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

 

[Merrystalk]

—————————————— Dreaming along in a pace you'll understand. ✦

The call of the leader wasn't anything unfamiliar now; there had been a couple of times now that Dusty had commanded the clan to sit before the tallrock, but whenever she did, it was some kind of big news. The tortie wracked his brain as he sat beside Goldenroar and a tail flick to alert Harefoot where he was, as if his striking pelt didn't already make him rather obvious looking amidst the area they resided.

He listened attentively to all she had to say. Nodding along with the notes of the clans, many seemed combative or fearful, but after their run-in with Sablestar and his patrol, he was grateful to know they had some kind of allies in the area. Though they would have to steel their good natures so it seemed, most of these other cats had a lot less hospitable personalities; they could be polite, but anything more might spell danger for the clan. He would keep a closer eye on the borders during his hunts...

Though his eyes darted to attention again. A second-in-command? Someone to help her lead? A small part of Merry dared to wish for something that seemed so prestigious, but after his... Spat with Sassafras, he knew there was no chance of help. But maybe that was okay, he was content providing for the clans in his own way. Though who would be this "deputy" then?... Until an all too familiar name was spoken, hung in the air that brought a smile to Merry's face even stronger than if he had heard his own name spoken. "Goldenroar." Merrystalk tried desperately to steel himself, not to speak over Dusty. But it was impossible to hide the pride in his face. The smaller tom looked up to his brother, a grin that crumpled his face.

There wasn't much time for jubilation, as Dusty continued swiftly on. Gale guards? What a title, a council to help the leader and deputy. Of course, Merry beamed twice as much hearing his friend Honeyflower's name uttered, his tail thumping with pride. He knew he had done right in putting his trust into the leader, her choices were wise with intelligent and levelheaded cats. The clan with such cats at the lead would surely thrive amidst the other clans.

But Merry faltered, his smile falling from his face, hearing his own name. For a moment, his posture straightened, expecting some kind of reprimand for his behaviour. And yet? "You're a passionate and dedicated cat. The clan would be lucky to have you as Gale Guard. The tom couldn't believe his ears, did she? Had he just? It felt like a daze, but the tortie smiled again, nodding gratefully towards the leader.

Every fibre of him wanted to burst with joy and gratitude. It was only strengthened hearing Nutmegpurr, a solemn cat but a kind heart like her sister, and maybe days ago he would have thought it unlikely - but he smiled in kind hearing Maremane's name spoken too. Now more than ever, he was grateful he had sought her for reconciliation; the council would struggle with internal tensions after all.

Dustystar completed her speech, the tiniest hint of nervousness having disappeared with the completion of what she had to say. He had to admire her steeling her nerves in such a place of power so suddenly.

Which only served to remind him...

'Oh Starclan 'm a Gale Guard...' He had no idea what it entailed yet, something Dusty would maybe explain? Hopefully.... There was still a rush of adrenaline, but also a pang of nervousness in his chest. That was a hell of a responsibility.... Especially for a cat who only just felt like he had barely scraped back some reputation in the clan after the argument. Clearly, though Dustystar had seen something in him, something reliable enough to give him the role, but in that moment, Merry felt in over his head.

So instead, he focused on his brother. Looking at him again with a grin. "Colour me surprised, look at ya' Mr Deputy." Merry clicked his tongue with a hum. He genuinely couldn't be surprised; what other cat would be as reliable as his brother for the role? "Congrats, Goldy." Spoken with a purr, he would have been just as content if Merry himself stayed a regular old warrior, his brother would be able to handle his new place in the clan like it was just another day. Likely, he took on a hell of a lot of the heavy lifting in the clan alongside Dusty, it was only natural, it seemed. He would have to grab the other three Gale Guards and congratulate them properly.

Oh, but first. Merry took a wary step closer to Tallrock, looking up to Dustystar with a warm smile. "Thank ya' fer trustin' me with bein' one of yer Gale Guards, it's an honor." He would be remiss not to thank the cat who entrusted him with the title. He was unsure of himself, but if she trusted him, then he had to have a little faith, too.

— And it's harder than you think,

Telling dreams from one another. —

• 
  Merrystalk
  ✦—Windclan Gale Guard | 27 Moons
  ✦—He/Him
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A skinny, tortoiseshell cat with bright green eyes and pelt speckled with hay.
  #9D6E46

 

[Meadowpaw]

Sitting in the dark waiting on the stars
Thinking through all the places that you've been

.

When the previous meetings occurred she was still to weak to join in. But now that she was recovered Meadowpaw saw it that she was front and center. If no other way then she could support their budding clan by being present when it mattered. She still wasn't sure what to make of the other clans. It didn't seem fair to judge without meeting them first either. They were all just trying to survive, one way or another.

She knew not all of them were bound to be nice, but at least ShadowClan seemed to be. After all, Alder had a son—which wasn't a huge surprise… Alder seemed to love all the kits around the barn, it just made sense fae would have some of faer own too. Meadow really wished she had been there when ShadowClan visited so she could've met him.

The three-legged calico listened attentively. A worried look crosses her face at the implication that something could happen to Dustystar. The grey leader had been there for all of them when the barn burned down. Still, maybe it was good for Dusty to have some extra help. Meadow just wished that there was a way for her to help more…

There are no shortage of good cats with them. Many of which she knows in one way or another. After Goldenroar stepped up to calm Merrystalk and Sassafras down, she's not surprised to hear the tom's name called. Then there's Merrystalk… A tom that Meadow still admires in some ways, but not like before.

A soft frown creases her face, not because she isn't happy for him, but because of how things were between them. Would it be weird to congratulate him now? It wasn't easy, but she hoped to work up the courage to talk to him again soon and clear things up.

When Nutmegpurr is called, Meadow turns to look at her sister with awe-filled eyes. "She said your name, Meggie!" The calico whispers. Lately it seemed like her sister was always busy with something. She just hoped that the new role wouldn't burden her sister any more than she already was. Meadow knew that it couldn't be easy having to look after her and handle all her other duties…

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

8 MOONS

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WINDCLAN

⟢

SONG

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bio

 

[GOLDENROAR]

Ever the trustworthy, Dustystar hails the clan. Goldenroar slides open slightly exhausted eyes, a yawn slipping from his jaws as he pushes to his paws. The tom stretches, paws stepping backwards and forwards before he trots over from his resting spot. Not far from his brother had he chosen a nest that he feels he uses just a hint more then he did at the barn, given there wasn't any specific place for kittypets or loners to be dumped from those awful twolegs. A breath leaves him as he settles down near Merrystalk.

The altercation from the other day still leaves a bad taste in his mouth, but it's only moments that he dwells on it with a sideways glance towards his brother. Aqua eyes shift up towards the Tallrock, where Dustystar begins to speak. She addresses the other clans- of which, he spoke directly to the leader of Skyclan. Plenty more to be found, though, and he nods his head slowly. Named after their territories, maybe? Weird. He thinks briefly. To be named after shadows... it has to be a grim existence, there. Speaking of, Dustystar says they are to treat one another as allies. Family, it seemed. He nods once in understanding.

Then, it turns to a different kind of announcements. Goldenroar sits up a tiny bit at this revelation- a hierarchy. They didn't live by ranks in the barn, but here on the windlands, it was different he has to suppose. Aqua eyes blink sidelong at his brother, then back up towards Dustystar. Maybe Sweetnose would get it? He's not entirely sure. She grinds out the word tradition like it poisons her, and he snorts quietly, almost amused at her wrinkled expression. In his brief amusement he misses her first statement, then processes it all just as his name is called.

They say responsibility is a heavy mantle, but he can only imagine this is a half of what Dustystar carries herself. His ears shove forward, eyes widening as he is named deputy. She can tell she means this from her heart, given the way she wants to be almost avoidant in her gaze- so he does what he does best. Goldenroar splits a grin on his face, sitting up and squaring his shoulders. "Y'know I'm happy t' help out, Dustystar. I'll do my best!" Because that's what he could offer- his best. Goldenroar dips his head towards her and settles back, grinning sidelong at his brother. No longer just a warrior- a deputy. This Windclan's first. Other appointments follow- Gale Guards, she calls them. Either told to, or she made that name for them herself, but it feels fitting, given how windy it got around here.

Others are invited, some that he agrees with, others that he's unsure about. His brother will sit just beneath him, as which he bumps Merrystalk on the shoulder. Honeyflower, good- he wonders if Nutmegpurr will do alright with the extra responsibility- then.. Maremane. The one who spoke against him at the bridge to Skyclan. Aqua eyes shift to her briefly, unreadable, then back to Dustystar. It would be fine. Really, she acted like a voice of concern to something that he found himself rearing on all fours to get to. A voice of safety in the recklessness. Still, he wonders if it was a perfect choice, or just a good one.

"Oh, please, Mister Gale Guard." He snorts back at his brother, bumping him again. "Yeah, you too. You'll do great, yeah?" Goldenroar grins softly, pushing to his paws and stretching again as Dustystar called for an ending to this meeting. He steps away from Merrystalk, heading closer to Dustystar, waiting until she has jumped down before dipping his head to her. "We should talk, soon. Ain't gotta be this instant, but soon." Goldenroar nods towards her.

_______________________ I KEEP RUNNIN' BUT ☼ I'M STANDING STILL _______________________

• "speech"
  

• 

• GOLDENROAR he/him, windclanner, thirty six moons.
  ☆ a lh golden red marbled tabby with low white and glimmering aqua eyes. often seen with a smirk, confidence oozing from him in heaps, but always the ever-helpful guy.
  ☆ mentored by who / mentoring no one
  ☆ older brother to merry
  ☆ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ☆ penned by dallas ↛ dallasofnines on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

/code]

 

[HoneyflowerHoneyflower's icon]

Slow Down, Just Breathe

Honeyflower looked up expectantly as Dustystar climbed the Tallrock, having settled into this new routine of theirs. There were other clans aside from Shadowclan and Skyclan... It was still a bit of a shock, that four other cats had seemingly been approached by Starclan... Surely this would convince the less receptive cats that Dustystar wasn't lying?

The leader talks of a second in command and the calico's stomach churns uneasily at the thought of her dying so soon. Goldenroar is the most obvious choice of course though she hopes he isn't named Goldenstar anytime soon.

"Congrats, Goldy~!" Honeyflower purrs to her friend, before green eyes snap back to the leader at the sound of her own name. Her? A Gale Guard? What would that even entail?

Honey stood, tail flicking out of uncertainty as she paused to choose her words. "I'll do my best to do right by everyone! We'll figure this out together..!"

xxx

All We Have Is All We Need

Tags

Honey

✿—Moor Runner Of WindClan
✿—She/Her
✿—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
✿—Dilute Calico Shecat With Green Eyes And A Floppy Ear
#a4e1ba

 

[REDVEIL]

He had never been one for crowds that he himself hadn't conjured. Not that he minded them, per se he just preferred the edges. That hadn't changed even after the barn fire. If anything, the upheaval had only carved his quiet attitude deeper. While Dustystar called the meeting, the young red and white tom padded forward without protest, seating himself neatly toward the edge of the gathered cats.

Redveil listened carefully, tall ears angling this way and that with each new revelation. Other Clans. More than the one they met? Four of them! The names were strange and sharp in his mind and would take awhile to adjust. He wondered vaguely what those cats were like, how they hunted, how they lived. If things would shake down badly or for the better. Were they all that different from Windclan. From the cats of the barn.

His face dropped for a moment. Our barn. He still wasn't entirely sure if he was allowed to think that. Red hadn't been there long, not like some of the others. Yet when the fire came, he had run with them all the same.

Dustystar's speech shifted, and Redveil's attention drifted upward. Tail perked with interest as she began to name cats. A deputy and gale guards. His heart thumped when she said Goldenroar. Not out of surprise, exactly. More akin to quiet awe. It just made sense anyhow. That thick golden coat and the easy way the tom carried himself as if he was born to shoulder burdens and make them look light.

The tom swallowed softly, doe eyes locking on to Goldenroar's frame. They looked like a sunbeam in motion, all dappled gold and warm smiles. His throat went dry as the newly made deputy kindly took the mantle. A dream in the making it seemed.

While cheers began and cats congratulated one another he could only stare. Say something. Call out. Cheer a little. That's what friends do, right?

Yet his maw stayed firmly closed. Their silence let the thoughts coil tight in his chest. Attention travelled to the other named cats and he was glad to note Merrystalk among them. The happiness beamed at Goldy felt a bit contagious. Redveil grew a smile of his own.

Dustystar might have their head together somewhat. He still wasn't sure how to feel about the 'starclan' craze but it finally felt like the world was back in motion. His injuries were on the right path to healing, Windclan was finally picking up the pieces, and they felt able to contribute more confidently.

Not so casually they fixated back on Goldenroar, soft and steady eyes alight by what could only be adoration. Something that never quite made it to his voice. Now he sat a bit taller. A little prouder. Because somehow, being able to know these cats was enough of a reward. His tail fell and flicked at the dirt beside him, curling with satisfaction.​

 

[Sweetnose]

･ﾟ :｡･･ Tomorrow holds no promises ･ﾟ·:｡･ ✦ except the ones we've made.

While he didn't have concern for Dustystar being leader, he could not help but feel a little relief she had chosen such a down to earth tom as deputy; Goldenroar had been a strong foundation in the aftermath of the fire, diligent and calming in presence in a way the more excitable and energetic molly could not really be - so they made an excellent team if you asked him. Sweetnose tilted his head up to cheer alongside his clanmates as name after name was called and at the familiar sound of his own mate's name his ears flicked upward in delight. Honeyflower! The black tom tilted his head to the side where he knew she sat near him and leaned forward, head bumping against the side of her face in enthusiastic congratulations, "Look at you! A Gale Guard!" What an important sounding role, Honey had always been the more assertive between the two of them and he couldn't be happier to have her finding a place in this new clan they were all apart of now. The other cats called were also good cats, he knew Nutmegpurr as a kind and loving parental figure to her siblings, Maremane was a little wild but good natured, Merrystalk was kind and Goldenroar trusted so he also had faith in their new deputy's opinions. Overall, WindClan seemed to be going well. A part of him wondered what would happen when the barn was rebuilt, he had heard monster noises and twoleg chatter when he'd crept back to visit and while the scent of ash and char was still strong it had faded significantly since. Would they go back? Would they stay out here?
Sweetnose didn't know yet.

･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟ･ﾟ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･･ﾟ･ i am lost here ｡✦ ･ﾟi am lost with you･ﾟ ･ﾟ･･ﾟ･ﾟ･

Sweetnose

— Warrior of WindClan
— He/Him
"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
— Solid black tom w/yellow eyes. (Is Blind)
#edc11a

 

[MAREMANE]

Maremane lingered around the edges, as usual, her eyes flickering to Tinytail when possible in order to mirror whatever she was thinking. Her sister was more in-tune with how to react realistically. A meeting that revolved around the sudden, new relations that had sprung up around them – but by their numbers and their formalities, it seemed WindClan must be the freshest. She hoped that they are the last and nobody else would emerge from some natural disaster. Stumbling across scentlines and strange cats was only fun, hip and interesting for the first few weeks.

Polite, but wary. Dustystar set the premises for their interactions with the four – sans ShadowClan, whose allyship made Maremane's brow raise a notch. She had already decided that neutrality was her baseplate after a riveting greeting with ThunderClan. It came easy to her when she had been practicing it with her own clanmates since before their formation.

She was mildly aware of deputies. Goldenroar was an obvious, safe choice. He had been present in the aftermath of the fire, in the argument between Merrystalk and Sassafraschill. Despite his leadership skills, he wasn't intimidating, at least not to Maremane. She felt like his opposite.

Dustystar introduced the Gale Guard next. A group of cats to step up in her stead when needed, premium warriors and council members. Maremane's attention began to slip, especially when no shocking names were called. Honeyflower - another good choice, a splash of pure kindness in the pool of WindClan's high ranks. She did snap back when Merrystalk's name came second. It was a knee-jerk reaction, but she found there was something to catch the drop of her heart.

It had been only a recent change that meant Maremane did not storm out of a meeting again. If their conversation proved anything, his reaching out to her impressed her, especially after she had seen him bicker with Sassafraschill and anticipated to square up with him next sometime soon. Nutmegpurr, though Maremane ran into her infrequently, had to cap the council off well. She was Meadowpaw's sister, and it seemed like they shared similar qualities, and though she knew little of the details, similar trauma.

She shrugged her shoulders back, tail flickering as she made to break from the seat she'd taken. Something caught her, and she realized Dustystar's jade eyes were boring into her. Her name took the air, slicing her as if it was her own weapon against her.

Something was terribly wrong.

Maremane had looked in puddles and believed the glare she sent herself must be all that others saw. For so long, she had been careless of reputation, not flinching in the face of the idea she was considered venomous. It came as no surprise to her, since that's what she believed as well. To be announced as strong, well, Dustystar hadn't heard her thoughts in the hayloft before the fire. She barely had the willpower to stay in an ordered group instead of miles away, consequences dying behind her.

Her lips trembled, tongue pressing into the desert of the roof of her mouth. She should've declined. She was proving that she was decieving Dustystar and all of them by staying quiet, shaking barely visible, like a willow tree.