Gathering 2025 Event omach init ──✩°。⋆⸜ The First Gathering

This gathering took place in the year 2025.
This tag indicates this is an event specific thread.

juniperstar juniperstar

don't tell me you're not the same person
ThunderClan
Leader
115
39
Freshkill
570
Pronouns
they/she
Played by
tieirlys
juniper

there are many paws that waltz through the shifting grasses... dashing in eager dance through the undergrowth as they weave a river of pelts through the forest. the moon is high, bright and shining, and their destination looms on the horizon in all its glory, in all its familiarity, in all its misery. once upon a time that had been home and now it is a graveyard to their founder... and a symbol of the division of the first clans. her jaw sets stubbornly, eager to make an impression of benevolent confidence; the clans didn't need to wage war with each other and perhaps this would be enough to hold one another accountable.

no hiding in the shadows. no lurking in the rivers. no prowling in tall grasses. no looming from tall branches.

the stars are clear and lovingly set amongst the shroud of night, decorated and gleaming as they watch from their heavenly resting place. whether or not they approved of this was out of Juniperstar's scope of understanding... but she had to hope this is what Thornstar would've wanted, if nothing else. it had been the life mission of his father... inherited at the moment of his death and she would gladly carry that weight for him now.

the other clans do not immediately make themself present... as the spotted tabby leads ThunderClan's most willing into the heart of the Great Oaks, she can't help but frown at the emptiness. was she too eager, too early? or would none of them show at all? she'd at least hoped RiverClan might, given Pikestar's good temper but... if something had come up, that sort of absence might be justified. with a small sigh, she turns to address her clan with a wide, practiced grin.

"ThunderClan, let your hackles rest- tonight we meet peacefully... We are still all just cat-kind, trying to survive and cooperation may be a great bounty to all of us someday. Be... polite... if nothing else, please." her tail sweeps behind her in a wide arc, alike a punctuation to the end of her statement before her eyes look for anyone's insistent approach or the less-than-familiar hides of the other clans' arrival.

  • let the first Gathering begin! i'm sure everything will be great <3
  • juniperstar
    leader of thunderclan
    eight lives remain
    ignore me
 
You walk along the edge of danger
AND IT WILL CHANGE YOU

.


Pawsteps soft over damp earth, Copperstorm walked just behind Juniperstar, his gaze sharp and distant as golden eyes scanned the forest ahead. The scent of the trees hung faint on the breeze, mingling with the restlessness in his chest. A Gathering, he understood the importance. The symbolism of peace, the opportunity to speak, to see one another without claws drawn. And yet… unease prickled under his pelt like thorns. It should've been simple. But nothing ever stayed simple. Charcoal was a shadow on his thoughts, one that always seemed to linger just outside the light. Copperstorm wasn't sure if the tom would attend, but the chance was enough to keep his shoulders taut and his thoughts circling like vultures. He wanted to beg Boarpaw to stay home. To keep him tucked away in camp, safe. But how could he ask that of the apprentice without unraveling the truth behind his fear?

How could he speak of that without showing Boarpaw just how deeply his worry ran? So instead, he'd only asked Dewshine to stay behind, quietly, gently. A precaution, he'd said. The camp needed to remain protected. Not everyone had to attend. And she understood, as she always did. He hoped she knew the real reason: that if anything went wrong tonight, he couldn't risk losing her too. He was pulled from his thoughts as Juniperstar raised her voice, addressing their group. Strong, steady. A leader's voice. He gave a firm nod in response, stepping up to echo her words, his tone cool but resolute.

" Well spoken. " he said, eyes sweeping across their warriors. " Let's remember: this night is not for bloodshed, or empty posturing. No prattling about territory or sharpening tongues on each other's throats. " He let his gaze linger, making sure it was clear. " This is a night of peace. A chance to speak, to listen. To show the forest that ThunderClan still carries honor, not only strength. If you feel you can't hold your temper, then I urge you, return to camp. Guard it. Serve our Clan where you can do good. "

His tail flicked once behind him. The message was clear: dignity over ego. Composure over chaos.

And still, beneath it all, his heart beat with the quiet, relentless hope that tonight might pass without Charcoal's shadow finding him. That Boarpaw could enjoy this Gathering as just another apprentice. That Juniperstar's mission would not be marred by ghosts of the past.

Speech, thoughts/emphasis


33 MOONS
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THUNDERCLAN
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SONG
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bio
 
  • Love
Reactions: juniperstar
Riverclan began their day like any other and yet there was an apprehensiveness that clung to their pelts. The reason was simple. Tonight they would be meeting with all the other clans. A gathering Juniperstar called it. Despite accepting the suggestion, nothing could erase the animosity between River and Shadow so easily. Adderfang had already made it more than clear when sharing his opinions with Thunderclan. However, his deputy Frostmoth, one who considered all risks thought it beneficial to go. Pikestar too thought attending the gathering would benefit them as well. After all, much can be learned from exchanging news among each other.

When the sun began to set he went atop the stump where he held meetings. "Riverclan, it's time we set out to attend the gathering. I encourage everyone who is able to attend travel with us, but I also want to remind each and every one of you that there is to be no fighting. We can't let our emotions towards Shadowclan lead us into recklessness. This goes for the other clans as well. I ask all who attend to be civil. We can complain when we are home, Understood?"

Pikestar doesn't wait for a response as he leaps from his stump and waits for those who decide to attend to form a group. If he were to wait… He fears that they would be at it till sunrise and completely miss the gathering. Thankfully no one really puts too much of a fuss and that's saying something considering how passionate some members among their ranks are. It also doesn't surprise him to see Adderfang among the crowd. Trying to order the council member to remain home was a losing battle, so he decides to leave it be. He can only pray that Adderfang is civil enough.

As soon as everyone is ready, he begins to lead them through the forest to their destination. With such a large group of cats behind him he could only think of when they knew nothing of the clans. All they were concerned with was finding their new home. It brought small comfort in remembering those times. After all, this gathering would be the greatest challenge for all of them. I hope everything goes well, for all our sakes.

Eventually riverclan's figures emerge into the heart of the great oaks. Now, he's seen some of Juniperstar's warriors at the border, but never like this. It's more than a little daunting to see the differences between their clans and how little he knew about his neighbor. I knew they had a lot of warriors, but I didn't think THIS MANY!!!

The moment of silence where both clans take in the sight of one another is broken when Pikestar looks to Juniperstar. "Hello again Juniperstar, Riverclan has arrived as promised."

It's at this point he is unsure what to do from here on out. He doubts that Riverclan arrived too late, but maybe they arrived too early?

Awkwardly turning his attention from Juniperstar and then to the rest of her clan, he mews, "Should… Should our clans mingle? Or should we wait for the others to arrive?"
  • feat velou accidentally posted with their main and quickly redid this mobile post which will be edited in a hot second. BUT LALALA!!! Riverclan is here!
  • PIKESTAR
    — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
    ♱ 38 moons — he/him — ages realistically on the 1st
    ♱ speech is
    "#00caa2"
    — 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
 

ICICLEPAW

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down... You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now
He wouldn't deny it, he was nervous. No, more than that. He was scared. This was going to be the worst night of his life... he just knew it. But even so, he wanted to see it happen. He wanted to be there, for his mentor. So much had happened lately, and Iciclepaw had noticed the way Pikestar carried himself, how his shoulders sometimes slumped just a little too low when he thought no one was watching, how his eyes looked distant and tired. He had seen the cracks, quiet and hidden. And even if Iciclepaw didn't know how to fix any of it, he wanted to try.

Maybe that's why he stepped close to Pikestar now, walking beside him with paws that trembled but didn't stop. Every so often, he glanced up at his mentor and offered a small, uncertain smile. It was the best he could manage, but it was filled with meaning. I'm here. I've got your back. Scared as he was, he walked on. Right beside Pikestar.

His eyes widened as they entered the clearing, so many ThunderClan cats already there. He tried not to stare, he really did, but Stars, there were so many of them! And he tried desperately not to flinch or shrink back or, worse... Run and hide behind someone. Instead, he stood tall beside his mentor. Or… he tried to. His form trembled slightly, but he didn't step back. Not this time.

As Pikestar exchanged polite greetings with the ThunderClan leader, Iciclepaw felt his throat tighten, but he stepped forward anyway. " H-hi... I'm S-- " He caught himself, ears flicking in embarrassment. " Icicle. Iciclepaw. " he corrected quickly, offering a sheepish but genuine grin. It was small. It was awkward. But it was brave.
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There's so much more
You can reclaim your crown
You're in control
Rid of the monsters inside your head

.


Littlebrook's nimble paws moved steadily, though her mind lingered behind. Wavesong's voice still echoed in her ears, tight with worry, yet soft with love. The queen had tried so hard to be brave, but Littlebrook had seen through it. That trembling breath. The way she'd kept glancing toward the nursery, as if her heartstrings were still physically tethered to her kits. It had taken little more than a quiet nudge, a paw to her chest. " Stay. " Littlebrook had told her. " Let me go in your place. I will keep an eye on your mate. "

So she had.

Now the towering oaks of Fourtrees cast long shadows, and the scent of unfamiliar pelts thickened in the breeze. It was quieter than she'd expected. But she knew the silence never lasted long in places like this. She cast a glance sideways at Pineheart, walking so close she could feel the warmth of his fur brushing hers. He looked focused, and that brought her some measure of comfort. " There will be an awful lot of cats gathered together, Pine... " she murmured, voice barely more than a breath. Her tail flicked softly against his flank, steadier than her heart.

" We will need to keep our ears perked and eyes focused. " And for just a moment, her tone held something more, something that wasn't just strategy, but concern. A quiet plea: Let this go smoothly. Let no harm come today. For the sake of the queens nursing kits. For the cats carrying grief in their throats. For the bridges still standing, just barely.

Speech, thoughts/emphasis


MOONS
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RIVERCLANNER
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SONG
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bio
 
————————————— The melody sings what the words can't say. ✦


The apprentice was practically vibrating out of his pelt in excitement. A gathering! Of all the clans, here at the very same time! He had been able to greet some cats from across the borders on occasion, but everyone here all at once sounded so fun. Of course, Copperstorm had almost pleaded with him to be polite and not wander off too much, which Boarpaw almost always was able to keep his promises of. Yes, sometimes he got a little distracted and wandered off. And yeeesss, there was that one time he took his kitten friends out here to look for herbs, but Juniperstar wasn't very well! So that wasn't him being bad.

He listened intently to Juniperstar, nodding emphatically with a grin and glittering eyes. He already promised Copper to be polite, so he would doubly be polite. Part of him was kind of upset Dewshine couldn't come, so he would just have to have even more fun just for her, too.

At first, he sat at Copperstorm's side, but his eyes lit up seeing strangers approach. The apprentice sniffed the air and a smile parted his lips, Riverclan! Boarpaw watched a small tom address Juniperstar and the other cats- 'Oh, he's their leader!' Tail already thumping on the ground, he stood up and gently headbutted Copperstorm to get his attention. "I'm gonna go sthay hi, Papa, I won't go too far!" The apprentice didn't even realise what he had said before he had already turned around, nor did he pay attention to the other leader's suggestion of waiting for the other clans, far too excited to say hello.

Instead, giant paws thudded against the grass as he padded towards the Riverclan leader and a very small apprentice at his side. He flopped to a sitting position, tilting his head, and he realised he was almost eye level to the leader. "Hiya!" He smiled warmly, eyes flickering between the two cats. "I'm Boarpaw from Thunderclan, it'ths nithce to meet you!" Frankly, his lack of fear with other cats was astounding, but then again, being 8 moons old and as tall as a small warrior was enough to give him a little more presence than most cats his age, using it only to make friends.

  • ooc - addressing @PIKESTAR and @Iciclepaw directly!!
  • Boarpaw
    ✦—Thunderclan apprentice | 8 moons
    ✦—He/They
    ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
    ✦—A long-haired, dark grey tom with a prominent underbite and blue eyes.
    #a4bac1
 
Let's play like we're children and sing till the moons full

Before the day we turn to nothing but sand

When Peachtrot had heard the news of this Gathering from the patrol that returned back from Thunderclan's border, it was no surprise that the molly would think it was a wonderful idea. After all, what better way to get to know each other, differences and all, then a communal gathering. The life guard was one of the first to step up. The opportunity to mingle with her neighbors, both near and far, would not be passed up by the positive red tabby. Plus, having the entire council for a clan meet up was a good idea. She only hopes that with Wavesong safe at camp, Adderfang would be able to show his slightly more...diplomatic side when it comes to Shadowclan being there.

Beat for beat, she followed behind Frostmoth and Pikestar, through the damp foliage of the underbrush and across the river towards the four giant trees that signified the middle of the clans. It was beautiful, how they all connected to this one place. Peachtrot thought it was the perfect spot for a neutral meeting. No need for anyone to argue about being on who's corner or if they owned what root they stepped on. No one lorded over this area, whether by choice on their parts or, maybe, by the stars themselves.

As they arrived onto the packed earth of the clearing, the amount of cats she saw brought a smile to the molly. So many new faces to meet and talk to! It would be easy to make some kind of relation with each clan if this was just their direct neighbor, Thunderclan. She wondered if any of them stayed home, recognizing a few from some border interactions at the sunning rocks. Still, there were plenty she didn't know and one in particular caught her eye as he held the front of the proverbial line that seemed to be established as the two leader's greeting each other. A line that was very quickly shattered as another tom, with large fangs jutting out like a boar, made his way excitedly up to their own leader. Peachtrot remained calm during it, her smile brightening as the apparently young cat introduced himself with a lisp that most likely was caused by those chompers.

A small laugh broke from her and, with a quick look around at her gathered clanmates, the life guard flicked her tail and muddled the line further, trotting straight towards the copper eyed tom that the youngling had interacted with before bravely going to meet a whole school of strangers from across the rushing waters. Peachtrot spoke lightly as she approached. "Seems like a great kid ya got there~ Brave to be the first to walk up to a big group of strangers." Stopping in front of the chocolate tabby, the red one mimicked the kid from before, flopping down on her haunches and waving a paw in hello. "My name's Peachtrot. But, I like to be called Peachy~ I'm a Life Guard of Riverclan, it's nice to meet you!" Hopefully, with both sides having made a first move, the rest of the tension would break, and everyone could start to get to know each others!
  • ooc
    —— Broke the proverbial line with Boar! Interacting with @Copperstorm
  • string of lyrics / lengty or short quote goes
    here
  • Peachtrot She/Her
    A Long Haired Red Classic Tabby with Low White & Ocean Blue Eyes
    ❀ Life Guard of Riverclan
    ❀ 41 moons; Ages on the 23rd of every month
    speech thought attack
    ❀ peaceful + healing powerplay permitted
    penned by Taru
 
  • Like
Reactions: lionharted
———————————— 'Cause everything moves, everything pulses. ✦


She found the idea of a gathering of all the clans to be a downright idiotic idea. With the raid of the medicine den, it felt like a recipe for disaster, which was why she sucked it up and trudged along with the rest of the clan to Fourtrees. Coyote had just been here to scout it, having run into a bunch of Kittypet freaks, "Warriorclan" allegedly.

Instead, they ran into a different load of freaks - well, at least this was a lot she was a little more fond of, Thunderclan hadn't been so much of an issue. Polite to her in kind when she discussed details of Shadowclan, and of course her pretty little thing in their midsts, though she couldn't see the molly from where she stood, not far from Pikestar.

He very cordially greeted Juniperstar, great start, no blood in the grass or throats ripped out. She would call this a success already. Some strange giant child from across the way didn't even hesitate to plod over and find immediate kinship in the ever joyful Peachtrot. They had been there for minutes, it seemed, and new friends were already being made; she had to smile at that fact, not everything had to be doom and gloom. After all, Shadowclan wasn't there yet, so they could all enjoy some peace in the meantime.

Even so, she wasn't fussed running over to make friends, instead her gaze fell on their own leader, Pikestar seemed... High-strung, on edge. A chuckle slipped from her maw as she walked over and bumped her shoulder into his in a friendly gesture.

"Lighten up, Pikestar, nothing bad happened, no one's been attacked and look- Peachtrot's gonna end up having a hoard of folks around her in no time. Ain't nothing to fret over." She sat at his side, it wasn't like they were best friends or anything, but compared to how the council had been treating him, he needed a mostly non-plussed figure about to avoid him having a nervous breakdown or something.

Though she still kept a close eye out, it felt unwise to leave Pikestar wholly unattended. It wasn't like he was defenceless - or well, maybe, she had never seen him fight before - but she couldn't trust most of these cats as far as she could throw them. With how awful the arguments had gotten, especially with Adderfang being... Adderfang. She didn't know how much she would trust the council itself to defend their own leader. But she wouldn't make that obvious, instead just opting to keep a relaxed profile.

  • ooc - addressing @PIKESTAR, i love annoying this cringefail guy with all my guys /silly
  • Coyoteclaw
    ✦—Riverclan Warrior | 20 Moons
    ✦—She/Her
    ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
    ✦—A chocolate/cinnamon chimaera with low white, and amber eyes.
    #8E4C1A
 
Pride surges through his chest hearing his apprentice introduce himself to Juniperstar. After all, Iciclepaw was rather skittish preferred to hide behind him most of the time or Russetfall. It was something he had grown used to the more time they spent together. While it wasn't a good thing per se for Iciclepaw to continue doing this, he allowed it because the tom was still so young. Not to mention how the boy survived on scraps by his lonesome before they all started their new lives as Riverclanners. Given how perceptive the other leader is, she is more likely to glean Iciclepaw's nature.

Nevertheless, Pikestar forgets his place. He immediately places his paw on his apprentices head, ruffling the fur atop his head gently. A warm smile curls from his lips as he lowers his head to face Iciclepaw,
"You're doing great. I'm so proud of you."
Perhaps, this is not something a leader should do. However, he's never really been leader like. His paw continues to ruffle his apprentices fur as he returns his attention to Juniperstar.
"This is my apprentice Juniperstar. He-"


A large dark grey tom startles him, causing his fur to bristle as he faces a Thunderclan warrior? His reaction is taken in stride, as the apprentice- YOU'RE AN APPRENTICE?! YOU'RE HUGE!! WHAT ARE THEY FEEDING YOU IN THUNDERCLAN?! The paw atop Iciclepaw's head goes to his chest as he lets out a wavering breath.
"You may have startled me, but you'll have to try harder to make me lose my dinner!"
The moment of tension dissipates when Pikestar takes a pawstep towards the apprentice with a mischievous grin.
"By the time this gathering ends I'll teach you a thing or two about properly startling another cat."
He's joking. Mostly anyway. He doubts Juniperstar would be all too pleased if he actually taught Boarpaw how to scare cats for fun. I can picture her strolling up to the border and chewing me out about it.
For all his faults Pikestar did well in spreading cheer. Maybe it was a good thing that Riverclan arrived first. Or maybe it wasn't considering how Pikestar closed the distance between him and Boarpaw, slinging an arm around the apprentice and laughing as if they were old friends.
"Nah, I'm just kidding. Some things are meant to be kept secret. Like the art of scaring oooOOOooo. Not really, I just don't want to be scolded by Juniperstar for scaring your clanmates for funsies."
The arm slung around Boarpaw is removed, giving the apprentice a pat on the shoulder.

He returns to his apprentice side, who is still trembling. Still nervous, huh? He can't blame his apprentice. Attending the gathering was a monumental task for him. With a smile he gently nudges Iciclepaw towards Boarpaw.
"This is my apprentice Iciclepaw, he's shy around new cats. He just became an apprentice recently too, so there's a lot I have to teach him. I don't know what Thunderclan teaches, but I'm sure you two can learn from each other in other ways."
Maybe Boarpaw can help Iciclepaw get out of his shell a bit. He seems like a tom with a good head on his shoulders. Maybe a little too friendly, but Iciclepaw's always been nervous. Who knows, maybe they can be good friends?

Coyoteclaw decides that this is the time to sit beside him. She tells him to lighten up and he's embarrassed frankly that she was able to figure him out so quickly. Even if he did have a moment of joy with Boarpaw, he is apprehensive still. There is something churning in his gut that something bad will happen. At the mention of Peachtrot he looks to the life guard in question, chuffing when he sees her already chatting with another Thunderclanner.
"Oh, we both know Peachy would befriend the forest by the end of the gathering. But... You're right. I'll lighten up. Thanks Coyoteclaw."

  • interacting with @Iciclepaw and @Boarpaw, addressing @Coyoteclaw, briefly speaking to @juniperstar
  • PIKESTAR
    — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
    ♱ 39 moons — he/him — ages realistically on the 1st — mentoring iciclepaw
    ♱ speech is
    "#00caa2"
    — 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
 

If Pine had felt that he had an actual choice in the matter, he wouldn't have gone to the gathering. But Adderfang is going, and he is on the council, so he eventually relents to his own trepidations and joins Brook.

Arriving in the clearing, he immediately regrets it. This is too many cats, frankly, for any occasion. His ears flick, eyes drifting over the gathered bunch, easily towering over any of them. Out of the corner of his eye, he spots Pikestar going to greet the Thunderclanners. Next to him, Brook speaks, and he looks down at her, trying to force some of the tiredness and anxiety out of his eyes.

"Too many for the size of this place," he murmurs. "If there's a next time, we'll need to choose who comes more carefully. This is a mess."

He looks up again, feeling the nerves gnawing at his heart. Where is Adder…? He had, of course, insisted on joining. Pineheart didn't object; he knew there was no point. If Adder wanted to go, he would. But Pineheart could at least try to keep the younger tom out of trouble, if nothing else, then for Wavesong's sake, for their kits sake. He gives Brook a look, soft, understanding.

"Let's go find Adderfang," he says, "make sure he's not getting into any trouble. Or at least a little less trouble."

He had little interest in socializing with the other clans. He's too old to make new friends. That's for the kits to do– he has enough trouble with the ones he already has.



 
You walk along the edge of danger
AND IT WILL CHANGE YOU

.


Warmth unfurled in Copperstorm's chest like sunlight breaking through storm clouds as he watched Boarpaw step forward. A faint smile curved his lips, and his ears twitched when he heard it again: Papa. The word always caught him off guard. It wasn't something he was used to hearing. Not as a kit. Not to Charcoal. Father. That was what Charcoal had insisted on. Sharp, formal, cold. There had been no tenderness behind it. Marble and Possum had once dared to call him dad, soft and innocent with hope. They never made that mistake again.

And now Boarpaw, not his by blood, but in every other way that mattered, called him papa. Without fear. Without hesitation. The title filled a place in him that had long gone hollow. A quiet swallow worked down his throat, and a low purr vibrated in his chest as he brushed his nose gently against Boarpaw's side when the apprentice passed by. His voice was soft, warm. " Go on, Boar. Make some friends, you friendly giant. " He watched as the young tom moved off, pride swelling in his chest at the sight of him approaching the RiverClan apprentice beside their leader. Boarpaw carried himself with quiet confidence, with warmth and curiosity. So unlike him, so much better.

When one of the RiverClan cats commented on the boy's demeanor, Copperstorm's chest tightened again. Something bittersweet. He dipped his head respectfully, his voice calm, but filled with quiet pride. " Thank you. He's a good kid. " And he was. Brave, kind, sharp when it mattered, but soft-hearted. He didn't understand how the ache in his heart could exist at the same time as the joy. Maybe it was just… fear. Fear that this warmth, this peace, could be shattered. That one day, Boarpaw might meet Charcoal and not know the danger behind the blood they didn't share but fate cruelly intertwined. Even more so now that this Gathering happened... The chance of seeing him was large.

His eyes shifted to the other RiverClan cats gathered, instinctively tracking expressions, tones, posture. Measuring. Judging. It was a habit he couldn't break. Still, he made a quiet mental note, next time, smaller groups. Less chance for tensions to flare or for words to be taken the wrong way. He'd bring it up with Juniperstar after the Gathering. For now, all he could do was watch, steady as stone. And hope the night remained quiet. For all their sakes.

Speech, thoughts/emphasis


33 MOONS
𖧧
THUNDERCLAN
𖧧
SONG
𖧧
bio
 

ICICLEPAW

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down... You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now
Despite the nerves curling in his belly, a soft purr rumbled in Iciclepaw's chest as the ThunderClan leader ruffled the fur atop his head. His eyes squinted briefly, tail quivering in a barely-contained wave of joy. It felt... nice. Comforting, even. But then a warrior came tumbling into view, and Iciclepaw's eyes widened immediately. He sucked in a sharp breath and instinctively pressed himself closer to Pikestar's side, as if the older tom could shield him from whatever came next.

Then the newcomer spoke, and Pikestar commented that he was an apprentice. An apprentice?! Iciclepaw stared at the other young cat in disbelief. That was an apprentice?! He looked so tall, so confident! Was that just how ThunderClan was?! Were all their apprentices this impressive? " ]H... Hi... Hi... Uh... Hi... I'm... I'm... Icicle... " he started, stammering through the introduction he'd already made. His heart pounded. " Wait, n-no, I already g-gave you my name... I'm-- It's nice to meet you! " The words tumbled out in a breathless rush, and he could feel the tips of his ears burning. He ducked his head slightly, mortified.

Pikestar's quiet voice beside him brought back a flicker of grounding. Yes, Pikestar had said he was shy... but he hadn't said anything cruel. That mean little voice in his head was lying again. He had to remember that. Be kind. Be patient. Even with yourself. With a shy glance up at the other apprentice, Boarpaw, right? He finally managed to say in a quiet, sincere voice: " You look really cool. "
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Why did he bother speaking at all when no one ever listened to his advice?

Once again, he is overruled by Pikestar's bleeding heart—and, much to his disappointment, Frostmoth's inexperience. He decides to swallow his tongue after issuing his first warning. They won't hear him, and by now it's tiresome to keep repeating himself only to be ignored. Whether it's a trap and ThunderClan's leader has good intentions is beside the point.

Cramming so many cats in one place will devolve into chaos. a

The only question is how quickly.

He speaks not only with common sense, but from his own experience—from someone who has seen his family, and the families of others, torn apart by hunger and desire. Asking for temporary aid is one thing. Nosying into another Clan's business? What good could come of that? It will muddy loyalties and make things more difficult when the time comes to defend what's theirs. Hardship brings out the worst in others. He knows that better than most—his own brother having turned on him when times were their hardest.

He has a scar to remind him. A disfiguring notch in his lip he couldn't forget even if he wanted to. Now, he's forced to sit through pleasantries and small talk like any of it will matter come the next brutal leafbare? Someone spare him.

But what was he to do? Pikestar was too foolish to listen, and he was tired of beating a dead rat.

Adderfang stalked away, immediately seeking a perch high enough to watch the proceedings below. His long tail lashed behind him in discontent. There, the scarred tom waits—watches—and coldly meets the eyes of anyone who looks his way. He is not there for a social call. He's there to watch his warning come to fruition.

Not to save their tails as he's had to so many times already—but to say: I told you so. when the dust cleared.
  • "speech" - thoughts

  • Adderfang he/him & riverclan
    𓆟 Chocolate ticked tabby w/ amber eyes. Peppered with scars. Deep gash across the right side of his face exposing one canine slightly. Missing left ear.
    𓆟 Deep gravelly voice that might unsettle others.
    𓆟 Would and will kill a man.
    𓆟 Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. For other powerplays, DM.
    𓆟 Fur smells faintly of river reeds and damp earth.

    penned by Scarlet