 Moons, RiverClan Medicine Cat // He/They // #3b90ff
A long furred blue tabby tom with low white, long pointed ears with curved tips and dazzling blue eyes.
Sibling to ASTRO, Uncle to TWINKLEPAW, ECLIPSEPAW and COMETPAW
Usually walks with a jingle in his step. Good listener and always thoughtful.
Played by DINGO

---

Sleep seemed an impossible task for many RiverClanners that night and Jinglemoon would be among the group who really struggled to get any real shut eye. He flinched at every sound as if expecting another attack, worried that this time he wouldn't be fast enough to protect Rainpaw, only for it to be nothing. His face burned with red hot pain for what felt like the entire night and he couldn't bare to look at the herb stores at the back of his den. Empty. Ruined. That ShadowClan molly had left them with almost nothing. Almost Only four things remained that were still usable; A bit of Burnet, a Stinging Nettle and two bits of Comfrey... All of which he knew would be used up right away in order to help Adderfang and his other wounded clanmates who fought bravely to get ShadowClan off of their territory. Jinglemoon had declined any use of herbs on himself for now despite his injury, only allowing Rainpaw to clean it with drenched moss before patching it with whatever cobwebs they could find, all the while trying his best to gently and patiently tutor her during it mostly through words alone.

The only rest that came to him after that was intermittently, as he seemed to fade in and out of only a very light sleep for a few moments at a time before waking again. Was it more that he was just slipping in and out of consciousness? He couldn't really tell right now, all his thoughts were full of was what had just happened to their camp, to their home, to his den. And what he was going to do to save Adderfang and the others from their injuries.

The medicine den stung his nose again with the sharp scent of herbs and blood as the sun rose. The blood of his clanmates as well as his own. As the council cats began to enter the den with Pikestar in the lead Jinglemoon found that he could not muster up any sort of smile nor greeting. He simply pushed himself up from where he had laid in his nest and kept his gaze to the ground. Discussion began quickly, apologies even quicker. Jinglemoon did not react to any of it, not yet at least. He simply listened, his gaze never leaving the ground as the others mentioned focusing on finding herbs or sending out patrols to ThunderClan and SkyClan to seek allyship. When Adderfang snapped at Russetfall though the medicine cat's gaze would shoot towards the other tom as he slowly got to his paws and stood out of his nest.

"Maybe Russetfall can't tell you what you are or are not capable of right now Adderfang. But I can" It was his job to do so after all... His tone was cold but not uncaring and he no longer held his usual timidness when speaking to another cat who would usually intimidate him somewhat, instead his blue eyes flashed with a burning fire behind them. He would do whatever it took to see his Clanmates recover even if they fought him every pawstep along the way. "And as your Medicine Cat, I say you are unfit to leave the medicine den unless I explicitly say so or am with you when you leave it, have I made myself clear? You almost died last night in the river and your fight to recovery is not over yet, not even close. You are not being left out by not being allowed to go chase shadows while your body needs to heal" If Adderfang got worse because Jingle was too timid to tell him off when he wasn't doing what was needed to recover... He wouldn't be able to ever look Wavesong in the eye again.

"Frostmoth" Turning away from the chocolate ticked tabby now to instead look to the black and white tom, his tail would flick once. "The camp we were sent back to was as you said. Sleeping. With a ShadowClan intruder in the midst. She could have done so much worse had we not arrived when we did. Think of our Clanmates who had been sleeping at the time unaware of the danger, Pikestar would have never sent us back knowingly into an ambush" Truthfully he had felt safe when they were on the way back to camp because they had been sent back with Frostmoth, but the Deputy could not be in two places at once nor protect every cat alone. Their nursery had kits in it currently and Jinglemoon much preferred their current outcome over if that ShadowClan molly had of found it over the medicine den first.

The herb patrols would be needed-- He knew he'd have to do some teaching there in order to make sure cats didn't go out collecting things that made them sick. Making allies with ThunderClan and SkyClan he wasn't sure on, what if they turned around and attacked them too? He shook his head, they couldn't live life thinking like that. They had to at least try it and with so many herbs stolen from their land he was bound to need more from places outside the territory-- He would shoot Frostmoth a warning look though when Adderfang was named to take a patrol to ThunderClan. At least he knew he wouldn't have to fight Pineheart to get proper rest!

Certain things kept being said that stuck out to him though and were making him feel as though he was being seen as being as helpless as a newborn kit in the Nursery. His herb stores never would've been ransacked the way they had been if he had of been able to actually do something about that molly. Vulnerable, that's what he was and they were right to say so.

"I want to be trained to fight." He would've been better able to protect Rainpaw if he had of known already and while she had been kept safe, it had come at a high cost. Never again, next time he would fight back.

 

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

It goes as well as he expected. He is met with rage and accepts it. Pikestar did not think for a moment his apologies would erase their frustration or their rage. He is thankful for Russetfall's grace, even if he understood her underlying message of 'I told you so'. Yelling at him wasn't going to do much in the grand scheme of things. It's not like they could go back in time and change the events that transpired. All they could focus on was the now. Her suggestions are logical and he is a little reassured that she also believes they should assemble herb patrols. Naturally, the topic of sending a patrol to Shadowclan is brought up. It is not optional and he's certain everyone in this den will be in agreeance with facing the other clan. In any case he gives her a nod of acknowledgement. He has the others to listen to.

When he is met with Frostmoth's wrath, to say his eyes didn't widen alarm for a moment would be a lie. Eventually, he resigns himself with a deep inhale to his deputies harsh words. He says nothing in response. If he were to give in now, then he'd be in a yelling match with Frostmoth. He doesn't trust himself either in explaining his reasoning. Just wait Pike. You have to wait. Eventually, Frostmoth seems to recall this meeting had a purpose other than arguing. Allies? Green eyes narrow into slits. That doesn't sound horrible, but that's a lot harder done than said. In all fairness he can't picture Hawkstar wanting his allyship so easily. Their clans have only just started developing some positive relationship with them in Jinglemoon tending to their injuries. Back when we had herbs. He bites back a bitter laugh. Anyhow, he is not opposed to the idea of building relationships with the other clans.

Frostmoth stares at him. He waits patiently. The young tom staked his claim. If he were anything like Hawkstar he would punish his deputy for their audacity. If his deputy thought the words would cut so deeply that it would harm him, then he was mistaken. Pikestar has heard worse and endured worse. The leader is not so foolish not to know of his clan's unhappiness with him. Besides there is only one tom who has attacked his soul beyond measure. In any case, he does the same for Frostmoth. He offers the deputy a nod.

Adderfang is in a much more foul mood than typical, though with what transpired he can't say it's out of place. Even the brief bickering (he's staying out of that one) between Russetfall and the grump is not out of place. She did ask for it. Fortunately, or not so fortunately Adderfang begins with feelings towards the heist. It is not productive to their purpose, yet he finds himself holding onto all the words from who have voiced their rage. Their words soothe him. Unlike them, he couldn't be afforded to voice his similar complaints. Oh, how he wanted to join in... However, he couldn't lose himself. Even if the voice chanting for bloodshed clawed at his throat.

It is beyond difficult not to hiss at Adderfang when he really lets him have it. While its not as bad as that time moons ago, he despises Adderfang when he gets like this. He knows the tom is not being reasonable. He is acting out of spite, and yet he can't help himself from glaring at the injured warrior. His claws itch to be unsheathed. Not to strike the other, no, that would end up horrible. The frustration was building up and the need to steady himself by raking his claws against the dirt was growing. However, the petty side of him refused to seek such comfort. If he did then the injured warrior would know he won this battle.

Once the other looked away from him and began sharing suggesting (mostly agreeing with Frostmoth), his frustration had dimmed only a twinge. Before he can even nod, Jinglemoon speaks up. Immediately, his head turns to the medicine cat. How could it not? His friends voice is cold and unyielding. That's right. The frustration began to bubble once more. As Jinglemoon continued, it had only gotten worse. Everything he wasn't supposed to say yowled in his mind, overpowering the tiny fraction of it that desperately tried to stop him from letting his true feelings get the best of him. His silver trembled, the rage letting itself known. My friend. My equal. My friend. My friend. Myfriendmyfriendmyfriend.

"Adderfang."

When Adderfang turned he would be met with an icy glare and unsheathed claws.

"I didn't snap at you earlier because you were right. I would have never picked you to be part of my council if I wanted gentleness. I chose you for your harshness. You've been allowed the freedom to act in the manner you do because of me. Don't think I've forgotten what was said to Maremane and how Mistpaw followed in your steps."

Weak?! I'LL SHOW YOU WEAK.

"I chose not to act because I knew you had our clans best interests at heart. However, it seems like my decision to do nothing has been taken as a sign to do whatever you wish. And it will continue to happen if I don't get my shit together, correct?"

A paw is brought to his chin, as he tilts his head mockingly, claws lightly scraping against skin. He was nothing at all like the Pikestar they had known. If anything it seemed as if he was possessed by something ominous. It was of their own making. They had pushed him this far. This what you wanted, isn't it?

"I have tolerated your actions for far too long, but it ends here. You will listen to Jinglemoon's orders. Jinglemoon and I are equals, if you disobey him then you are disobeying me. If I have to treat you like a kit I will. I suggest you follow your orders."

I promise you I will make you regret not following our orders. A eerie grin curls from his lips, Adderfang would be a fool to test him. I can spare a life if I have to.

Only a fool would believe he will allow anyone to disrespect his friend. While Adderfang did not directly dismiss Jinglemoon, he knew the injured cat well. The brown tom would do everything in his power to fight and go on patrols. Did he not care for his mate? His children? He says he does this for them, yet he never once considered how they would feel. If he did not care that Jinglemoon would have to endlessly tend to his wounds and the effect it would have on him, then he should care about Wavesong's sorrow. She too is a dear friend to him and he could never live with himself if her mate winded up dead because of his pride and idiocy.

Adderfang should be grateful for Jinglemoon. Had the medicine cat not moved onto Frostmoth things would have gotten significantly uglier. He is not as furious with Frostmoth. No, he is only frustrated. His deputy did not understand his reasoning for sending him away, yet Jinglemoon did. His friend understood him and had his back. Even if it was intentional, it meant the world to Pikestar. The eerie grin he bore when speaking to Adderfang has fallen. Frostmoth is met with an frigid gaze.

"You have a right to be furious. You may never forgive me for sending you away with Jinglemoon and Rainpaw. That's fine. Maybe you and everyone else believes I made the worst choice. I don't regret it. If I could change anything, then I would've taken them instead. Would you be happier then? You would've fought with the others while I retreated with Jinglemoon and Rainpaw."

The paw that had been to his chin now raked against the ground, leaving faint clawmarks.

"When making that choice I thought of our clanmates back home. I may have not known our camp would have been ambushed, but all I could think about was the safety of our sleeping clanmates. As well as the kits in the nursery. You've said it yourself. Shadowclan is conniving and their ambush is proof of that."

He tilts his head to Pineheart,

"Pineheart has said they're cowardly as well."

Claws sink into the ground as he snaps his head back to Frostmoth.

"Will rats pass up the opportunity of killing vulnerable prey?"

This time his gaze falls on everyone except Jinglemoon.

"Can you live with that?"

His words are brutal. Each and every single one of them knows how opportunistic rats are.

"Or would you have told me my biggest mistake was not sending someone, anyone back to camp? After all, I wouldn't have know any better. Frostmoth, Jinglemoon, and Rainpaw would stay and help us fight. We would return with our stolen herbs. Everyone will feel victorious until the moment they step into camp."

That's what you care more about, right? Herbs over the lives of our friends and family.

"Herbs don't work on dead cats."

The shift is abrupt. He is drowning them. Part of him wants them to, yet there is a moment of clarity when he briefly looks at Jinglemoon. Oh. I... I went too far. Sorrow bleeds into his next set of words.

"Would you blame me then?"

Tense silence surrounds them, and then... As if a spell has been broken, Pikestar smiles and sheathes his claws. The silence is broken by his cheery voice,

"Anyway! I agree with having allies or at the very least informing the other clans of Shadowclan. Given that Adderfang is hereby forbidden from doing anything other than resting, he will not be allowed to lead Thunderclan's patrol. Peachtrot will be the one to lead Thunderclan's patrol, unless Jinglemoon deems her unfit."

Its a safe decision all things considered as Peachtrot is better known to Thunderclan. That in itself is not a bad thing. In fact, he's glad Riverclan could and would be associated with someone as cheerful as her. Perhaps it will ease their nerves a bit and hear her out. She's always been good at navigating through conversation, though... He's a little uncertain in how she will deliver the news. Will she tell them only what was required? Or will she tell the other clan the depths of their loss. I don't feel too good about Riverclan coming off pitiful, but if that's what will convince them to be our allies so be it. We will have a chance in the future to show them how much we've grown. One day they'll look at us at equals and ask for our help. When that happens we know we're on the right path.

Then comes Windclan. He hasn't had the time to visit their clan personally, so he feels it necessary to lead the patrol himself to such a clan. The other clan is aware of their existence at the very least, which is good. Ever since that run in from Maremane they seem to follow the border policy. Granted, the clan hasn't gotten a whiff of them since then. I'm needed in Shadowclan too. His gaze trails over each and every member of his council. They are all hurt, some more than others. Those he would want on the patrol to Shadowclan were in no state to come with him. He would need warriors who would hold their own in the event that anything went wrong when meeting Shadowclan. One pawstep at a time. Shadowclan isn't going anywhere. We will strike when the time is right.

"I think its time I officially pay a visit to Windclan. I haven't met with their leader yet and I think it would be more fitting to deliver the news personally as well as make Riverclan's expectations clear. Pigeonpearl, if its alright with you, would you join me?"

Pigeonpearl's inclusion is not for him. It is for the other members of the council. It is evident that his judgement is clouded in their eyes, so having Pigeonpearl within the patrol would be their eyes. She would prevent him from being too soft on the other clan and much like Adderfang, voice her distaste. In all honesty he was going to send Pigeonpearl originally to lead the patrol, so if the majority of his council was unhappy they would unknowingly follow his wishes by making her lead instead.

"As for Shadowclan... We will visit them as soon as possible. However, I think we should come up with a plan before sending a patrol there. I plan to go there myself, but I think we should assemble a group of warriors who can hold their own in the event something goes wrong. If we have to wait for some warriors to recover a day or two, then I'd rather wait for them."

He hoped this reasoning would assuage Frostmoth. After all, it was the tom who valued strategy above all else. Surely he could see the merit in waiting for a day or two to come up with a plan and who was fit to go. Even though this was only going to be a conversation between their clans and finding some justice, there was conflict sure to follow. They were already on the backfoot with the lack of herbs and healthy warriors, but being near enemy territory? By no means will they know the terrain until they get there and even then they wouldn't be granted the time to become familiar with it. To have a better fighting chance with Shadowclan if they needed to defend themselves. We're fools if we stay and try to fight a whole clan.

Green eyes land on a certain chocolate mackerel tabby.

"Russetfall. I want you on the patrol to Shadowclan. No matter what we decide in the end, I want you to be apart of the patrol. You are more than fierce and you will not be swayed by any trickery."

This decision is final. None will deny Russetfall this chance, not if he has any say in it. Her injuries can be resolved quickly unlike a certain gruff tom in their ranks. If they are permitted a day or two, Russetfall will be ready.

There is one more thing to settle. I've allowed you Skyclan because of your anger. Jinglemoon and I have scolded you thoroughly, I don't see any reason to punish you further. Besides, I do owe you for your work for Riverclan. His attention turns to Frostmoth. A tense silence passes between them before Pikestar opens his maw,

"You can come to Shadowclan as well. I denied you the chance to stand with your clanmates before, so I am allowing you to stand with us. You will not be sent away if you decide to join us. All I ask is that we decide who will help Jinglemoon, Rainpaw, Pineheart, and Adderfang look after the clan."

If he knew the deputy well enough, then he'd jump at the chance. By all accounts he was prepared for it. As for his choice in who would look after their home when they go off to Riverclan then it would be Peachtrot. In trying times her positivity would prevent Riverclan from falling in despair. Besides, she'd have the guidance of Jinglemoon, Pineheart, and Adderfang (if she was daring) to help her. If anything, Wavesong would offer her wisdom as well.

He hasn't forgotten Pineheart's words, even if... He lost himself for a bit moments ago.

"Pineheart, I need you to rest and rebuild your strength. I don't doubt your capabilities in protecting the herb patrols. In fact, that's the reason why I refuse to have you go on them. Knowing you, you'd fight to the very end. Just... Just rest and if you really need to help, then you can find something to do within camp. That is if Jinglemoon permits it."

He did not want to oppose his friends decisions. After all, he made a promise to support Jinglemoon in whatever way he can. Sending cats who needed to recover was only going to stress the medicine cat out. Not to mention Rainpaw. The few patients the better.

"I want to be trained to fight."

Pikestar is not surprised by his friends desire. He knows it well. He knows of the helpless and frustration of being unable to protect what is dear. It eats at you. Rots you from the inside out. He would not wish upon such a fate for anyone, especially his friend. A friend whom he failed. Are you afraid of me now? Or will you talk to me about what happened later?

"That can be arranged. Russetfall, I want you to train Jinglemoon."

Are they unnerved? Unnerved at how quickly he passed the decision and with a lack of hesitance? Or was it becoming all too clear? The relationship between leader and medicine cat?

 

[Adderfang]

The wind is swept right out from under him. Pineheart doesn't speak up to support him. That stings more than he thought it would. Any hope that the tom would back him is dashed. After what happened to Littlebrook, he would figure his fellow lifeguard would be more upset.

Blazing eyes snap to Jinglemoon, the sinew in his jaw wound so tight he feels it might snap. For a moment his restraint grows thin and brittle—anger threatening to cloud his judgement completely. Pikestar's barking, Jinglemoon's reprimand, the suffocating tension of the den—it all closes in like a cage. Rage molds him like puddy, changing him into a shape even Adderfang himself doesn't recognize. His claws bury into the earth and cut deep gouges into the floor. First, he stares at Jinglemoon but then turns his eyes to Pikestar.

His tail flicks, neck lifting as he meets the leader's eyes dead-on. If it were different circumstances, maybe he'd be proud—proud that Pikestar was finally acting like a leader after all these moons. But now? Now, of all times, is when he decides to grow a spine? That backbone he now wields is being used to bludgeon him, but that is not surprising.

As long as RiverClan has been reborn, he's been at odds with the silver tom. Adderfang feels he's tried his best until now to be a supporting brace as he promised, but he realizes now that its only driven a greater wedge between them. Maybe it is his fault for expecting something that Pikestar was never capable of giving in the first place.

"I've been given freedom because of you?" His gaze hardens to steel. "Did you forget who helped you get here?"

At some point, a calm settles over him—a stillness that leaves him chilled. Every muscle loosens. Every line in his battered body throbs. Pain flares from the muscles he's strained. His claws twitch, eyes flicking between the toms eyes and his throat—like a snake gauging the best way to strike. No sooner do they drift does he realize where his head has gone.

A twinge of guilt stirs in his chest, but he brushes it off for now. "I earned my freedom, you don't 'allow' me anything. Every patrol I spent away from my family—every fish I caught to fill your empty belly—every decision I made because you were too spineless too." He takes a step forward, eyes boring down on the silver tom. "All of it and if these wounds aren't enough of a reminder, the blood I bled for it too."

He turns—just slightly—to Jinglemoon. The fire in his gaze hasn't dulled. It simmers now—a controlled burn that spreads over him.

"I respect what you do, but I didn't crawl out of that river just to be talked down to." The words rumble sharply in his throat. "What of your own wounds, Jinglemoon? Is Rainpaw ready to fill your paws should something happen to you? I thought that beating you got would've taught you something." Adderfang would've drowned that ShadowClan rat, not only for his family, but for them. He nearly died to protect one of their own. Wasn't that enough? Now it felt as if they were all taking turns spitting in his face.

They were leaving him out to dry, and for what? Concern? "So how about you focus on replenishing your herb stores and teaching your apprentice instead of playing warden?"

Whatever softness blinded them would not help them now. A long sigh drags from his throat, one that drains the last heat from his voice. If they thought him no longer fit to give council as he was, then Adderfang wouldn't. He would go lick his wounds while they all ran off to play diplomat and probably got themselves killed in the process.

"Oh, and I'm curious about something. Shouldn't your 'equal' be your deputy, Pike? I'm hardly surprised you would choose personal friendships over the capable paws you appointed yourself, but you might not make that so obvious." He turns now, brushing Frostmoth's shoulder with his tail as he passes—a small show of solidarity.

"One last piece of advice, Pikestar. Next time, instead of crawling around with your head up your ass while we're bleeding on this clans behalf, you might try unwedging it so you can look ShadowClan in the face the next time they decide to piss all over you." And with that, Adderfang does him the service of dismissing himself. He limps from the den, his shadow stretching long behind him.

___________________ There wasn't a wrong or a right he could choose 𓆟 He did what he had to do ________________

• "speech" - thoughts
  
  

• 

• Adderfang he/him & riverclan
  𓆟 Chocolate ticked tabby w/ amber eyes. Peppered with scars. Deep gash across the right side of his face exposing one canine slightly. Missing left ear.
  𓆟 Deep gravelly voice that might unsettle others.
  𓆟 Would and will kill a man.
  𓆟 Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. For other powerplays, DM.
  𓆟 Fur smells faintly of river reeds and damp earth.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​

 

[Frostmoth]

The reprimands from Jinglemoon feel like a heavy hand pressing on a fresh bruise. Frostmoth already carries the guilt of being outnumbered to protect the medicine cat, but he addresses him just as Pikestar has: as if he is a child. Frostmoth recoils, a bitter taste to his mouth. The council is angry, but their leader and medicine cat seem to refuse to allow blame to be placed... Even though Pikestar has already placed the blame on himself. "And what?" he finds himself snapping back at the medicine cat "Our herb stores were destroyed anyway. It would have made no difference in that regard. But you and your young apprentice were placed directly in the line of danger instead."

And then, it is as if the wind is knocked straight out of him. Pikestar loses it on him and Adderfang both. He grows hot with rage, feeling it simmer and swim beneath his long coat. Frostmoth cannot remember the last time he had felt his face and ears heat up like this. His entire body tenses as if he is waiting for a paw to reach out and strike him. "Perhaps if you'd taken them back it would have been better," he concedes, and then adds lower "It isn't like they said you fought much anyway. Not like Adderfang and Pineheart, at least." He sucks in another breath as if he is shocked by his own insult, but nothing else comes out. Pikestar rattles on about allegiances and patrols, but Frostmoth hardly has it in him to listen at all. He has shut down from the conversation, unwavering and unreceptive.

Bitterness builds in Frostmoth as the leader chooses who will lead and go on each patrol, as if that were even his job to beginwith. "You can be spineless on your own terms, but you are a coward if you believe you can play moss ball with our enemies and expect us all to respect you when you get your feelings hurt over a few angry words," he adds once Pikestar is done prattling "So no, I will not go to ShadowClan. You didn't trust me enough to stand with you all the first time, so why the fuck would I want your hand-me-down patrol?"

And another thing Adderfang says brings a pang of anger through his body. Instead of Frostmoth being Pikestar's second in command, he has decided his medicine cat is superior to him. The words come out of his mouth before he can stop them. "Perhaps Jinglemoon should be your deputy instead since you've put your personal friendships over your clan and those you have appointed to your council. It's clear we serve no purpose to you," he snaps. Frostmoth does not wait for a response. He stands and says nothing more as he follows Adderfang out of the medicine cat den. The only difference between the two is Frostmoth's unfettered gait.

OH, MY GOD ★ MAKE ME IN YOUR IMAGE

• "SPEECH"
• ★ FROST — he/him, riverclan deputy, 20 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!

 

[pineheart]

✦ Pineheart sighs wearily as the meeting devolves into petty arguing. Adderfang lashes out like a threatened snake, and Frostmoth is no better, though he at least has a stronger point to make. He understands where Adderfang is coming from– he was him once. He would've done the same. But pointing paws and being cruel is not going to help anyone.

What he's most disappointed in, however, is Pikestar. He had not expected the other tom to turn on everyone like this, to devolve with the rest of them, to lash out. Pineheart stands, looming over Pikestar like a hulking tree, his eyes briefly shooting in the direction of Adderfang and Frostmoth turning their back and leaving.

"I supported you, Pike," Pineheart says, voice still even, but with an edge to it now, a dull blade being sharpened against wet rock. "Back in the shipyard, when you told us of this territory– I believed you. I backed you. I supported you when you told us of Starclan, and that you were chosen as our leader. Because I wanted to believe in you. I saw potential in you. Until now, I have never thought of you as weak. But today… today you've shown your weakness to me. You should know better by now than to lash out at those who have stood by you, those who are hurt and scared. You are our leader. You are not a child anymore, and you cannot afford to act like one. You appointed us all for your own reasons, and we accepted because we wanted to stand by you. To treat us as pawns to turn against each other, putting some above others… I thought things like that were below you." He lowers his head so that he's looking directly into Pikestar's face. "Now it seems I did not look low enough."

He turns to Jinglemoon, and nods. "So be it. If you need anything specific done, just say the word, Jingle."

And with that, without a second look at Pikestar, he turns and leaves the den.

haven't had a dream in a long time

see, the life i've had could make a good man go bad

• ooc: -
• 

  PINE, - 49 moons / riverclan + warrior
  large brown tabby town
  adopted guardian of Torrentpaw and Squidpaw / future mentor to Torrentpaw
  healing and peaceful powerplay allowed

 

[PIGEONPEARL PIGEONPEARL]

This whole thing was a blur, really. Pigeonpearl is ushered in to the den, can hardly hear herself think with how fast the meeting devolves. She has barely processed anything from fighting besides Dogflicker and Coyoteclaw, and can't help but feel a pang of… Regret, almost, for not being in camp at the time they were being raided. "Well obviously, we need to work on more defenses," but her voice is drowned out. Then the idea of going to Shadowclan is brought up, and again, "Thats a bad idea." her voice is drowned out by the sudden hissing and spitting.

Pikestar's whole demeanor is shifted when Adderfang and Frostmoth speak. Pikestar whirls on Adderfang, Pigeonpearl snaps, her face contorting in rage. Whilst part of her agrees that yes, Adderfang should be recovering, the way Pikestar talks sets something off within her, her voice rising loud enough to be heard. She'll take her claws and dig in to him further with her words if he wants to do so to them.

"You've been allowed the freedom to act in the manner you do because of me? Thats a low blow, Pikestar, and a pathetic one too. You've given us that freedom? You really want to go down that route? We're the whole reason your clan isn't fully crumbling beneath you!" her stare is set upon nothing more than Starclans mouthpiece. In the moment that their leader turns towards Adderfang (someone whose ferocity was respected and she'd even go so far as to say admired) and chastises him, belittles him as nothing more than a dog, all respect leaves her. "This is embarrassing. This is more embarrassing than allowing Shadowclan to walk over us, than letting out herbs be stolen. You want to treat us all like little obedient things that should heed your every word?" her voice is low, a warning growl rumbling in the back of her throat. Pigeonpearl did not settle in the Shipyard, did not give up her whole life as a rogue (and all the freedom she could have desired) to be walked over by a fool. "Now that's spineless behavior. Adderfang had every right to act the way he acted towards Maremane! I will continue to teach Sharkpaw to enforce our borders too, lest we want a repeat! What's next, Windclan invading us, and you going but I thought we were their friends? Bullshit, Pikestar!" her voice is a full on snarl now, fur bristling. "You bring us here to apologize to us, then double down that you're right and chastise everyone here, then proceed to tell us all what to do like nothing happened? Thats coward behavior. Own up to it, own up to the fact that your council," she spits the words like its venom. "Is full of cats with their own personalities. Not everyone will be happy with every decision you make and we don't have to be!" she has no time to be gentle, not now. She never has been, really, and Pikestar knew this before he had picked her for a Life Guard. He knew everyone here. "Stronger border enforcement do not make us weak or cruel if that's what you think! If you're just now seeing that, then im afraid you weren't living in the real world at all." she doesn't even address Jinglemoon.

She watches Adderfang, then Frostmoth, then Pineheart leave. After all is said and done, Pigeonpearl feels nothing but apathy, her title means nothing. Not to her. Not right now. Cold, cruel apathy for those who remain in the den. She wonders what Russetfall has to say, but realizes she doesn't quite care enough to stick around anymore than she has. She hates this den. She refuses to be here any longer.

"I'll go, but you owe more than just an apology, now. To us. To Adderfang. To Frostmoth. To everybody." Pigeonpearl rises, flicks cold eyes over the leader once more. Riverclan's leader. Not hers. Not until he proves himself worthy once more. The spark of undying loyalty, the very beginnings of a flame, has been snuffed out by all too greedy for control paws. Her lips tug, a deep-rooted frown. "You know where to find me when you've bucked up to be leaderly enough for that patrol." and with that, the curly-furred feline retreats after the previous three, not quite caring how her words are received.