PAFP Event RiverClan ShadowClan WHERE THE NORTH WIND MEETS THE SEA ] heist

[cicadabuzz]

CICADABUZZ, 30 moons / shc + med. cat
a SH cinnamon tabby/chocolate tortie chimera w/ black eyes
parent to deathberrykit, hemlockkit, mistletoekit ; mentor to magpiepaw
a reserved, pragmatic healer driven by duty rather than sentiment

The air near Fourtrees is dense and quiet, save for the faint rustle of leaves stirred by the breeze and the slow breathing of cats in shadow. Cicadabuzz stands still, their tail draped in dried tansy and marigold, dew glistening against the fibers like stars caught in a spiderweb. Their gaze drifts from one gathered cat to the next—Wolfpack, tall and still; Stoatpaw and Vulturepaw shifting with a mix of nerves and determination; Coalstrike nearly indistinguishable from the darkness he stands in. Cicadabuzz speaks low, their voice soft, but never uncertain.

"We are not here to fight." The words carry like a whisper shaped from stone. Final. Measured. "We go in quiet, move fast, and leave faster. I've explained to you what the herbs I would like to to grab look like. You will grab them and get out." They pause and look upward—just briefly—toward the open sky framed by the four ancient, towering trees, as if reading something from the stars before dropping their eyes again. "There is no glory in spilling blood tonight. No need to prove yourselves here. If a cat wakes, if RiverClan catches wind of us—do not waste time playing hero. Take what you have and run." Their shoulders rise and fall in a slow breath. Their fur shifts slightly as the dried petals and herbs attached to their pelt catch a draft in the silence between words. They don't speak for drama—Cicadabuzz never does. But they let the silence stretch for a heartbeat before continuing. "If claws are drawn, defend yourselves. But don't linger. Don't try to carry more than you can. If you're cornered, you will run. If it is between yourself and the herbs, you drop the herbs and flee."

Their gaze lingers a moment on Stoatpaw, then Vanillapaw, then Vulturepaw. Younger bodies. Fast, yes—but new to risk. "I won't patch any of you up just to watch you bleed again for pride. Do not make me waste what we came to collect." They turn slightly, glancing toward the distant shimmer of reeds and riverwater where RiverClan sleeps unaware. "I know what they keep there. I've seen it before, when we were not yet ShadowClan. Fennel. Goatweed. Willow leaves. Things we do not have in our land. That is what we're after. Not vengeance. Not territory. Not some self-righteous stand." Another glance backward. Eyes meeting each of theirs again, slow and steady. "If something happens and I fall behind, don't come back for me. I will find my own way."

A flick of the ear cuts off any imagined protest. "That goes for all of us. No martyrs tonight." They step forward, tail trailing behind like a river weed in slow current. "Once we cross the river, no more talking. You know your instructions. You know your goal. The moon is now behind cloud. Let's move before it changes its mind." And with that, Cicadabuzz melts into the underbrush, the herbs woven in their fur rustling like dry breath on stone, leading them into the dark.


[ please wait for a few of the people tagged to post first before replying!! ]
[ @WOLFPACK @Coalstrike @Cherryblaze @Jadethorn @Hollowmist @Stoatpaw @VULTUREPAW @VANILLAPAW ]

 

[Hollowmist]

♢Worried 'Bout The Future

Ain't Fuckin' With The Past♢

It glides forward like a silent ghost, body low and ears pricked to listen to the medicine cat's instruction. Fennel. Goat weed. Willow leaves. Hollowmist sees all of them in its mind's eye and nods slowly. All of them were easily recognizable.

"If someone wants they can follow me and help gather the willow leaves. I will break the leaves from their branches and you may collect. It will make for faster work." They scan the rest of the patrol to see if anyone would take the offer, before rolling their shoulders and stepping towards the water's edge. "...Do not drown while crossing."

The reminder- command- is said to no one in particular as Hollowmist wades in until its paws are no longer able to touch the sandy bottom and it kicks off with force to swim across with smooth strokes. They stand on the shoreline to be sure the rest of the patrol makes it across before turning and padding into the undergrowth with a flick of the tail. They will find the closest willow tree and strip it bare to the bark if need be.

Ain't Got No Time To Waste On Bullshit

♢

You Know I Gotta Keep My Head On Straight

• short and sweet, gathering willow leaves!
• 
  Hollow
  — Thief of Shadowclan
  — It/They
  "SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  — A LH Black/Fawn Chimera W/ High White (LaPerm)
  #a7767c

 

[Stoatpaw]

——————————————— Together, we'll make our way home ✦

At first, Stoatpaw was estatic to be trusted for a seemingly on the down low patrol, especially after her attricious attempt at sparring she was thrilled to still be trusted. Though it faultered as they made it again to Fourtrees, the same place she brought her clanmates. The strong scent of Riverclan was unmistakable.

Of course, Stoat's jaw grew slack at the realisation of what this was, a heist. They were here to collect herbs, and they needed silence. For a moment, she looked at her paws, which had been an issue with her making noise during training. She had improved, significantly so, but this was a hell of a high-stakes way to test her training. Part of her wanted to ask if she could go home. Yes, the Riverclan cats were downright rude when she tried to talk with them, but she was apprehensive about trespassing to steal herbs... Then again, it wasn't her first time. She had snuck into Windclan plenty of times to go flower picking, maybe she could just think of it like that? Plus, what would the clan think if she chickened out now...

The ivory apprentice let out a small sigh as Cicadabuzz finished talking and noticed Hollowmist interjecting. The idea of helping one of the warriors sounded like a better plan than going out alone, at least if she was too loud, she knew Hollow wouldn't hesitate to remind her of much.

She trotted to the cat, looking up with a nod. "I'll help with the willow leaves." She desperately tried to whisper, it'd be one of the only things she could speak, she wouldn't even dare to breathe too hard when she crossed into the territory. At least she and Hollowmist had the advantage of the moonlight in some way, but with a cloudy night, that would come few and far between.

She sculked behind the warrior, constantly checking her pawsteps to not shuffle them in the dirt, seeing no plumes like she had so much before. Stoatpaw settled her breath, though a small smile tugged at her lips, realising the brief opportunity to swim. Now she was especially grateful for her father's lessons.

The cool water was refreshing and for a moment, soothed her nerves, but she realised something else would come in handy. The strong scent of the pocosin was dulled on Hollowmist now as their long fur dripped water to the riverclan soil below. Their scents had been masked, if only having been washed away from the river. It gave her a thought, but she couldn't risk lagging behind the warrior, quickly shaking off the excess water so she wouldn't be bogged down, padding along in Hollowmist's pawsteps.

Stoatpaw could recall how Cicadabuzz described the willow, and it sounded rather familiar; she could have sworn the patrol had passed something like that trying to locate the moss. The memory was hard to push away; she wasn't certain she was right, but regardless, the apprentice trotted ahead of Hollowmist, eyes scanning diligently. The area looked different at night, but she knew there was a tree like that somewhere-

Like a sudden realisation struck Stoat, her tail stood up as she turned and motioned to Hollow, a smile reaching her eyes as she motioned to the tree. She hoped it was the right one, but at least she could be of some use, having come to the territory recently, if only to the border.

——— While you were sleeping,

Everything changed at once. ———

• 
  Stoatpaw
  ✦—Shadowclan apprentice | 8 Moons
  ✦—She/Her
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK, PAWSPEAK
  ✦—A slender white cat with faint lilac markings and blue eyes.
  #96d5f1
  ⤷ Written by Phoenix

 

[Coalstrike]

I'LL SHOW NO MERCY, I'LL SHOW NO REMORSE.

——————————​

Coalstrike watched Cicadabuzz with a faint scowl tugging at his face, a scoff nearly rising to his throat before he turned his focus to his apprentice. Dipping his head slightly, he spoke in a low, firm voice. " Pay heed to what's said, Vanillapaw. Keep yourself hidden, make sure your stealth is sharp. Watch your surroundings and take note of anything you think might be useful to our medicine cat. " His ear gave a single flick, tail lashing once with a sharp snap. Fish-eating vermin… The thought made his fur bristle.

He turned slightly at the sound of Hollowmist's voice, nodding with reluctant approval at the mention of willow leaves before offering his own plan. " I'll look for goatweed. " he rumbled, stepping ahead and casting a brief glance over the group. " Anyone who wants to come with me, come. Otherwise, split off and form your own group. Find what we need. We won't get anything done stumbling around like headless chickens. "

Without waiting for further discussion, the tom began moving forward with a steady, purposeful stride. As he walked, he added over his shoulder in a gruff murmur. " If you've got questions, Vanillapaw, ask. "

—————————————————————————————————

I'll watch the battle until the dust is clear.

 

[WOLFPACK]

AND I AM SORRY MY CONSCIENCE CALLED IN SICK AGAIN

______________________________________________________________________​

Wolfpack held his tongue the entire time Cicadabuzz spoke. He wasn't against helping himself to their neighbour's supply of herbs, but he wasn't sure how he felt about their medicine cat being there. They were arguably more important to Wolfpack and the clan than Sablestar himself was, and he wasn't exactly willing to trust in the morals of a neighbouring group to not seriously harm them should the group be caught And what would Shadowclan have then? Magpiepaw? He'd already made his thoughts on that clear enough– and opinions aside, they were too young to do any real good for the clan.

"If something happens and i fall behind, don't come back for me."

He didn't object there and then, because now wasn't the time to get into a debate over what would or would not be done, but the soft growl that rumbled out of his chest was low and unmistakable– not angry, but certainly discontent with the healers decision. Though he seemed to know–

No point trying to get that mountain to bend.

Cicadabuzz would do, what Cicdabuzz wanted.

The group started to split, cats peeling off into pairs and trios. Hollowmist and Stoat. Coalstrike and Vanillapaw. All fine. Wolf didn't care what the others did or who they ran into.

"I'm with you." he said flatly, stepping after Cicadabuzz as they turned to move, glancing back once at Vulturepaw in the cluster and signalling for him to follow as well.

Shaking off the fact that their medicine cat was with them, Wolfpack put his focus in the task at hand, instead. Because really, he was pleased to have been asked along. The clan knew well by now that he didn't share in the same silly illusions of peace that some did, and in many ways this was just as much a thrill as it was a risk. The two– for Wolfpack at least– often found themselves entangled messily. Crossed-wires, maybe, or just the natural instincts of any territory-holding carnivore.

It was hard to draw the line, sometimes.

---

​

OOC NOTES . ◭ . CHARACTER INFO

• ooc : —​
• shadowclan deputy - male - a large, monochrome chimera with mismatched eyes and several scars

 

[Jadethorn]

There's only two types of people in the world

The ones that entertain, and the ones that observe

​

When the medicine cat had approached her about a late night patrol with some other warriors and apprentices in tow, Jadethorn was half tempted to tell the strange one 'no'. She was already spending most of her waking hours with Fleapaw at her heels, and while she was getting used to the little runt's presence, the molly still valued her time alone in the warriors den near the end of the day. After all, how else was she supposed to keep herself from becoming as mud- stained and knotted as some of her other clanmates without her much needed beauty sleep. But when she thought back on Sablestar and the open council position that she was itching to get her claws on, the rosette let out a sigh before agreeing. What better way to show initiative to their leader then by helping his precious medicine cat in whatever they needed them for.

What she didnt expect was ending up right back at the flowing waters of the river that she had been to with a small group only a moon prior. When she had realized that they were heading that way, Jadethorn made sure to step carefully, crouching herself halfway to the ground in order to not let her scent be caught and carried by the wind. They had already been unnecessarily reprimanded for stepping to close to the fish-eaters' precious river last time and while she would have loved to chew them out then and there, the molly had been trying to stay out of trouble and didnt want to deal with Sablestar's ire for causing problem with another clan that they didn't even know existed until then. At least, until she was given permission to by none other than Cicadabuzz themselves.

Her ears perked to the medicine cat's voice, a sly smirk revealing itself in the moonlight as they spoke on why they had trekked all this way in the middle of the night: to steal. Now this, she could get behind. It would teach those pompous Riverclanners a lesson in humility and make up for the lost herbs that her apprentice had destroyed before she had been put under her guidance. Plus, Jade had gotten plenty of experience in theft during her colony days, and it was finally time to put that practice to the test. When the word was given, they all moved with purpose, the patrol of shadows stepping forward and dipping near silently into the flowing waters.

The river was still cold to the touch, especially in the cool night air of newleaf, but something in Jadethorn felt right in the waters. It wasn't foul smelling and full of algae that stuck to their fur like the pocosin waters did and the constant flow helped pull dried mud and wood chips out of her coat that she had been struggling to get out for a few days now. If only she liked the taste of fish, maybe she would have ended up here instead of where she was now.... but then she would have had to deal with those annoying fish-eaters and part of her knew that they weren't her type of cats... although, who was? It was probably only a few Shadowclanners that she liked, and she could count those cats on one paw. Two of them were actually on this patrol; the deputy she saw following after Cicadabuzz and the large, dark-toned council member voicing that he would be searching for goatweed over the other herbs.

It was the latter that she had decided to follow after stepping out of the river and shaking off the droplets so the dripping wouldnt give off their locations.

Falling in stride with Coalstrike, Jadethorn tried to ignore the extra set of legs behind them, even as Coalstrike spoke guidance to his apprentice. Afterall, Vanillapaw wasn't her's to worry about and Cicadabuzz had obviously not let her own come along, most likely because of the chaos she had caused in her den a few moons prior, which they were still recovering from. The molly let her fur brush up against the large tom, a smallest of purrs coming from her before she spoke lowly. "I'll help you find some goatweed, big boy~" She couldnt help the tone her words carried even if her stomach didnt dance with him like it did around that sickly sweet molly back at camp. "Although... I don't see why we have to go wandering around looking for herbs we barely recognize." The smirk found its way back onto her muzzle as her next words hit the air.

"Dont you think it would be easier to find their camp and steal straight from the source? We'd probably find more than just the three Cicadabuzz listed if we did."
​

OOC ✧❦✧ Basic Info

• ooc
  —— xxx
• 
  string of lyrics / lengty or short quote goes

  here

  ​
  ​
• Jadethorn she/her
  ❖ An Average Sized Black Rosette Tabby with Low White and Green Eyes
  ❖ Warrior of Shadowclan
  ❖ 33 moons; ages on the 8th of every month
  ❖ speech thought attack
  ❖ peaceful + healing powerplay permitted
  
  penned by Taru​

​

 

[Frostmoth]

Night patrols are much more Frostmoth's speed. While he does manage to get up with the sun each morning to organize dawn and morning duties, he often finds that he does best in the evenings and after nightfall. Chatter is slow and quiet, and the last checks accented with sounds of crickets are often peaceful and uneventful. And they usually do not include sounds of cats splashing through the river. Which, much to the chagrin of the deputy, he can hear from a few paces away. He signals to the border patrol to slow, angling himself towards the river and a few of the willow trees that are rustling from the breezy nighttime air.

Frostmoth pushes through the willow tree fronds, only to come face to face with a ShadowClan cat that he does not recognize.

"ShadowClan," he forces his fur to lie flat when he makes his presence known, and for once his voice isn't filled with apprehension when he begins to speak. His claws remain sheathed. Frostmoth feels stiff and anticipatory, but he does not relish in the thought of starting a fight. Not only does the thought of unnecessary bloodshed leave a bad taste in his mouth, but who knows how many of these ShadowClan cats are lurking in the shadows. Cats with their scents masked, unlike those who have splashed through the water. "I feel that our borders are fairly clear, as are ThunderClan's," he takes a deep breath, taking in their scent markers along the river, now overlaid with the smell of their invaders "So would you care to tell me what reason you have for breeching them?"

He recognizes Stoatpaw from the river, and he fixes the young cat with a disappointed look before returning his eyes to the older cat. Perhaps Pineheart hadn't been right in allowing them to leave unscathed and unwarned; their flippancy seems to have served instead as an open invitation for invasion into their territory. It feels strange to think that someone he looks up to had been a source of poor judgment. Judgment that has lead them to where they stand now. Sudden realization comes over Frostmoth; a clear indication that their kindnesses won't be returned. "We told you specifically no harm would come to you if you didn't cross the border," Frostmoth speaks to Stoatpaw now, gaze hardening "So I suggest you go back across the river."

OH, MY GOD ★ MAKE ME IN YOUR IMAGE

• hiiii shadowclan :) encountering @Hollowmist and @Stoatpaw looking for willow leaves
  border patrol tag @PIGEONPEARL @PIKESTAR @Adderfang @Jinglemoon @Rainpaw
  
  "SPEECH"
• ★ FROST — he/him, riverclan deputy, 20 moons
  — penned by carat, feel free to ping or dm for plots!
  — longhair black and white bicolor with blue eyes
  — peaceful powerplay ok! all interactions ok!
  
• penned by carat!

 

[Adderfang]

The scarred tom padded alongside the patrol, silver light glancing off his sleek pelt. The cool air carried the scents of damp earth and budding foliage. Large ears swivel at the sound of splashing, elevating his surprise when an unfamiliar face greets his eyes. He slips through the reeds and pushes ahead to stand slightly behind Frostmoth.

His posture is tense, teeth gritting as he assesses the ShadowClanners. He too, recognized the white apprentice, but spared her little more than a passing glance. Rather, his intense eyes settle on the older warrior. His tail gives one sharp whip, silent as Frostmoth takes charge of the conversation. If it were up to him there would be no discussion—not for cats they'd spared enough a warning for already.

Adderfang is not keen on a fight himself, not with a mate and kits waiting for him back at camp, but these cats have stomped upon their patience once already. They knew the terms and chose to ignore them. Whether they were out for a stroll or looking to steal prey was not his concern.

"Quickly." He curtly tacks on to Frostmoth's warning. If they valued their pelts, they would turn around right now and leave. He was not fond of the idea of shedding blood in the presence of such a young cat, but he wouldn't hesitate to if that's what this alluded to.

___________________ There wasn't a wrong or a right he could choose 𓆟 He did what he had to do ________________

• "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​

 

[Hollowmist]

♢Worried 'Bout The Future

Ain't Fuckin' With The Past♢

Stoatpaw seems to know the way so the chimera allows the apprentice to lead, maw opening to remind her to be quiet before her tail shoots up in a signal that they've found what the two were searching for. A grove of willow trees, some of the branches hang so low that Hollowmist rises on its hind legs to grip a sprig of the leaves in its teeth and pulls suddenly to snap the greenery off from the branch.

They drop the twig at their feet before looking to Stoatpaw, making a sweeping gesture with it's tail. "Gather what you can reach. There is more than enough that climbing is unnecessary. Do not take more than you can carry or you will lose it all when we cross the river." They mouth, rising up once more to take yet another twig full of leaves from the tree.

Near silently, they work like this for some time and begin to amass a sizeable pile of leaves between them before the telltale sound of rustling reaches Hollow's ears and they turn to find themselves staring into the eyes of a Riverclanner. Fur bristles and eyes narrow.

It steps forward and slightly to the side, shielding Stoatpaw with its entire body to stare down the patrol when the deputy addresses her specifically and a soft warning hiss leaves them. That was a threat if they ever heard one. "...Stoatpaw," It's a low murmur, mismatched eyes never leaving Adderfang's face. "Take as much as you can carry and go home. I will catch up to you."

Though the command is given, Hollowmist stays where they are with claws unsheathed and tail lashing. Ready. Waiting. If a Riverclanner decides to break from the patrol and move towards the apprentice it was guarding with its very body, it would strike.

Where the hell was the rest of the herb patrol? How many cats of Riverclan were out and about? Hopefully no one else had been caught.

Ain't Got No Time To Waste On Bullshit

♢

You Know I Gotta Keep My Head On Straight

• 
  Hollowmist
  — Thief of Shadowclan
  — It/They
  "SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  — A LH Black/Fawn Chimera W/ High White (LaPerm)
  #a7767c

 

[Stoatpaw]

——————————————— Together, we'll make our way home ✦

Even though Stoatpaw's stomach wouldn't cease its nervous churning, she silently helped tear twigs down, bundling them together to make carrying them back home easier. She was hunched over a bundle of willow, messing with the wooden bits to secure them, when she noticed Hollowmist move from the tree. Confusion knit across her face, for a moment, she thought they were preparing to go back home.

Until, of course, Stoatpaw turned, and her blood ran cold. Two cats, Riverclan cats, one she recognised from the moon before shot her glares that made her feel tiny. If it were the day, or if they weren't on the other clan's territory,y she would have pleaded with them that the patrol before wasn't her sizing up the territory. She wasn't malicious like that. But where she stood, willow leaves bound in the bark she had managed to peel off as a makeshift bundle, it really seemed it. Something caught in her throat as the only things she was able to read from the black and white toms' lips were a very blatant threat aimed directly towards her.

As he spoke, Hollowmist swiftly stood between her and the two Riverclan toms, fur bristling. It finally hit Stoat, her heart racing; this wasn't like her training or a small disagreement across the river, there was a real threat of a fight here, and she didn't know what to do. Maybe Hollowmist had told her what to do, but it didn't know... "Hollowmist I... I don't- I can't..." It didn't know she couldn't hear them. A wave of nausea hit the ivory apprentice as her mouth grew dry and words died on her tongue. For all the time she tried to hide her inability to hear so she wouldn't be looked down upon, she never factored in that it would impede her in times like these.

Did she need to fight? She didn't want to run off in case Hollow was counting on her to back them up. But she was barely any use in her fight against Fleapaw, these were grown warriors, ones who seemed terrifyingly dead set on finishing what she had technically started. What was she meant to do? She stared down at the bundles in her paws. What did Cicadabuzz say? If claws are drawn, defend. If cornered, run. Her wide eyes glanced back up to the glimpses of the Riverclan warriors, no one was moving, and she was terrified to be the one to move first. Either one might lunge at her or even Hollowmist.

Desperately, she looked around; she couldn't see anyone else in their own patrol, but there wasn't any other Riverclan cat from what she could see. She knew trying to fight would be a stupid thing to do, Cicada said explicitly not to go headfirst into a fight. It wasn't like she was cornered, but she wasn't sure what Hollow had told her to do, if anything at all. So, slowly, as if face to face with some awful beast that would rip her to shreds - it didn't feel like a hypothetical in that moment - she dipped her head and clenched the willow bundle between her jaws.

She moved slowly for the moment, knowing that the moment her back was turned to the warriors, she would be in a huge amount of trouble. Her eyes glinted as the clouds rolled by, the moon didn't shine as bright that night, only a sliver of it was seen in the sky. Stoatpaw was out of her league. No way to sneak into the bright light of the moon, the terrain here was nothing like the pocosin, and while she could swim thanks to her father, these cats lived and breathed the water like otters. There was some sickening irony to the apprentice; she had only just been warning her clanmates to avoid the creatures, and here she stood like a shaking mouse in front of dangerous creatures.

The apprentice took some slow steps back, hoping desperately Hollowmist would be okay to handle the toms; she hoped they would have some civility not to strike first. She would never forgive herself if the warrior were injured protecting her. But as she tried to slip away, unnoticed, of course, the landscape itself seemed dead set on her not escaping easily. Some old, long-dead branches snapped beneath her paws. It didn't phase her much, just some annoying undergrowth, but Stoatpaw had no idea the noise the old branch made and how easily it alerted the Riverclan toms to her trying to sculk away.

——— While you were sleeping,

Everything changed at once. ———

• 
  Stoatpaw
  ✦—Shadowclan apprentice | 8 Moons
  ✦—She/Her
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK, PAWSPEAK
  ✦—A slender white cat with faint lilac markings and blue eyes.
  #96d5f1
  ⤷ Written by Phoenix

 

[pineheart]

✦ The night had so far been quiet, nearly peaceful. Pineheart has already half forgotten the strange foul smelling cats that had visited their borders. That is until he smells them… again. Closer. More of them. Idiots, the lot of them. They'd been offered peace and spat in its face. So that little white apprentice had been the outlier, then– the rest more like her companions, eager to fight, full of anger. Not smart enough to not let it control them.

He looks around, squinting in the half light of the moon above them. About half a dozen cats, most of them adults, but with a few smaller forms with them.

"... Cowards," he says, walking up to stand next to Frostmoth and Adderfang. "Bringing kits with you to enemy territory? And make no mistake, for that is where you stand now. We offered you a chance, and what did you do with it? Decide to invade us under the cover of night, like a bunch of rats?" He shakes his large head, and then his ears twitch as he catches the sound of a twig breaking. He sees the lithe form of that white apprentice, slipping away. He makes no move to follow, but looks at the older cats. "You'd be wise to follow your little apprentice. Do not mistake leniency for inaction– bear no mistake, if you stay here, we will draw blood to defend our territory. Riverclan does not suffer rats."

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

 

[Coalstrike]

I'LL SHOW NO MERCY, I'LL SHOW NO REMORSE.

——————————​

Ah... Found already. What a disappointing turn of events. He had just been gathering some of the goatweed together with his apprentice and Jadethorn when he had heard the commotion over the whisper of the wind. Coalstrike's whiskers twitched in irritation as the shadows betrayed them sooner than expected. He had hoped for a sliver of time, just enough to slip Vanillapaw a lesson or two in proper stealth before chaos inevitably broke loose. But time, it seemed, had other plans. Still, the goatweed was secured. That was something. " Take it back to camp, Vanillapaw. " he ordered sharply, voice low and commanding. " Quick as your paws can carry you. Stick to the shadows. Don't get caught. Head straight for the medicine den with what you've got. " His amber eyes flicked to the apprentice, sharp as flint. No room for questions. No time.

Then his gaze shifted, falling on Jadethorn as she readied herself. She had mentioned the supplies within camp, risky, bold... necessary. A smirk curled at the edge of his maw as he flicked his tail lightly against her flank, leaning in with the whisper of a conspirator. " You spoke of taking from their camp... Then go. And go quickly... " he murmured, breath brushing her ear. " I'll make sure you are not followed. Or missed. " Without waiting for a reply, Coalstrike peeled away, melting forward toward the source of voices. Hollowmist and Stoatpaw. His gait was deliberate, smooth as silk over stone. He could hold the line, stall them long enough for the others to vanish into the dark.

He emerged from the underbrush with the ease of someone entirely unfazed, his voice lilting with mock amusement. " Now, now... What's all this, then? " he drawled, amber eyes sweeping the scene with lazy disdain. " Oh, don't bristle, your prey's safe. No one wants that stench. " His eyes gleamed as they landed on Frostmoth, the young deputy. " We've no interest in prey, just a few humble plants, nothing more. " His tone was cordial, his posture relaxed, but the menace simmered just beneath his skin. As his gaze flicked to Stoatpaw, he stepped purposefully between her and the treeline.

" Run along now, young one. You've got nothing to fear from them. " Time was the game. Distraction, his tool. And if it meant playing the fool with a smirk and a lie, so be it, anything to give ShadowClan's shadows more time to slip away unseen.

—————————————————————————————————

I'll watch the battle until the dust is clear.

 

[Littlebrook]

⋆˚✿˖° I was dancing in the rain, I felt alive and I can't explain

A low rumble built in the back of Littlebrook's throat as she stalked forward, her paws silent but her fury loud in every twitch of her tail. Her ears flattened against her skull, hackles rising like a bristled wave down her spine. The sight of ShadowClan cats lounging so casually on their border sparked a hot, sharp flame in her chest. The audacity. They moved like they belonged, like this piece of land was theirs to trespass simply because they felt like picking plants.

Her narrowed eyes flicked briefly to Hollowmist, then landed on the larger tom who had joined, his amber eyes glinting with something far too relaxed for the tension thickening the air. " Despicable. " she hissed, voice low and cold. " The borders are there for a reason. If you're short on herbs, speak to your medicine cat, not sneak across like fox-hearts in the dark. " She didn't know, of course, that their medicine cat had already made some kind of quiet arrangement. That didn't matter. All she saw was the disrespect painted across Coalstrike's smug expression.

Her claws flexed against the earth. " I suggest you both turn back now. " she continued, tone ice-sharp. " Before we send you scurrying home with your tails between your legs. " There was no mistaking it: this was a warning. And if it wasn't heeded soon, the next sound in the still air would not be words.

✿────────────── ──────── Brook ──────── ─────────────✿

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[PIKESTAR]

Not much more needs to be said. His clanmates are furious, rightfully so. They had told Shadowclan of their borders the last time they ran into each other, and yet here they are trespassing. In other instances he would be more forgiving, but Riverclan made it clear. If anything, Shadowclan could have waited by the border and asked for some herbs. Naturally, he'd ask for them to wait for Jinglemoon and only allow two Shadowclan cats within their territory. However, Shadowclan decided it would be better to steal. And take apprentices with them.

An ugly sensation bubbled in his gut at the sight of Shadowclan apprentices looking conflicted, or at least one of them did. He was not stupid. The apprentices had no choice but to follow in the step of their mentors, or adults of their clan. These apprentices before him made criminals and were now sent away for their own safety. You shouldn't have brought them in the first place.

One Shadowclanner decides to address his deputy with malice. He nearly leaps with claws unsheathed towards Coalstrike, but Littlebrook's words cut through the fog of anger. They don't assuage him in particular, but a surge of pride twinges in his chest hearing arguably cruel words towards the Shadowclanners. He can't help it when his claws unsheathe.

What are the facts? Shadowclan knowingly crossed the border. Shadowclan has decided to steal. Shadowclan brought their apprentices for this crime. As for Riverclan? They can fight these Shadowclanners over herbs, but what about the apprentices? Will they have to hunt them down? Kill them if they refuse to cough up the stolen goods? He's sure Adderfang would be able to do so, and would argue that he shouldn't be burdened by such a decision because the apprentices are no better than the adults that guide them. But... Riverclan has an apprentice with them here too. What will they teach Rainpaw if they were to kill even one Shadowclan apprentice? Taking the life of a child was a heavy burden. And then there were the kits who would be directly effected by this outcome. Wavesong and Adderfang's kits.

Fangs grit as the image of a heavily scarred molly invades his mind. Of her promise to show the might of her own warriors if Riverclan were to cross into her land. You wouldn't even have given us a chance. Isn't that right, Hawkstar?

"Frostmoth."

He does not turn to his deputy, there is no need. The lack of warmth and eerie calm... Perhaps it caused some of his beloved clanmates to be uneasy.

"Go back to camp with Jinglemoon and Rainpaw."

The clan needed them back home than here. If anything happened to the patrol here the clan would need someone to guide them in his absence. Their home was vulnerable now. It was in Riverclan's best interest to have them rush home.

As for the criminals in front of him? Green eyes would narrow.

"Shadowclan. Whatever herbs you have now, you will return to your home with only those. Don't try and take more. The instant you try, we will tear you apart. The only reason why you live now is because of the children you brought here."

He is more than aware of the fact that his own clanmates may scowl at his decision. After all, this was letting Shadowclan off the hook with a mere cuff behind the ears. You don't know how much I want to carve his maw into a smug grin he'll be forced to wear for the rest of his life. You'd get a laugh out of this, right Hawkstar? I'm understanding you more and more. What would you do now?

"The next time you dare cross into our territory with children, make no mistake, we will strike them down just like any criminal."

If anyone thought he would amend his promise they were sorely mistaken. I refuse to let Shadowclan do as they please. I need to gather the council. I will go to Shadowclan myself and resolve this. I think its time I met their leader anyway.

 

[Stoatpaw]

——————————————— Together, we'll make our way home ✦

Stoatpaw's stomach twisted in knots as more and more cats showed up. Maybe it was okay while there were just two, but as the giant tom from the border showed up and the she-cat who threatened Fleapaw, they were steadily growing outnumbered. Even as Coalstrike showed up, speaking at Stoatpaw, she had no idea what he was saying. Her eyes were trained on the Riverclan cats, darting between them like cornered prey. She hadn't even realised as her body shook worse and worse, terrified to take another step, frozen like something caught in a monster's glowing gaze.

She couldn't move.

It wasn't until another cat showed up, she didn't know what to expect, but as he spoke, the Riverclan warriors seemed to still. She couldn't hear his voice, but there was a commanding presence he clearly had over the cats. She realised fast, painfully so, that he must be their leader. He looked far younger than any of the other leaders she had run into, but it didn't seem to stop him from drawing the black and white cat's attention away. Stoatpaw was able to shift her weight, if only slightly, readying herself to run. Until the gaze of the leader flickered over her. It was hard to lip-read out here in the dark, even more so with tears beginning to cloud her vision, but she could barely make out another threat.

Next time, she wouldn't be spared.

Stoatpaw didn't even want to risk a chance now. She couldn't trust these cats not to go awol and go after her anyway. There was a moment, just a moment, after the words slipped from the leader's lips. The apprentice took it as her opportunity. It was painfully obvious she was useless in this case, too; she would be better off running to avoid being a target. Hollowmist and Coalstrike were strong and brave warriors.

Stoatpaw was not.

In a blink, Stoatpaw turned on her back paw, still clasping the bundle of herbs in her mouth like a lifeline. Still damp paws from her first time across the river thudded loudly against the ground as she finally found it in her to run from the group like her life depended on it. It did at this point.

——— While you were sleeping,

Everything changed at once. ———

• 
  Stoatpaw
  ✦—Shadowclan apprentice | 8 Moons
  ✦—She/Her
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK, PAWSPEAK
  ✦—A slender white cat with faint lilac markings and blue eyes.
  #96d5f1
  ⤷ Written by Phoenix

 

[Jadethorn]

There's only two types of people in the world

The ones that entertain, and the ones that observe

​

It had been surprisingly easy to find the plant they were looking for. Even in the dark, Coalstrike and his apprentice were able to spot the leaves with ease. How they had been able to pinpoint the right herb out of dozens of leaves (that, to the rosette molly, looked basically identical) so easily was beyond her. Of course, appreciating the mundane of plantlife wasn't exactly a hobby of hers. She'd much rather be watching the movements and conversations of those around her, searching for information in the cats she saw and interacted with, instead of looking for meaning in flora. Suddenly, she was wondering why she was brought on this patrol, and the itch to head towards the territories center was growing. At least then it would be easy to locate all kinds of herbs without needing that knowledge. They were all in one place afterall! Waiting to be pilfered for the King's witch doctor.

She was almost grateful for the sudden intrusion. The potent smell of fish was easy to detect on the wind, along with the words carried with it. Unlike her clanmates who scowled or froze, Jadethorn couldn't help the smile that came to her lips. A perfect opportunity. She could track that god awful fish like it was a walk through the pocosin. They basically handed their camp's location on a platter, and when Coalstrike turned to her and encouraged her idea, it solidified her actions. A spotted ear flicked against the larger cat's words, a simple sign of her understanding before he slipped away just as quick. Words came out whisper soft, likely unheard through the rustling that he made leaving. "Give 'em hell, Coal."

The black rosette slipped into paws she hadn't stepped with in seasons. Ones of careful precision and silent footfalls. Jade melted into the darkness like liquid and used the noise of the stick snap – whoever did that really should learn some stars damned awareness – to slip by the Riverclan patrol. She still took a wider radius, not wanting any stray members to see her go, before she rounded around the back to track their trail to their camp. After all, they were a Clan and any group, even one made of rogues, needed a place to meet and rest. The rosette molly would make sure to find her way to it, as quick and silently as her paws would carry her.

- Exit Jadethorn -> [ THREAD LINK HERE ] -​

​

OOC ✧❦✧ Basic Info

• ooc
  —— Jadethorn has left for the medicine den in camp! Planned thread to be link <3
• 
  string of lyrics / lengty or short quote goes

  here

  ​
  ​
• Jadethorn she/her
  ❖ An Average Sized Black Rosette Tabby with Low White and Green Eyes
  ❖ Warrior of Shadowclan
  ❖ 33 moons; ages on the 8th of every month
  ❖ speech thought attack
  ❖ peaceful + healing powerplay permitted
  
  penned by Taru​

​

 

[Hollowmist]

♢Worried 'Bout The Future

Ain't Fuckin' With The Past♢

Ears swivel back at the sound of a twig snapping, Hollow stone-faced as usual but keenly aware that Stoatpaw's misstep likely alerted both sides of the sudden conflict that the jig was up. It's stance shifted slightly once Coalstrike appeared, a questioning look was briefly spared in his direction before once more staring down the patrol that only seemed to grow in number everytime they blinked. If Vanillapaw wasn't with him then she must have already been told to get out or be with one of the others. Either was acceptable.

They listened, still and silent as Coalstrike spoke with condescending words and the Riverclanners responded in kind. A flick of an ear as Stoatpaw finally got onto her paws and crashed away into the undergrowth. She would need time. They were outnumbered but Coalstrike was large and could probably take on three of these cats at once with no trouble.

There was a scoff from it's maw, relaxing their posture for a moment before darkened eyes settled on the smaller warrior among them. Littlebrook. "Threatening to kill children? And you call us fox-hearts..? Two-faced, the lot of you..!"

It was the only warning given as the chimera charged with teeth bared and claws outstretched towards Littlebrook. Coalstrike would back them up, they were positive. Anything to buy time for Stoatpaw to escape.

Ain't Got No Time To Waste On Bullshit

♢

You Know I Gotta Keep My Head On Straight

• Planned interaction!
• 
  Hollowmist
  — Thief of Shadowclan
  — It/They
  "SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  — A LH Black/Fawn Chimera W/ High White (LaPerm)
  #a7767c

 

[Frostmoth]

Others appear, and Frostmoth levels with them with an unimpressed expression. Even when he had been one of the poorly cats of the shipyard that had been forced to forage for small mollusks and washed up minnows he had never resorted to stealing from the other inhabitants. This lot is pitiful at best. A nasty feeling brews inside of him with Stoatpaw turns to skitter off. He's compelled to chase her and steal back the herbs; to scare her into never even dreaming of coming anywhere close to RiverClan territory again.

"We shouldn't let them leave with their spoils," Frostmoth remarks sourly. He's now certain that others surround them, but he hones in on what is directly in front of him. He grits his teeth when Pikestar tells him to take Jinglemoon and Rainpaw back to camp. As if he were a child. If he were not already worked up from the taunts of ShadowClanners so boldly encroaching on their territory, this has certainly made him feel far more edgy about it all. He turns to the medicine cat and his apprentice, perhaps the most innocent cats in this entire situation. "We should go. Quickly," the deputy's words are sharp, and he is nearly corralling the pair. Irritation has made his patience wear thin.

Frostmoth focuses on his duty rather than how angry he feels. Heat simmers beneath his long pelt. He feels like he's just allowed his clanmates to be walked all over. As if he's just shown ShadowClan that they don't intend to make good on his threats, and that they might be able to get away with whatever they want. He thrums out his frustrations on the rainforest floor with every quick step back towards camp. And now something else is bothering him: the idea that some of these nasty swamp-dwellers have come closer to their camp.

OH, MY GOD ★ MAKE ME IN YOUR IMAGE

• taking @Jinglemoon and @Rainpaw back to da camp </3
• ★ FROST — he/him, riverclan deputy, 17 moons
  — penned by carat, feel free to ping or dm for plots!
  — longhair black and white bicolor with blue eyes
  — peaceful powerplay ok! all interactions ok!
  
• penned by carat!

 

[Littlebrook]

⋆˚✿˖° I was dancing in the rain, I felt alive and I can't explain

The fury burning in her eyes was impossible to miss, sharp and unrelenting. She disagreed with what was happening. Deep in her chest, it twisted like a thorn. Herbs, offered freely to trespassers in the name of peace? She didn't like it. Not one bit. But she didn't attack. Not yet.

She trusted Pikestar, young though he was, she believed his heart beat for the good of the Clan. And that little white apprentice... that trembling kit didn't look like she wanted to be here any more than they wanted her here. She looked terrified, not malicious. That alone stayed her claws, for now. Still, her tail lashed violently behind her, ears flattened tight against her skull. Her eyes, narrowed to slits, remained locked on the two ShadowClanners. Were these the only ones skulking in their territory, or were there more waiting in the shadows?

She didn't get the chance to find out.

The pale warrior lunged. There was no warning, no reason, only claws, teeth, and the foul stench of betrayal. The she-cat twisted with a snarl, meeting the attack with her own ferocity. The offer of peace had been spat upon. So be it. " You were given the chance to leave!! " she spat between clenched teeth, driving a clawed paw toward Hollowmist's shoulder with a vicious rake. " And you chose this?! " Her voice was a growl, wild and cold. " Stealing our herbs, trespassing on our land, and you dare call us the villains? Pathetic, low-hearted scum! "

Blood had been drawn, and with it, the fragile peace shattered.

✿────────────── ──────── Brook ──────── ─────────────✿

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being attacked and attacking @Hollowmist !!

 

[pineheart]

✦ The moment Pineheart realises that Littlebrook is with them, his claws unsheathe, sinking into the dirt and making deep holes in the surface. He knows she is strong, that she can defend herself… but… he is afraid. So afraid of losing her, afraid of having to tell her Lilacbird that he failed, that she'll never see her mother again. He's so distracted by his own thoughts of anger and fear, that when it happens, it happens too fast.

It happens too fast for Pineheart to react in time. He sees it out of the corner of his eye, a flash of white fur, and then- Brook. Brook's voice, a snarl, the rustling of reed and bush that reveal a fight has now broken out, warnings ignored. He moves without thinking, on instinct alone, his mind on one thing; that he will let no harm come to Brook. That he will not lose someone… someone he cares for, again.

So he leaps, far but not high, aiming to knock the white cat off of Brook- he succeeds and sends them both tumbling, using his much larger frame to weigh the other cat down, nearly crushing them beneath him.

"Wrong move, rat," he snarls, and lashes out, leaving deep gashes in its face.

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
  mentor to Torrentpaw
  healing and peaceful powerplay allowed