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's iconHollowmist]

♢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's iconHollowmist]

♢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