Open Camp RiverClan FACE FORWARD — MEETING 8.24

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

It was time. Perhaps more than enough time for everything to settle. Silver paws find themselves clambering up the meeting stump.

"Good morning Riverclan."

Several heads turn to him.

"I know its been some time since the gathering and how you may have some questions. I promise to go over them today, but I'd like us to turn our attention to the apprentices first."

Ears flick at sound of whispers and paw steps drawing near. Slight guilt gnaws at him seeing the groggy faces and yawning cats being called for a meeting so early, but he figured this would be best to hold in the morning than afternoon.

With a good chunk of cats gathered he scans the crowd for one apprentice in particular. Once he finds them, he motions a paw forward.

"Mistpaw, you have completed your training and have proven your skills. From this moment on you will join the ranks of the warriors, and it is my honor to give you the name Mistveil for your loyalty and tenacity."

While he had some reservations about Adderfang, he couldn't deny that the former lead warrior trained Mistveil well. The only thing he worried about was Mistveil's attitude towards other clans, but with how things have been going on as of late... He could see the value.

And now came a difficult decision. One that he knew would be met with rage. However, it would be in horrible faith to allow them to graduate. The silver leader looks to a certain black tom and sighs,

"Rookpaw... I have decided that you'll remain an apprentice until you've shown improvement. However, you will be assigned another mentor. It's clear to me someone with a stricter paw is needed."

Green eyes ignore the daggers sent his way from the apprentice and land on one of his council members.

"Pigeonpearl will be taking over your training."

It wouldn't come as a surprise to Pigeonpearl, as the pair had actually discussed this. Originally the life guard was going to take over Rosepaw's training, but with what transpired between Rookpaw and Petalbreath? Yeah, some adjustments needed to be made. All he can do is nod as he saw the life guard make her way to Rookpaw and settle him down.

On the matter of Rosepaw... His gaze turns to the red molly.

"Rosepaw, training has been put to a sudden hold with Adderfang gone. Like Rookpaw you will be given a new mentor. I have decided that I'll be your mentor for the remainder of your training.

Without a doubt his workload has increased by taking on a second apprentice alongside Iciclepaw and was advised against it, but when he explained he wanted to see for himself what Adderfang had passed down... The other council members allowed it. They were still apprehensive about the decision, yet they figured Pikestar would only have to mentor the red molly for only a few moons. Rosepaw only needed to be taught a few more things or needed some help perfecting the ones she already learned.

A silver paw gestures for a brown apprentice to step forward.

"Sparrowpaw you too will be reassigned a mentor. I've heard from your previous mentor Brackenfur that you are interested in weaving and wish to become a weaver yourself. The cat who I entrust with the remainder of your training is Hydrangeabloom. He is one of Riverclan's finest weavers. I'm certain he will help you achieve your dream as well as teach you other skills."

Hydrangeabloom may not have any experience with teaching, but after hearing Brackenfur speak so fondly of Sparrowpaw... He figured the apprentice and warrior would get along the most. Hydrangeabloom wouldn't worry about Sparrowpaw trying to rile them up. No, all he had to worry about was an enthusiastic apprentice who wanted to learn all that they could about weaving.

For a while, the Riverclan leader lets the clan congratulate their new warrior and for the new pairings to converse with one another. Eventually, everyone settles down.

"Now... to answer some questions."

I should start there.

"I have eight lives left. Starclan gives each leader nine lives to lead their clan with. This means dealing with each clan is all the more complicated, since every leader is given more than one chance."

He can't help but wonder what is going through their minds. The ones at the gathering and had seen him come back to life could no longer avert their eyes to the truth. For those who remained at camp, they still had a chance to. It seemed unbelievable, but with how downtrodden everyone was when they returned... It was difficult not to consider it as truth. Especially with the lack of Adderfang among their ranks and Pikestar's new scars. Or maybe they're thinking of Sablestar. How he would come back to life. We're still suffering from Shadowclan, I can't imagine anyone being happy hearing they'd have to kill Sablestar more than once.

"Speaking of leaders... Before my death I was able to converse with Juniperstar and Dustystar."

Perhaps it is unwise to share this with Riverclan, but it is because of him they are in this mess. His lack of honesty has caused grief and he wouldn't do it again. They had a right to know. He had made this decision on their behalf.

"Dustystar is unwilling to give up her alliance with Shadowclan. I have accepted her decision since the two clans are kin. However, we both decided that Riverclan and Windclan are not enemies. Our clans are certainly not friends. She has accepted and understands that Riverclan will be wary of Windclan for their association with Shadowclan."

He can only hope they are satisfied by this outcome. That they are not expected to be friendly with the other clan and that Pikestar has not foolishly tried to become friends with a clan who stands by Shadowclan.

As for Thunderclan, there isn't much to say.

"Juniperstar has been friendly as always, but its become clear that the mention of Sunningrocks is met with some apprehension. Riverclan can't afford anymore trouble, so I advise everyone to keep respecting our borders. Otherwise, while not official, our relationship with Thunderclan is good."

The rocks will be an issue in the future he can feel it in his bones. However, things are fine between their clans right now. They should try to maintain their good standing as much as they can while they still recover from... Everything really.

Here comes the tough part. I don't think I'm ready, but when will I ever be?

"I've failed you as a leader. I'm not asking for your forgiveness or pity."

Green eyes land on Pineheart.

"Someone told me they don't give a shit about apologies. They just want things to be better."

The silver toms lips curl into a smile before returning his attention to the rest of the clan.

"And they're right."

How many of you have waited for things to get better? How many more of you now want things to get better? The idea causes a pang to his chest, but he can't allow himself to drown in it. Not anymore. He's done with being a child king who keeps hiding behind others.

"What we our clan needs now more than ever is direction. An anchor. I hear that Hawkstar spoke of a code. A code that's been passed down generations from leader to leader. Our clan has no code. Nothing to guide us and it shows. The other clans, especially Shadowclan are aware of how divided we are."

He lets the words linger in the air. Shadowclan was a dangerous word to bring up, as their anger hadn't subsided. His goal is not to anger his clan, but to motivate them into action. Their pride wouldn't allow thieves to be better of them.

"I believe our best course of action is to learn what this code of theirs is."

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• Warrior ceremonies:
  — @MISTPAW >> Mistveil
  
  Apprentice reassignments:
  — @rookpaw >> @PIGEONPEARL
  — @ROSEPAW. >> @PIKESTAR
  — @Sparrowspring >> @Hydrangeabloom
• PIKESTAR

  — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  ♱ 40 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
  

 

[PIGEONPEARL PIGEONPEARL]

Another moon, another meeting, which... Wasn't really a ceremonious meeting, no, Pikestar greets them with a simple good morning. He promises to over the questions some may have, and she gathers over anyways even if she knows that she has near to none. First order of business: Adderfangs former apprentice (the thought of the former lifeguard tightens her lips together) Mistpaw was becoming a warrior, and in turn she was named Mistveil. She spares not much more than a second glance at the new warrior. Elusive, a ghost. Pigeonpearl still doesn't know much about them other than the fact that they were the sibling of what is now her new apprentice.

Rookpaw. Lazy, unmotivated, a piece of work. A challenge. She draws close to her new apprentice after Pikestar announces it. "Be ready to leave after this." she warns Rookpaw, her voice snappy. Whatever he did to Petalbreath, if he thought he could do that to her... He'd be sorely mistaken, she did not spend forever beating it in to Sharkpaw's head that she would not be an easy mentor. She'd hold Rookpaw back for as long as she needed, after all, but her attention turns back on to Pikestar. Rosepaw is reassigned to Pikestar, and she has no qualms about this regardless if she was going to take over her training. Rosepaw deserved someone more fitting, more... understanding, Pigeonpearl knows this, she is not a fool, but she could not give that, could not bend her own training routines. Pikestar could, and he will. Sparrowpaw is reassigned to Hydrangeabloom, another mentor assignment she doesn't really have much thoughts on.

The next course of action is what he had talked about at the Gathering with the other leaders. She doesn't quite enjoy listening to talks about allies and enemies, and in her mind she'd declare Windclan an enemy just as Shadowclan is... But she bites her tongue, watches through narrowed eyes. Her tail lashes behind her and she doesn't quite hide her displeasure, but she continues to listen with little to no complaints aside from nonverbal cues. Thunderclan on good terms.

She glances up at his next words, eyes growing wide. I've failed you as a leader. I'm not asking for your forgiveness or pity. It's odd to hear him say this out loud, out to the entire clan, but... It's welcome. She knows, she had forgiven him (or at least let bygones be bygones) the night that he has returned bloodied and tired. She shrugs upwards, mostly to herself, playing it off as a roll of her shoulders.

Her chin tips up ever so slightly as he continues, but her eyes narrow once more. I believe our best course of action is to learn what this code of theirs is. Immediately, her ears swivel back and her face contorts. She hadn't been at the gathering, but if what the others said was true... Then what seperated Skyclan from the codeless? Why use the code to wield your fangs, the same code Hawkstar wielded to kill Juniperstar? Maybe she's getting it mixed up, but she doesn't quite like the idea of following something as law. Her lip curls, not really at Pikestar, rather the whole situation. She exhales, then taps her tail against Rookpaw. She'd rather go train her new apprentice than listen, really.

THIS DEADLY BURST OF SNOW IS BURNING MY HANDS ♡ I'M FROZEN TO THE BONES.

•  
•  
• 
  PIGEONPEARL ♡
  
  ( life guard of riverclan )​
  ❥ a short chocolate tortie with curled ears & a curly "mane"
  ❥ mentoring sharkpaw
  ❥ peaceful powerplay allowed but may not be entirely welcomed
  ❥ penned by chuff
  
  "speech"

 

[pineheart]

Pineheart settles at the front of the pack as Pikestar calls for his meeting, hoping against hope that this one will be better than the last. He'd felt lighter than he had in a long time after their talk, but with Pike, there was never really a guarantee as to what would end up leaving his mouth. He promises answers, a perfectly vague sort of statement that says as much as it says nothing at all. He gets the practical things out the way first, the ceremonies, the rearrangement of mentor duties.

Then, the lives. Pineheart's tail twitches, though his gaze holds steady. He hoped Pike had understood the weight of each of those lives now that he'd lost one of them. He touches on politics, Shadowclan and Windclan's kinship– he does not mention that Thunderclan too shares some sort of kin with Shadowclan, but he supposes this is superfluous information since the two clans don't seem to be on good terms whether or no.

Pike continues, his eyes this time landing on Pine– he meets his gaze with the same steadiness, offering a flick of the ear in recognition.

"Our interactions with Skyclan have been positive so far," Pineheart says, nodding. "Our medicine cats have already exchanged favours. They seem, if nothing else, highly efficient and organized. If this code of theirs really is from Starclan, and Starclan have the power to give out lives, then I believe it's at least worth hearing it."

see the life i've had

could make a good man bad

• ooc: -
• PINEHEART : 51 moons
  mentor to torrentpaw
  tags

 

[Frostmoth]

Frostmoth falls in beside Pineheart. An arrangement that has become typical for the deputy and lead warrior. He hopes that something fruitful will come of this meeting, something less drab than the previous handful of clan gatherings. The usual proceedings- several apprentices and warriors named- and cheers rise though the crowd. Though the deputy feels himself deflate as Pikestar goes on to address the night of the gathering. The ability to rectify the fumbled talks with WindClan is great news, and a continued positive relationship with the neighboring ThunderClan also seeks to strengthen RiverClan politically. Still, the good news devolves into groveling and begging for forgiveness. So much apology with little true action to change. Frostmoth physically feels himself grow tired.

"And what of ThunderClan, then?" he breaks into the dialogue unceremoniously, but there is no frustration or argument to his voice. He seeks, leveling his gaze with Pikestar, to have a heatless conversation about this decision. Ignoring the fact that it was made without the council. Not that Frostmoth would expect anything else anyway. "While I see maintaining a benevolent relationship with SkyClan as a positive, I cannot imagine that our only ally would be very pleased to know we've chosen to align ourselves with a leader who killed theirs." Frostmoth grimaces as he thinks of Owlbark. The ThunderClan deputy with an emotionless mask for his face; the ceaselessly loyal hound dog of Juniperstar who is always leering near to the tabby leader. Can he really be defending that brute in such a roundabout fashion right now?

"Frankly speaking, I'd rather not learn the 'laws' of a clan where one life spent in defense of a territory must be paid for by another," Frostmoth concludes coldly. He does not say what he is thinking- that if they followed that same code they would be indebted in some way to Pikestar to chase down and slaughter Adder for his crimes. He glances at Pineheart, a sort of apology for his defiance. He knows that if the lead warrior would have likely preferred that Frostmoth allowed him and Smokewreath to tear the brown tomcat limb from limb that night. "The RiverClanners that remained at the gathering during your fight with Adder said that a cat StarClan themselves appeared to write the code and said that the old one was from a time that no longer applies to the clans." It's true that, thanks to the gossip of several apprentices and warriors, this news had eventually reached the deputy. Though there is a piece of him that wishes he could have seen it himself.

Frostmoth shakes his head, glancing down at his paws. He has come extremely far as a deputy, but his inexperience always glares him right in the face in moments like these. When he has to stand in opposition and argue for his clan. The bicolor returns his gaze to Pikestar. "I think that in an effort to strengthen our clan, we should gather with ThunderClan instead. What about sunningrocks, as you mentioned? Couldn't we strengthen our allegiance with them over that bit of territory that meets ours?"

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!

 

[Russetfall]

FALLING FOR THE PROMISE OF THE

EMPTINESS MACHINE

.

Russetfall rises to gather for the meeting with a stretch, green eyes staring curiously up at Pikestar as she sits beside her apprentice. Frankly she hardly cares about the apprentices being named warriors or the reassignments; what she's hungry to know is what their leader will say of the gathering. Of his death and all that followed. She does not have to wait long.

Recent events have put Riverclan in a strange place, torn between two clans that were opposing the other. But... She could understand both Pineheart and Frostmoth's arguments, and even see where Pikestar was coming from about the code. This was not something black and white with a clear line that could be drawn in the sand. A small part of her yearns to be back in the shipyard even with all of its struggles-there had never been anything as serious as this back there. Life was hard but ultimately uncomplicated.

The tabby shakes her head of the thought, glaring up at the sky for a moment in annoyance before lowering her gaze to her fellow clanmates with hooded eyes. "...I agree we need... something at the very least. We need some kind of structure, but like Frostmoth said following the code of a clan that asks a life for a life doesn't sit right with me." She pauses, searching for the right words. "Whatever code Hawkstar and her fellows follow is from a time before that doesn't apply to us, that ghost at the gathering even said as much. I think we should make our own. Something to hold us together. United. We're all learning how to be a clan, still. I think it only makes sense for us to make our own code and figure out what being a 'warrior' means to us as a whole..."

Stars, she hoped that made sense. She was never going to get used to this sort of speaking.

22 moons

◆

Life Guard

◆

she/her

◆

tags

it's 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

 

[Jinglemoon]

x

x

x

JINGLEMOON

RIVERCLAN

MEDICINE CAT

HE/THEY

28 MOONS

DINGO

Jinglemoon had not been at the gathering the night Pikestar had lost his first life but it had been very apparent on the medicine cat's face after seeing the young RiverClan leader return alongside his clanmates that night that he knew Pikestar had lost one. It had quickly become apparent to him that his clanmates could not see Pikestar's lives the same way he could, could Rainpaw? He wondered. He did not know for sure but he was certain that he could and after that night, the usual nine stars were lacking one. It had been gut-wrenching to see it though he knew it must've been much worse for all the cats who had witnessed it first paw... He only had to fix and clean up what StarClan hadn't fully healed of Pikestar after the fact... And Adderfang? He had never truly left the medicine cat's mind, especially after the passing of Shellkit. Did the other tom hate him, he wondered? He knew he would if it had of been him. But to have killed Pikestar at the gathering of all places? In front of so many cats? Jinglemoon was still certain Adderfang surely hadn't meant for it to have gone as far as it did. But what was done now was done and couldn't be taken back.

The medicine cat shook himself free of his thoughts to focus back on the meeting, his tail thumping gently against the earth below. Every leader having nine lives he was sure was not news some clanmates were wanting to hear. Especially when it came to the likes of Sablestar... Would StarClan really have granted nine lives to such a tom? He flicked an ear in thought. When it came to the subject of WindClan, his tail would instead start to flick irritably. His nephews were there. Despite RiverClan warning Dustystar of what cruelty ShadowClan was capable of, they still chose to align themselves with ShadowClan? Jinglemoon felt like he had ants in his pelt that made it hard to simply sit still, he wanted to get both young toms out of that unpredictable clan's paws. It could not be safe for them there when they had a leader who was okay with what ShadowClan had done! Perhaps he needed to finally speak to Pikestar about this but perhaps the other tom already had enough problems on his paws to deal with.

Speaking of which, on the matter of ThunderClan and SkyClan and this apparent code Hawkstar had spoken of, Jinglemoon didn't know what to think. He wished that he had of been able to attend that gathering now, maybe things would've made a bit more sense if only he had of been there. He supposed a sort of code to follow made sense but... Well it was only really good if it was actually followed and SkyClan's code in particular wasn't one the medicine cat could see being followed by RiverClan, purely because it came from SkyClan. "Perhaps we ought to make our own code then?" Russetfall had beaten him to saying as much though and he'd dip his head to her in agreement. Whatever code they followed needed to be something all of RiverClan agreed on otherwise what was the point of a code at all?

"What's this about a StarClan ghost appearing?" He looked between Frostmoth and Russetfall curiously, between all that had happened at that gathering and after they had come back he must've missed the part about a supposed ghost appearance? ... And they all had seen it? But how was that possible? They hadn't seen them back when Shellkit had been taken? He shook his head in confusion. He still had so many questions when it came to StarClan. "What was the code that StarClan wrote when they appeared at the gathering?" They could start there.

When danger greets you with a smile

A long furred blue tabby tom with low white, long pointed ears with curved tips and dazzling blue eyes. Usually walks with a jingle in his step. Good listener and always thoughtful.

Sibling to ASTRO, Uncle to TWINKLEPAW, ECLIPSEPAW and COMETPAW
Mentoring RAINPAW
"speech" // 'thoughts' // #3b90ff