Open Backwritten Camp RC LEAP FORWARD — RETURNING WITH KITS

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

The journey back to camp was somewhat silent save for the kits asking questions or conversing among themselves. Sleet was still in his grasp, but he could feel their excitement as camp came into view. They'd have to cross the river that surrounded camp. Well... They could try and jump at certain points, but he really didn't want to jostle the kit too much. I think they're forgive me, but the river is too cold. I'd rather not have them get sick. We have a good amount of herbs so far, but it's always best to avoid using them when we can. Therefore the silver tabby places Sleet down gently, turning to Poseidon and Aurora afterward.

"I'll take them from here. The others won't be happy about you two entering our camp. Don't worry, I won't take too long."

Whether or not they were reassured by his words didn't matter. They had already walked so far, if they were to rethink their decision... While he wouldn't have been particularly happy about wasted time, he couldn't lie and say he wouldn't be a tiny bit relieved that there were less mouths to feed.

In any case, he lowers himself to the ground.

"I'm going to need you to get on my back, Sleet."

There's only a short moment of hesitance before he can feel little paws on his back, shifting around until they're comfortable. Pikestar says nothing else, slipping into the cool water with ease. Once the pair have crossed safely and while ignoring the stares from his clanmates, turns to the nearest warrior.

"Please take this kit to Jinglemoon. There's two others on the way."

Another warrior approaches him with a tilt of their head.

"I'll explain everything later. Just help me bring another kit."

With the restless paws on his back, he lowers himself again. Sleet practically jumps off his back. It wouldn't surprise him if the kit started to run off in the direction of the nursery. Considering their excitement of hearing the clan had many future friends.

He can't help but chuff, before returning with a warrior (hopefully) to Poseidon and Aurora.

"These two aren't a threat. They helped bring the kits here. They'll leave when the kits are safe and sound in our camp."

He wanted no misunderstandings. These two weren't here out of pure curiosity. They followed him, as far as they could anyway for the sake of three kits. The clan had to see that. The risk they've put themselves in venturing this far.

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• This thread takes place November 21st, directly following this thread (NOTE: THE THREAD HAS THE SENSITIVE TOPICS LABEL)
  
  @Sapkit @Dunkit @Sleetkit @Aurora♡ @Drizzlepaw
• PIKESTAR

  — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  ♱ 44 moons — he/him — ages realistically on the 1st
  ♱ 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
  

 

[Dunkit]

DUNKIT ─── .✦Riverclan | Kit

The youngest of the three kittens was silent throughout the whole journey, content to just watch the passing scenery as they were carried by Poseidon with a secure but gentle grip. It odd, being out of the box for really the first time. The three of them had huddled together the entire time they'd been left there, only wriggling away from each other long enough to eat from the can until that was empty. What are the odds... they pondered, that some cats would find us just as our food ran out...? And only minutes after my brother jumped out for the first time? They weren't one to think this a conspiracy--there was no way the two-legs that abandoned them had somehow set all this up. No, they were more just astonished at the sheer luck that must have befallen them and their siblings for this turn of events.

They ruminated on this all the way until the group came to a halt at the edge of a river. Were they already here? It hadn't seemed like they were walking for all that long, but it's rather easy to lose track when lost in thought while also being carried. When Pikestar let their sister onto his back to cross the river, they smiled a little. Calling her Sleet, mm...? It suits her. It was then it occurred to them: they were the only one to not have been called something by one of the older cats. Aurora had called their brother Sap-something and now their sister was Sleet. What's my name...? Do I ask or... wait...? Do I have to come up with it myself? I hope not...

As Sleet and Pikestar crossed the river and out of sight, Poseidon set them down on the ground. They moved to sit as close to the tom as possible. They'd rather be closer to their brother now, but he was still perched atom Aurora's back and looking over the horizon with ears swiveling around to help survey the land. But, Poseidon was safe enough.

They stayed there, comfortably snuggling into the older cat's fur to shield from the cold all the way until Pikestar came back--this time with a whole new cat and without Sleet. "Are we going now, too...?" their question was quiet, audible but not very. It wasn't asked to anyone in particular; merely an odd wondering aloud rather than staying to their inner monologue.

Silence speaks loudest

"Speech" || Thoughts​

 

[Drizzlepaw]

Poseidon

.

Poseidon followed the silver tabby towards the RiverClan camp, careful not to sway the kitten too much with purrs movements. He had never met kittens so young, let alone handled them, but he was trying to be gentle. He could faintly recall the sensation of being held the same when he was small, but the memory was too distant to grasp properly.

Pikestar had stopped in front of a river, not letting them go further. Poseidon understood, though he wished he could see Thunderpaw again, entrust her to make sure these kits would be fine - there were a lot of these wildcats and some of them weren't as welcoming to the kittypets like Thunderpaw had been. He only hoped the majority would protect them... The young cat put the kitten down, which immediatelly pressed its small body against him. "Don't worry, little one." he spoke softly, hopefully reassuringly. "I'm sure they will take care of you."

Poseidon spoke those words as much for purrself as for the little kitten, reassuring them both. Purr waited as Pikestar swam to the other side with Sleet, entering the camp. It didn't take long for the tom to come back, with empty jaws and another wildcat to help. "Y..Yeah.." Poseidon dipped his head in greeting, growing nervous with more cats approaching. "We'll leave when you tell us to..." he did not actually want to leave, but he would listen, of course. He didn't want to get in trouble with these wildcats, and especially not for the sake of the kits - their safety was more imporant. Turning to the kitten at purrs paws, purr spoke gentler. "Go on, you can go with them. You're being very brave."

With that, Poseidon only watched, hoping for a better future for the three abandoned kittens. Maybe he would see them again one day...

 

[Sapkit Sapkit]

SAPKIT ─── .✦Riverclan | Kit

He didn't like his sister being the first of their litter to cross the river--even though it would only be for a few moments, the thought of her being all alone in an unfamiliar place did not sit well with him at all. I shoulda gone instead... Looked around n' make sure is safe. With a huff, he loafed on Aurora's back as they waited for Pikestar to return. His mind would not stop lingering on all the things he would have done if he'd gone first: get a lay of the land, scout out the area for potential threats, try and see how safe the other cats of the clan would be. There was nothing to be done about it now; he simply purred lightly to try and calm himself. It's safer than bein' left alone in a box. That's what matters now...

After what felt like hours (though in reality it wasn't all that long), Pikestar finally returned. Without his sister. Makes sense but I wish she'd come back with him an' at least told us what is like over there. Begrudgingly, he hopped off Aurora's back and gauged the new cat Pikestar had brought along. Though he wasn't sure why, it seemed that Aurora and Poseidon weren't allowed to cross the river. He and his sibling would have to ride on the backs of Pikestar and this new wildcat to cross.

Turning his attention to Aurora, he gave her a little head bonk on the shin. She'd been kind, saved them, and he was a little sad to part with her now. "Thanks for lettin' me ride on yer back, miss Aurora." he said, reluctantly backing away from the molly and towards the cat Pikestar brought along. His eyes settled on his sibling, still nested next to Poseidon who encouraged them to go ahead. "He's right. We gotta go meet up with our sister--'M sure Pikestar'll letcha ride him across. I'll make sure he keeps ya safe."

Small but mighty

"Speech" || Thoughts​

 

[pricklepaw]

x

The leader's arrival in camp is greeted by not only warriors, but little (and growing larger) Pricklekit as well. As soon as Pikestar's form comes into view, the kit is at the river's edge waiting his return into the camp itself. They have to admit that they're curious about the kit dangling from the tom's jaws, as well as the two other cats at his side who are also carrying kits. When he touches ground on the camp's side of the water, the fluffy kit pads along by his side until they can't any more, their paws working overtime to keep up. "Hi, 'm Pricklekit," they chirp to the kit, if Sleet is willing to acknowledge their presence, with a grin illuminating their half-covered face. There's a lot going on, with two older-looking cats standing across the river and a few kits being taken to Jinglemoon's den, but still the chocolate-patched kit must find a way to satisfy their curiosity.

When Pikestar heads back across the river, Pricklekit follows until their toes touch the water and then waits patiently for his return once again. To any nearby clanmate they ask, "Are they comin' too?" Their white-capped paw extends to indicate the cats still across the water, then offers them both a friendly little wave. Pikestar had said to one of the warriors that the bigger cats would be leaving after the kits were safe in camp, but why would they go away when they could just stay instead?

OOC —

PRICKLEKIT

THEY/THEM, RIVERCLAN KIT
✼ stocky, fluffy chocolate and white kit with thick fur hiding their eyes. clingy and oblivious, a sleepy kit who prefers naptime over games.
✼ enhanced sense of smell ; gets nauseous easily
✼ sibling to branchkit, hollykit, saffronkit, skykit ; adopted by pikestar
✼ peaceful or healing powerplay is allowed ; they appreciate physical contact
✼ played by foxlore

 

[Sleekshark Sleekshark]

I had a dream I was seven
Climbing my way in a tree
I saw a piece of heaven
Waiting, impatient, for me

.

" Goodness grace, no, of course. " Aurora meowed respectfully, dipping her head. " We'll stay on this side of the place that leads to your camp. No need for fuzzy hearts and scowls from others, hm? " She chuckled, easing herself down and watching the kits she and Poseidon had found. Her gaze followed Pikestar as he crossed the river, leading the little one to safety. Her heart gave a soft, aching squeeze as the kit was carried away, but the ache was gentle, the kind that knew safety was worth any moment of letting go.

When the young sapling thanked her for the ride, she gave him a tender smile and a nod. " Not a worry, little sapling. You be good and safe over there, alright? " She lifted a paw and gently ruffled his head fur. " It was a pleasure meeting you, truly. " As he scampered after Pikestar, Aurora leaned back slightly, looking to Poseidon with a soft smile tugging at her muzzle. Her gaze drifted again to the riverbank, to the narrow place where the land dipped into a stream, to the path the river cats had taken. A little kit waved, and she couldn't help but lift her paw in return, her whiskers twitching with a quiet, hopeful warmth.

This Clan life... It sounded appealing. Safer to remain with a group than to wander alone in these woods. And besides, these woods were no longer empty paths for strays and wanderers. They belonged to these cats now. Once the two legs left for the season, she and Poseidon likely couldn't roam as freely anymore. Perhaps... Perhaps it was time to think on something new. Something rooted. Something communal. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a place among them.

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

90 MOONS

𖧧

RIVERCLANNER

𖧧

SONG

𖧧

bio

 

[hazecloud]

𓆝 . ° ✦

"Three kits...? Hazecloud looked at Pikestar as he arrived to RiverClans camp, some strangers and kits in tow. Poseidon and Aurora hold her attention for just a few seconds before she followed the path to Jinglemoon's den. With any hope they were not injured or gravely ill.

She could only assume that the pair were related to these kits somehow, but it was hard to guess exactly how. Guess we will all find out soon. The smoky molly thought as she looked around for Smoky and Lichen, or any of their kits. Hazecloud would like to get something in these kits bellies if she could help it, the journey seemed long with how exhausted they appeared.

"Are they yours?" The diver asked when approaching Aurora first. There wasn't anything accusatory in her tone but she certainly was not reserved in her curiosity, either. She would save her judgement of the molly for her answer, but trekking about with three kits and another young cat... it would be impossible work to keep them all fed.

✧ ° . ✶ . ° ✧

ooc Information

• ooc: —
• 

  HAZE— SHE/HER ･ 37 MOONS ･ RIVERCLAN PEARL DIVER ･ PENNED BY @gonkpilled!

  a smoky blue molly with warm green eyes. haze is a short and stout molly with a longhaired pelt that is beautifully kept. she is a highly skilled, agile swimmer and fisher with a surprising mischievous streak.

 

[Frostmoth]

Pikestar marches right into camp with a kit on his back, and Frostmoth wonders if there is just some strange backlog of partners and kits the leader has hiding somewhere in the rainforest. It wouldn't surprise him at this point, but he still struggles to hide his displeasure as Pikestar runs to and fro until the count of strange kits has reached three. And the count of strange kittypets is two. Frostmoth abandons his half-eaten trout to address the newcomers, though Pikestat hasn't made much of a show of their arrival yet.

At Hazecloud's pointed question, Frostmoth looks away from the clamor of kits. He hopes that the answer is yes, and that the work of caring for the kits isn't going to be passed off to some poor queen... Or RiverClan as a whole."Lots of new mouths to feed," Frostmoth remarks lowly to Hazecloud, his tail flicking as an unreadable blue gaze wanders over the kits Pikestar and the two kittypets have brought back to camp. He wordlessly locks eyes with the leader for a moment. Something tells him that the two older cats won't be leaving after all, but at the very least they can take care of themselves.

Frostmoth turns away, sure that his broody rumination is more imposing than not. "I'll get Jinglemoon," he offers lightly "Unless you think the kits would rather settle into the nursery and have Jinglemoon come to them."

OH, MY GOD ★ MAKE ME IN YOUR IMAGE

• uhhh fetching @Jinglemoon kinda
• ★ FROST — he/him, riverclan deputy, 25 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!

 

[Damselflyfrost]

DAMSELFLYFROST

.

DAMSELFLYFROST — RIVERCLAN WARRIOR

A pale-bodied seal point with striking blue eyes. He moves with a swanlike grace and confidence, each movement decisive without calculation. In public, he is kind and affable, a friendly face around RiverClan — but in private Damselflyfrost becomes much colder. Harshly critical, selfish, and yet self-loathing, her tongue can become as sharp as her claws in the right circumstance.

14 moons old | He / She | Bisexual
Antlion x Unknown | Sibling to Dragonflyflame
Mentored by Silverspirit | Mentoring none
"Speech" & Thoughts
Biography | Toyhouse

Many new mouths indeed. It's a musing that goes unexpressed, well-rehashed by Hazecloud and Frostmoth before him, but it is frigid all the same behind his ice-blue pools and easy smile. Leafbare has already plunged into the river and drilled into the land; prey would only become scarcer, and now Pikestar was hauling new kits home? Not to mention the other strangers that accompany him. From her perch near the warrior's den, her gaze cuts across her superiors. Pikestar, defensive for the sake of these strangers, perhaps naively kind; Frostmoth, pointed and dissenting, though not outwardly. Damselflyfrost's curiosity is apparent in the squint of her eyes.

Lacking in authority, the warrior instead decides to socialize, black-painted tail flicking behind him like a rattle. It's hard not to picture the extra work that would accompany these extra bodies — more fish, more herbs, more nests, all while leafbare encroached and left them with fewer and fewer resources. His smile grows pinched, acerbic; but really, he ought to be grateful for more future warriors, shouldn't he? Maybe one of these kits would be his apprentice someday. A few heartbeats pass before Damselflyfrost surrenders to the futility of her own argument, pessimism blooming frosty in her chest.

She halts near Pricklekit, up to her ankles in river water, following their gesture across the bank to the cats still stuck there. Are they comin' too? the kit inquires, and Damselflyfrost grins as she responds with an eager sort of bluntness, "No, my dear." Clear blue eyes glint with skepticism, however unearned. When she speaks again, she hopes the strangers hear her. "Our dens are so full, they would burst. And then it would be up to you," he aims to gently muss Pricklekit's mess of bangs with a wet paw, "to rebuild it all again." There is a glint of teeth as her simper grows in accordance with her humor, pointed though it is.

​

 

[Silverspirit Silverspirit]

Concern and pride struggled for dominion over Silverspirit's heart. The tall silver tomcat had been hard at work smoothing his coat, having found it unacceptably tousled after a patrol, when Pikestar arrived with...well, with quite the entourage. At once, a complicated mix of feelings swelled up: surprise, naturally; worry, because more kittens meant more strain upon RiverClan's winter-trimmed resources. But also...happiness, and satisfaction. Their leader was a kind soul, and their Clan was strong. They had the capacity to protect small, vulnerable lives, which would in turn grow and strengthen them yet further. Not for the first time, Silverspirit felt a surge of happiness and assurance that the warrior's life was among the noblest available to any cat.

He glanced at Damselflyfrost, curious to know what his former apprentice and friend would think of these new acquisitions; neither Hazecloud nor Frostmoth seem especially pleased about the newcomers, though Pricklekit seemed happy to welcome them. The seal point strolled with her typical elegance towards Pikestar's adoptive child and spoke playfully to them, producing a very quiet chuckle from Silverspirit. He remained silent for a silent moments, unsmiling as usual; his clear green eyes were soft as they moved over Sapkit, Dunkit, and Sleetkit, though they did not yet bear those names. Ostensibly to Damselflyfrost, though truly mostly to himself, the warrior mused, "It is their good fortune, to become part of RiverClan. And a sign of our strength and honor to welcome them thusly." As for Aurora and Poseidon, well...he supposed this would be the first and last time he or his Clanmates encountered them.

 

[Sleetkit]

SLEETKIT ─── .✦Riverclan | Kit

As the young molly was foisted into the camp, she could barely contain her excitement. So many new sights! So many new smells! So many new friends!! It took all her willpower to not just start running around the camp saying hello to everyone--no, she knew she had to wait for her siblings to be brought in as well. Still, she squirmed with energy, her legs and tail twitching in excitement.

Though there was much going on, she did hear one kit call out with an introductory hello! "Hihi!" she responded, "Nice to meet you, Pricklekit! Hope we can play soon!!" Her words were rushed as the adult cats shuffled her about and took her towards some den.

Chilled but not cold

"Speech" || Thoughts​

 

[Sleekshark Sleekshark]

I had a dream I was seven
Climbing my way in a tree
I saw a piece of heaven
Waiting, impatient, for me

.

Aurora blinked as a Clan cat approached, questioning whether the kits were hers. " Oh... Oh dear, no. Absolutely not. " she replied with a light, airy laugh. " I'm afraid I lack the mate required to make such a thing possible. " Her whiskers twitched with gentle humor before her tone softened. " No, they aren't mine. My young friend and I found them in a box, and... We hoped this might be the best solution for them. The best place for them to grow. " Her gaze shifted briefly to Hazecloud, searching for any hint of reassurance.

The words of another cat didn't go unnoticed. Aurora's eyes lingered on Damselflyfrost, her ears tipping forward thoughtfully. Too many kits already? The idea tugged at her heart. She didn't know... She'd never stepped foot inside the camp, and she wouldn't begin now. That would be rude. She watched the young molly that had wanted to be carried by her move away, already interacting with a kit that clearly belonged here, to the Cats of the River. The sight stirred something quiet and aching in her chest.

" Well then... " Aurora cleared her throat, dipping her head with practiced grace. " I believe we should be going, before we overstay our welcome. " A gentle smile touched her muzzle. " Thank you kindly, once more. "

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

91 MOONS

𖧧

RIVERCLANNER

𖧧

SONG

𖧧

bio

 

[Drizzlepaw]

Poseidon

.

Poseidon watched with a little sorrow as the kittens were taken away from them. This was for the best, he knew that, of course he did. He barely knew these kittens, yet he felt so... attached to them already.

Purr shook purrs head. The kittens would have a much better life here, in RiverClan. They were lucky Poseidon and Aurora had found them and even more that Pikestar agreed to take them in. "Goodbye, little one." purr smiled at the littlest of the kittens reassuringly. "You'll do good here."

He then turned to the adult wildcats and to his companion. "Aurora is right." Poseidon dipped his head. "We're going now. Thank you for your kindness." And with that, he turned away, a single tear falling down his cheek.

OOC: Poseidon out :)​