Gathering 2025 RiverClan SkyClan HOMAGE — FLOWERCLOUD

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

Pikestar would be lying to say he wasn't a little nervous about the second go around at a gathering. It. Did not go well with him, and from what he heard it didn't go well for Juniperstar too. To think, that they would both lose a life at the previous gathering. He can't help but wonder if it was meant to be. After all, he had been murdered out of love. Adderfang didn't kill him for fun. No, Adderfang tore into him thinking that if the clan rid themselves of Pikestar they would be in a better position. After all, it was Piekstar who let Shadowclan and Windclan trample all of over them. The deaths that occurred were all his fault. Each and every death ached, but the one that stung the most was his dearest friends kit. There were times he found it difficult to look her in the eye.

However, time trudged forward. All he can do is strive for a brighter future. Riverclan was piecing itself back together bit by bit and it was all he could ask for. The crossroads they found themselves at was whether or not they should align themselves with Skyclan or Thunderclan. His deputy preferred to strengthen their relationship with Thunderclan, seeing as they were the only clan that was relatively friendly with their own. It simply made sense to officially become allies. However, Thunderclan was unaware of a code. Frostmoth thought it stupid to align themselves with Skyclan over Thunderclan because of some outdated code, which he couldn't help but disagree with slightly. Even if Skyclan's code was deemed outdated or wrong as they've told him, there was still merit in learning it.

Riverclan lacked structure above all. Pikestar never led anyone before he became leader. To have some reference would not only help him, but Riverclan to improve themselves. Besides, they could alter some of the codes Skyclan had to better suit them. However, that was just the problem.

The two clans weren't exactly friends. Their initial meeting was rocky, but since then they've done their best to respect each others borders. When Jinglemoon aided their neighbor he said nothing. He trusted in the medicine cat. Not once did he hold Jinglemoon's aid over Skyclan's heads. I doubt Hawkstar would be too pleased about me asking one of her warriors here. She might take it as cowardice? If there's anything to fear about Skyclan is how united they are. Guess I'll have to ask another time. Still... I do want to ask something. Green eyes land on a molly who arrived last gathering covered in blood. Thankfully her pelt was not stained this time around. Considering how close she was to Hawkstar prior to giving space to the leader... He can only assume this is either Skyclan's deputy or a lead warrior.

Cautiously he approaches her.

"H-hello."

The moment she turns her attention to him, he dips his head with utmost respect. It doesn't occur to him that this could be viewed as strange, as he is a leader. Others should be showing him respect, not the other way around. However, he simply can't bring himself to act in that manner.

"I'm happy to see that Skyclan has attended another gathering, and that I'm able to get a chance to speak with you."

Pleasantries were always awkward. Overwhelming her with his usual... Flair was unwise. I doubt she's in the mood for long drawn out speeches. Everyone's still on edge about each other. Being honest is the best shot I've got here.

"Uhm. I wanted to ask about the kit Skyclan took in. I k-know it's not really my business, but they're my kit's sibling. Even if it's a simple they're doing well, that's good enough for me. Do... Do you know their name? Mine's called Pricklekit."

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• @flowercloud
• PIKESTAR

  — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  ♱ 41 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
  

 

[flowercloud]

Flowercloud had actually been excited for the gathering last moon. She had weaved crowns for the apprentices with her children, for them and for other apprentices. Anyone who had wanted them, at least- but, things don't always go as planned. Things never did. When she had heard her son's cry- seen his bloody corpse toppling over the borders edge, heard the words that escaped his lips, there was no way she could enjoy a gathering with no justice.

And it tainted her.

It destroyed her.

The way she showed up at the gathering was just the start to the monster that began. Her fur knotted, her soft green eyes had turned cold, and she distanced herself even more becoming a husk of who she once was. But these clans had no idea what they even were, following blindly- and without guidance. Did they even believe in Starclan? Did they even understand these ancestors? She didn't know. All she knew is that this gathering would be different. She was different. Her fur had been pulled through at least thrice today, little flowers were placed delicately around the furs of her neck, and green eyes were tense, but there was a difference to them then last time.

She had not expected anyone to want to approach her, not when she was sure their vision of them was nothing but the blood she was coated with. But again, things didn't ever seem to go to plan. Not that she would turn down formalities, or simple small talk- she could quite enjoy it. Green gaze tried to soften as a scarred warrior approach, tall form moving to sit upright and swaying a fluffy plumage of golden caramel to lay atop her toes. She didn't recognize him- he did not stand atop the tree last moon, but she didn't recognize much from them. As he trailed closer, she recognized the scent of Riverclan, and the bristles on her fur relaxed. Grey fur dripped of water still, sleek and smooth, and scars lined his body and face. He seemed nervous, but she did her best to try to look approachable.

He bowed his head- and Flowercloud bowed hers back, green eyes lifting to green. "Hello," she greeted, voice soft. It had become a realization that she had never really spoke to a Riverclanner, nor has she even seen the sights of Pikestar and his deputy. Only stories, but their relationship with the other clan on the other side of the border was.. distant to say the least. She didn't really know the politics there, so for safe measures she could only assume a neutrality. Shed been distant then, when Skyclan reached their paws for Riverclan- demoted and focusing on well, not really herself but nothing but work.

"We would not miss it. Skyclan may be... Different than other clans now, but we are still a clan. We did not travel a moon and half time to miss the tales of old when all five clans would meet every full moon." She hums softly. "Right, and uh- pardon. I'm Flowercloud, Deputy of Skyclan. I can tell you are Riverclan but..." A shame seems to cross her features, burning the tips of her ears. She didn't want to simply call him Riverclanner, and possibly disrespect the scarred tom- but she did not want to assume he was Pikestar, even though his formalities seemed to suggest that. "As for the kit, I assume you speak of Skykit. Lively young molly, already getting her paws wherever she can and exploring faster than i remember my own children exploring." She purred softly. Though.. she did not recall Hawkstar mentioning siblings, she was the only child that suddenly appeared, and Hawkstar kept her lips tight about. She would not question Skyclans king- not again.

flowercloud - 36 moons - skyclan deputy - mentoring none

 

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

It irks him. He may not know of Skyclan's journey. Of their grief, of their happiness, of their determination to arrive to where they are now... However, from the moment he met them, Skyclan was a clan. The way Hawkstar assembled her warriors and held themselves was enough to show how behind Riverclan was. Skyclan didn't need to say anything. Their presence alone exhibited a strength that struck apprehension through anyone's heart. Even if he winded up having a spat with Hawkstar, he couldn't deny that it was because of her mercy that no battle broke out between their clans.

"I never once doubted that Skyclan is a clan."

It doesn't occur to him that he may have answered too quickly or seriously. Maybe she thought he was angry? Though, was it an anger to be concerned about? In any case, he quickly snaps out of it as the molly introduces herself. Flowercloud. Skyclan's deputy.

When her voice trails off and shame crosses her features, realization quickly grips him.

"O-oh! No no, it's alright, really. I didn't give you my name, so that's my fault."

The silver tom quickly shakes his head, face feeling flushed at his lack of tact. DUH! I should've started with my name! You made things awkward for her!

"My name is Pikestar. Leader of Riverclan,"

he meekly introduces as a paw rubs his neck. If she thought he didn't seem leaderlike... Well, she wouldn't be the first. Many cats have told him that he needed to work on himself to create a leaderlike presence. Especially his own clan, which had no qualms in disagreeing with him or calling him out.

"It's nice to see you at the gathering Flowercloud."

The leader beams at the name of Skykit. How strange. This kit should be a nobody to him. He shouldn't care for them, and yet just hearing their name alone brings him joy. Listening as the deputy tells him of her growth since being separated from the rest of their littermates. He can imagine them getting into trouble, probably trying to climb the tallest tree within camp. A gentle smile graces the leaders face.

"Skykit. What a lovely name, and it sounds like she's a handful already. I guess it runs in the family. Pricklekit isn't much of a explorer, not like their sister Skykit at least. They cling to me like a baby duck following its mother. Always asking questions, always eager to learn. I've caught them trying to mimic the weavers."

The memory of his child trying his absolute best to construct a nest without any verbal instruction melted his heart. Especially watching as Pricklekit grew frustrated. His kit never gave up. The end result was... Not a nest. Yes, Pikestar did sleep settle down in it for his child and eventually the pair quickly dozed off.

"I've never had a child of my own. My other child, Iciclepaw I took in when he was an apprentice. This is the first time raising a child so young."

Bitterness fills his heart when the memory of Goldenroar with a kit decides to worm itself in his mind. He knows. Knows that a future where the two could have been a family and had kits of their own was gone the second Goldenroar padded away. Unfortunately, he had moments where he wished Goldenroar was with him. In Riverclan so they could raise Pricklekit together, but he couldn't allow his heart to take control of his decisions. He had a duty. No longing will let him lose sight of his goal.

"Was it difficult for you, Flowercloud?"

Eyes widen in shock.

"A-a-ah. Sorry. T-that might have been too personal. We just met after all. I uhm, hope that everything's been going swimmingly for you and your family."

Great. Wonderful. Of course when I think about him I go and say something stupid. Ugh, get it together. I am happy about the kits. Yes, I'm happy to hear Skykit is doing really well. Hopefully they aren't annoying Hawkstar too much.

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• PIKESTAR

  — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  ♱ 41 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
  

 

[flowercloud]

"Ah- I, didn't mean it like that." An even quicker response, green eyes suddenly widening, her head dropping a bit, large paws beginning to knead the dirt, toes digging at the ground. A breath through her nose, pulling herself back together. "I mean like- last time, um." She shook her head, green eyes drifting from Pikestars, curling her tail over her paws a bit closer. "Sorry, as you can imagine, were a bit tense with thunderclan. I'm, a bit tense. It is good for me, for us, even you to make friends though. Good for the mind." She tried to explain, possibly over explained, but what could the molly do?

It seems they both were making mistakes at the first meeting of each other. Nothing too big, too bad- but a rocky start. It didn't matter to her though, not that much. She just didn't want her tenseness to be taken out of context. "So you are Pikestar." Her lips lifted, a smile at the edges as she dipped her head a bit again. "I wouldn't have wanted to assume, but you made me wonder if you were, so I just had to know. It is good to finally meet you." She said, her words seeming more collected than prior. She wasn't trying to go for a bad start- she didn't know much about riverclan, or skyclans relationship with them, but Hawkstar did not seem to hold Pikestar in high regard.

And she would not understand why.

Pikestar seemed to be all about formalities, however it was the first meeting, their first encounter, and perhaps things were tense? She wouldn't know she wasn't there and couldn't judge a man when she had never met them before. Well, there were of course, certain circumstances where she would full heartedly judge someone before meeting. But, Pikestar didn't fall into that category. "Pricklekit, a little duckling.. my daughters nickname used to be that- Cygnet, after the swans because of her white coat. But, it is such a joy to know a little bit more about Skykit. But a weaver... Is that a role? Maybe Pricklekit would become a good one," she says softly, eyes crinkling with the smile.

She loved talking about children, watching them grow- the vast differences they held upon siblings. Some quiet, some loud and boisterous. It was a shame that the two got split up, really. Pikestar continued, saying he had never had a child of his own, but adopted, and it warmed her heart. Though, he seemed nervous. Was it difficult for you? And then, he quickly took it back, and he hoped everything was going swimmingly. She couldn't help the way her green eyes gleamed, her large paw lifting to giggle behind it.

"There's no harm in asking, and yes, I suppose were starting to swim better. Raising children, once upon a time, was hard, but I got used to it. I raised five children, four- were mine, and one whose parents decided to leave, unfortunately." A small lie, Teaselfeather was not hers, but nothing she would ever say aloud. He was abandoned, and too young to know that pain. Her littles were barely waddling around, they never noticed. Mag- crowpaw was known to be adopted, and nothing she could hide. But no matter what, they were her children. "They just recently became warriors.." she hummed softly, excluding the fact Crowpaw was behind. But she would not be any less proud of them. "You have a clan to help you, Pikestar. Don't believe you are alone. It's harder that way."

She paused a moment, before tilting her head. "How did you and Hawkstar come to decide to split the siblings? Were they left on the border? But, I suppose you aren't inclined to answer, of course... I just worry, with them being split..." She muses softly.

flowercloud - 36 moons - skyclan deputy - mentoring none

 

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

Not like that? All he can do is listen as she explains herself. With her explanation it dawns on him that they are entirely on a different page. He was aware that Thunderclan and Skyclan were tense. Now did he witness everything that went down? No. The last he saw of Skyclan was when they entered with a purpose. With Flowercloud and Hawkstar painted in red. From that point he was preoccupied with other things. Namely dying, but he could've sworn that the rest of the clans knew as well. Considering that he heard news of Juniperstar's death after the gathering. Not to mention it was Thunderclan and Windclan's medicine cats who aided him. Shadowclan was there too.

"Well... I was told of what transpired, so I only have the words of my clanmates to go on. I did see you and Hawkstar enter the gathering, but whatever happened with Thunderclan and Skyclan went unnoticed."

He can sense an inquiry lingering on her tongue. How could he miss such a crucial event? It was almost impossible not to see what happened. See Hawkstar kill Juniperstar.

"If you haven't heard the whispers from you own clan, I was killed. I was dead while Skyclan was dealing with Thunderclan."

She didn't need to know who did it. It didn't matter. It was as she said, it is good for them to make friends.

Is she his friend? He's not sure, but their conversation seems to be going okay. None of them have started hissing yet, and she didn't seem too annoyed by his demeanor. Juniperstar herself shrunk when he spoke sometimes. She was never rude about it, but it still stung to see evidence of her unease. I don't know how I feel about you dipping your head like that. Ehhh, don't think about it Pike.

"You're the first to assume,"

he chuffs.

"Usually cats think that Pineheart is leader instead. I get it though, so no harm done for the misunderstanding. Although... Pineheart really gets on my back about it. His lectures are brutal."

The thought of the hulking brown tom entering his den with disappointment was not pleasant. It was already bad enough when Pineheart glared at him for remaining quiet while others took the lead. In any case, he smiles.

"Hehehe I can tell Pineheart the good news when we return home."

"My daughters nickname used to be that- Cygnet, after the swans because of her white coat."

It doesn't surprise him that little duckling was a nickname for her own child, Cygnet. He's heard Wavesong called her children similar endearments. It must be a parent thing, which brought some relief. Even if none of his children were related by blood he still viewed them as such. There was a great honor in being their father, especially in Iciclepaw's case. That tom chose Pikestar as his father. Learning that Cygnet bore a white coat as well made him feel more at ease with the Skyclan deputy. We're a lot more alike that I would've thought. She described named her child after a swan purely based on her white coat, but he couldn't help but imagine the child as graceful as one too.

"I haven't seen a swan in our territory so far, but I will always remember the first time I saw one. Beautiful. Elegant. Gracefully gliding through water. Fierce when it comes to their young. Cygnet is a wonderful name. Are you sure they were named for their white coat alone?"

It was a little joke. One he hoped she didn't take offence to. He meant nothing bad by it, although it was a little risky when he barely knew her.

"Pricklekit could be a good one, if they wanted to. I don't particularly care what rank they choose in the end. I'm more concerned about their happiness "

Truth be told, he never considered what he wanted Pricklekit to be. Not once did the desire of making the little one Riverclan's future leader came to mind. By all accounts Pricklekit would be perfect in that regard in comparison to Iciclepaw. After all, the kit wouldn't know any better. They would follow the path set before them without question. Iciclepaw? When he arrived to Riverclan he already had his own ideals. Even so, for both of his children all he cared for was their happiness and safety. Right. She asked about weavers.

"And yes, weavers are one of Riverclan's ranks. They create wonderful nests, weave strong walls, and are quite fashionable! They create flower crowns, necklaces, and even leaf patches for the eyes. I made a flower crown myself, but I'm not as skilled as them. Though… maybe I'll ask them to make a nice eye patch for me."

He places a silver paw over his right eye.

"Think it would look good?"

I'll consider it if I really do need it. I guess I'll look cooler, but I'll just make it harder for me to see.

Flowercloud was laughing. She was laughing and trying to hide it. That alone caused Pikestar himself to start chuffing.

"Awww I finally made a Skyclanner laugh and they're trying to hide it. Totally not fair."

While he would've loved to make Hawkstar herself laugh one day, it brought him great joy to make someone within her clan laugh. It was just so difficult for him to worm his way into their hearts. Sometimes he even questioned if they had a lick of humor within their bones. Seriousness was no crime, but the number of times he and Peachtrot tried engaging in something fun with them... Yeah, the pair ended up returning home with dampened spirits.

The mood shifts into something serious as he answers his inquiry.

"FIVE?!"

His eyes nearly bulge out of his skull. She's looking at him, maybe slightly miffed.

"S-sorry."

She presses on, granting him some mercy. She tells him all of her children are grown warriors now. The news shouldn't make him giddy or smile. He doesn't even know her children personally. His smile drops when she mentions that he isn't alone.

"I... I'm not alone. Thank you for reminding me. With how hectic things have been, it's easier to forget. I'm happy to hear your children are warriors. I know they are fine warriors, just like their mother. Earlier... I meant no offence Flowercloud. I was just amazed. I only have two, but they're such a pawful. I couldn't even imagine the strength needed to raise five."

A comfortable silence passes between them. Just when he was going to make his exit and thank her for her time, she stops him in her tracks.

"Huh?"

He tilts his head.

"You… You don't know?"

It didn't cross his mind that Flowercloud had zero inkling of what transpired at fourtrees. After all, she is Skyclan's deputy. A deputy was next in line, so it was only reasonable that they would know secrets even lead warriors wouldn't know. The fact that Hawkstar failed to share this info…

"Oh. Stars. Hawkstar is going to kill me."

His frame begins to tremble at the mere thought of the older Molly smacking around was enough to terrify him.

Slowly and fearfully he turns his attention away from Flowercloud, in search of Hawkstar. Thankfully she is preoccupied at the moment or doesn't care that he is talking to her deputy.

"But it's too late to take it back,"

he mumbles loud enough for Flowercloud to hear.

"You are skyclan's deputy though… ARGH!"

Perhaps it's a little amusing to the skyclanner that Pikestar throws his head back, two paws clenching his skull, balancing upon his hind legs. Why wouldn't she say anything to you? I mean, Sablestar made his stance known. It's not like telling Flowercloud about the situation would've done a lot of harm! You're the one who decides if Skykit gets to know her littermates.

With a deep breath, he settles down. His attention returns to Flowercloud.

"The thing is… Skykit and Pricklekit aren't the only ones. Before this gathering every leader went to fourtrees and we found an abandoned litter. We couldn't tell which clan they came from and none of us could spare resources for five mouths at once, so each leader decided to take one kit."

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• PIKESTAR

  — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  ♱ 41 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