Open Camp WindClan I need my Bloody Sword of Steel ✪ 5/8/25 meeting ✪

[Dustystar]

✪ Align my Heart, my Body, my Mind​

indent"All cats old enough to gather their own prey, please gather under the Tallrock. I want to go over some things."

indentDustystar sits atop the upright stone, it's sunbaked surface warming her paws as she addresses the cats below her. It feels like such a short amount of time, but her confidence as leader has already grown so much, in no small part due to those who have rallied behind her showing their support. "It's been awfully eventful around here. We've been faced with the fact that we are far from the only 'clan' around these parts. There's four other - Shadowclan to the east of us, past the thunderpath, Skyclan to the west, across the gorge, and Riverclan and Thunderclan, who's borders don't come up against our own." The revelation had come as quite a shock to Dustystar. She wasn't so egotistical to assume she was the only cat contacted by Starclan, of course, but the fact that they had slipped under her radar for so long was startling.

indent"We have yet to have any real conflict with these cats, but we should be wary of their presence anyhow. We're still recovering from the fire, and we can't take on an unexpected conflict right now." Although most of the injuries had healed, the cats here are still settling into their new way of life. Another major disruption could easily send them toppling over the edge and into ruin. "If you see strange cats on the border, don't treat them with hostility, but don't assume good intentions either. Stay on guard."

indentThere was, of course, a small exception. "Shadowclan, though, I want you to treat as allies. Their leader, Sablestar, is Alder's son." 'And, through Peepaw, he's my kin to.' Dustystar leaves her thoughts unsaid - she doesn't want cats to think she's centering her own family relations. "Don't let them come waltzing onto the prairie as they please, of course, but be willing to talk. We may need their help, sometime. Or they may need ours. Let's not push eachother away."

indentDustystar clears her throat. "With all this going around, it's become clear that I can't lead alone. I have learned that it is... erm, traditional for a Leader to choose a cat they trust to take on the role of Deputy, who will act as their second-paw, and their successor, should the worst come to pass." Dustystar would be loathe to admit, but she's still a bit anxious about suggesting they take on 'traditional' ideas. She doesn't want them to think she's doing it just because some old, dead cat told her too, after all. "I believe there's one clear cat for the job. One who's already basically been doing it already, since the start." She turns her gaze to the golden, thick furred tom. "Goldenroar. We met for the first time just after the fire, and I'll admit I wasn't the kindest to you. Despite that, you've shown your support for me every step of the way." In a very literal way, at times. She doubts she'd be able to make it to the Moonstone without leaning on him half the time. "You're a good talker, in a way that I'm not. You're someone other cats naturally want to look up to. I wouldn't want anyone else by my side in this way." Dustystar's ears flush ever-so-slightly pink. She's not usually so... upfront with her emotions, like this. It feels a little strange.

indentShe pauses, giving time for Goldenroar to accept his new position, before continuing. 'I'd like to appoint some other cats to help as well. You'll become the 'Gale Guard', and act as figures of authority when I can't be present." She scans the crowd, looking for the cats she had selected, before her eyes settle on a gentle-eyed calico.
"Honeyflower, you've always had a level head, for as long as I've known you. I'd be honored to have you as part of my council." With tensions as they are, It'll be good to have someone calm and compassionate like Honeyflower to keep the peace. Her pacifistic streak may be just what it takes to keep a fight from breaking out with the other clans - or among their own cats.
"Merrystalk, you're a passionate and dedicated cat. The clan would be lucky to have you as Gale Guard." Although he had shown signs of a temper, Merry was still a good cat at heart. Likewise, he was a wonderful hunter - a trait Dustystar hoped he could pass off onto the rest of the clan.
"Nutmegpurr, I know you have plenty of your own to worry about right now." Although Dustystar wasn't privy to the specifics of what had happened with Meadowpaw and her mother, she knew seeing your family under strain puts undue pressure on one's heart. "Despite that, I'd appreciate if you'd extend a paw to help Windclan grow and prosper. We can always use more cats like you."
Dustystar is a bit nervous about her last choice, but she pushes through it as her eyes find the bay-colored molly in the crowd. "Maremane. I think you've got a strong spirit." Dustystar isn't the most observant cat, but she's fairly sure Maremane isn't all that fond of her. Despite that, Dustystar hopes she recognizes this not as appeasement, but as recognition of her virtues. "I've seen you take charge when it needed to be done. I trust in you to put that to good use."

indentShe lets out a breath she wasn't aware she had been holding. "That'll be it, then. Unless anyone has something to say about it?"

Dustystar - 26 moons - Windclan Leader