It was like there was something caught in his throat, having heard first-hand the suggestion of a gathering from Juniperstar had left Merrystalk on edge since. Maybe a moon ago, he would have thought the idea to be great, a peaceful way to bring the five clans together, catch up with the ongoings and let folks mingle amicably.
But the events of the last half moon had left the Gale Guard shaken; he refused to let it show, but the hypervigilance since the attack on Dustystar hadn't given him time to think straight. Though he wouldn't allow that to strike fear into his clanmates, a council wrought in fear would only lead to issues for the clan, so Merry strode along with Harefoot and Hollowmumble, Cloverpaw following very closely behind. He chattered as he always did, a warm smile on his face and filling the conversation with his usual sort of cheer. The tension of him snapping at Sassafrass had left permenant issues admist some of his friends, so it was something he was nipping in the bud sooner than later.
"- 'm just curious what on earth Juniperstar has planned fer this whole thing." His voice was a hum, trying not to ruin one of the only stalks of rye he had with him. Since his own... Run in. His nerves had gotten the better of him, and he turned to his usual absent chewing on stalks of plants to keep his mind busy over getting neurotic at the slightest glimpse of a problem. Part of him had considered staying home, protecting Honeyflower and Owlbear, but then again, he felt a duty to protect Dustystar where he had failed before.
Though his voice died down as they made it to Fourtrees, it seemed that Thunderclan and Riverclan had beaten them to the punch, but Skyclan and Shadowclan were nowhere to be seen. They would show in time, but for now, he nodded politely towards Juniperstar yet again, trying to show some sort of gratitude for the creation of the gathering as if he didn't currently hate the idea of being anywhere near the cat that could have been terrorising the clan.
His gaze instead fell to his clanmates, noticing
@Cloverpaw 's usual nervous disposition seemed more overt than usual, while he hadn't had as much time to talk with the kid, she was close to Hollow, and that meant he felt just as responsible for helping the apprentice out, too.
"Aye, Clover, I know the gatherin' is gonna be a lil' dauntin', but if ya' get worried 'bout somethin' ya' can come to me 'nd I'll try 'n help." Sometimes the knowledge of there being someone to keep an eye out is enough for even the meekest cats to relax a little, but then again he couldn't blame her for being on edge.
He couldn't help but notice what seemed to be Pebblepaw and Gorsepaw conspiring in some way, after the confrontation with Thunderclan he needed to keep a close eye on the pair too... Merry let out a small huff, he wouldn't let himself get worked up, but already with so many new faces, he couldn't help but feel on edge himself for the safety of his friends and family.
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ooc - addressing @Cloverpaw and dragging along @Hollowmumble and @harefoot . feel free to annoy merry or come bug me in my channel for ideas or side threads :3
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Merrystalk
✦—Windclan Gale Guard | 29 Moons
✦—He/Him
✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
✦—A skinny, tortoiseshell cat with bright green eyes and pelt speckled with hay.
#9D6E46