Backwritten Camp RiverClan UNDERTOW — MEETING 5.22

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

Admittedly he sat alone in the medicine cat den for far longer than he intended. Granted, what transpired by no means was pretty. It didn't even occur to him that some clanmates outside of the council may have seen the other storm off one by one. He didn't even stop to think about whether or not others had caught wind of their... Discussion. The only reason why he left the den now instead of mulling over what happened was Peachtrot. She had arrived far too late, and instead of being met with a den full of the council... Her eyes landed on his lone figure hunched in the medicine cat den. He was not furious at her late arrival, so much worse had happened moments before. Her presence lifted his spirits only a little. It was not her fault. It was simply difficult to erase the wounds of five other cats so easily.

Unfortunately, he must do something and leaves her to scrape together what could have happened. With limbs feeling like lead, he scrambles to his perch.

"Riverclan please gather."

It wouldn't surprise him if those on his council wouldn't do as they were told. After all, they made their own choice. He was not going to yowl at them for not even bothering to show up. They already know what we're doing anyway. It won't really be big news to them. Although, what would catch them off guard was the fact that he would hold a meeting not too long after what transpired in the medicine cat den.

"Shadowclan has taken almost all of our herbs. Many of us have gotten injured as well. We will be getting justice as soon as we can. Unfortunately, we don't have the strength to fight Shadowclan and even if we did... We don't have any herbs to tend to our wounds. For now we'll focus on recovering what was lost and rebuilding our strength."

Hopefully, the news would be better received by the rest of the clan than his own council. It wasn't as if he was telling them they'd given up. They just had to deal with Shadowclan later.

Now, to the heart of the matter.

"The council and I have discussed Riverclan's future. While it may come as no surprise, herb patrols will be made. However, we will be arranging patrols to the other clans as well. We will seek allyship with the other clans. Frostmoth will arrange the patrol groups soon."

Discussion if it can even be called that did have some idea of a plan before things went down the drain. He doubted anyone in the council would retort now about the plans he announced, unless they wanted to make themselves even bigger fools than him. Frostmoth changing his mind about arranging the patrols could be worked around. He could do it himself and allow the young tom to remain the lead for Skyclan. Not out of fear or to please the other, no, it was for petty reasons alone.

"I'll go, but you owe more than just an apology, now. To us. To Adderfang. To Frostmoth. To everybody."

If those of his council wanted an apology, then they would receive none. One by one they turned their backs on him and battered him with words. The only one who stood by him was Russetfall. Even if she thought his judgment wrong and kindly (as kind as she could be) told him it would've been wise to be a bit more tactful... She still chose to side with him. That would be enough. For now anyway.

However, he couldn't rest. Russetfall wanted to speak with him. He had the nagging suspicion she would seek him out after this. He would be lying to say he wasn't curious about what she even wanted to talk about. It doesn't seem like she'll suddenly change her mind and start cursing me in private. She's not the type of cat who does that. She'll make it known from the start. Guess I'll have my answer soon.

"This meeting is finished."

Abrupt and awkward comes the dismissal. Pigeonpearl would not get her wish, for he already descended from the branch. Eventually, they'd have to face each other again when they meet with Windclan. He will deal with it when the time came. She still won't be getting any sort of apology from him. Even if she dared to seek him privately and asked, none will be coming from his lips. She made her choice and he is making his. He has bigger fish to fry such as the recovery of Riverclan than the feelings of those who turned their backs on him.


// This meeting will be taking place directly after this thread! Canonically takes place the 22nd of May! A patrol thread will be made soon so be on the look out! An announcement will also be made when the patrol thread has been posted!

 

[pineheart]

✦ When the meeting is called, Pineheart is one of the first to settle down in front of Pikestar, looking up at the leader, half hoping half dreading the words that would be spoken. He hoped Pikestar would take responsibility, for him to be honest, and for him to apologize.

What Pineheart said to Adderfang had been true only in part; in his heart there was hope that Pikestar would rise to the occasion, that he'd realise his mistake in speaking like he did to the council members. Cats who'd put their faith in him, who'd supported him all throughout his leadership, only to be spoken to so cruelly. His words still ring in Pineheart's ears– herbs don't work on dead cats. How could he say that to them? To Adder and himself, the two who had fought, who had put their lives on the line for their clan? In front of Jinglemoon, who had fought so bravely to protect what little he could? All that they had done was dismissed as folly because his ego couldn't handle disagreement.

Pikestar had said when he chose the council members that it was because they'd disagree with him and challenge him that they'd been picked, and yet, when they disagreed with his actions, what he did was lash out. He even lashed out at Adderfang, whose every word was laced with fear and shock, still obviously shaken by his near death experience and the near-loss of his family. Couldn't Pikestar see that arguing with him while he was in that state was futile? That talking down to him would not help, would only make it work?

Perhaps Pineheart had put too much faith in him. Perhaps he'd put too much pressure on his young shoulders. But he believed Pikestar capable of being a leader. If he handled the aftermath well, this would only be a small bump in the road.

All this he keeps in his chest, looking up at Pikestar. There's even a hint of a smile on his face, thinking that calling a meeting was a good sign– surely Pikestar would take this opportunity to apologize? To rise above the petty infighting and step up as leader?

We don't have any herbs to tend to our wounds. For now we'll focus on recovering what was lost and rebuilding our strength.

"I have been ordered by Jinglemoon to rest within the camp," Pineheart says, giving a look around at his clan mates. "So I'll be happy to oversee and assist with the repair of dens and strengthening of our walls in any way I can without risking opening my wounds."

Pikestar announces vaguely that they will seek allies and search for herbs, and that Frostmoth will be responsible for making the patrols. Maybe they'd talked it out? Surely he wouldn't just spring that on him? Though his implication that Frostmoth was less than his equal was hurtful, Pineheart hardly believes it held any truth. It was the sort of thing you said in the heat of the moment, and in a misplaced attempt to make Adderfang listen to reason.

And then, where he had expected Pikestar to begin his apology, comes… nothing. Meeting dismissed. He can't hide the shock on his face as stares up at Pikestar, bewildered, disappointed. But before he can say anything, Pike has jumped down from the branch and turned his back on them. Turned his back on his clan, on his council, and on everyone who believed in him.

haven't had a dream in a long time

see, the life i've had could make a good man go bad

• ooc: -
• 

  PINE, - 49 moons / riverclan + warrior
  large brown tabby town
  adopted guardian of Torrentpaw and Squidpaw / future mentor to Torrentpaw
  healing and peaceful powerplay allowed