✪ Align my Heart, my Body, my Mind
indentThis temporary camp has no high vantage point for Dustystar to give her announcements from, so she sits on the solid earth, watching her vision fill with cats as they gather to listen. She can only get a good look at the cats closest to her. Farther back, her vision is blocked by the crowd. She has to guess when everyone has arrived. There's no way to be sure from where she's sitting.
indent"In the past few sunrises, Windclan has faced a great struggle. For a second time, we've been chased from our home, forced to take shelter in the tall grasses of the moor." Dustystar's voice is somber, held down by memories of the fire that had set them on this path so many moons ago. "But you've all shown great resilience, despite it all. We've banded together, worked as a clan to ensure our safety. Our trial isn't over, but we've already made a lot of progress. This time, the destruction of our home won't be permanent." When she speaks the words, the reality of what she says begins to set in. They won't be driven out again. "In just a few sunrises, we should be able to return to our old camp. Everyone will be able to sleep in a proper nest again." There's still work to be done, debris to clear, earth to dry. The tunnlers will need to set out to discover a way of preventing future floods. The worst of it, though, has been dealt with. They can catch their breath.
indent"That's far from the only good news." She mews, voice light. "Hootkit and Finchkit, please come forward." Patiently, she waits for the kittens to make their way to the front of the crowd. "Both of you have lived a life of much hardship. I'm sorry that both your birth and your apprenticeship should be marked with tragedy, but I'm glad you've overcome it all. Hootkit, I name you Hootpaw, and place you under the care of Brambleleg. Finchkit, I give you the name Finchpaw, and name Clayspots as your mentor."
indent"Sparrowpaw." Dustystar calls forth the young tortiseshell, watching for her red and white fur. "You've acted admirably, and shown yourself worthy of the role of 'Warrior'. Your heart is resolute, but not without compassion, and your knowledge of the tunnels beneath the prarie has served you well. I name you Sparrowburrow, and welcome you as a full warrior of Windclan."
indent"Sparrowpaw." Dustystar calls forth the young tortiseshell, watching for her red and white fur. "You've acted admirably, and shown yourself worthy of the role of 'Warrior'. Your heart is resolute, but not without compassion, and your knowledge of the tunnels beneath the prarie has served you well. I name you Sparrowburrow, and welcome you as a full warrior of Windclan."
indent"Gorsepaw. You've endured quite a bit, recently." Dustystar can't imagine having survived both a coyote and a flood in such short succession. "Despite everything, you live each day with your chin up, brave as ever. After a fight like yours, the name 'Gorsehowl' is only fitting. I welcome you as a warrior of Windclan."
indentThe cold rain had allowed bitterness to seep into Dustystar's heart. The sight of her clan staying strong in such conditions steels her, but it's not enough alone to chase away the darkness that slips into the back of her mind. Once again, she's been left alone. Starclan, who'd she'd trusted to guide her, remain silent. Only those living in the shadows of Starclan have thought to reach out a compassionate paw. 'Wildrose, where are you? I thought you were going to help me, not give me a burden then abandon me to carry it alone.'
- Congrats to our new mentor and apprentices, @Finchkit @Hootkit @CLAYSPOTS and our new warrior, @Sparrowpaw @gorsepaw !-
Dustystar - 27 moons - Windclan Leader
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