"ShadowClan,"
Mirepurr begins, trying their very best to squeeze every ounce of confidence into the word as they address the Clan before them. It doesn't work.Their paws shuffle nervously between the roots of the tree that their leader, former deputy, and fellow guards tend to stand on top of—despite their abrupt change in rank, Mirepurr doesn't feel they deserve that spot. Not yet... not ever, more like. This means they do not gain the advantage of new height while trying to talk over the murmurs of their Clanmates, so Mirepurr stands on the very tips of their paws, though that only serves to make them more like a scared apprentice. At least it fits their feelings right now.
In time, they will get used to this; they have to, if they don't want Sablestar's next frown directed at them. It's been hard enough to avoid it due to the shortage of resources. The last thing they want is to add on top of that steadily-rising pile of disappointment. If they're lucky, Sablestar will allow them a grace period of sorts... let them get used to this.
As their eyes dart from warrior to warrior, Mirepurr can't help but second-guess themself.
"Leaf-bare is here, now, and... and that means we, we will have to continue trying our best."
Mirepurr is painfully aware of how audible the tremor in their voice is, but that realization doesn't help in the slightest; it only adds to it. Part of them wants to be inspiring... but empty words never mix well with empty bellies. "Let us get to work."
A sharp inhale. Mirepurr looks for familiar gazes in the crowd, and-
Somehow, when their eyes land on Needledrift, their heart manages to stabilize. It's just a fraction, but it's there nonetheless.
With newfound energy, Mirepurr continues.
"Snowdropheart, Magpiepaw is low on on a few herbs. Can you and the trappers try to fetch more of them?"
They don't add and try to get some fresh-kill with that, too, if you can, because that much is obvious. "As for, um... Bla- no, Echostep, please retrace our steps from last moon and take some thieves past our border with SkyClan."
A momentary pause. Their fur feels hot with the memory of fleeing. That had been the plan, for what it's worth, but that doesn't make it any less embarrassing to relive. "See if you can make good use of the intel we gathered last time."
They're halfway done! Almost there...
"Blacktree?"
Mirepurr is uncertain as they look for the caregiver. Surely, everyone is in attendance? Even if their own voice doesn't carry a speck of authority with it, like the rest of the council's. "The kits... they are probably restless. Take them out of camp and see if they can find something, under your watch."
The concept unsettles them to no end. Is this a safe idea? It's not theirs to decide.Mirepurr barely stifles a relieved sigh as they stop on the last name.
"Frogheart, please, investigate the dead monster in that tree. I do not believe any of us have thoroughly checked it over for prey yet."
Now that the weight of this roll call of sorts finally comes to a close, Mirepurr can feel an invisible weight lift from their shoulders. "That is... that is all. Thank you."
Another round of Hunger Games patrols!
@Snowdropheart is to lead TRAPPERS through the territory, looking for dandelion, marigold, goldenrod, or borage. A herd of deer blocks your way... roll a d20 to see if you can sneak past without scaring them; 13+ is a pass!
@ECHOSTEP is to lead THIEVES into SkyClan land, picking up where Tickfrost's own patrol had left off last moon. Based on previous findings, try to extract resources without being spotted. Roll a d20 and remain undiscovered if you roll 5+!
@Blacktree is to lead KITS out into the territory for hunting practice. A conspiracy of ravens perch on the trees above those tiny heads, eyes glinting curiously. Does the brave little patrol try to scare them off or choose the safety of hiding?
@Frogheart is to lead WARRIORS to the Monster Tree. It's dangerous and unconventional, but perhaps the more dexterous cats of ShadowClan can try to climb it and find prey looking for shelter in its crevices.
@Snowdropheart is to lead TRAPPERS through the territory, looking for dandelion, marigold, goldenrod, or borage. A herd of deer blocks your way... roll a d20 to see if you can sneak past without scaring them; 13+ is a pass!
@ECHOSTEP is to lead THIEVES into SkyClan land, picking up where Tickfrost's own patrol had left off last moon. Based on previous findings, try to extract resources without being spotted. Roll a d20 and remain undiscovered if you roll 5+!
@Blacktree is to lead KITS out into the territory for hunting practice. A conspiracy of ravens perch on the trees above those tiny heads, eyes glinting curiously. Does the brave little patrol try to scare them off or choose the safety of hiding?
@Frogheart is to lead WARRIORS to the Monster Tree. It's dangerous and unconventional, but perhaps the more dexterous cats of ShadowClan can try to climb it and find prey looking for shelter in its crevices.
