Private Leader's Den face me entirely ──✩°｡⋆⸜ council meeting

[juniperstar juniperstar]

juniper

she'd done a fair bit to rearrange the current standings of ThunderClan's authority figures... with the bowing out of those who did not feel the role suited them, the need for replacement had become important. new clans seemed to spawn along the borders constantly, though maybe in recent weeks it had stagnated... Juniperstar can't be sure, between the haze of her time spent feverish and the fussing of Asterkit's never-improving health. "It seemed appropriate we discuss how we want to proceed with the other clans," she begins, offering Copperstorm and Ghoststrike a particularly long glance. they would be newer insight than the rest... though she had no doubt Owlbark would be a little zealous in his new-found position as deputy.

"I'd like to attend whatever patrols are headed in the direction of SkyClan or WindClan next; I think it'd do some amount of good to introduce myself. Owlbark, I'd except you'd keep me company?" if for no other reason than to make sure she wasn't being 'too soft' as he liked to put it. or rather, out of a nervous protectiveness following a rather embarrassing first death. First... and to think how many more might yet be endured. the spotted tabby tries not to shudder under the spotlight of that thought, becoming increasingly aware of Serpentberry's presence and how she was certain the medicine cat must seethe with contempt for her actions.

"I've had an apprentice approach me recently as well... he's fearful of fighting... how do we teach the young ones to respect fighting for what it is rather than run from it? I don't want them unprepared if they need to defend themselves..." Sablestar had already proven more than once that he didn't fight with honor... did not keep the playing field level. they couldn't risk being caught unawares and untrained. would he stoop so low as to attack those who weren't even old enough to be proper warriors? the fact Magpiepaw was made an apprentice at all still sat sour on her tongue.

just leaves... he'd said...

but it wasn't just herbs.

"I just... want things secure."

──✩°｡⋆⸜ ✮

• juniperstar leader of thunderclan eight lives remain

  ignore me

 

[Copperstorm]

You walk along the edge of danger
AND IT WILL CHANGE YOU

.

Copperstorm's pawsteps were quiet as he made his way to the council meeting, ears flicking at every murmur and shuffle as he settled into his place. His thick, dark tabby pelt had been groomed into something almost presentable, most of the leaves, brambles, and burrs removed after a thorough attempt at de-nesting himself. This was, after all, his first council meeting as Stormguard. It mattered. With his bushy tail neatly curled around his paws, Copperstorm let his golden eyes settle on Juniperstar. She looked composed, but he could still see the weight on her shoulders, a leader not so long ago laid low by death, and now risen again. StarClan had brought her back. It still left him feeling a touch uneasy, the idea of dying only to return. There was awe in it, certainly... but something unnatural, too. His eyes shifted momentarily to fall upon Serpentberry, the slightest flick of the tip of his tail before he forced himself to look away from her.

When the topic of the other Clans arose, he flicked an ear thoughtfully. The idea of meeting SkyClan and WindClan was... sound. A good move, one meant for diplomacy, not aggression. And StarClan knew they needed more of that. Still, his mind instinctively shifted to caution. He dipped his head in agreement, his voice quiet but steady. " Meeting the other Clan leaders is wise. Just be sure to take cats with you who are ready if things turn tense. There's still no telling who might speak peace and who might mask a threat. "

As the discussion shifted to the apprentice, one who feared fighting, Copperstorm's frown deepened slightly. He didn't speak right away, instead letting the silence weigh for a heartbeat. Then, golden eyes lifted to Juniperstar once again. " Have you spoken with them? " he asked, voice low, measured. " Do you know why they fear fighting? Whether it's trauma, doubt, or something else... it matters. Not every cat is born with claws ready, but many can learn what it means to fight for something greater than themselves. For their clan. " There was no judgment in his tone, just curiosity, maybe a sliver of concern. He believed in strength, yes... But more so, in the reasons behind it.

His gaze lingered on the leader a moment longer. There was something in her expression, tiredness that ran deeper than physical exhaustion. Was it the memory of death? The ache of her kits now spread across other clans? Or the crushing knowledge that every decision from now on would affect not just herself... but all of ThunderClan? He let the silence stretch as he pondered it, tail tip twitching once more. Then, ever so slightly, his eyes softened.

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

33 MOONS

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THUNDERCLAN

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