let the rain come down / 5.12 ; meeting

[Hawkstar]

LEADER OF SKYCLAN

.

Hawkeye had always wanted to be leader. Hawkeye had dreamed vicious dreams of seizing SkyClan's throne between her claws and having the crown placed victoriously upon her head - a star-studded ring of divinity passed from leader to leader, only to be given to a king.

Hawkeye had been a dreamer, whereas Hawkstar… Hawkstar was a fool, still wet behind the ears from rebirth from warrior to war-mother of her clan. She had imagined leadership to be heroism, and the journey to be her epic saga, experienced in the same golden haze that the stories of LionClan and LeopardClan were told. But the journey had not been her great forthcoming, and her clan was not some great empire returning to glory. They were but one of many tired and starving groups in this forest, all as equally stupid as the rest.

And yet the world still turned, even when her starry crown slipped from head to throat, slip-knotted and tightening with every twitch against the invisible yoke.

"SkyClan, to me," and again, they are expected to follow in and she is expected to dictate to them what they are to know and want and need. She is expected to lead. Even when her head hurts so much she can barely stand and her eye is swimming in the pain and discomfort pounding behind the optic nerve.

Electric blue swipes a pass over her deputy. Her sole medicine cat. Her lowly Sunguard. She hates them all. Weak, soft, ungainly. Kittypet lovers and defenders. Unimpressive warriors. All reflections of her own poor leadership. This was the image they gave to the other clans, and it all began with her own weaknesses. It was surely no coincidence that Coffeestar's spiritual leaders did not disappear without a trace, with no sign to the cat that was meant to work in tandem with them. What else could it mean for Hawkstar that her medicine cat had been stolen from her so soon? So … matter of factly? What else, what … who …

And then, almost to distract from the dizziness and nausea and the thought of a cruel pantheon rejecting her life's purpose: "I have a question." a beat. "I have a request."

She swings her head forward, teetering on her ledge, electric blue drunkenly swinging from cat to cat before landing on her target. " @fitzgerald ."

"Is your apprentice prepared to take their assessment or must I assign them a task?" Her head tilts, gesturing to Teaselpaw, matter-of-fact. Unbothered by the tactlessness in her own words. She was SkyClan's leader after all, what did it matter how she spoke if the leash was meant to choke her anyways. "It would be a shame to not graduate siblings together, no?"

pointed torbie

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65 moons

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she / they

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bio

 

[cygnetscratch]

Her assessment had been hard won - with scrapes of her pelt tugged free by tree bark and her claws of all things aching, Cygnetpaw managed to pass the single most important skill to a SkyClanner. Scaling trees should've been in her blood, and dare she think it, but the only difficulty she bore through her apprenticeship was due to the fact that her father was a no-good kittypet. Not a good parent, not a good SkyClanner. But she can surpass everything he was. She can put to use the useless blood he gave her - or at least wait until that well runs dry and all she has left is what her land has fed her.

Her ears prick when she hears Hawkstar, anticipation easing the pain out of her paws. She leans forward, following the swaths of cats towards their leader. This is it. She doesn't seek out Flowercloud, hardly glances for Rosepaw or Teaselpaw. Instead, she focuses forward. Her pelt lies as flat as it can along her body - only to bristle when her latter sibling's mentor is called upon.

Yellow eyes flick towards Teaselpaw, narrowed and pinched in the center. Did you not pass? She wishes she could enter their mind and see what in the great Stars they were thinking, especially as Hawkstar brings the clouds down upon them. Rosepaw seems to have passed his mentor's law, given it is not him that is pushed forward with a damning task to fulfill. How embarrassing. Amongst the first warriors to be made in the new lands, and their sibling cannot manage to pull themself together just enough to avoid a scene.

Like the pot calling the kettle black, Cygnetpaw refuses to see the irony. She turns her face back towards the leader, obedient in stance but unable to hide her frustration.

 

[Teaselfeather Teaselfeather]

TEASELPAW

Over hill, over dale, through the valley and vale do not weep, do not wail, I am coming home to you

Teaselpaw tried not to feel watched, but they did. Those mismatched eyes stayed wide, uncertain, like a rabbit caught under a hawk's shadow. Why them? Why now? Hadn't they trained hard enough? Hadn't they pushed beyond every limit, coming back to camp sore and battered, giving everything they had? They'd trained under both Fitzgerald and Stormcrow. They'd fought to prove they belonged in SkyClan, even with everything falling apart back home, what was left of that family. A family they weren't sure could ever be stitched back together again.

Their chest tightened with something sharp, grief, shame, panic. Teaselpaw's gaze dropped to their trembling paws, breath shallow. They had to say something. Had to show something. They were enough. They had to be. But when they looked up, searching for comfort, they didn't find it in their kin's eyes. Just... disappointment. A gut-punch of rejection. What had they done to earn that look? Hadn't they tried just as hard as the rest? Something inside cracked. Their whole body trembled as they finally raised their chin, locking eyes with their leader. Not brave. Not bold. But determined.

" Fitz... " Their voice came hoarse at first, barely more than a whisper, fragile and breaking, not used to actually being used. " Fitz and Stormcrow taught me well. " It wasn't loud. It wasn't proud. But it was honest.

═════════════⊹⊱ ⟡ ⊰⊹═════════════

 

[Hawkstar]

LEADER OF SKYCLAN

.

A thin tremble rises to her challenge, the smallest voice in this crowd of layabouts and half-believers. They are so unimposing, so miniscule against the persona that Hawkstar has created, but still, she angles her ears to catch the whispered syllables, pride swelling somewhere in her deflated chest.

"Yes," she nods to Teaselpaw, "yes, he did. A fine mentor has raised you into a fine warrior, a warrior that has learned our code from old lands to new and one that our ancestors will surely expect great things from." She has no need to ask this child if she will uphold the code to their greatest ability, she has no need to ask that of any of her warriors, for the answer is as obvious to her as it is to them. Their loyalty was implicit, their vows sacred and silent between themselves and SkyClan, just as Hawkstar's were:

"Teaselpaw, from this day forward, you will be known as Teaselfeather. Your empathy and observant nature will serve you well as a full warrior of SkyClan."

Her eye - birdlike, sharp - twitches to Rosepaw and Cygnetpaw, and something akin to a chuckle forms unfallen on her lips. "Rosepaw, my apprentice, you are a force unbridled. It was my honor to teach you everything you know. For your loyalty and tenacity - that fire that stokes your gut - I name you Rosebelly."

And then the remainder: "Cygnetpaw, your sharp mind is an asset that SkyClan requires even in our brightest moments. For your …" thorny attitude "keen sense of judgement and your boundless courage seen on our Great Journey, I name you Cygnetscratch."

Three siblings, removed now from their last, taken from their mother and their clan in the same whisked-away pawsteps of Tigerfoot. Silently, Hawkstar hopes that StarClan would give their own name to their lost apprentice. Silently, she gives a little prayer while the others are cheered for: I would have named them Lavenderbreeze if you had given me the chance.

But it's too late to wallow now.

"Carrionpaw, you have the same sort of flexibility found in your greatest elders -" Snowveil and herself, of course, two cats who share in the apprentice's lack of functional eyes "- and that gift has given you their same level of drive and passion. For your imitable initiative, I name you Carrionsight."

Their names ring loud as Hawkstar takes a step back, allowing the limelight to the four warriors made a-new by her own paw, by the moldings of her warriors. Teaselfeather, Cygnetscratch, Rosebelly, Carrionsight. Teaselfeather, Cygnetscratch, Rosebelly, Carrionsight.

She allows them the moment - or perhaps two - before she flicks her tail again.

"Secondarily, with some of our mentors freed up, we have some new apprentices to welcome into the fray. Downykit, Creamkit, Swirlkit, and Des," her eye falls to the rogueish child they had taken in, all hard lines and rough edges. "Until you earn your own warrior names, you will be Downypaw, Creampaw, Swirlpaw, and Stonepaw. Stonepaw, your mentor will be Stormcrow. She has a tiger's spirit, nevermind her teeth and you'll do just fine. Creampaw will be mentored by [INSERT GUY HERE] and Swirlpaw will be mentored by [YOU CAN CHOOSE HERE], they will hopefully pass down their wealth of knowledge down to you two in turn."

And then there was one, "Downypaw. You will be mentored by one of my -" she resists the urge to curl her lip in disgust at her own words. This show of unity would surely be the death of her if it were not more obviously necessary to keep the peace of both her clan and StarClan, "- most trusted advisors, Fujimoto. I trust he will train you into an unstoppable warrior."

Whatever she truly thought of the daylighter would be masked behind her kindest smile, trained on the little white kitten, stretched across bared teeth inside her skull.

@Rosepaw @cygnetpaw @Teaselpaw @Creamkit @Swirlkit @Downykit @Fujimoto @CARRIONPAW

pointed torbie

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64 moons

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she / they

◆

bio

 

[SWALLOWBREEZE]

swallowpaw does as she's told. she sits underneath the meeting perch, her eyes hesitantly meeting her leader's for a brief moment, she dislikes looking at hawkstar for longer than she has too.

graduations are on the horizon. before they can celebrate, hawkstar must remind her clan who is in charge. swallowpaw's ears flatten, embarrassed, looking at her paws instead of seeking out fitzgerald. teaselpaw is able to speak their mind, so the meeting continues as expected, with swallowpaw feeling a sense of pride for the newly named warrior.

"teaselfeather! cygnetscratch! rosebelly! carrionsight!" she cheers for the second batch of warriors in their new home.

the journey kittens, finally apprenticed, "downypaw! creampaw! swirlpaw! stonepaw!"

ʚɞ

 

[Daisydream]

​

Daisydream had only been looking over when the leader began her tense questionnaire. Awkwardly, he scooted closer as the nerves roused in his throat. Watching the apprentices flinch made his muscles tense with sudden anger. Come on, that's not fair! He watched with a neutral expression despite his concern. Making a scene was not in anybody's interest today. His shoulders lax as the leader begins ceremonies. That is a relief. Despite the nauseating thickness of the air, he adds to the cheers. "Teaselfeather! Carrionsight! Rosebelly! Cygnetscratch!" They were promising, and he hoped the best for their future. Next, the molly rolled onto the apprentices. Fluffy ears perked up curiously to see who was up. Noting the shorter frames of Milkheart's kits coming into view. Daisydream had never been the kind of tom to crave responsibility, but there it was, his name called. Now tied to a brand new apprentice.

Surprise bloomed across his pale face, ears straightened in sharp interest. Creampaw? His gaze searched and landed, sure enough, on the pale, floppy-eared kit. He remembered when the littermates were all stubby legs and stumbling steps, squeaking nonsense and tripping over their paws. This lot is still kits in my eyes. They deserve a kittenhood. There was a bit of sadness in his realization. The world is dangerous, and it was now his job to keep her safe.

A part of him pondered if Hawkstar appointed him responsible for the kit due to his own kittypet bloodline. Either way, he would never foster doubt in his student. At times like these, he missed his mother back in the old territory. She would've purred to the heavens with pride. Never once sowing doubt. Blinking up at the sky, he hoped she was sharing the same skylight, almost like a reflection. A twinge of remorse for putting her poor heart through so much in his earlier years itched at his pelt. Desperate to impress a cat who never really wanted much to do with him to start. Daisydream was vibrantly aware of his deceased father's opinion on him.

Let's not think about Dad right now, friend. Ya know. How did my mom keep me alive all those moons? From all the musing, he completely neglects to cheer for the other apprentices.

His chest tightened with a fluttering sort of panic, and then a calm of resolution. No backing out now, not with Hawkstar sporting that kind of look. I'm responsible for someone's kit. For a heartbeat, the fear nearly overwhelmed him. What if I'm not good enough? What if something happens to her under my watch? How do you keep track of a mossball with legs going at crazy speeds on his creaking joints? Well, he was sure about to figure it out. Stars, please keep her safe and maybe keep me from screwing this up.

Accepting his new duty came with a rush of delight. The thrill of possibility. His first apprentice. A shadow to teach sparring, how to climb, and to track prey. He would teach her all the best sunning spots, every silly nickname he gave the clans, or the beauty of a patrol at sunrise. Daisydream would be at the apprentice's side through thick and thin until it was time for her graduation. That day s' gonna be pretty bittersweet. A smile bloomed across his face, lopsided and boyish. We will start first thing tomorrow. Bright eyed and bushy tailed. We are gonna be the best out of this whole batch! While warriors and kits clustered, he wasted no time weaving through the crowd. Daisydream spotted her easily, standing a little straighter than he had before. Upon reaching his destination, he dipped down with a purr of greeting, aiming to press his nose gently to the top of a curly head.

Sincere and polite. "I'm proud of you already." The tan feline meowed, sitting back as their blue eyes crinkled joyously. "I look forward to teaching you everything I know, Creampaw." His voice held all the usual kindness, dandelions, and clouds, but there was a thread of sincerity beneath it that couldn't be missed.

OOC Interacting with @/creampaw

​

​

 

[Stonepaw]

Consumed by the darkness they bore
She will never wake up anymore

.

The stubby adolescent didn't know what was happening—not really—but she filed in all the same. Her eyes were as stark as the bluest, cloudless of skies and just as empty. A little less wild now too, but no less afflicted by grief and all manner of suffering than before.

She took a seat, obvious to the aches, disappointments, and desires of those around her. Resentments harbored with leadership, a hunger to be acknowledged above others, a small anxious heart struggling to meet overstretching skies. All of these things were foreign to her. She was neither kittypet nor born to SkyClan. Des is an outsider.

Des knows nothing of the code. She knows nothing of their Starclan. She knows nothing of SkyClan's past.

She watches as she always has, unblinking, unmoved. Their cheers cause her head to swivel—Teaselfeather, Cygnetscratch, Rosebelly, Carrionsight—and for a moment her head tilts. They were all warriors now. Des does not know them well. But if they are like the warriors that rescued her from a dog, then she has no doubt they are strong and deserving of their names.

"Teaselfeather. Cygnetscratch. Rosebelly. Carrionsight." She joined the chanting, even if her voice lacked the same excitement.

It is difficult to even accept that she is one of them, despite having been told so. Until now, she has watched from the other side of the glass, but it seems that's about to change.

Soon Hawkstar resumes, and the cheering is snuffed. She's surprised to hear her name amongst the other kits. A breeze ruffles through untamed fur, her round head tilting to one side. "Stonepaw…" A new name chosen and fitted to her alone. Whether excited or disapproving, the color point does not show. Des is not bothered by he idea of shedding her old one. Now that mother and Rowan are dead, there is no point in keeping it. Those she loved are not alive to fill it with meaning anymore.

At the mention of @stormcrow , however, her ears flicked upright. The first cat that had come to stand between her and that dog... and the same one who also encouraged her to conquer the dog in her dreams. A strong and honest cat. One that didn't coddle or give her pitying looks. Now it seemed she would be the one to teach her how to be a warrior.

Stonepaw stood up, pivoting to scan the crowd for that familiar, red-crested chest in the sea of pelts. A twinge of anticipation rose up from within.

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

6 MOONS

↟

SKYCLAN

↟

SONG

↟

bio

 

[Cherrydawn Cherrydawn]

CHERRY OF SKYCLAN

Cherrydawn wore a tight-lipped smile as she watched their leader, a thoughtful glint flickering in her eyes. Part of her couldn't help but wonder if Hawkstar was truly alright. So much had happened in recent moons, losses, shifts, the weight of leadership pressing heavier than ever. Would it be strange to check in? To quietly seek her out and ask if she was holding up? Hawkstar was strong... No cat doubted that, but even the strongest trees could crack under a storm.

She flicked an ear, catching the leader's eye for just a heartbeat before turning her gaze back to the gathered crowd. Her chest swelled with pride as she took in the newly named warriors, standing tall with shining eyes and windblown fur. " Teaselfeather! Rosebelly! Cygnetscratch! Carrionsight! " she called out cheerfully, her voice ringing clear above the clearing. Then, her gaze softened as it landed on the kits, no, apprentices now. So small still, yet already stepping into their own.

" Downypaw, Creampaw, Swirlpaw, Stonepaw! " she added with a gentle purr, warmth flickering in her tone. One day, she thought, heart quiet and full, one day, she'd have her own apprentice to call out.

THROUGH DIRT AND SHADOW I GROW ——･ﾟ✦​

･ﾟ✦ —— I'm reaching light through the struggle

 

[[SNOWVEIL] [SNOWVEIL]]

SNOWVEIL, 93 moons / SkyClan + Perm Queen
A lean silver black lynx point with milky blue eyes and many scars
Delights in listening to all that goes around, can be a bit gruff, will put you on your place
Tagging person here

---

Snowveil sat in silence, just as she always did. Her sightless eyes gazed ahead, but her world was alive with sound and sensation, each tremble in a voice, each shift in pawsteps. She heard what others missed. And now, as her former apprentice, now her leader, spoke to the Clan, Snowveil listened deeply, her whiskers trembling with quiet concern. Something in Hawkstar's voice stirred a ripple of unease within her. She couldn't place it... Not exactly... But perhaps her old bones were needed closer to their leader's side. Perhaps it was time to sit with her, ask the questions that lived between silences. So much had happened lately. No cat, not even a leader, should carry it alone.

Four names were called, new warriors standing tall beneath the sky and pride welled in Snowveil's chest. A flick of her torn ear was the only outward sign of it. " Teaselfeather, Rosebelly, Cygnetscratch, Carrionsight! " she yowled, her voice firm despite the years. Carrionsight especially, there was strength and fire in that one. A cat to be proud of. But in the back of her mind, a shadow lingered. It should have been five. Lavenderpaw's absence left a quiet ache. She should have been there, standing beside her siblings, receiving her warrior name under the sky. Snowveil tilted her head slightly, letting the memory drift but not disappear.

Then came the apprentices. Downypaw, Creampaw, Swirlpaw... and Stonepaw. A soft purr rumbled from her chest. Stonepaw. So young, and yet shaped by grief no kit should ever face. Snowveil hoped... No, no, she believed that in the heart of SkyClan, Stonepaw would find something she'd always deserved: safety, belonging, a future. And with Stormcrow as her mentor? Snowveil's trust was unwavering. Stonepaw would flourish. She would learn to stand strong in her own way. All was not lost. Not yet.

DON'T LET MY CALM FOOL YOU

there's fire underneath this snow

 

[Rosebelly]

Oh, I can't stop feeling I want her love ♡

For once Rosepaw has no desire to even look and sneer in his siblings direction, Teaselpaw's inferiority will not take from his glory, will not ruin his moment even if it pains him to even have to share it. Only the briefest of blue is glanced aside to Cygnetpaw near his other side before he is focusing entirely on Hawkstar, more than a little miffed to have to wait to listen to the shame of his family mutter out something obscene and inaudible and he resists the urge to bare his teeth at the mere whisper of Fitzgerald's name - waste of space kittypet.
Finally the inconvenience is set aside and he hears his name crowed out like a declaration of war.
Belly. It is not the sharp or powerful name he is expecting to hear but Hawkstar's reasoning is sound enough he doesn't protest, why would he question her when she has never yet to be wrong? If she chose Rosebelly, then Rosebelly he was and as if in agreement his chest tightens and he feels the heat she so adequately described swilling in the pit of his stomach like an inferno. The newly named warrior wants to roar and bellow and cheer at having finally gotten what he wanted for so long at long last, but he maintains a semblance of control though his tail twitches eagerly to get out and about with his new name and duties. Rosepaw-belly- almost looks bashful as he glances down with a polite nod, but its to hide the heat blazing in his eyes. If only you were here, Crowsight, to see that even from your wretched kittypet blood could come proper warriors of SkyClan. For a brief moment he considers looking for his mother in the crowd but hastily disregards it and snaps his gaze upward to his leader instead.

But all my dreaming is not enough...

Rosebelly

— Warrior of SkyClan
— He/Him
"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
— Chocolate Sepia Tabby w/low white & blue eyes.
#ef6c71

 

[Sagesong's icon Sagesong Sagesong]

⋆˚✿˖° "I'll Be Fine On My Own" She Said

⋆˚✿˖°

Sagesong watches silently, mismatched eyes watching their leader with an almost cold neutrality. All of this- Teaselpaw being reassigned to Stormcrow and then back to Fitzgerald- felt unnecessary and cruel. A pointless show of power and the only one who had beared the brunt of the punishment was the innocent apprentice. Their great leader reopening wounds she'd made herself, uncaring of how it reflected not just on herself but of her opinions of the clan as a whole.

Her lower lip curls into a frown, dampened slightly as the cheers for the newly named warriors rise around her and she finds she cannot add her voice to the chorus despite the occasion. Was this what she was training Magpiepaw for? To serve a leader who would strip a cat of respect and title on a whim? An eye focuses on Teaselpaw-feather, now. To fight alongside cats disowning family for things outside of their control? Their apprentice had already had to leave their mother behind, and now they were in a clan that seemed to be thick with tension and a leader who to her felt unfit and too immature to lead.

The new apprentices are named and Sagesong forces a smile to her maw. They were innocent in all of this. They did not deserve Sagesong's misdirected ire. "Downypaw! Creampaw! Swirlpaw! Stonepaw! You'll all do great..!"

She wondered how quickly Hawkstar would change her mind on their mentor assignments.

✿──

───I Don't Need You Inside My Head─✿

• 
  Sagesong
  ✿— Skyclan Warrior
  ✿— They/She
  ✿—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✿— Small, Curly-furred, Mottled Black And Brown She Cat With Heterochromia.
  #5fb49c

 

[Hawkstar]

LEADER OF SKYCLAN

.

Her whiskers twitch faintly in shared pride, and Hawkstar can feel herself begin to swell in that symbiotic way one always did in the face of new warriors, new recruits. It was a mother's pride, the type that a leader ought to have for her clan in its entirety, even if her clan was nestled between despair and destruction at the hands of an angry god and an unpleasant set of neighbors.

"SkyClan thrives this season, for sure. In our light of our fruitfulness, I require another set of paws to level me. @stormcrow will join my council. After establishing relations with both RiverClan and the promising WindClan," Dustystar and her heather-scented warriors were surely more appealing than Pikestar could ever hope to be "I would not want any other cat by my side during these blossoming times. If any of you are ever out by the gorge, do not hesitate to offer a wave to those across the way. Just be sure to stay on our side of the bridge."

And of course, do not fall into the gorge, but Hawkstar could not imagine that any of her warriors - even the daft kittypets and apologists - would ever be so stupid as to need such a reminder.

I expect to see some paws on the ground this week, new warriors and apprentices. You have much to learn. Dismissed."

pointed torbie

◆

64 moons

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she / they

◆

bio

 

[stormcrow]

♱ When the meeting is called, Stormcrow drops what she's doing immediately, settling dutifully at the front of the group, her eyes resting upon her king. Something swells in her chest, hot, scorching. The slight unrest behind her king's eyes does not go unnoticed; but it is to be expected. Skyclan is not what it should be. It is weak, crumbling at the edges with softness and leniency. But she does not blame Hawkstar. How could she? Hawkstar has done the best she can, trying to balance the fine line Coffeestar had left her.

Stormcrow's ears twitch when Fitzgerald is mentioned. When Teaselpaw is mentioned. She'd done her best to teach Teaselpaw as much as she could in the short time she oversaw their training, and had no doubt they were capable. But it was not for her to judge. To her surprise, Teaselpaw speaks– their voice is small, but sure.

She looks back to Hawkstar, who nods in agreement– that little flame in her chest flickers. Warriors' names are given and chanted, and Stormcrow joins them before falling silent at the flick of Hawkstar's tail. Apprentices. Des is dubbed Stonepaw– a fitting name. Her fur is grey, her heart strong. She would grow into a fine warrior of Skyclan, Stormcrow would make sure of it. Not like the weaklings surrounding them. She feels eyes on her and meets Stonepaw's gaze, offering a small smile in return, a nod of acknowledgment. She'd approach her later, make plans for their first training session.

To her slight surprise, the meeting continues after this– more news? Perhaps Swallowpaw was going to be given her full name as well?

Then her name is spoken. She blinks, staring up at Hawkstar, before schooling her expression, bowing her head humbly.

I would not want any other cat by my side during these blossoming times.

There's that burning feeling in her chest again– the flame of duty, perhaps, or devotion. Something tender anyhow, but tender like a bruise.

Head still bowed, she speaks– "you honour me, Hawkstar… As ever, I am your loyal sword– as ever, I am at your command."

♡ STORMCROW. 54 moons
temporary mentor of teaselpaw,
daughter of snowveil
peaceful powerplay allowed
ooc -

 

[Teaselfeather Teaselfeather]

TEASELFEATHER

Over hill, over dale, through the valley and vale do not weep, do not wail, I am coming home to you

Teaselpaw had braced themself, doing their best to appear brave and composed beneath the gaze of the entire Clan. Their odd, wide eyes were fixed on the leader, the same leader they had once approached with quiet hesitation and a trembling voice to admit they missed Fitzgerald. That while Stormcrow was kind, it wasn't the same. The leader had listened that day, really listened. She had a good heart. Teaselpaw knew this. But still...

Her voice rang clear across the clearing, silencing their thoughts. Their heart swelled as a name rose through the air, strong and graceful: Teaselfeather. A breath caught in their throat. Their eyes widened, and their chest trembled with emotion. Empathy. Observation. The name echoed with meaning. Teaselfeather. A purr slipped from them unbidden, soft and steady. They whispered the name again, tasting it like sunlight on dew. Teaselfeather.

Turning, their gaze searched the crowd, seeking three familiar faces, his mother, Fitzgerald, Stormcrow. When their eyes found Flowercloud, he gave a warm blink, a loving look passing between them like a silent vow. She had always been there. And no matter what happened, they would be there for her. Always. They returned his focus to the rest of the ceremony just in time to hear the names of his siblings called.

"Rosebelly."

"Cygnetscratch."

Joy bloomed in their chest. Good, strong names! He chirruped, tail flicking with excitement. But when they glanced toward the apprentices, their smile faltered... Lavenderpaw wasn't there. They swallowed hard, then forced the smile back into place. Now wasn't the time for sadness. Not yet. With a stomp of their paw, they joined the others in cheering for the newly named warriors and apprentices, trembling with excitement. Things were changing. For the better. They had to be. Teaselfeather. The name echoed again in their mind.

Scanning the clearing, their eyes found Sagesong, thoughtful and distant. They blinked slowly at her, ear flicking with quiet concern. They hoped she was alright. Then, Hawkstar's voice rang out again, another announcement. Stormcrow, appointed to the council. Teaselfeather stomped their paw against the earth, proud and resolute. Support, respect, affection, all in that small, quiet gesture. And then, with the ceremony drawing to a close, Teaselfeather slipped gently back into the crowd. A purr rumbled in their throat as they curled their tail around himself, the name settling on their shoulders like a new skin, still soft, still unfamiliar, but theirs.

═════════════⊹⊱ ⟡ ⊰⊹═════════════

 

[[SNOWVEIL] [SNOWVEIL]]

SNOWVEIL, 93 moons / SkyClan + Perm Queen
A lean silver black lynx point with milky blue eyes and many scars
Delights in listening to all that goes around, can be a bit gruff, will put you on your place
Tagging person here

---

Snowveil had listened to the meeting in silence, her expression unreadable. But when the announcement finally came, Stormcrow, chosen to join the council, pride surged within her like fire. She sat taller, her fur bristling with emotion as she let out a loud, unwavering yowl of approval.

Her daughter. On the council.

Snowveil had never doubted Stormcrow's strength or her loyalty, especially to Hawkstar. The bond between those two ran deep, and Snowveil took comfort in knowing they would watch over each other now, side by side in leadership. Stormcrow would serve the clan well. Of that, she had no doubt. And she vowed to herself that she would visit Hawkstar after all this... See how the other was doing, whether she could help. With something, anything. Even if it was just a listening ear.

" Congratulations, Stormcrow! " she finally cheered, a flicker of a smile to her face.

DON'T LET MY CALM FOOL YOU

there's fire underneath this snow

 

[Milkheart Milkheart]

I like it better when the sun shines,
Give me those good times, then I'll be alright​

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MILKHEART, He/Him / 33 moons / Skyclan Caregiver
Seal Sepia tom with high white, has scruffy tipped ears, a long fluffy cream-white tail and amber-caramel eyes
Former mate of DUCHESS, Father of CREAMKIT, SWIRLKIT and CHESTNUTKIT
Radiates Dad Energytm​, good with kits, warm and amicable (totally doesn't look like a hot chocolate, except he does)
Tagging [@]

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Another moon, another meeting, same as before, same as always. Milkheart, punctual as ever, had been anticipating this meeting in particular. His three kittens, Cream, Chestnut and Swirl; the 'sugar, spice and everything nice' of his life, his three little angels would be of apprentice age this moon! Two of them at the very least would be receiving mentors; Cream and Swirl in particular. Chestnut of course wouldn't lag behind— she would not allow it, and in truth she shouldn't! It was a big thing to become an apprentice, and she wasn't going to simply miss it and let her sisters go off without her into life. She did still have to earn the graduation all the same as the other two did.

Regardless, Milkheart could barely contain his excitement, it would be obvious to those that knew him well just why he had just that special smidge more pep to him than he usually did. Still, in attending meetings, Milkheart also wished to set an example as a member of Skyclan. He listened to his leader's words an announcements, and internally lamented that there was little to no time to approach Hawkstar about his concerns for her emotional health and recent happenings in the clan. He couldn't imagine what was going through her head, or what sorrows were hidden by that tough exterior and that electric stare of her one eye's powerful gaze.

The new warriors were named first, and Milkheart cheered for them alongside his clan; Teaselfeather, Cygnetscratch, Rosebelly, Carrionsight— all fitting names it seemed.

While the to-be apprentices stepped forward and were addressed, Milkheart stood closer to the front while still being within a good dash and jump range to protect the rest of the youth just in case. He cheered for all of them as they graduated; Downypaw, Creampaw, Swirlpaw, and Stonepaw— though of course it was understandable that he cheered ever a fair bit louder for his girls who were now Creampaw and Swirlpaw. "Yeahooo!! That's my girls!!" He hoped that their mentors would be good to them, but he would always be there too; it was his duty as a caregiver of Skyclan and as their father.

---

I tell you what— you better not be bringing bad vibes,
Leave your troubles behind, then I'll be alright​

 

[Creampaw.]

CREAMPAW // 6 Moons // Skyclan Apprentice // She/They // #f1b8be
A very short but incredibly fluffy furred cream shaded she-cat with floppy ears and deep blue eyes.
Daughter of MILKHEART and DUCHESS, sister to CHESTNUTPAW and SWIRLPAW
Often soft-spoken and a little on the shy side. Frightens easily!

---

Creamkit looked like a fluffy cream-coloured version of one of those round colourful things two-leg kits always kicked around as she sat next to her sister Swirlkit, her fluffy curly fur had puffed up to almost twice its usual size after hearing her name be called by Hawkstar. Today was the day they were to become apprentices! She was Creampaw now. Despite all her fur it was obvious that Creampaw was trembling where she stood, trying to look proud for her papa-- All she really wanted to do though was run back to him by the Nursery... Training seemed so scary! The nursery was safe and familiar!

When her mentors' name was announced and her clan began to cheer for the new apprentices she squeaked lightly and her deep blue eyes would scan the group of cats for her mentors pelt. She looked almost terrified at this point but her floppy ears twitched at hearing her father's voice sing out amongst the clan- She could hear him cheering hers and Swirlpaw's names, sounding prouder than ever before! With her little heart still racing Creampaw tried her best to smooth her pelt down and relax even just a little, she really wanted to make Milkheart proud!

Thankfully too Daisydream, her new mentor would find his way to her. Creampaw would twitch her nose like a scared bunny at first at being approached but would return the greeting by lifting her head up as much as she could to make it easier for Daisydream to press his nose to her head. His purr helped her to relax a little more. But what he mewed made her begin to tear up a little with emotion-- He was proud of her already? But why! She was certain she was going to do poorly at most tasks due to how easily she frightened, would he continue to be proud of her once he knew that? She blinked up at the cream tabby with round blue eyes, in some ways he looked similar to herself with the cream curly fur and she imagined herself sitting where he was right now. Could she ever truly be that big and brave?

He sounded kind like papa when he spoke and Creampaw found herself holding her fluffy tail just that little bit higher as she settled down next to Daisydream after he mentioned how he was looking forward to teaching her. "I promise to be the best apprentice I can be!" She squeaked, silently vowing that she would make sure to give Daisydream something to really be proud of her for!

 

[flowercloud]

A twisted heart. A spiral of emotions- the young molly had never been so devoid of emotions- but today... Today was the day her children would become warriors. Rosepaw and Cygnetpaw were ever far away. A few strides though.. and she could touch them, rasp a tongue over their ears- flatten their fur that poked upon their heads... But no. No her paws hesitated to lead to them- her strong gait almost clumsy as suddenly she was turning. her ears pinned back and her green gaze turned to the dirt so quickly that she almost felt dizzy.

She could feel the pain in her heart, but she swallowed down that pain, closing her eyes to instead inhale the scents of the camp, her clan- and she would settle beside Teaselpaw, giving them a reassuring smile, a gentle tug of her lips with a soft gaze before pulling her cheek across theirs and resting her forehead on their own momentarily. The giant queen would let out a breath, before pulling away, rubbing her body across her childs before sitting down, leg held out awkwardly as, well, it was more comfortable that way unfortunately. Since the incident with the dog, she had found the injury sustained further damage than she would have figured. It put her out, and unfortunate it seemed- Sorrelpaw as well.

Hawkstar spoke now, directing attention to Fitzgerald, to her child- and she could feel the defensiveness rise in her throat, her shoulders stiffening, but she kept her emotions at bay. Her eyes held nothing but the grief she had been trying to overcome. Her mind rang of her and duskpools discussion in the medicine den- of her and her children's talk to try to rekindle lost relations, of her pleas and cries to starclan for her missing child, of her defiance against Hawkstar that made her lose her position- she had indeed been different these last three moons, but what was she to do?

She did not have to defend her son- her muscles relaxing a bit, her fur still slightly floofed though as Hawkstar continued- accepting Teaselpaw replying, and moving on. They were formidable warrior, and they would be named: Teaselfeather.

Teaselfeather. What a soft name, a name that shows grace, drifting along the calm breeze, swaying with the wind. Her eyes beamed with pride as she gazed at her child, her lips tugging into that soft caring smile. The amber molly blinked slowly, tail curling and slightly brushing against the dirt and grass of their camp- and she felt the tears prick at the edges of her eyes. A paw gently poking at her cheeks to swipe away the forming tears as she set it gently back down.

Flowerclouds gaze dragged from Teaselfeather to Rosepaw, hesitant, carefully- she had not caught their looks to their sibling, rather, she watched the back of their heads- the way their ears perked with all attention towards Hawkstar. Her expression turns to pride as the leader calls for him to be Rosebelly, and for a moment, she sees his head turn, to look into the crowd, and a paw presses forward, hopeful-

Only to find it snap back forward and Flowercloud to find herself instead moving and readjusting herself- hiding that pain she felt inside as if someone would take advantage of that. Her green eyes close gently, a breath escaping again- because she had to keep her composure. Rosebelly.. she had thought he would get a name different, something that addressed his strength, or his stubbornness- but his name rose addressed that thorniness he inhibited. Belly... She wondered Hawkstars thought process..

Cygnetpaw was next, and Flowercloud was hesitant to look to her daughter, but she did under her browline. Forcing that soft smile to remain on her maw despite the heartbreak that wanted to crack her down. Cygnetpaws head does not move- she was stubborn, but resilient. She had always been, but.. Flowercloud only wished she could do more to show her daughter comfort. Rather, she had been each of their first heartbreak. Cygnetscratch. Her eyebrows knit together, her expression confused- but nonetheless, they rest back into the same soft position, the pride coming off of her in waves regardless. Hawkstar had her reasons. And it was a strong name regardless, but she had caught that pause, and questioned it. But that's exactly why she was here, and not beside the leader.

She listened as Hawkstar continued with Carrionpaw, naming the other Carrionsight- and then leaving for the chorus to rise. A soft and gentle inhale, before being loud in her pride- just as she had been if not more when they became apprentices. "Teaselfeather! Rosebelly! Cygnetscratch! Carrionsight!" Even for the apprentice that was not her own, they were still clan. And regardless, they deserved cheers as well. "Teaselfeather! Rosebelly! Cygnetscratch! Carrionsight!" She repeated, letting their names roll off her tongue in the chant.

Hawkstar raised her tail, continuing the meeting in their choice of timely fashion- introducing downykit, creamkit, swirlkit, and Des- now stonepaw, and the rest keeping their names, but to paws. She was grateful Des- stonepaw, had received her name finally, had overcome great obstacles for such a young soul. Who went through tragedy at such a young name. (Sometimes still, she saw the dogs blood covered face, and she had to blink the vision away.) they recieved warriors, mentors- and Flowercloud would bow her head in the respect they deserved. Fujimoto would receive an apprentice, and pride would blossom on her features, offering a small smile- before chants arose, and her voice would follow with the rest of them.

Stormcrow would be welcomed- and she deserved it, even if Flowercloud was a bit startled by the stoicness of the warrior, she was a hard worker nonetheless. And her voice rang in the congratulations, albeit a bit hesitant.

As the meeting was dismissed, Flowercloud ran a tongue over her sons head, smile reappearing as she gazed at Teaselfeather. "Such an amazing name for a handsome young man," she purred, quietly. Her gaze travelled back to her other children, watching carefully, wishing to congratulate them as well, but her paws could not move, not yet. Shed tell them later, after the anxiety died down a bit..
​