Flare did that grin again, the one he could never quite look directly at, directed this time at their descendants, to the 'soft' one, their Desolatestar. "Oh, hush. You liked my softness, plenty. Besides, we all know she gets that from my side of the family." She would have a very long time, albeit an amazing one, meeting the rest of his- no, her family."Endless-star," the sun colored tom spoke, trotting from the plains. His pelt radiated even more, his eyes fierce and glowing, yet soft and molten at the core. Goldenstar wept, colliding with his mate, and rubbing his head against hers. "My love. My star. Starclan, Endless-star, it's really you again."
Apep raced through the tall grass before skidding to a halt. His flanks heaved as he tried to catch his breath. "Daisybell!" He called out for her. He noticed his Egyptain family gathered, and joined them briefly to say hello. But his mind was focused on his lovable mate.
"Well, I've got to keep you on your toes!" Just as she softened him, Flare was no longer as suave, more earnest and sincere. She cast a grin at his family, ones she knew well and others she'd barely known before they had passed into StarClan. When he snapped at Mockingdeath, she chittered in a tittering laugh, and then licked his cheek with a purr. "Easy now, my love. This is it. We're here, again, forever. I won't ever leave you waiting again."
Cryingwolf felt his heart seize. Warmth like no other engulfed him. His protruding fangs became completely exposed as he rumbled, more of a growl than a purr. "You're as bright as the sun. I can't start too long or I'll be blinded. I couldn't live even a heart beat without seeing your beauty, my parasite." The dark tom grinned wickedly at her. "I've missed you as well. I can't believe you kept me waiting so long." He licked her cheek as she nuzzled up to him. "Your smile is as radiant as ever."
"Aw! Cryingwolf your mate is adorable-" Mockingdeath was cut off.
"I'll slit your throat, brother. Hush." Cryingwolf snarled before calming. In Flare's presence it was difficult, even for him, to be wrathful.
Desolatestar was nose to nose with a slightly larger cat. It was a Male. Gray in color. Had her markings and eyes. "Listen, Cryingwolf. I don't care that you came first. I obviously surpassed you by becoming SunClan's leader." The tan cat scoffed at him as she stuck her nose in the air in a subtle attempt to look taller than him. She was clearly in denial that her ancestor was better. She spotted a black and white cat. "You. Side with me."
"I think my son is a bit more well mannered than you. So I will side with him." Endless-star chuckled lightly. She nuzzled her son's cheek as she rested her tail on Desolatestar. "You did an excellent job leading our Clan. As did all of the leaders. I was so proud of you." She cooed as the rest of their blood kin arrived. Moonchaser tackled Mockingdeath and the two wrestled like kits. They nearly knocked her over. "Mockingdeath! Moonchaser! Please compose yourselves." Endless-star laughed. But she became distracted as Timelessnight appeared and joined her. Where was Goldenstar?
"Sorry, mom." Moonchaser meowed apologeticly as she sat up straight.
"I'm not." Mockingdeath laughed as he swatted Endless-star's ears.
"All of you stop talking." Cryingwolf growled lowly as his eyes swept the area. Where was the flaming parasite that he called his? His ears flicked backwards as a snarl began to form on his maw. His blood boiled. Was she playing tricks on him again. No, he figured out how to detect those long ago.
The moors were a dull sight to one who admired the grand things in life - forests and cities alike. To Epochstar, the rolling hills and swaying seas of grasses, kissed by the gentle embrace of the sunlight above, never lost their charm.
Flanked by generations of ancestors and descendants, Epochstar stood on the ridge at the edge of camp, gazing out into the beautiful moors. It had been too long, far too long - but something told him he needn't worry about the future of what had one been his clan. SunClan would survive, thrive - they always had. From the lifetime he'd spent with the clan, and the many more he'd spent watching over them from above, Epoch had learned many things - but if there was one thing he'd learned above all else, it was that SunClanners were more than just cats bound by allegiance - they were survivors. And no matter how strong the wind, how fierce the flood, how bloody the battle or devastating the war - they always found a way to stand back up again, and continuing putting one paw in front of the other, forging forth in the world and embracing it as it came.
Cranestar lay upon the High Stump, completely exhausted, but he knew that the clan was long from fully repairing what was lost. Even with the Starclanners where they were, the tall tom could only imagine what it would be like when they decided to leave. His pale, green gazed stared blankly ahead, lost in complete thought. The journey of taking care of his clan was long and rough, but he continued to think optimistic.
Horizonsight and Wheatspot groomed eachother, the Starclanners father and son relationship still as strong as any one would be.
"It's there when you need it," Scorchedwings accepted her answer and turned to begin grooming her pelt, leaving the ball in Ivysong's court, if the cat wished to talk more.
She thought about it for a few moments, before politely declining. "I think I would rather stay here, just so I can help in any way that I might be able to, but ill keep that in mind for the future possibly. Its always nice to have a break sometimes" she explained with a smile.
A short laugh escaped her as she thought of all of the past SunClan leaders inside of one camp for the rest of the night. She turned and smiled at her former deputy, "Thank you, I needed that" she said, already thinking about what she would do tomorrow.
"The clan can take care of itself, for tonight. StarClan knows there are enough former leaders about, all eager to feel some old sense of authority returned," She chuckled. "Tomorrow, you can help them rebuild."
Ivysong turned to Scorchedwing, a small smile appearing on her face again at the sight of the former deputy. It felt a little weird to have a dead cat sitting next to her, talking to her, but there is a first time for everything, so she pushed the thought away. "I'm doing alright" she answered, "just... you know, a lot of stuff happened. Its a lot to take in"
"Ivysong?" Scorchedwing approached the deputy, noticing how abruptly the cat seemed to have stopped. The former deputy had a motherly bearing -strict and occasionally demanding, but warm, with clear concern- as she sat down near Ivysong. "How are you holding up...?"
Ivysong walked back into camp, a smile on her face. She and her clanmates had been gone for what seemed like forever, and the sight of home filled her with joy. But the joy only lasted a few brief moments, until the memories of the battle came flooding back. She had somehow escaped relatively unscathed, but many of her clanmates had died, along with many others from the other clans. Part of her felt as if she had let down her clan. She was the deputy, she was supposed to help everyone, and she felt like she had failed. She sat down and wrapped her tail over her paws, trying her hardest not show how distraught she was.
Pretty and Gullypaw rearranged nests in the camp, waiting for the return of their clanmates. While Pretty hated making her family wait to see them, surrounded by so many other happy reunions, she’d been reluctant to return to the battle ground and had been made even more so by Gullypaw’s presence. It seemed unthinkable to allow such a young cat to see her own corpse.
Larkfrost awoke with a gasp in the medicine den, her chest neatly dressed with pungent smelling poultice. Cobwebs lay along her body, small dots of blood speckling them. When she shifted to roll onto her belly, her entire body screamed with ache and fatigue, and her muscles felt sore. She wondered what had happened for a moment, then the skirmish came back to her. The EclipseClan cats-or so they seemed-had attacked she and Wolfsnow at the border. One had severely wounded her and she couldn't remember what happened after that.
The sun had begun to fall , casting the den in eerie yellow light. Larkfrost longed for company, her ears twitching as the brambles at the entrance shivered teasingly, though no cat came through. Sighing, Larkfrost felt her belly rumble. "Great Starclan, I'm hungry," She muttered, struggling into sitting position.
(Welcome to the site, Frosty! SunClan is currently staying with EclipseClan in Raven's Fortress (at the SunClan-EclipseClan Border Thread -- the history page was just updated last night, so if you read the last section of that you'll be brought up to date. No SunClanners are staying in this camp.)
He finished his meal quickly and lay on his side while he began grooming. Wolfsnow's thought's wandered to his sister, laying battered in the clearing. The chatter had quieted while every cat waited anxiously for news of Larkfrost's recovery from Veinpool. Wolfsnow licked his own wounds, not minding their sting as he thought of Dawnshade. The pretty she-cat was returning back and forth from the medicine den as Veinpool made use of her momentary injury. When the sun hit her fur, Wolfsnow imagined her as a warrior of Starclan, glowing brightly and watching over him with great care.
Abandoning the group of cats surrounding Larkfrost, Wolfsnow headed for the fresh kill pile. EclipseClan scent wreathed around it, sending bile up his throat. SunClan shared a joint camp temporarily with the other clan, though each Clan kept their distance from each other. He chose a plump juvenile rabbit from the heap of prey and settled beside a gorse bush, beginning to eat quietly as he watched Dawnshade break off from the cats and hurry to the medicine den. Wolfsnow would have guessed Veinpool had sent her for herbs had she been his apprentice.
Wolfsnow slithered ungracefully into camp, gently laying his sister, Larkfrost on the prickly grass. He nuzzled her fur, oblivious to the cats crowding around he and the silver-blue tabby.
Mintpaw peered out into camp for a moment. It was odd adjusting to clan life sometimes. For one, all the cats. But, that was kind of the point wasn't it? She held her head high and walked into camp.
Racconkit mewled in protest, though merely hung limply in her mother's jaws. Though she wondered where she was going, she didn't question it. She closed her eyes and waited to see where she would be taken. She shook as cold spiked all through her bones.
Speckle rolled her eyes, staring at Fenstrike the same way Veinpool was before nodding with thank towards the medicine cat. She put on her best face for diplomacy. "Thank you for your kindness, you truly are a servant of StarClan. Please, I can carry more herbs than I can kits- may they nestle on your shoulders?" she asked, moving to scoop up the four.
Squidpaw sat in the camp, the stretch of grasslands being seen for miles. His blue striped sweater was laid upon his body, dirty and full of holes, but most definitely from the twoleg place. He shivered every moment or so, but the grass around him shielded him from the cold bursts of wind. His hairless tail curled with the muscles in his shoulders, and goose pimples spread across his body.
Raccoonkit mewled helplessly. She was the strongest of her little and the least affected by their drug addicted mother. He body, however, shook with cold and each breath was an effort. She wanted to nuzzle into her sisters and feel safe and loved, something she has yet to feel from her mother, Her throat was dry as it begged for milk.
"That's basically what I was saying, better hers than any of ours...." Fenstrike grumbled under his breath. "Well, if you want to make them your problem, you can help her take them back to Raven's Castle or whatever they call it. I have to wait here for the patrol. Cranestar's orders."
Veinpool glared at Fenstrike as she had asked him "What they can offer isn't what is important at the moment," He told her "All I'm hearing from you right now are the words 'I rather let you and your kits freeze out here in the middle of nowhere without any shelter'," the medicine cat turned his head looking at the queen for a moment before looking back at the warrior his eyes still narrowed at her "If they must really offer something in return for help then the queen can help me with herbs. I already have my paws full as it is so it will be great for me to have a short break every once awhile when working," he told Fenstrike.
"I've been told to see to the camp while they're away-" Fenstrike answered, her eyes narrowing as she regarded the she-cat. "What do you have to bring us? We don't just give out charity to whoever shows up with a handful of whelps."
She startled as Veinpool approached. "They're city cats, Veinpool. What do they have to offer our clan?"
Veinpool shook out his fur out a bit against the cold weather as he gathered the few herbs he had left ready to leave for Raven's Fortress. His eyes shifted over Fenstrike finally noticing the Rouge Queen, and he couldn't help but overhear the conversation as he worked and his blue eyes narrowed slightly at Fenstrike as he did. The medicine cat stood up taking the herbs he had to gather with him as he approached the two of them. Sitting the herbs back down he looked at the warrior "Fenstrike," He said, "Are you turning down a queen and her kits?" His voice was harsh at the warrior as he could see clearly now that the rogue queen was tired and injured.
Cranestar guided the clan to Raven's Fortress, too occupied by taking the clan, he didn't realize that the Rouge Queen had been studying the camp. ( to EcC-SC Border)
"Hmm, In...tw...es..ting!" Pippa meowed to her father through the fresh-kill, then followed alongside of him and Dottie. (EcC-SC border)
"Oh, this is SunClan?" Speckle said sarcastically, "I came here on purpose- I know you clan cats live by a code. These are my kits. I need help," it pained Speckle to beg, but she hoped she could make the she-cat think helping was her own idea. She did think it was odd that there was nothing in the SunClan camp though.
"Where's the rest of the clan? Maybe some of your clanmates will know what to do."
"We don't have any prey here," Fenstrike stated the obvious- the clan's freshkill pile had been drained away with the outgoing patrol, who didn't have any reason to just let it stay and rot. She didn't feel any particular alliance with this strange loner and with the tone she was taking, Fenstrike was all the more quick to dismiss her as more trouble than she was worth. She wasn't SunClan; she wasn't Fenstrike's problem. "You're on Clan territory, you couldn't've missed our scent markers."
Speckle opened one eye halfway, unable to rise to her cut paws. "Now? I'm a queen in need. I've been walking for days. Do you really need any more information?" she bit, her voice scarred and angry from her old wound and a lack of water.
She motioned to her kittens, "I gave birth on the way. They're probably cold and just as hungry as I. I have no milk to give- not yet."
The she-cat felt warmer next to the strong tom and she managed a smile. "Thank you, Burdockbone." she replied formally. It felt like moons since she had been near him, and she enjoyed the tom's scent again. Despite not being well recently, it felt good to get out and get moving again. She pressed her side against his for support even though she knew she didn't need it.
Fenstrike looked up in alarm as an almost skeletal she-cat appeared over the ridge of the camp and cursed herself for not smelling her coming. A thick city-scent hung over her, nearly causing Fenstrike to wrinkle up her nose as she started toward the cat. "Who are you?" She demanded. With the rest of the clan gone to the border, she was alone in the camp, where she'd been waiting for a patrol to return at Cranestrike's order.
Tulipkit let out loud squeals, much like kittens do when they’re first born. She was hungry, and wanted to suckle until her belly was full. Of course she was overcome with fatigue as well, being a drug baby. She didn’t have much in her yet, but would later in life. She would be just fine.
Speckle crested the hill of SunClan's camp slowly, limping with all four legs, and stiffly grumbled at her kittens as they all hung by their scruffs from her jaws. One of them trailed the ground, picking up burrs and thorns in her hindquarters, but Speckle could not be bothered to pick up her neck- her entire torso ached from walking, and her body was covered in the marks and bruises of abuse. She was a stranger to the camp and smelled of the city- and though she knew she was taking a bold risk in coming to SunClan, she hoped few would remember her, and anybody who did would take the safety of her kits over the threat she posed.
But she was in a sorry state- thirst and hunger were making her totter to either side as she waited to be accosted at the top of the hill, and in a dramatic flair, the skeletal gray and tan she-cat dropped her kittens, which tumbled down the hill like brightly colored snowballs.
She quickly followed, rolling right along after them.
"We're going to move somewhere a little more sheltered," Burdockbone answered Dawnshade, stooping down to gently pick her up to her paws. A low purr rumbled through his chest, "I'll help you get there, don't worry about taking it slow. We have a few hours of daylight left."
Noah heard the request of the leader, and immediately padded over to the fresh kill pile and picked up what he could. He turned to watch his mate, Dottie, helping with the medicine cat herbs. It was odd seeing his family working with the clan cats, but thy had been here for a few moons now but he still couldn't shake the new-ness of it yet. He had expected to live in the barn for his whole life with just Dottie yet here they were with a whole clan of cats and kittens who were growing too fast. Soon, they would be having even more kits, and a smile crossed his face as he watched his mate across the camp clearing. A small voice grabbed his attention and he looked down to see his daughter. "Th' city is a really big place. Bigger then you could dream of." he replied, with a hint of wonder in his voice. He had never been there himself and never thought he would go there. He preferred being away from two-legs and their monsters and strange loud noises. Suddenly he wasn't sure if it would be the best place to raise more kits and his heart lurched.
Dawnshade had been sick with a cough for nearly half a moon it seemed, but finally she had reached a break in the illness as gained enough energy to get up and stretch her legs. She lay out on a dry patch of earth, grooming her dirty fur in the crisp air of late leaf-bare .She stretched her paws out; her muscles sore from not being used in too long. Once she had finished cleaning herself, she padded up to Burdockbone, happy to see the tom in good health. "What's happening? Have I slept through something?" she wondered with a foggy mind.
"I'll wait for them here," Fenstrike confirmed with Cranestar, trying to keep a grimace off her face as she considered any reality in which they had to live with EclipseClanners for the foreseeable future. Well, either it will go well and it won't be that terrible to stay or it'll go poorly and be short. She glanced around the camp, checking on the reactions of her clanmates.
Robinflame peeked up at the sound of her name falling from her leader's lips. She'd been rather skeptical since his announcement of the alliance, not really willing to trust eclipseclan' intentions. With a slight huff, she nodded toward Cranestar before grabbing what she could carry from the fresh-kill pile.
Cranestar held a stoic expression, however a thankful grin curled at the edges of his muzzle. "I think that we should depart as soon as possible. As long as Veinpool is ready then I believe that now would be the proper time to do so." It had been a few days since the kits of Fencestar where born, so he assumed that she would be ready for them. The chausie' pale gaze shifted to Dottie, who seemed a little confused. "I best tell everyone," his meow was calm and rather thoughtful as he dismissed himself with a proper flick of his tail then padded in front of High Stump. It made no sense to him to climb all the way just to leave. The tall tom stood tall as he spoke out. "Everyone! It is time that were make our departure to Raven's Fortress! I believe that this can be done easily if we can all work together as a group..." The tall, caramel tom allowed his words to sink in before he raised his voice again. "Elders, Queens, Kits, and anyone who does not feel comfortable standing on the outside of the group, please stand in the center, Warriors and Apprentices go around them. We don't want anyone left behind. We will also need a small group to carry some fresh-kill...Robinflame, Noah, Pippa, Thunderpaw and Lavenderpaw, please carry what you can. Dottie, I'd like you, Salmontail, and Silverpaw to help Veinpool carry herbs." He called out orders with a certain kindness shining through his content voice, however his voice certainly wasn't soft. "Fenstrike, would you find the patrol that left to come straight to Raven's Fortress when they're finished?"
Dottie's ears perked up when the leader meowed throughout the open camp. She recognized the familiar face of Veinpool, so with a shy smile, the Queen padded over to the groups of herbs. She tried her best to decide the easiest ways to pick them up.
Pippa padded to her father when they were both called to help out with carrying fresh-kill. "Why d' we gotta leave again, Pa'? The tiny, kit-sized apprentice asked Noah. She loved to explore, however this was a whole entire other level. "Will the city be anythin' like where you and Mama grew up at?" The black and white molly with a single, ginger spot asked another question, her lime colored gaze looking up at him with wonder.
"Dawnshade is our only sick cat, I believe-" Burdockbone answered Cranestar with a polite dip of his head. "I'll get her ready to go. When will we be departing?"
Rumblepaw couldn't help the excitement that shone on her face as she followed along with the other cats. She shook her head in response to Pretty's question. "Not really, actually!" (SC Territory)
Cranestar felt his long legs trudge forward as he reached the camp, he was exhausted and clearly the journey back was rough and a pain in any cat's tail. His pale, green eyes turned to Burdockbone and Veinpool and he greeting them with a nod. "An argument was about happen, however Fencestar fell and had her kits. I believed she lost a life as well, that's exactly when it ended." He meowed in a low voice, his stoic expression remained unchanging. The tall chausie's ears flicked slightly as he spoke. "Burdockbone, do you mind preparing the injured and sick?"
Dottie watched the cats pour into the open camp, their paw steps crunching against the snow. The molly smiled when she saw her tiny daughter run amongst the group. The queen couldn't believe that she'd have another set of paws, it certainly wasn't hard to tell now.
Pippa alongside the group, yawning out of exhaustion. "Gee, I'uh could sleep fo' moons!" She meowed with a small chuckle to whoever was around her.
Ravenblood head out camp along Sunstrike and Pretty ready to catch some prey she might come across out in the territory as she padded along side the other warrior. (SC Territory)
Veinpool watched as a patrol had headed off out of camp before then watching the cats from the gathering came back into camp. He noticed a lot of the cats that had went to the gathering looked exhausted and he wondered what happened there seeing as he wasn't able to join them to Hawk's tree this time.
"Yay!" Pretty meowed and fell in step with the rest of the patrol as they began to head out, falling back to stay next to the other apprentice.
"Have you been out in the territory much?" She asked. [SC Terr]
As the patrol headed out, Fenstrike and the rest of the gathering patrol returned to the camp. No sooner had she entered the clearing than she nearly collapsed into her nest, too exhausted with the long night and trek to Hawk's Tree and back to consider the night's events in any sort of detail.
Sunstrike smiled at Rumblepaw, Öf course you can come!" the tom laughed padding beside Ravenblood now that the mood was a lighter than it was. He padded out of the camp with the group ready to catch as much prey as he could.
(We'll never complain about length, the more the better! Welcome to the RP :D)
Pretty opened her mouth to give Rumblepaw a cheery "of course!" but thought better of it, realizing that it would be seen as just one more blow against her reputation if she acted as though she was the one in charge of the patrol, not the actual warriors.
Instead she gave the other apprentice a little smile settled for a shy "Hi!"
(I have to apologise for the intro of my new character being this long! Feel free to skim over it or read just the last 2 paragraphs if it is too much. I would also like to say I am looking forward to start my RPing journey with you all. ^_^)
Rumblepaw was lying in a small patch of dried leaves and grass near the edge of camp (it was her own makeshift nest, if you will). The words of the Clan's Leader were still echoing through her head as she attempted to process them. As a kit, she wasn't kept up-to-date on the very important issues and affairs of the Clan. Now that she was an Apprentice, however, she was a large paw-step closer to becoming a noble and wise Warrior, meaning she had much more responsibility today than she'd had only yesterday.
What stood out in her thoughts most while thinking on what Cranestar had said was his mentioning that everyone in the Clan was his family. That made her happy. Family was important to Rumblepaw, and she felt the very same way her Leader did. She didn't have a mother or a father to look up to, but she had others: the strong and honest and kind Warriors of SunClan. She didn't understand everything, but she trusted Cranestar above all else. If he thought another Clan should be accepted into their own, she was fine with it.
Nodding decisively to herself, she stood and shook the grass from her dusty-brown, tabby pelt. SunClan was her home, and it meant more to her than anything to be able to defend and take care of it. So, she could think of no reason not to immediately start learning everything she could about her role and duties. And, just as she began to think of anything to do, she heard Pretty's voice calling out. "...We're gonna go hunting!"
Rumblepaw's ears perked up, and she looked around until she spotted the she-cat talking to two Warriors. All at once the group seemed somewhat intimidating. Even so, she stepped a bit closer to listen in on the conversation, and overheard one of the cats speaking: "All cats should know when they're becoming a Warrior that they should help their fellow Clanmates in any way possible..." A smile crossed her lips and her tail twitched happily. She couldn't agree more with the Warrior's statement.
The rest of the conversation was lost on her as a rush of newfound confidence swept through her and she bounded over to Ravenblood, Sunstripe, and Pretty. Feeling as though she was interrupting, Rumblepaw shifted on her paws and spoke softly, "Could I... come, too?"
"I know you mean any disrespect," Ravenblood told the young she-cat "You were just trying to help out, and that's good. All cats should know when they're becoming a warrior that they should help their fellow clanmates anyway possible and I can tell that your going to become a fine warrior," Ravenblood gave a small smile towards Pretty "So I'll help you now by coming along with you both on the patrol. Three cats are usually enough for patrol so I think our best bet will be hunting at the Abandoned barn since some of the prey will be looking for shelter and warmth," She told the two of them.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean any disrespect," Pretty's ears drooped as a light blush rose to her cheeks. "So... you're game to come along? You warriors can decide where we're going, of course, I wasn't really thinking ahead that far."
Ravenblood closed their eyes for a second in thought before opening them and looking at Pretty again "Just this once I'll let this slide since I can't help but somewhat respect you for taking charge and gathering the patrol yourself," she told the apprentice before looking at Sunstrike as they continued "Like some warrior should have done himself,"
Sunstripe looked to Ravenblood as Pretty replied. *there isn't anything to be ashamed of being an apprentice* he thought for a moment, before shaking his ruffled fur at Ravenbloods scolding tone.
Veinpool looked around one final time around camp not paying mind to the cats that greeted him. The old medicine cat sighed sadly in realization at the fact that he had no apprentice anymore or anyone to help him. It seemed that every cat he was to teach had left the clan and he was starting to think that by the time he left for Starclan there be on one to care for Sunclan anymore.
Ravenblood's black fur was fluffed up a bit against the cold with as she heard her name called. The she-cat got off the grass and made her way off to where Pretty and Sunstrike were at "Yeah I'll come along with you two." She told them. Ravenblood looked at Pretty as they were the one gathering the hunting patrol "Aren't you an apprentice?" She asked them.
"That sounds nice!" Pretty perked up, "I'll go see who's around!"
Without waiting for an answer and not really comprehending the magnitude of the fopaux, she started calling out for warriors to join them. "Eveningbird, Salmontail, Wormtail... ummm.... Swiftlet or Dovewhisper, could you possibly join us for a patrol? We're gonna go out hunting!"
"No, I just became an apprentice." Pretty answered. She leaned forward, trying to get a better view over the clumps of dormant grass across their territory. "Do you know what they're like?"
Pretty's ears drooped as she watched so many of their warriors start off for the gathering. She wanted to go, but she knew it would be presumptuous to just come along, and so she remained rooted in place. As Sunstripe approached the High Stump she got up and dipped her head to him, realizing that she'd been sitting in the way.
Veinpool watched as Cranestar had leaped off the Highstump and lead cats to Hawk's tree. The old medicine cat decided to stay at camp this gathering to take care of the remaining herbs he had so he would be prepared for the journey to Raven's fortress once Sunclan and EclipseClan started moving the sick and injured.
Sunstripe sat in the clearing his paws shifting as he licked his fur, moving into the warriors den to see if anyone was still in there. "Hello?"Anyone in here?" he asked sitting at the entrance and waiting for a reply.
The thin reddish furred she-cat stood, her joints popping in several places as she did so. She'd been agile in her youth, but as she continued to grow old it seemed her body complained about every little thing she did. Eating was a struggle, anything she swallowed just came right back up. It was a curious symptom, but seeing as nothing else really went right with her life she shrugged it off. The smell of rabbit causing her queasiness to increase ten fold. Shaking herself firmly, Robinflame followed after Cranestar.
Cranestar looked over the cats whom surrounded him, his face stern, yet somehow filled with a certain calm warmth. His pale green gaze looked over each and every one of them as he explained to his clanmates what had been happening. "As some of you may have found out, Fencestar had come to us asking for an alliance. I have agreed to this due to the recent actions of both EarthClan and MoonClan. Those clans are strong, but we must not let them pulls us apart. You are all my family and I wouldn't do this if I thought that it wouldn't help us continue to thrive. After the gathering, Eclipseclan and ours will coexist. We will be allowed to travel to their camp as they will to ours, send out larger patrols, and all sick and injured cats will go to Raven's Fortress where herbs and our medicine cats will be." Moving on easily to a different subject, the Chausie didn't let it settle for very long. "It is time that we must travel to the Gathering, those who are well enough for the short journey, follow me, we don't have time to waste." Cranestar dismissed the meeting then leaped off the stump and led the clan to Hawk's Tree. ( To the Gathering Thread)
Pippa wasn't very surprised at the news, however she was excited for her first gathering. With a bright smile, the molly followed Cranestar. (Gathering thread)
Dottie decided that it would be best for her to stay and not travel far. She gave Noah a light lick on his ear, wondering what he'd decide to do.
"Here we go..." Fenstrike muttered under her breath and got up to her paws to join them, Burdockbone taking up a seat beside her and whispering, "Isn't it the full moon...?"
"Oh, yeah it is." Fenstrike blinked. "Do you think we're attending the gathering?"
"I imagine it depends on what Fencestar is doing, all things considered..."
Cranestar dipped his head in agreement with the molly's words, then soon watched her leave. The muscular tom knew that the gathering would come soon as well, so with a leap onto Highstump, he called out to his clan. "Let all cats old enough to run to the hills and back join me for a clan meeting, we've got much to discuss!"
Pippa was just about to answer Thunderpaw when she heard the leader's voice ring out. "Looks like we'll have to stay here for now," she whispered softly.
Burdockbone returned to the camp with his small patrol of apprentices and a few stray cats who had been out hunting long before Fencestar and Cranestar's meeting was over. Fenstrike wandered near them, trying to look casual as she eavesdropped, and reported back to the warriors, but that proved unnecessary: the leaders' purpose was clear far before it was formally announced and conversation moved instead to what to make of it, not merely what it was.
After Fencestar's confession, her and Cranestar began to converse privately. The words were tense, with Fencestar knowing that the implications of this deal would be felt for moons to come. She also knew that, if Cranestar ordered it, her body would be bashed against the rocks of the river come daybreak. Cranestar was physically much larger than her and in a much better shape to fight in- kits made for a rough battle.
But the speech was made, and the two cats raised their voices in finality, just as the sun began to rise.
"So, it's agreed?" Fencestar spoke, "We'll combine our borders, and merge a camp for the sick and injured at Raven's Fortress, where both of our medicine cats will work towards healing, while warriors from EclipseClan will be welcome to bed here, and warriors from SunClan will be welcome to find warmth in our camp. We will combine our resources to fight the oncoming threats both our clans face- to help us defend against the rogues and MoonClan, and yourself with EarthClan. And we agree to hold this agreement until we both consent to end it?"
She looked towards the chausie who towered over her, knowing it was in his full rights to refuse- but they'd been talking intently for hours. There was nothing left to be said- she hoped.
Robinflame trotted into Sunclan's camp, a rabbit hung limply in her jaws. She'd gone out earlier that morning by herself, needing some time to cool off from recent events. The Sunclan/Moonclan fight was still fresh in her mind, especially because she was no match for a lowly apprentice. She dropped off the fresh-kill before spinning around on her paws to find someone to bother. Her light blue eyes landed on owlswoop's pelt, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "Hey there, mind if I join you?" She grinned down at the tom-cat, hoping he was in a talkative mood today.
"If that were the case, I doubt she'd be sitting in our camp..." Fenstrike murmured, her apprehension clear in her voice as she considered edging closer to eavesdrop, before deciding against it and sitting down next to Dovewhisper.
"Maybe they also are having trouble with EarthClan," She speculated with a shrug and decided to stop gawking.
Dovewhisper paused in her brief grooming session and turned to Fenstrike as she spoke, her expression turning to one of concern. "No," she said simply, turning to look confusedly at the small group of cats stood at a distance. She hardly recognized the one speaking to Cranestar, but it was obvious the cat was a leader simply in the way she held herself. What they were talking about, Dovewhisper didn't know. The meeting seemed to be a peaceful one, and Dovewhisper was normally a peaceful cat, but she couldn't bring herself to be welcoming of this foreign clanner, what with the... recent events. "And with luck, we won't have to be involved."
"Do you know what that's about?" Fenstrike murmured to Eveningbird and Dovewhisper, gathering with a clump of other warriors in the camp. She nodded toward Fencestar and Cranestar, barely recognizing the EclipseClan leader from the one gathering she'd attended as a young apprentice.
Dawnshade lay in the tall grass of SunClan, sides rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to breathe. It seemed she was the only sick warrior in the clan, which was odd. She lifted her head as the EclipseClan leader approached and talked but the words were fuzzy to her ears. She was able to make out the form of Burdockbone leaving the camp; his handsome young form truly a sight for sore eyes. She hadn't found the voice to tell the tom she liked him more than just a clan-mate. Had he forgotten her since she became sick? No, he was better than that. Her clouded mind slipping into paranoia, Dawnshade laid her head back down on the earth and wondered if she would live to see the tom return from his duties. She curled herself into a ball in an attempt to warm herself.
Fencestar grew softly envious of the way Cranestar’s warriors surrounded him protectively like a forest of guardians. Had this been a meeting in her own camp, she was certain it would dissolve itself into an encounter of fear on her comrade’s habits of approaching outsiders like a thousand rats, ready to pounce. Hungry ones.
if she had any warriors to spare, that was. EclipseClan was running rather low on members as it stood.
She warmly beamed to Veinpool, missing the warning scold of his words completely amid her own cushioned worldview. She was happy to help.
She lowered her voice now, knowing privacy was fleeting, but did so that only Veinpool and Cranestar would hear. Her voice was velvet-smooth and tinted with dark anger, fitting of Cranestar’s growling outburst.
”Dont trouble yourself with concerns over my tail. MoonClan is the real enemy, and if I may be so bold as to tell you my clan has not been immune to their arrogant attacks. I’ve come alone- I have no warriors to spare. but if I may continue, with this meeting it is my hope that we can come to a conclusion that results in more than herbs being shared between our two clans. I want alliance.” Fencestar bared her cards for the cats to view, Shamelessly and with vulnerability. The only thing protecting her was the fact of her pregnancy coupled with SunClan’s rumored adherance to a code of honor.
Burdockbone dipped his head to his leader and started heading toward the territory, expecting Archpaw to follow. He glanced back at them, curious despite himself over what the conversation could hold, before crossing over the lip of the camp and into the territory. [SC Terr]
Cranestar felt a quiet sigh rise deep within his throat as he sat and curled his long tail. "I wish I could disagree, but my clan recently had a battle with MoonClan, one in which they decided to take as many herbs and lives of our clanmates as they could." A short-lived growl found it's way into the muscular tom, it was simple then to tell that he was not pleased.
However it didn't last long when he found one of his warriors interrupting gently, the warmth in his face grew again. His pale, green gaze soon turned back to the Eclispeclan leader, knowing that once Burdockbone returned, then he would need a meeting to explain to them why Fencestar had come. It was only fair.
"Thank you for your offer, Fencestar, Veinpool may be very pleased to hear this," the leader meowed with a soft grin looming on his muzzle again. He was careful at what he would state, knowing that Eclipseclanners could be rather tricky, but found it easy to speak with the other leader. The tom soon watched as Veinpool had approached. 'Hmm, Veinpool is right...I wonder why she decided to travel alone...' He thought to himself with a flick of his tufted ears.
---
Pippa tilted her head ever so delicately when Thunderpaw began to frown. "I won' as long as you don' either, okay?" She answered while her tail swished at her side. The black and white molly with a ginger spot on her neck then took a bite out of the bird, a satisfied purr escaping her mouth.
Veinpool's ears pricked up slightly as his gaze meet the eclipseclan leader's own. The medicine cat made his way over to Fencestar and dipped his head in greeting "Fencestar I'm glad to see you made it." He said to the she-cat "I hope that you're in a some-what good condition from the journey." He hummed, trying not to sound snappish or to scold the queen for what he'd heard from the other cats that he had passed, that she had traveled alone.
Pippa grabbed a young wren then lay beside Thunderpaw, beginning to pluck at the feathers of the bird as they spoke. "Yeah! We should do it again, excep' maybe I'uh will catch somethin' small instead of a cat," the tiny molly giggled, reminding herself that she pounced on the EclipseClanner's tail.
"Take Pretty with you!" Burdockbone called after Silverpaw as she ran off. Pretty's ears pricked forward and she started off after Silverpaw, despite having little idea of what was going on.
"Wait up!" She called as she tore after the other apprentice, catching up as quickly as she could on her stubbier legs.
Burdockbone gave an amused sigh, enjoying Silverpaw's enthusiasm even has he was exasperated by her lack of caution or thought. "Ready to head out?" He asked Archpaw.
Silverpaw perked up immediately at the presence of Burdockbone and turned his way to face him. He sat up straight and his long tail began to sway gently as he was approached and listened quietly, "A clan meeting?" He inquired curiously but he seemed excited no matter how he tried to hold it in, "I'll be as swift as a hawk!" He challenged and without hesitation he bounded off on his way out of the camp and into clan territory, not bothering to see if Nightpaw was stalking after him but he assumed he would catch up at some point.
Burdockbone eyed the leaders once more and slunk around the edge of the camp, looking for a quick-running cat he could send out for the patrols. He spotted Pretty, but dismissed her outright, not quite trusting her tracking sense or ability to navigate the territory. He padded up to a group of apprentices and meowed, "Silverpaw and Nightpaw, will you to together and bring back the hunting patrol that went out this morning? There may be a clan meeting and they'll want to be in attendance. Archpaw, if you could come with me for a similar purpose, we should head out soon."
Fencestar smiled politely at the handsome tom, letting out a small cough of parched activities before continuing.
“It’s nice to meet you- I’m saddened to hear of Flintstar’s demise, but thrilled to see another friendly face take the lead.” Fencestar addressed the old leader’s absence, noting it odd that SunClan had overturned leadership so many times on such a short period- she knew even less of Windstar. The clans had been separated by circumstances of war and news traveled slow without gatherings.
The little tabby sighed, humbly bowed her head, and cast her olive gaze up into his in her next bout of diplomatic speech. “In a gathering moons ago, Flintstar extended an invitation to meet and talk about the state of both our clans. That’s why I’ve come so far- just to talk. And to rest, if you don’t mind. Kits weigh a lot more when you’ve no choice but to carry them,” she said, interjecting her pregnancy into the conversation seamlessly.
SPOT
Cranestar kept his eyes on the molly, remembering the military led leader, Flintstar, and honeslty made himself feel self-conscious. 'I can only hope that what I am doing for the clan is helpful,' the muscular tom thought with soft nod of his head, however content when she changed the subject.
"Of course, with all that has been happening, I would like to continue this conversation," Cranestar meowed, his pale green eyes glancing toward Veinpool for a short moment. He knew it had to be hard on the older tom to go looking for herbs again, especially with Leaf-bare. A warm grin fell onto the tom's face as he looked back onto Fencestar. He wasn't used to speaking to leaders, let alone pregnant ones, but Cranestar tried his best to stay diplomatic. "I don't mind, you're welcome to stay and rest then we can speak more about this. There aren't any dens and isn't much of camp for me show you, but anywhere around the roots of High-stump are the warmest places to rest. If you need the Medicine cat, just give out a call to Veinpool." He meowed, the chausie's long tail pointing toward the stump.
KAM
Fencestar shook her head, “Understanding of my need to lie down is enough- I don’t think I could make the journey,” she said as she sunk to her side, stretching out over the poking grass. She wasn’t cold- EclipseClan had shelter from the wind, but the moistness of the air was prevalent and the mold of EclipseClan’s camp made it seem all the colder. Her coat was short, but thick, and only slightly ruffled by her journey.
“I must admit, I was hoping your clan was faring a little better. EarthClan and MoonClan are seeming stronger every day, this side of the river is suffering in comparison,” Fencestar hoped she didn’t seem rude. “We just overcame our own troubles with disease. Veinpool has his paws full, I see. He is welcome onto our territory, as are all medicine cats, to search for herbs. We have plenty in the twoleg gardens,” Fencestar invited, hoping to open a dialogue. Without stating it, she wanted alliance. Safety on one side of the border s she could focus on the rogues and EarthClan, Baring on either side.
she made eye contact with Veinpool and waved the Old tomcat over. She Likewise smiled in greeting to Burdockbone, calling out.
”Make no fuss over me. Security of your borders is paramount.”
Flare did that grin again, the one he could never quite look directly at, directed this time at their descendants, to the 'soft' one, their Desolatestar. "Oh, hush. You liked my softness, plenty. Besides, we all know she gets that from my side of the family." She would have a very long time, albeit an amazing one, meeting the rest of his- no, her family. "Endless-star," the sun colored tom spoke, trotting from the plains. His pelt radiated even more, his eyes fierce and glowing, yet soft and molten at the core. Goldenstar wept, colliding with his mate, and rubbing his head against hers. "My love. My star. Starclan, Endless-star, it's really you again."
Apep raced through the tall grass before skidding to a halt. His flanks heaved as he tried to catch his breath. "Daisybell!" He called out for her. He noticed his Egyptain family gathered, and joined them briefly to say hello. But his mind was focused on his lovable mate.
"Well, I've got to keep you on your toes!" Just as she softened him, Flare was no longer as suave, more earnest and sincere. She cast a grin at his family, ones she knew well and others she'd barely known before they had passed into StarClan. When he snapped at Mockingdeath, she chittered in a tittering laugh, and then licked his cheek with a purr. "Easy now, my love. This is it. We're here, again, forever. I won't ever leave you waiting again."
Cryingwolf felt his heart seize. Warmth like no other engulfed him. His protruding fangs became completely exposed as he rumbled, more of a growl than a purr. "You're as bright as the sun. I can't start too long or I'll be blinded. I couldn't live even a heart beat without seeing your beauty, my parasite." The dark tom grinned wickedly at her. "I've missed you as well. I can't believe you kept me waiting so long." He licked her cheek as she nuzzled up to him. "Your smile is as radiant as ever."
"Aw! Cryingwolf your mate is adorable-" Mockingdeath was cut off.
"I'll slit your throat, brother. Hush." Cryingwolf snarled before calming. In Flare's presence it was difficult, even for him, to be wrathful.
(I LOVE YOU TOO TWIN ♡)
Desolatestar was nose to nose with a slightly larger cat. It was a Male. Gray in color. Had her markings and eyes. "Listen, Cryingwolf. I don't care that you came first. I obviously surpassed you by becoming SunClan's leader." The tan cat scoffed at him as she stuck her nose in the air in a subtle attempt to look taller than him. She was clearly in denial that her ancestor was better. She spotted a black and white cat. "You. Side with me."
"I think my son is a bit more well mannered than you. So I will side with him." Endless-star chuckled lightly. She nuzzled her son's cheek as she rested her tail on Desolatestar. "You did an excellent job leading our Clan. As did all of the leaders. I was so proud of you." She cooed as the rest of their blood kin arrived. Moonchaser tackled Mockingdeath and the two wrestled like kits. They nearly knocked her over. "Mockingdeath! Moonchaser! Please compose yourselves." Endless-star laughed. But she became distracted as Timelessnight appeared and joined her. Where was Goldenstar?
"Sorry, mom." Moonchaser meowed apologeticly as she sat up straight.
"I'm not." Mockingdeath laughed as he swatted Endless-star's ears.
"All of you stop talking." Cryingwolf growled lowly as his eyes swept the area. Where was the flaming parasite that he called his? His ears flicked backwards as a snarl began to form on his maw. His blood boiled. Was she playing tricks on him again. No, he figured out how to detect those long ago.
The moors were a dull sight to one who admired the grand things in life - forests and cities alike. To Epochstar, the rolling hills and swaying seas of grasses, kissed by the gentle embrace of the sunlight above, never lost their charm.
Flanked by generations of ancestors and descendants, Epochstar stood on the ridge at the edge of camp, gazing out into the beautiful moors. It had been too long, far too long - but something told him he needn't worry about the future of what had one been his clan. SunClan would survive, thrive - they always had. From the lifetime he'd spent with the clan, and the many more he'd spent watching over them from above, Epoch had learned many things - but if there was one thing he'd learned above all else, it was that SunClanners were more than just cats bound by allegiance - they were survivors. And no matter how strong the wind, how fierce the flood, how bloody the battle or devastating the war - they always found a way to stand back up again, and continuing putting one paw in front of the other, forging forth in the world and embracing it as it came.
Cranestar lay upon the High Stump, completely exhausted, but he knew that the clan was long from fully repairing what was lost. Even with the Starclanners where they were, the tall tom could only imagine what it would be like when they decided to leave. His pale, green gazed stared blankly ahead, lost in complete thought. The journey of taking care of his clan was long and rough, but he continued to think optimistic.
Horizonsight and Wheatspot groomed eachother, the Starclanners father and son relationship still as strong as any one would be.
"It's there when you need it," Scorchedwings accepted her answer and turned to begin grooming her pelt, leaving the ball in Ivysong's court, if the cat wished to talk more.
She thought about it for a few moments, before politely declining. "I think I would rather stay here, just so I can help in any way that I might be able to, but ill keep that in mind for the future possibly. Its always nice to have a break sometimes" she explained with a smile.
"If you want some peace, the Sky Rocks should be safe tonight," Scorchedwings offered, greeting Ivysong with a small smile.
A short laugh escaped her as she thought of all of the past SunClan leaders inside of one camp for the rest of the night. She turned and smiled at her former deputy, "Thank you, I needed that" she said, already thinking about what she would do tomorrow.
Scorchedwings nodded, understanding.
"The clan can take care of itself, for tonight. StarClan knows there are enough former leaders about, all eager to feel some old sense of authority returned," She chuckled. "Tomorrow, you can help them rebuild."
Ivysong turned to Scorchedwing, a small smile appearing on her face again at the sight of the former deputy. It felt a little weird to have a dead cat sitting next to her, talking to her, but there is a first time for everything, so she pushed the thought away. "I'm doing alright" she answered, "just... you know, a lot of stuff happened. Its a lot to take in"
"Ivysong?" Scorchedwing approached the deputy, noticing how abruptly the cat seemed to have stopped. The former deputy had a motherly bearing -strict and occasionally demanding, but warm, with clear concern- as she sat down near Ivysong. "How are you holding up...?"
Ivysong walked back into camp, a smile on her face. She and her clanmates had been gone for what seemed like forever, and the sight of home filled her with joy. But the joy only lasted a few brief moments, until the memories of the battle came flooding back. She had somehow escaped relatively unscathed, but many of her clanmates had died, along with many others from the other clans. Part of her felt as if she had let down her clan. She was the deputy, she was supposed to help everyone, and she felt like she had failed. She sat down and wrapped her tail over her paws, trying her hardest not show how distraught she was.
Pretty and Gullypaw rearranged nests in the camp, waiting for the return of their clanmates. While Pretty hated making her family wait to see them, surrounded by so many other happy reunions, she’d been reluctant to return to the battle ground and had been made even more so by Gullypaw’s presence. It seemed unthinkable to allow such a young cat to see her own corpse.
(Hey Lake, you need to go to the forums and click on the borders tab. Sunclan- Ecclipseclan border is where Sunclan is currently living.)
The sad camp remained empty.
Larkfrost awoke with a gasp in the medicine den, her chest neatly dressed with pungent smelling poultice. Cobwebs lay along her body, small dots of blood speckling them. When she shifted to roll onto her belly, her entire body screamed with ache and fatigue, and her muscles felt sore. She wondered what had happened for a moment, then the skirmish came back to her. The EclipseClan cats-or so they seemed-had attacked she and Wolfsnow at the border. One had severely wounded her and she couldn't remember what happened after that.
The sun had begun to fall , casting the den in eerie yellow light. Larkfrost longed for company, her ears twitching as the brambles at the entrance shivered teasingly, though no cat came through. Sighing, Larkfrost felt her belly rumble. "Great Starclan, I'm hungry," She muttered, struggling into sitting position.
(Welcome to the site, Frosty! SunClan is currently staying with EclipseClan in Raven's Fortress (at the SunClan-EclipseClan Border Thread -- the history page was just updated last night, so if you read the last section of that you'll be brought up to date. No SunClanners are staying in this camp.)
Puddles collected in the empty camp.
He finished his meal quickly and lay on his side while he began grooming. Wolfsnow's thought's wandered to his sister, laying battered in the clearing. The chatter had quieted while every cat waited anxiously for news of Larkfrost's recovery from Veinpool. Wolfsnow licked his own wounds, not minding their sting as he thought of Dawnshade. The pretty she-cat was returning back and forth from the medicine den as Veinpool made use of her momentary injury. When the sun hit her fur, Wolfsnow imagined her as a warrior of Starclan, glowing brightly and watching over him with great care.
Abandoning the group of cats surrounding Larkfrost, Wolfsnow headed for the fresh kill pile. EclipseClan scent wreathed around it, sending bile up his throat. SunClan shared a joint camp temporarily with the other clan, though each Clan kept their distance from each other. He chose a plump juvenile rabbit from the heap of prey and settled beside a gorse bush, beginning to eat quietly as he watched Dawnshade break off from the cats and hurry to the medicine den. Wolfsnow would have guessed Veinpool had sent her for herbs had she been his apprentice.
Wolfsnow slithered ungracefully into camp, gently laying his sister, Larkfrost on the prickly grass. He nuzzled her fur, oblivious to the cats crowding around he and the silver-blue tabby.
"What happened?"
"Is she okay?"
"Mother, why is he not listening-"
"Shh!"
(Hi Cherry! All of SunClan is currently staying in a joint camp with EclipseClan, which you can find on the SunClan-EclipseClan Border Thread)
The humid new-leaf breeze whistled across the camp.
Mintpaw peered out into camp for a moment. It was odd adjusting to clan life sometimes. For one, all the cats. But, that was kind of the point wasn't it? She held her head high and walked into camp.
Speckle and her kits, one way or another, left for Raven's Fortress. (Sc-Ecc border)
Racconkit mewled in protest, though merely hung limply in her mother's jaws. Though she wondered where she was going, she didn't question it. She closed her eyes and waited to see where she would be taken. She shook as cold spiked all through her bones.
Fenstrike looked away, pointedly returning to watching over the camp as she'd been instructed. Jeez, they've been out a while. She thought.
Speckle rolled her eyes, staring at Fenstrike the same way Veinpool was before nodding with thank towards the medicine cat. She put on her best face for diplomacy. "Thank you for your kindness, you truly are a servant of StarClan. Please, I can carry more herbs than I can kits- may they nestle on your shoulders?" she asked, moving to scoop up the four.
(Hey Inky! SC moved in with EcC in the SC-EcC Camp thread.)
Fenstrike cast a dismissive look toward the loner kits, stubbornly remaining in place as she was reprimanded by Veinpool.
Squidpaw sat in the camp, the stretch of grasslands being seen for miles. His blue striped sweater was laid upon his body, dirty and full of holes, but most definitely from the twoleg place. He shivered every moment or so, but the grass around him shielded him from the cold bursts of wind. His hairless tail curled with the muscles in his shoulders, and goose pimples spread across his body.
Raccoonkit mewled helplessly. She was the strongest of her little and the least affected by their drug addicted mother. He body, however, shook with cold and each breath was an effort. She wanted to nuzzle into her sisters and feel safe and loved, something she has yet to feel from her mother, Her throat was dry as it begged for milk.
"That's basically what I was saying, better hers than any of ours...." Fenstrike grumbled under his breath. "Well, if you want to make them your problem, you can help her take them back to Raven's Castle or whatever they call it. I have to wait here for the patrol. Cranestar's orders."
Veinpool glared at Fenstrike as she had asked him "What they can offer isn't what is important at the moment," He told her "All I'm hearing from you right now are the words 'I rather let you and your kits freeze out here in the middle of nowhere without any shelter'," the medicine cat turned his head looking at the queen for a moment before looking back at the warrior his eyes still narrowed at her "If they must really offer something in return for help then the queen can help me with herbs. I already have my paws full as it is so it will be great for me to have a short break every once awhile when working," he told Fenstrike.
"I've been told to see to the camp while they're away-" Fenstrike answered, her eyes narrowing as she regarded the she-cat. "What do you have to bring us? We don't just give out charity to whoever shows up with a handful of whelps."
She startled as Veinpool approached. "They're city cats, Veinpool. What do they have to offer our clan?"
Veinpool shook out his fur out a bit against the cold weather as he gathered the few herbs he had left ready to leave for Raven's Fortress. His eyes shifted over Fenstrike finally noticing the Rouge Queen, and he couldn't help but overhear the conversation as he worked and his blue eyes narrowed slightly at Fenstrike as he did. The medicine cat stood up taking the herbs he had to gather with him as he approached the two of them. Sitting the herbs back down he looked at the warrior "Fenstrike," He said, "Are you turning down a queen and her kits?" His voice was harsh at the warrior as he could see clearly now that the rogue queen was tired and injured.
Cranestar guided the clan to Raven's Fortress, too occupied by taking the clan, he didn't realize that the Rouge Queen had been studying the camp. ( to EcC-SC Border)
"Hmm, In...tw...es..ting!" Pippa meowed to her father through the fresh-kill, then followed alongside of him and Dottie. (EcC-SC border)
"Oh, this is SunClan?" Speckle said sarcastically, "I came here on purpose- I know you clan cats live by a code. These are my kits. I need help," it pained Speckle to beg, but she hoped she could make the she-cat think helping was her own idea. She did think it was odd that there was nothing in the SunClan camp though.
"Where's the rest of the clan? Maybe some of your clanmates will know what to do."
"We don't have any prey here," Fenstrike stated the obvious- the clan's freshkill pile had been drained away with the outgoing patrol, who didn't have any reason to just let it stay and rot. She didn't feel any particular alliance with this strange loner and with the tone she was taking, Fenstrike was all the more quick to dismiss her as more trouble than she was worth. She wasn't SunClan; she wasn't Fenstrike's problem. "You're on Clan territory, you couldn't've missed our scent markers."
Speckle opened one eye halfway, unable to rise to her cut paws. "Now? I'm a queen in need. I've been walking for days. Do you really need any more information?" she bit, her voice scarred and angry from her old wound and a lack of water.
She motioned to her kittens, "I gave birth on the way. They're probably cold and just as hungry as I. I have no milk to give- not yet."
The she-cat felt warmer next to the strong tom and she managed a smile. "Thank you, Burdockbone." she replied formally. It felt like moons since she had been near him, and she enjoyed the tom's scent again. Despite not being well recently, it felt good to get out and get moving again. She pressed her side against his for support even though she knew she didn't need it.
Fenstrike looked up in alarm as an almost skeletal she-cat appeared over the ridge of the camp and cursed herself for not smelling her coming. A thick city-scent hung over her, nearly causing Fenstrike to wrinkle up her nose as she started toward the cat. "Who are you?" She demanded. With the rest of the clan gone to the border, she was alone in the camp, where she'd been waiting for a patrol to return at Cranestrike's order.
Tulipkit let out loud squeals, much like kittens do when they’re first born. She was hungry, and wanted to suckle until her belly was full. Of course she was overcome with fatigue as well, being a drug baby. She didn’t have much in her yet, but would later in life. She would be just fine.
Speckle crested the hill of SunClan's camp slowly, limping with all four legs, and stiffly grumbled at her kittens as they all hung by their scruffs from her jaws. One of them trailed the ground, picking up burrs and thorns in her hindquarters, but Speckle could not be bothered to pick up her neck- her entire torso ached from walking, and her body was covered in the marks and bruises of abuse. She was a stranger to the camp and smelled of the city- and though she knew she was taking a bold risk in coming to SunClan, she hoped few would remember her, and anybody who did would take the safety of her kits over the threat she posed.
But she was in a sorry state- thirst and hunger were making her totter to either side as she waited to be accosted at the top of the hill, and in a dramatic flair, the skeletal gray and tan she-cat dropped her kittens, which tumbled down the hill like brightly colored snowballs.
She quickly followed, rolling right along after them.
"We're going to move somewhere a little more sheltered," Burdockbone answered Dawnshade, stooping down to gently pick her up to her paws. A low purr rumbled through his chest, "I'll help you get there, don't worry about taking it slow. We have a few hours of daylight left."
Noah heard the request of the leader, and immediately padded over to the fresh kill pile and picked up what he could. He turned to watch his mate, Dottie, helping with the medicine cat herbs. It was odd seeing his family working with the clan cats, but thy had been here for a few moons now but he still couldn't shake the new-ness of it yet. He had expected to live in the barn for his whole life with just Dottie yet here they were with a whole clan of cats and kittens who were growing too fast. Soon, they would be having even more kits, and a smile crossed his face as he watched his mate across the camp clearing. A small voice grabbed his attention and he looked down to see his daughter. "Th' city is a really big place. Bigger then you could dream of." he replied, with a hint of wonder in his voice. He had never been there himself and never thought he would go there. He preferred being away from two-legs and their monsters and strange loud noises. Suddenly he wasn't sure if it would be the best place to raise more kits and his heart lurched.
Dawnshade had been sick with a cough for nearly half a moon it seemed, but finally she had reached a break in the illness as gained enough energy to get up and stretch her legs. She lay out on a dry patch of earth, grooming her dirty fur in the crisp air of late leaf-bare .She stretched her paws out; her muscles sore from not being used in too long. Once she had finished cleaning herself, she padded up to Burdockbone, happy to see the tom in good health. "What's happening? Have I slept through something?" she wondered with a foggy mind.
"I'll wait for them here," Fenstrike confirmed with Cranestar, trying to keep a grimace off her face as she considered any reality in which they had to live with EclipseClanners for the foreseeable future. Well, either it will go well and it won't be that terrible to stay or it'll go poorly and be short. She glanced around the camp, checking on the reactions of her clanmates.
Robinflame peeked up at the sound of her name falling from her leader's lips. She'd been rather skeptical since his announcement of the alliance, not really willing to trust eclipseclan' intentions. With a slight huff, she nodded toward Cranestar before grabbing what she could carry from the fresh-kill pile.
Cranestar held a stoic expression, however a thankful grin curled at the edges of his muzzle. "I think that we should depart as soon as possible. As long as Veinpool is ready then I believe that now would be the proper time to do so." It had been a few days since the kits of Fencestar where born, so he assumed that she would be ready for them. The chausie' pale gaze shifted to Dottie, who seemed a little confused. "I best tell everyone," his meow was calm and rather thoughtful as he dismissed himself with a proper flick of his tail then padded in front of High Stump. It made no sense to him to climb all the way just to leave. The tall tom stood tall as he spoke out. "Everyone! It is time that were make our departure to Raven's Fortress! I believe that this can be done easily if we can all work together as a group..." The tall, caramel tom allowed his words to sink in before he raised his voice again. "Elders, Queens, Kits, and anyone who does not feel comfortable standing on the outside of the group, please stand in the center, Warriors and Apprentices go around them. We don't want anyone left behind. We will also need a small group to carry some fresh-kill...Robinflame, Noah, Pippa, Thunderpaw and Lavenderpaw, please carry what you can. Dottie, I'd like you, Salmontail, and Silverpaw to help Veinpool carry herbs." He called out orders with a certain kindness shining through his content voice, however his voice certainly wasn't soft. "Fenstrike, would you find the patrol that left to come straight to Raven's Fortress when they're finished?"
Dottie's ears perked up when the leader meowed throughout the open camp. She recognized the familiar face of Veinpool, so with a shy smile, the Queen padded over to the groups of herbs. She tried her best to decide the easiest ways to pick them up.
Pippa padded to her father when they were both called to help out with carrying fresh-kill. "Why d' we gotta leave again, Pa'? The tiny, kit-sized apprentice asked Noah. She loved to explore, however this was a whole entire other level. "Will the city be anythin' like where you and Mama grew up at?" The black and white molly with a single, ginger spot asked another question, her lime colored gaze looking up at him with wonder.
"Dawnshade is our only sick cat, I believe-" Burdockbone answered Cranestar with a polite dip of his head. "I'll get her ready to go. When will we be departing?"
Rumblepaw couldn't help the excitement that shone on her face as she followed along with the other cats. She shook her head in response to Pretty's question. "Not really, actually!" (SC Territory)
Cranestar felt his long legs trudge forward as he reached the camp, he was exhausted and clearly the journey back was rough and a pain in any cat's tail. His pale, green eyes turned to Burdockbone and Veinpool and he greeting them with a nod. "An argument was about happen, however Fencestar fell and had her kits. I believed she lost a life as well, that's exactly when it ended." He meowed in a low voice, his stoic expression remained unchanging. The tall chausie's ears flicked slightly as he spoke. "Burdockbone, do you mind preparing the injured and sick?"
Dottie watched the cats pour into the open camp, their paw steps crunching against the snow. The molly smiled when she saw her tiny daughter run amongst the group. The queen couldn't believe that she'd have another set of paws, it certainly wasn't hard to tell now.
Pippa alongside the group, yawning out of exhaustion. "Gee, I'uh could sleep fo' moons!" She meowed with a small chuckle to whoever was around her.
Burdockbone broke away from the throng of cats that had been left behind in the camp to greet the incoming patrol.
"What happened?" He asked, craning his neck to try and catch sight of their leader.
Ravenblood head out camp along Sunstrike and Pretty ready to catch some prey she might come across out in the territory as she padded along side the other warrior. (SC Territory)
Veinpool watched as a patrol had headed off out of camp before then watching the cats from the gathering came back into camp. He noticed a lot of the cats that had went to the gathering looked exhausted and he wondered what happened there seeing as he wasn't able to join them to Hawk's tree this time.
"Yay!" Pretty meowed and fell in step with the rest of the patrol as they began to head out, falling back to stay next to the other apprentice.
"Have you been out in the territory much?" She asked. [SC Terr]
As the patrol headed out, Fenstrike and the rest of the gathering patrol returned to the camp. No sooner had she entered the clearing than she nearly collapsed into her nest, too exhausted with the long night and trek to Hawk's Tree and back to consider the night's events in any sort of detail.
Sunstrike smiled at Rumblepaw, Öf course you can come!" the tom laughed padding beside Ravenblood now that the mood was a lighter than it was. He padded out of the camp with the group ready to catch as much prey as he could.
(SC Territory)
(We'll never complain about length, the more the better! Welcome to the RP :D)
Pretty opened her mouth to give Rumblepaw a cheery "of course!" but thought better of it, realizing that it would be seen as just one more blow against her reputation if she acted as though she was the one in charge of the patrol, not the actual warriors.
Instead she gave the other apprentice a little smile settled for a shy "Hi!"
(I have to apologise for the intro of my new character being this long! Feel free to skim over it or read just the last 2 paragraphs if it is too much. I would also like to say I am looking forward to start my RPing journey with you all. ^_^)
Rumblepaw was lying in a small patch of dried leaves and grass near the edge of camp (it was her own makeshift nest, if you will). The words of the Clan's Leader were still echoing through her head as she attempted to process them. As a kit, she wasn't kept up-to-date on the very important issues and affairs of the Clan. Now that she was an Apprentice, however, she was a large paw-step closer to becoming a noble and wise Warrior, meaning she had much more responsibility today than she'd had only yesterday.
What stood out in her thoughts most while thinking on what Cranestar had said was his mentioning that everyone in the Clan was his family. That made her happy. Family was important to Rumblepaw, and she felt the very same way her Leader did. She didn't have a mother or a father to look up to, but she had others: the strong and honest and kind Warriors of SunClan. She didn't understand everything, but she trusted Cranestar above all else. If he thought another Clan should be accepted into their own, she was fine with it.
Nodding decisively to herself, she stood and shook the grass from her dusty-brown, tabby pelt. SunClan was her home, and it meant more to her than anything to be able to defend and take care of it. So, she could think of no reason not to immediately start learning everything she could about her role and duties. And, just as she began to think of anything to do, she heard Pretty's voice calling out. "...We're gonna go hunting!"
Rumblepaw's ears perked up, and she looked around until she spotted the she-cat talking to two Warriors. All at once the group seemed somewhat intimidating. Even so, she stepped a bit closer to listen in on the conversation, and overheard one of the cats speaking: "All cats should know when they're becoming a Warrior that they should help their fellow Clanmates in any way possible..." A smile crossed her lips and her tail twitched happily. She couldn't agree more with the Warrior's statement.
The rest of the conversation was lost on her as a rush of newfound confidence swept through her and she bounded over to Ravenblood, Sunstripe, and Pretty. Feeling as though she was interrupting, Rumblepaw shifted on her paws and spoke softly, "Could I... come, too?"
Pretty gave Ravenblood a polite dip of her head as she was praised, trying not to ruin it further by saying the wrong thing.
"That seems smart, but, uh, where is the Abandoned Barn? I don't think I've been there before," Pretty asked.
"I know you mean any disrespect," Ravenblood told the young she-cat "You were just trying to help out, and that's good. All cats should know when they're becoming a warrior that they should help their fellow clanmates anyway possible and I can tell that your going to become a fine warrior," Ravenblood gave a small smile towards Pretty "So I'll help you now by coming along with you both on the patrol. Three cats are usually enough for patrol so I think our best bet will be hunting at the Abandoned barn since some of the prey will be looking for shelter and warmth," She told the two of them.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean any disrespect," Pretty's ears drooped as a light blush rose to her cheeks. "So... you're game to come along? You warriors can decide where we're going, of course, I wasn't really thinking ahead that far."
Ravenblood closed their eyes for a second in thought before opening them and looking at Pretty again "Just this once I'll let this slide since I can't help but somewhat respect you for taking charge and gathering the patrol yourself," she told the apprentice before looking at Sunstrike as they continued "Like some warrior should have done himself,"
Sunstripe looked to Ravenblood as Pretty replied. *there isn't anything to be ashamed of being an apprentice* he thought for a moment, before shaking his ruffled fur at Ravenbloods scolding tone.
"Oh, uh, yeah, I am?" Pretty answered Ravenblood, seeming to wilt before Ravenblood's scolding tone.
Veinpool looked around one final time around camp not paying mind to the cats that greeted him. The old medicine cat sighed sadly in realization at the fact that he had no apprentice anymore or anyone to help him. It seemed that every cat he was to teach had left the clan and he was starting to think that by the time he left for Starclan there be on one to care for Sunclan anymore.
Ravenblood's black fur was fluffed up a bit against the cold with as she heard her name called. The she-cat got off the grass and made her way off to where Pretty and Sunstrike were at "Yeah I'll come along with you two." She told them. Ravenblood looked at Pretty as they were the one gathering the hunting patrol "Aren't you an apprentice?" She asked them.
Pretty's ears drooped as no one spoke up and she tried again. "Uhm... Owlswoop or Ravenblood, do either of y'all want to come along?"
The tom looked around to the cats she had called out, waiting to see witch would come to the pair.
"That sounds nice!" Pretty perked up, "I'll go see who's around!"
Without waiting for an answer and not really comprehending the magnitude of the fopaux, she started calling out for warriors to join them. "Eveningbird, Salmontail, Wormtail... ummm.... Swiftlet or Dovewhisper, could you possibly join us for a patrol? We're gonna go out hunting!"
"Sure, wanna go on a hunt?" Sunstrike asked looking to the she cta.
"Oh, okay..." Pretty replied, trying not to show her disappointment. She got up to her paws and meowed. "Maybe we should go patrol or something?"
"No not really, as i'm one of the newer warriors." the tom meowed licking his paws.
"No, I just became an apprentice." Pretty answered. She leaned forward, trying to get a better view over the clumps of dormant grass across their territory. "Do you know what they're like?"
"No now that I think of it I don't suppose so." the tom thought for a moment "Have you?"
"Have you ever been to a gathering?" Pretty asked, giving the tom a nervous little smile as he settled down next to her.
The tom looked to Pretty as she dipped her head, "No, there isn't a need for that." he sat beside her and watched as the cats left for the gathering.
Pretty's ears drooped as she watched so many of their warriors start off for the gathering. She wanted to go, but she knew it would be presumptuous to just come along, and so she remained rooted in place. As Sunstripe approached the High Stump she got up and dipped her head to him, realizing that she'd been sitting in the way.
Veinpool watched as Cranestar had leaped off the Highstump and lead cats to Hawk's tree. The old medicine cat decided to stay at camp this gathering to take care of the remaining herbs he had so he would be prepared for the journey to Raven's fortress once Sunclan and EclipseClan started moving the sick and injured.
Sunstripe sat in the clearing his paws shifting as he licked his fur, moving into the warriors den to see if anyone was still in there. "Hello?"Anyone in here?" he asked sitting at the entrance and waiting for a reply.
The thin reddish furred she-cat stood, her joints popping in several places as she did so. She'd been agile in her youth, but as she continued to grow old it seemed her body complained about every little thing she did. Eating was a struggle, anything she swallowed just came right back up. It was a curious symptom, but seeing as nothing else really went right with her life she shrugged it off. The smell of rabbit causing her queasiness to increase ten fold. Shaking herself firmly, Robinflame followed after Cranestar.
Cranestar looked over the cats whom surrounded him, his face stern, yet somehow filled with a certain calm warmth. His pale green gaze looked over each and every one of them as he explained to his clanmates what had been happening. "As some of you may have found out, Fencestar had come to us asking for an alliance. I have agreed to this due to the recent actions of both EarthClan and MoonClan. Those clans are strong, but we must not let them pulls us apart. You are all my family and I wouldn't do this if I thought that it wouldn't help us continue to thrive. After the gathering, Eclipseclan and ours will coexist. We will be allowed to travel to their camp as they will to ours, send out larger patrols, and all sick and injured cats will go to Raven's Fortress where herbs and our medicine cats will be." Moving on easily to a different subject, the Chausie didn't let it settle for very long. "It is time that we must travel to the Gathering, those who are well enough for the short journey, follow me, we don't have time to waste." Cranestar dismissed the meeting then leaped off the stump and led the clan to Hawk's Tree. ( To the Gathering Thread)
Pippa wasn't very surprised at the news, however she was excited for her first gathering. With a bright smile, the molly followed Cranestar. (Gathering thread)
Dottie decided that it would be best for her to stay and not travel far. She gave Noah a light lick on his ear, wondering what he'd decide to do.
"Here we go..." Fenstrike muttered under her breath and got up to her paws to join them, Burdockbone taking up a seat beside her and whispering, "Isn't it the full moon...?"
"Oh, yeah it is." Fenstrike blinked. "Do you think we're attending the gathering?"
"I imagine it depends on what Fencestar is doing, all things considered..."
Cranestar dipped his head in agreement with the molly's words, then soon watched her leave. The muscular tom knew that the gathering would come soon as well, so with a leap onto Highstump, he called out to his clan. "Let all cats old enough to run to the hills and back join me for a clan meeting, we've got much to discuss!"
Pippa was just about to answer Thunderpaw when she heard the leader's voice ring out. "Looks like we'll have to stay here for now," she whispered softly.
Burdockbone returned to the camp with his small patrol of apprentices and a few stray cats who had been out hunting long before Fencestar and Cranestar's meeting was over. Fenstrike wandered near them, trying to look casual as she eavesdropped, and reported back to the warriors, but that proved unnecessary: the leaders' purpose was clear far before it was formally announced and conversation moved instead to what to make of it, not merely what it was.
After Fencestar's confession, her and Cranestar began to converse privately. The words were tense, with Fencestar knowing that the implications of this deal would be felt for moons to come. She also knew that, if Cranestar ordered it, her body would be bashed against the rocks of the river come daybreak. Cranestar was physically much larger than her and in a much better shape to fight in- kits made for a rough battle.
But the speech was made, and the two cats raised their voices in finality, just as the sun began to rise.
"So, it's agreed?" Fencestar spoke, "We'll combine our borders, and merge a camp for the sick and injured at Raven's Fortress, where both of our medicine cats will work towards healing, while warriors from EclipseClan will be welcome to bed here, and warriors from SunClan will be welcome to find warmth in our camp. We will combine our resources to fight the oncoming threats both our clans face- to help us defend against the rogues and MoonClan, and yourself with EarthClan. And we agree to hold this agreement until we both consent to end it?"
She looked towards the chausie who towered over her, knowing it was in his full rights to refuse- but they'd been talking intently for hours. There was nothing left to be said- she hoped.
Robinflame trotted into Sunclan's camp, a rabbit hung limply in her jaws. She'd gone out earlier that morning by herself, needing some time to cool off from recent events. The Sunclan/Moonclan fight was still fresh in her mind, especially because she was no match for a lowly apprentice. She dropped off the fresh-kill before spinning around on her paws to find someone to bother. Her light blue eyes landed on owlswoop's pelt, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "Hey there, mind if I join you?" She grinned down at the tom-cat, hoping he was in a talkative mood today.
"I won't tell," Thunderpaw answered. He finished the mouse he was eating and asked Pippa, "Well, what do you want to do now?" ---------
Owlswoop was tired. His fur plastered to his ribs as if he hadn't been eating in a while. He looked around for something to do.
"If that were the case, I doubt she'd be sitting in our camp..." Fenstrike murmured, her apprehension clear in her voice as she considered edging closer to eavesdrop, before deciding against it and sitting down next to Dovewhisper.
"Maybe they also are having trouble with EarthClan," She speculated with a shrug and decided to stop gawking.
"Hey, Copperpaw?" She called the apprentice over.
Dovewhisper paused in her brief grooming session and turned to Fenstrike as she spoke, her expression turning to one of concern. "No," she said simply, turning to look confusedly at the small group of cats stood at a distance. She hardly recognized the one speaking to Cranestar, but it was obvious the cat was a leader simply in the way she held herself. What they were talking about, Dovewhisper didn't know. The meeting seemed to be a peaceful one, and Dovewhisper was normally a peaceful cat, but she couldn't bring herself to be welcoming of this foreign clanner, what with the... recent events. "And with luck, we won't have to be involved."
"Do you know what that's about?" Fenstrike murmured to Eveningbird and Dovewhisper, gathering with a clump of other warriors in the camp. She nodded toward Fencestar and Cranestar, barely recognizing the EclipseClan leader from the one gathering she'd attended as a young apprentice.
Dawnshade lay in the tall grass of SunClan, sides rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to breathe. It seemed she was the only sick warrior in the clan, which was odd. She lifted her head as the EclipseClan leader approached and talked but the words were fuzzy to her ears. She was able to make out the form of Burdockbone leaving the camp; his handsome young form truly a sight for sore eyes. She hadn't found the voice to tell the tom she liked him more than just a clan-mate. Had he forgotten her since she became sick? No, he was better than that. Her clouded mind slipping into paranoia, Dawnshade laid her head back down on the earth and wondered if she would live to see the tom return from his duties. She curled herself into a ball in an attempt to warm herself.
Fencestar grew softly envious of the way Cranestar’s warriors surrounded him protectively like a forest of guardians. Had this been a meeting in her own camp, she was certain it would dissolve itself into an encounter of fear on her comrade’s habits of approaching outsiders like a thousand rats, ready to pounce. Hungry ones.
if she had any warriors to spare, that was. EclipseClan was running rather low on members as it stood.
She warmly beamed to Veinpool, missing the warning scold of his words completely amid her own cushioned worldview. She was happy to help.
She lowered her voice now, knowing privacy was fleeting, but did so that only Veinpool and Cranestar would hear. Her voice was velvet-smooth and tinted with dark anger, fitting of Cranestar’s growling outburst.
”Dont trouble yourself with concerns over my tail. MoonClan is the real enemy, and if I may be so bold as to tell you my clan has not been immune to their arrogant attacks. I’ve come alone- I have no warriors to spare. but if I may continue, with this meeting it is my hope that we can come to a conclusion that results in more than herbs being shared between our two clans. I want alliance.” Fencestar bared her cards for the cats to view, Shamelessly and with vulnerability. The only thing protecting her was the fact of her pregnancy coupled with SunClan’s rumored adherance to a code of honor.
Burdockbone dipped his head to his leader and started heading toward the territory, expecting Archpaw to follow. He glanced back at them, curious despite himself over what the conversation could hold, before crossing over the lip of the camp and into the territory. [SC Terr]
Cranestar felt a quiet sigh rise deep within his throat as he sat and curled his long tail. "I wish I could disagree, but my clan recently had a battle with MoonClan, one in which they decided to take as many herbs and lives of our clanmates as they could." A short-lived growl found it's way into the muscular tom, it was simple then to tell that he was not pleased.
However it didn't last long when he found one of his warriors interrupting gently, the warmth in his face grew again. His pale, green gaze soon turned back to the Eclispeclan leader, knowing that once Burdockbone returned, then he would need a meeting to explain to them why Fencestar had come. It was only fair.
"Thank you for your offer, Fencestar, Veinpool may be very pleased to hear this," the leader meowed with a soft grin looming on his muzzle again. He was careful at what he would state, knowing that Eclipseclanners could be rather tricky, but found it easy to speak with the other leader. The tom soon watched as Veinpool had approached. 'Hmm, Veinpool is right...I wonder why she decided to travel alone...' He thought to himself with a flick of his tufted ears.
---
Pippa tilted her head ever so delicately when Thunderpaw began to frown. "I won' as long as you don' either, okay?" She answered while her tail swished at her side. The black and white molly with a ginger spot on her neck then took a bite out of the bird, a satisfied purr escaping her mouth.
Veinpool's ears pricked up slightly as his gaze meet the eclipseclan leader's own. The medicine cat made his way over to Fencestar and dipped his head in greeting "Fencestar I'm glad to see you made it." He said to the she-cat "I hope that you're in a some-what good condition from the journey." He hummed, trying not to sound snappish or to scold the queen for what he'd heard from the other cats that he had passed, that she had traveled alone.
Thunderpaw snickered, then he seemed to frown. He lowered his voice. "Don't tell anyone we go out alone, alright?"
--------
Owlswoop sat in a sunny spot. He had been shaking, but he jerked, stopping himself. He sighed.
Pippa grabbed a young wren then lay beside Thunderpaw, beginning to pluck at the feathers of the bird as they spoke. "Yeah! We should do it again, excep' maybe I'uh will catch somethin' small instead of a cat," the tiny molly giggled, reminding herself that she pounced on the EclipseClanner's tail.
"Take Pretty with you!" Burdockbone called after Silverpaw as she ran off. Pretty's ears pricked forward and she started off after Silverpaw, despite having little idea of what was going on.
"Wait up!" She called as she tore after the other apprentice, catching up as quickly as she could on her stubbier legs.
Burdockbone gave an amused sigh, enjoying Silverpaw's enthusiasm even has he was exasperated by her lack of caution or thought. "Ready to head out?" He asked Archpaw.
Silverpaw perked up immediately at the presence of Burdockbone and turned his way to face him. He sat up straight and his long tail began to sway gently as he was approached and listened quietly, "A clan meeting?" He inquired curiously but he seemed excited no matter how he tried to hold it in, "I'll be as swift as a hawk!" He challenged and without hesitation he bounded off on his way out of the camp and into clan territory, not bothering to see if Nightpaw was stalking after him but he assumed he would catch up at some point.
Burdockbone eyed the leaders once more and slunk around the edge of the camp, looking for a quick-running cat he could send out for the patrols. He spotted Pretty, but dismissed her outright, not quite trusting her tracking sense or ability to navigate the territory. He padded up to a group of apprentices and meowed, "Silverpaw and Nightpaw, will you to together and bring back the hunting patrol that went out this morning? There may be a clan meeting and they'll want to be in attendance. Archpaw, if you could come with me for a similar purpose, we should head out soon."
Fencestar smiled politely at the handsome tom, letting out a small cough of parched activities before continuing.
“It’s nice to meet you- I’m saddened to hear of Flintstar’s demise, but thrilled to see another friendly face take the lead.” Fencestar addressed the old leader’s absence, noting it odd that SunClan had overturned leadership so many times on such a short period- she knew even less of Windstar. The clans had been separated by circumstances of war and news traveled slow without gatherings.
The little tabby sighed, humbly bowed her head, and cast her olive gaze up into his in her next bout of diplomatic speech. “In a gathering moons ago, Flintstar extended an invitation to meet and talk about the state of both our clans. That’s why I’ve come so far- just to talk. And to rest, if you don’t mind. Kits weigh a lot more when you’ve no choice but to carry them,” she said, interjecting her pregnancy into the conversation seamlessly.
SPOT
Cranestar kept his eyes on the molly, remembering the military led leader, Flintstar, and honeslty made himself feel self-conscious. 'I can only hope that what I am doing for the clan is helpful,' the muscular tom thought with soft nod of his head, however content when she changed the subject.
"Of course, with all that has been happening, I would like to continue this conversation," Cranestar meowed, his pale green eyes glancing toward Veinpool for a short moment. He knew it had to be hard on the older tom to go looking for herbs again, especially with Leaf-bare. A warm grin fell onto the tom's face as he looked back onto Fencestar. He wasn't used to speaking to leaders, let alone pregnant ones, but Cranestar tried his best to stay diplomatic. "I don't mind, you're welcome to stay and rest then we can speak more about this. There aren't any dens and isn't much of camp for me show you, but anywhere around the roots of High-stump are the warmest places to rest. If you need the Medicine cat, just give out a call to Veinpool." He meowed, the chausie's long tail pointing toward the stump.
KAM
Fencestar shook her head, “Understanding of my need to lie down is enough- I don’t think I could make the journey,” she said as she sunk to her side, stretching out over the poking grass. She wasn’t cold- EclipseClan had shelter from the wind, but the moistness of the air was prevalent and the mold of EclipseClan’s camp made it seem all the colder. Her coat was short, but thick, and only slightly ruffled by her journey.
“I must admit, I was hoping your clan was faring a little better. EarthClan and MoonClan are seeming stronger every day, this side of the river is suffering in comparison,” Fencestar hoped she didn’t seem rude. “We just overcame our own troubles with disease. Veinpool has his paws full, I see. He is welcome onto our territory, as are all medicine cats, to search for herbs. We have plenty in the twoleg gardens,” Fencestar invited, hoping to open a dialogue. Without stating it, she wanted alliance. Safety on one side of the border s she could focus on the rogues and EarthClan, Baring on either side.
she made eye contact with Veinpool and waved the Old tomcat over. She Likewise smiled in greeting to Burdockbone, calling out.
”Make no fuss over me. Security of your borders is paramount.”