Open to Join [Sticky] Damp, Cold, and Dour (GATHERING 14TW20)

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night
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The night was cold, the dampness of the earlier sleet clinging to the earth and turning every step into a slick, chilling reminder of leaf bare’s grip. Palestar led the way, her paws light but sure as ShadowClan moved beneath the Thunderpath tunnel, their pelts brushing against the rough stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of wet, cold earth and the lingering bitterness of the road above.

She glanced back at her those who made the dour trip with her. Despite the dreary weather, Palestar was in good spirits - anticipation, perhaps, or simply the quiet thrill of stepping into neutral ground under the full moon’s watchful eye. “Keep your footing careful. The ground is slick, and I don’t want any twisted paws before we even get there."

As the tunnel’s mouth opened to the forest beyond, the glow of the clearing came into view, the great oaks standing silent and strong against the winter moon. It would only be a short trip before the group would put into the silence of the sacred clearing. As Palestar hoped and expected up to this point, ShadowClan had arrived first. It was a matter of pride, and Palestar, tail held high, shook out her pelt as she waited for the other clans.