Open Camp house of cards — reintro; politics

[BAYHOWL]

"The next Gathering is soon upon us..."

Bayhowl drawls, to nobody in particular or anyone who will listen, his voice low like he is telling a scary story to a bunch of kittens. He is sprawled out beside the fresh-kill pile, his tail flicking ominously behind him. Sharing tongues; that's what the Clan does on well-lit afternoons like this, though Bayhowl's own tongue is far from gentle and soft.

The camp echoes with the sound of him breaking a tiny fish bone into two. It stands no chance against him.

"What do you think is next? More skirmishes?"

That's certainly what he's expecting. The last couple of moons had set a precedent—and so has RiverClan's founding, as far as he's concerned. The Clan had come in almost dead last, only faster than WindClan, and claiming a home for themselves when many others have done so already is bound to cause trouble. Lives have been claimed over borders already. Bayhowl remembers following Pikestar, blindly; no other choice, after all. The riverlands are a much better alternative to the shipyard... and now Bayhowl is determined to fight for it.

"Juniperstar is desperate for allies,"

Bayhowl states with certainty. That "party" at Sunningrocks is clear as day.

"I suppose I can't blame her, not when she had her throat ripped out not too long ago... but I wonder how long we will be friendly for."

Open to anyone and everyone!

 

[pebbledream.'s icon pebbledream. pebbledream.]

PEBBLEDREAM ──

riverclan | warrior​

​

Pebbledream approaches the fresh-kill pile as evening sets in the sky, content to indulge now that their Clanmates have eaten; their ear flicks with curiosity at Bayhowl's questions. The Gathering... it certainly had a tainted reputation thus far.
"I would certainly hope not," they say, moving closer to sit next to Bayhowl as they converse. "With leaf-bare coming, we all would do well to tolerate each other and focus on survival."

They nod at the mention of Juniperstar. She was likely trying to find as much allyship as she could from the other Clans after what'd happened with SkyClan; Pebbledream has no room in their heart to sympathize, however. They're more focused on their own Clan.
"Hard to say. Hopefully nothing will happen to strain the relationship between us and ThunderClan..." RiverClan has enough going on as it is. Pebbledream can't help but frown a little as they recall how one of Pikestar's lives had been taken by one of their own.

a steadfast spirit, never to stall

the vow resounds: honor above all

• ooc:
• "speaking" | thinking | action

 

[Coyoteclaw Coyoteclaw]

As Coyoteclaw approached the freshkill pile, ready to enjoy her fill, she realised there was a discussion going on that perked her ears. She plucked a herring from the pile and decided to remain nearby to chip in.

She listened quietly, the mention of Thunderclan making her muzzle scrunch like she had eaten crow's food. Ever since Stilldream had left her high and dry, and the first gathering only resulted in blood spilt by Thunderclan's brutish deputy, she held no respect for the clan. "Frankly, it's their own fault." She muttered, taking a pause from her prey, gazing up to the other cats nearby. "Their deputy is a creature unto himself, if they had any self-respect as a clan, he should have been exiled for the needless slaughter of another cat." She had heard about Rosebelly, from whispers and rumours, especially now she had grown so close to Brightnose, it was impossible for her not to know what happened.

She swallowed down more prey and nodded in agreement to Pebbledream. "Though any more skirmishes would be dangerous to any one of the clans, though it sounds as if Thunderclan only grows more blood thirsty by the moon." The molly grumbled, tail lashing behind her. The news of Thunderclan and Skyclan's skirmish sat on her mind, how some brutish thing mauled her m- Brightnose.

It was hard to hide her disdain for their neighbours, and it only made her own thoughts on the borders grow stronger in her mind. "I don't trust them, any of them." Coyoteclaw's expression was sour; she was never one to be quiet about her own opinions, and now of all times she wasn't going to stifile them.

​

COYOTECLAW She/Her, Riverclan Warrior, 25 moons.
A chocolate/cinnamon chimaera with low white and amber eyes.
mentored by none // mentoring no one
littermate to Dogflicker and Foxtail
NPC x NPC / parent to a none / mated to Brightnose
"SPEECH" // "THOUGHTS" // ATTACK
penned by Pheo ↛ phoenixwashere on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

 

[Juniperpaw]

It's hard not to chime in on a conversation simultaneously so juicy and so terrifying. As her seniors share their opinions on the charged politics of the clans, Juniperpaw's golden gaze remains fixed on her half-eaten fish. Behind her swishes her black-and-white striped tail, betraying anxiety. Exchanges of harsh words between @Coyoteclaw and @BAYHOWL, thinking more trouble is likely to follow, only fuel that steadily growing fear. Even @pebbledream., taking a more practical and hopeful stance, doesn't sound as if they expect peace anytime soon.

These are the scary parts of training to become a warrior that Juniperpaw doesn't much like to think about. Until fairly recently, she had been either too young or too consumed by personal matters to attend the Gatherings or pay mind to their bloody outcomes. Little stands in the way now, though, and it's bringing up tumultuous thoughts about both past and future. It's about to bring up some of that fish she just ate, too, she realizes. Only now is she noticing her breathing has quickened and claws have unsheathed, digging into the earth.

Taking a break from her meal so that her stomach might settle, Juniperpaw turns her head toward the trio of conversing warriors nearby. Taking a few deep breaths, and attempting to adopt a calm, mature demeanor befitting of the subject matter, she suggests, "Um, well, surely everyone has learned their lessons now. I'll bet that by the next full moon, heads have cooled and hearts will prevail. We can all talk it out." Even as she's saying it, her faux confidence wavers, fully aware that it's a childish and inexperienced take on a precarious situation. But maybe even just hoping aloud for such an outcome will make it a little more possible, Starclan willing.

 

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

The leader had just caught a break from his children and wanted nothing more than to lay in the sun near the freshkill pile. Due to his close proximity he is subjected to Bayhowl's concerns. In the past he may have tuned them out, but he is Riverclan's leader. He must listen to his clanmates. They are the cats he serves and without them Riverclan wouldn't thrive. He needed to listen now more than ever due to the council being so small. Pebblesream is the first to respond. She shares similar concerns. Then Coyoteclaw voices their concern and blatant hatred of Thunderclan. I'll let Frostmoth know to keep her away from any Thunderclan patrols in the future. Juniperpaw is the last who speaks. Hoping for peace between all their clans.

In the silence that follows, he decides to join their conversation.

"Owlbark... Is a complicated tom, but I have no doubt that his decision pained him. I can see that he cares for Juniperstar. Even at the party between our clans, he watched her closely. I can understand Juniperstar's decision to keep him as her deputy. I would also argue they have self-respect. Juniperstar could've fought with Hawkstar at the gathering or denied dying altogether. She didn't. She accepted judgement from Hawkstar, even if it was meant for another."

The notion that Thunderclan was becoming blood thirsty felt wrong. Even if he did hear about the skirmish (not in great detail), he found it hard to believe that Juniperstar would allow such a thing to happen. She was one who sought peace, her act of sacrifice did not scream a molly who craved blood.

"If that was true they would've attacked our clan by now. Thunderclan attacks, but only when provoked. I believe that was the case the first time there was conflict between Sky and Thunder? It was a skyclanner, Rosebelly who chased prey into Thunderclan territory. It was Rosebelly who struck first. Owlbark had every right to attack Rosebelly."

Was the Thunderclan deputy supposed to sit there and allow himself to be attacked on his own territory? He couldn't blame Owlbark for defending himself. Rosebelly should have turned back. He was no longer in Skyclan territory, he had no protection. Why did you do it? Why did you attack Owlbark? Why was that your first choice?

Unfortunately, he would never know. The only one who had an answer for that was no among the stars. Besides, it was not his place to know. He was a stranger to the young warrior. The only reason Pikestar knew a little more about the boy was because of his mother, Flowercloud. He sighs,

"While I don't agree with the choice of killing a young warrior, I'm sure it was by pure instinct as Owlbark explained."

There had to be times his clanmates struck first without thought. Sometimes it would be out of regret, but in most cases it saved their very lives. Would they blame their own instincts for kicking in? Would they blame themselves or blame the one who attacked them? It was pointless to think about, some of them already had their opinions set in stone.

"After all, the cat Owlbark killed was the son of Skyclan's deputy. If he had known, I doubt he'd resort to killing the skyclan warrior."

Even if they all had particular feelings about Owlbark, they most know his decisions were made logically. He scarcely gave an inch. If it appeared that way, it was on purpose.

The leader turns to Juniperpaw, and offers a small smile.

"We can only hope that they've learned their lessons, but I doubt their heads have cooled since then."

It pained him to tell her these truths, but it felt cruel to say otherwise. He simply couldn't promise that everything will turn out alright.

"All we do is take care of ourselves. At the next gathering we can stick to ourselves or speak with the other clans if we want to, but we would have to be careful."

The last thing he desired was for any of them to incite conflict between Skyclan and Thunderclan. Matter of fact, any clan. They were steadily recovering from the mess Shadowclan and his own actions have caused the clan. Fighting now would diminish their herb stores.

Pikestar then proceeds to turn to Bayhowl.

"I'm not sure how long our clans will be friendly with each other, but I hope we'll be friendly through leafbare."

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• PIKESTAR

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

  "#36D9AB"

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

 

[Frostmoth]

Frostmoth has barely made it back into camp when he hears the familiar sounds of political strife rising among his clanmates. It's been a few moons since this last sort of thing happened; spurred on by the heist lead by ShadowClan who now chose to lay low and found themselves in better graces with RiverClan. His ears angle toward the conversation, but he still tracks toward the fresh-kill pile to drop off a nice herring. He's surprised to hear that the insults being hurled are toward ThunderClan now. He looks up, unsurprised to see that Bayhowl is the one leading the conversation. Others try to qualm any sort of worry, but Coyoteclaw is quick to voice her hatred for their neighbors across from sunningrocks. At the mention of Owlbark his lip curls slightly. There's nothing wrong with ThunderClan as a whole, he thinks, just Owlbark. Though he can't blame any sort of leader for wanting a second in command who acts more like an attack dog than an advisor.

"Would you expect me to do the same?" Frostmoth's eyes find Pikestar's easily, unwavering. There is cold curiosity that prickles beneath his pelt as Pikestar tries to reason away the actions of a cat that does not even belong to his own clan. Though it begins and ends at curiosity. Frostmoth would rather not dwell on what he might have to do if he were attacked by a cat from another clan. It had not been so many moons ago that he had stopped Smokewreath and Pineheart from working together to rip Adderfang apart in favor of exile; a kindness not necessarily granted to the former RiverClan cat, but to his mate and children instead. He sniffs, breaking eye contact with the leader before moving on "Although what you speak about Juniperstar is true, I fear for their future if Owlbark is next to step up to lead." Frostmoth wrinkles his nose after a long moment. A future with Owlbark leading was just as plausible at this point as a future with Frostmoth leading. A prospect with which the deputy does not want to grapple.

"Regardless," Frostmoth's pale gaze flits now to Coyoteclaw and Bayhowl, lingering before moving on to his other clanmates "We have no reason to think of ThunderClan as an adversary. Would you sooner align yourselves with a clan who's leader is willing to rip out the throat of another in front of apprentices and family?" His expression remains as neutral as he can make it. Though Frostmoth truly wonders if neither clan is the right choice. If they had both wronged one another equally, and there was no true victory. "And frankly, what one clan does to another is not our business at all unless they are laying claws on an ally." He looks back to Pikestar, beseeching the tabby to remain neutral. No matter how thin in numbers they had grown, this was not his council. This is no place to take sides.

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!

 

[pebbledream.'s icon pebbledream. pebbledream.]

PEBBLEDREAM ──

riverclan | warrior​

​

They eat silently as they listen in on their Clanmates' input; it's interesting how opinions vary from cat to cat, from Coyoteclaw's blatant dislike of ThunderClan to a more defensive stance from Pikestar himself. Pebbledream finds themself humming in agreement with their deputy, swiping their tongue across their lips after finishing their meal.

"If I may, Pikestar-" they tread carefully, not wanting to say something to offend him; he's still their leader, after all, and his will was one that Pebbledream would never cease to obey. "I believe that Frostmoth has a point. I'd hardly expect him to do something so reckless and violent. While Owlbark may have been acting to protect his Clanmates from a trespasser, I strongly doubt there was need to kill him no matter who he may have been related to." Their gaze dares to flick to Pikestar as they continue, meeting his eyes with a look of genuine concern. "While I do respect Juniperstar's ability to take responsibility for the actions of her warriors - even in the face of such violent terms by SkyClan's leader - I also worry of what could happen if Owlbark were to take the mantle of leader. I'd certainly want to do all I could to stay in his good graces considering how he's treated cats of other Clans thus far." Pausing, they look back down to the remnants of their supper, batting at one of the bones absentmindedly. "As long as peace remains within RiverClan, though, I suppose it doesn't matter much what other Clans do."

a steadfast spirit, never to stall

the vow resounds: honor above all

• ooc:
• "speaking" | thinking | action

 

[Wavesong]

The ocean is in my soul,
And it's pulling me back to shore.
I'm letting go of the weight that's dragging me down.

.

Wavesong flicked an ear as Bayhowl spoke, her blue eyes narrowing ever so slightly. She hadn't been at the latest Gathering... Or the one before. Two Gatherings missed. It shouldn't have mattered so much, but the first one still gnawed at her bones. If she'd been there, perhaps she could've stopped something, said something, done something. But she'd been recovering then, her guppies still needing her warmth more than the Clan needed her tongue. And she had trusted Adder not to do anything reckless. Foolish, maybe, but she had trusted him...

She drew a slow paw over her ear, watching Bayhowl with quiet intent as the she-cat spoke of Juniperstar's supposed desperation for allies. A thoughtful hum rose in her throat before Pebbledream's clear, calm voice cut through. The molly's words rang true, better to build tolerance than to waste blood over stone and river. Especially coming leafbare, everyone would gain more from tolerance... Every clan. " Aye, I hope nothin' happens between us an' ThunderClan either. " she sighed, her tone weary but sincere. " We share a border that benefits the both of us, aye? "

Her gaze flicked toward Coyoteclaw at her sharp words, and she huffed softly. " T'be fair... M'pretty sure none o' th'Clans trust one another. " The corner of her mouth twitched into something between a smile and a grimace. Then came the apprentice's voice, Juniperpaw, bright-eyed and bold-hearted. It earned her a brief chuckle. " Aye, perhaps yer right, wee rascal. " she teased gently, though her heart ached with the kind of fondness only mothers knew.

When Pikestar spoke, her posture straightened slightly, attention sharpening. Frostmoth added their thoughts, and Wavesong found herself turning them over carefully. A child was a child, whether born to a deputy or a not, no life deserved to be tossed away... And if such a thing happened, a part of her rather wanted it to be neutrality instead of favourism... Aside that, in her mind it was clear as day that there was no reason to kill other cats. The thought would never cross her mind.

" Pebbledream makes a good point. " she murmured, her voice lower now, more deliberate. " Attackin' t'protect yer border, that I can get behind. But killin'... " She trailed off, shaking her head, whiskers twitching with quiet disapproval. " That's a whole different story. Juniperstar might treat us kindly now, but if Owlbark takes her place... what then? How favourably would RiverClan fare under claws like his? "

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

41 MOONS

𖧧

RIVERCLANNER

𖧧

SONG

𖧧

bio

 

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

The second Frostmoth finished his question, Pikestar answers,

"No I don't."

Would such an answer surprise his deputy? Perhaps not the answer itself, but how quickly it left the tongue of the leader. A leader who was known for fumbling words and even more foolhardy decisions.

"You aren't Owlbark,"

he adds quickly. It may seem obvious, but Pikestar trusted Frostmoth. When he had died the young tom was able to band everyone together from nearly tearing Adderfang to pieces. Regardless for the reason why Frostmoth decided none should lay a claw on the tom who murdered him didn't matter. What mattered was that he was able to stop Smokewreath from killing Adderfang themselves, which was quite the feat. Ever since his death he felt confident in his decision. If his time as leader would be looked upon with great disdain, he would accept it. All he could ask was that none would argue that his choice in deputy was the only right thing he'd done during his time at the helm.

His gaze hasn't left his deputy, even as Frostmoth breaks eye contact with him. His back chin rests on a propped paw as he listens on.

"I worry what it would mean for the clans if Owlstar were to join our ranks, but it's not our decision. Thunderclan has decided that he will be next in line. They see value in having him be their next leader. Unless someone else more favorable steps forward, I doubt they'd change their deputy."

He knows it isn't a great answer. The only thing he's made clear is his own worry of the future in which Owlstar reigns over Thunderclan. What can we even do? If I were to pull Juniperstar to side and plead for her to change her deputy, it won't end well. I have no say in Thunderclan's matters or any other clans. Just like they can't order me to remove Frostmoth as my deputy.

The situation is complicated. To be honest, it was easier to just ignore what was going on between two neighboring clans. What happened between them was none of Riverclan's business, but... It was also good to learn what was going on just in case the other clans turned their gaze on Riverclan. Whether to ask for aid or to attack them due to association with another clan. His own lips curl into a strained smile, knowing that Juniperstar would view him as a traitor of sorts. How despite their clans friendliness, he would not assemble Riverclan to attack Skyclan for their neighbor. That would only spell trouble for his clan, who had only just begun to prosper again. He couldn't allow them to suffer again, especially so close to Leafbare. Blue meet green once more. He understands what Frostmoth is asking and nods.

"I don't believe either clan was right, but they weren't entirely wrong either. It doesn't sit well with me to side with Hawkstar after taking Juniperstar's life in front of children and families, but she could have killed Juniperstar brutally. She didn't. It was a swift death. As for Junuiperstar... While most of my worry is with Owlbark, I haven't forgotten that Thunderclan has ties with Shadowclan. It's best not to get into other clans business as you've said, Frostmoth."

When he thinks they're done talking, it is Pebbledream who addresses him. Despite all the moons they've gotten to know each other, he still finds it odd that she asks to share her opinion. So much so that he tilts his head and a brow raises,

"Sure? Go on."

It's not like I'll say no. I think you're like the only one who asks instead of just going for it. They are on the same page about Frostmoth's opinions on the matter, but he's begun to realize how his words have been misconstrued. In the past he may have hissed and lashed out, but he bites his tongue and listens. The mistake had cost them greatly back then, and he was not going to repeat it again. Remember what Russetfall said. He remains silent, listening as Pebbledream continues sharing her own thoughts.

Before he can respond, Wavesong jumps in. He turns his head to face her. They were all against killing another warrior and so was he, but they couldn't deny there will be a time where they will be forced to. Some cats will not stop even if they are beaten down. In their last breaths they will try to take their enemy down with them. He can't help but sigh.

"I'm not exactly happy about Owlbark killing a Skyclanner for trespassing. I also didn't mean to imply that he should or could kill a cat that is not related to those higher in power. I don't agree with killing in general, but there will be a time where we have no choice in doing so."

Just like Adderfang? He shoves that thought away. There was a time and a place for reflection, but now was not the time.

"Riverclan... Isn't that favorable in Thunderclan's eyes. Juniperstar may treat us kindly now, but she's wary about the Sunningrocks. Both she and Owlbark are protective of them. I have no doubt Owlbark will be more aggressive in ensuring the rocks belong to Thunderclan alone."

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• PIKESTAR

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

  "#36D9AB"

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

 

[Coyoteclaw Coyoteclaw]

She did not speak as more and more cats chipped in. Coyote's ear flicked as she realised Pikestar overheard her. It wasn't as if she was one to care about hiding her opinions, but at any rate, he would try to convince Frostmoth away from her being on Thunderclan border patrols. On one paw, not having to deal with the brutes sounded like a dream, but if they decided to attack a patrol and anything happened to her clanmates? Just the thought sewed a bitter expression across her maw.

But it was Frostmoth's words that reassured her somewhat. She trusted and respected Pike to no end, but at least hearing someone else on the council agree that Thunderclan are dangerous and their own council being out of control made her loosen her shoulders. "A deputy is meant to stand when a leader cannot, I dread to think what he may do if anything were to again happen to Juniperstar." She nodded with Wavesong, she of all cats was the most equipped about this whole thing than the rest of them. She had been affected by the brutality of other clans, seen how rash thinking can only destroy families. Coyoteclaw has to sigh, shaking her head as she tries to avoid getting too far into her own gripes. "But I cannot deny I would just rather it be avoided altogether, protecting our clan and borders is the important part, especially with Leafbare approaching." The chimaera's tail flicked behind her, unsettled but still considering the words of her clanmates.

Her appetite was waning with the continued discussion, but there was something that Pike added that made her laugh dryly. "In all honesty, Pike, I couldn't care less there are ties between Thunderclan and Shadowclan, they're as awful as each other. I still abhor them all for what they did to us; they were once the same colony, and the only thing they still seem to share is their blatant disregard for other cats." Her eyes narrowed, tail flicking behind her. It seemed she was one of the few willing to voice what went unspoken. "Like I said, I would rather peace for once, but we can't pretend like they aren't dangerously unpredictable. Juniperstar and Sablestar will only ever earn my respect if they can get their damned clans under control."

She clenched her jaw; there was more that went unspoken. Despite his own mistakes that Pikestar and his council pulled their shit together after the first gathering, ridding the clan of dangerous individuals. But she respected Wavesong more than she hated some of the other clans; she had made that mistake once before, and for her sake, she wanted peace. For her kittens who had lost a littermate, for the orphaned kitten who lost a mother, for their clan that was just about picking up the pieces.

The molly shook her head, huffing slightly. "Then again, there is only so much I can do, I will follow whatever you and your council decide. But know until there is proof that there is change and actual accountability for cats who act out of turn, I will not be giving any help to cats like that. One day, it is Skyclan they attack, what's to say we aren't next? How far are you willing to explain away their actions until it's the blood of our clanmates on their claws again?" Coyoteclaw picked up what remained of her prey, deciding she had had enough of this conversation; it felt as if it was going in circles.

It wasn't about alliances; it was about the brutality toward their fellow cats. Forgiving and explaining away the murder of another because of attacking first, or whatever was said. What gave Owlbark the final say to kill Rosebelly? Who let him decide who gets mercy and who is to be slain like prey? Coyoteclaw trusted the council, but there was only so far she could agree. Her kin and clanmates were, above all else who needed to be protected; if protecting the integrity of other clans in a conversation seemed to rise above that? Something would need to change.

​

COYOTECLAW She/Her, Riverclan Warrior, 25 moons.
A chocolate/cinnamon chimaera with low white and amber eyes.
mentored by none // mentoring no one
littermate to Dogflicker and Foxtail
NPC x NPC / parent to a none / mated to Brightnose
"SPEECH" // "THOUGHTS" // ATTACK
penned by Pheo ↛ phoenixwashere on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

 

[Juniperpaw]

The sound of @PIKESTAR's voice joining in on the conversation is an immediate comfort to Juniperpaw, even before she processes anything he says. His words surely help, too. Whether or not she would agree with him if she thought more on it or had more experience with the discussed matters doesn't matter. Just the fact that he takes something of a more levelheaded approach puts her at ease. His address to her startles her a bit. Naught to do with him himself; he's just on a pedestal to her, and in general she feels out of place in this conversation, even if in reality it's reasonable for her to want to know her clanmates' perspectives and stay informed.

@Wavesong's chuckle and kind, gentle teasing makes Juniperpaw feel cozy and warm for a brief moment, like a memory of good days with her mother. Though it's just a small moment in the course of a much larger conversation, it puts the apprentice more at ease, even as the intensity of the talk increased.

She returns the smile to Pikestar, even if it's a bit strained by his words' subject matter. Still, they give her an anchor, making it easy to murmur to both him and Wavesong: "Of course. You're right as always, Pikestar. And, um, if I'm able to, I'll do my best to play my part in helping everyone get along! And- if I can't, well... I'll focus on Riverclan. I'll be careful with my words, promise!"

With that, she'll fall quiet, soaking in the rest of the conversation between the other warriors. The words of Frostmoth, Pebbledream, and Coyoteclaw build up in her head, brewing in a stew of thoughts difficult to disentangle. As if trying to find something easy to pick apart and understand in lieu of comprehending these politics, Juniperpaw starts pulling the bones from her half-eaten fish, analyzing how the structural integrity of the fish changes with each removed bone. Did each deceased cat affect the whole of the clan like it did of the fish? Could the fish function the same, were it alive, if she moved one bone to another's place, like Owlbark becoming the leader? Did one broken, deteriorated bone like Owlbark taint the entirety of the fish? And what if this conversation were to become more heated in the future between the Riverclan members -- what happens to the fish when its own flesh and blood rebels? If bones won't obey the mind, and would rather bend and break than swim blindly forth?

She has no idea how to voice these thoughts, and it may not be appropriate to interrupt this serious discussion with such talk, anyway. So instead, she dissects her fish with an intense, concentrated expression. It's kind of a waste of perfectly good prey.