Open to Join [Sticky] Sparrow's Crowning '21 Gathering

Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.

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Emberdawn followed in suit beside Fawnstar, his tall frame reaching a little taller than her as they lead their clan into the clearing of Fourtrees... and it seems they were the only ones in that moment. Would you look at that, he thought to himself. "We're the first ones here." He whispered just beneath a whisper before making his way to where the deputies usually sat. 

Before he bounded away however, he turned to the warriors and the apprentice that came today, he gave a nod to the group "Feel free to find your own places to sit until the other clans arrive." He spoke to them with his usual kindness before turning to where the deputies had sat. This was the first time being first to a gathering in his time as deputy. Granted he hadn't been deputy for very long now.

Regardless, he took his seat, the spot he had sat the last gathering and curled his tail over his paws in wait fo the other clans. He wasn't looking forward to the announcement Fawnstar had to make... about Cedarpaw, he was just happy that Beewhisker wasn't here, given their emotional instability recently.

Without passion you don’t have energy, without energy you have nothing.

･ﾟ✧⭑🜼⭑✧･ﾟ

Lying to the whole clan still ate at Berrypaw and the usually enthusiastic apprentice was plastered to his mentor's side. As much as Breezewing was sooooo booooring he still allowed himself to feel closer to him than he did to most other clanmates in the clan. Beewhisker and Bayflower being an exception... now that Cedarpaw had left WindClan possibly for good. He was plagued with sadness, but mostly exhausted from dealing with training and also trying to make sure Beewhisker was getting the comfort and support they needed.

Berrypaw's eyes were half-lidded as he and Breezewing broke away from the crowd at Emberdawn's command. All he really wanted to do was sleep the night away and forget all about this situation, he was sure that Beewhisker wanted to do the same back at camp. Losing any other clanmate hadn't been this hard, but now that Cedarpaw was gone, everything just felt sort of... tiring.

Regardless, he forced his eyes open and sat next to his mentor, keeping his eyes on the entrance of Fourtrees, perhaps he would be able to see Kestrelswipe here, when he thought more deeply about it, Cedarpaw looked at lot like him. Down to the whiskers, maybe seeing Cedarpaw in Kestrelswipe would make him feel less... tired.

"I'm a big boy now... But that doesn't mean I don't need you."

«────── « ⋅⋆˚࿔ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆⋅ » ──────»

Ashpaw followed right behind Fawnstar, the tom eager for his first ever gathering. When Emberdawn spoke, the tom offered his deputy a nod before hesitantly padding over to the area that he had been told the medicine cats tended to sit together. Everything felt so nerve-wracking and exciting all at once. Maybe he could get to know RiverClan? They had an alliance after all now. Or maybe more ShadowClan cats since Muddypaw had kinda left a bad taste in his mouth.

He couldn't help but notice Berrypaw's new demeanour, the tom offering his former denmate a confused head tilt as if silently asking 'are you okay?'. The two had never been close despite their parents' close relations. But even a kit could tell that Berrypaw was kinda... Off.

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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With the entourage of her chosen Clanmates, Palestar led them underneath the tunnel and into the space that brought the tall oaks of Fourtrees into sight. WindClan seemed to already be in attendance, Fawnstar at the lead. From Coldstar beating her first last time and Fawnstar this moon she inwardly scolded herself for the delay of the storm and guiding Frosteyes alongside her. Still, wearing the polite half smile that was frquent when needed on her muzzle, she entered the sacred space even as the rumble of thunder and rain droplets pelted softly onto her fur. whipped by the occassional frenzy of wind.

"Evening, Fawnstar." She greeted only once she had approached close enough for the other she-cat to hear her over the wind, while Frosteyes scented the air for Rowanglade and her apprentices, and made her careful approach.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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Thunder rumbled in the sky and with it the crack of lightening. It was hardly the sort of weather that encouraged idle conversation and the Gathering's delay had done little to improve his mood.

Duskmantle settled among the ShadowClan ranks underneath their oak. Some shelter from the rain. His eyes wandered over at the WindClanners, searching for a particular familiar face. A Gathering offered one of the few opportunities to catch up...but as he searched between the figures, Fallheart was no where to be seen. A faint crease formed between his brows as he let out a soft huff.

For now he slipped far enough away from other cats to shake out his pelt. He wasn't particularly interested in forcing conversation and with the leaders still delayed, there seemed little reason to stand around.

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all
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Did her first Gathering as a warrior have to be so dreary? Heathersky's smile still touched her face though as she filed in the clearing next to her named brother, Oatcloud. She seemed rather keen to stick by him all the same, even if a part of her wanted to socialize...It might be a challenge to offer introductions proper, with the storm and all...

If you believe you can, that’s enough to try.

⋅⋅✦⋅⋅ ‏࿐ ⋅⋅✦⋅⋅

The chocolate warrior followed in after his clanmates and glanced around the clearing, his ears pricked when he noticed WindClan already situated, he was much more used to Palestar waiting for the others, it seemed a little odd. First to the gathering for so long and then a sudden change for the past two moons. Part of him wondered if Palestar's dignity was affected by it. Surely not, arrival time isn't usually an issue unless they are late or missing. This was fine

He took a spot beside a WindClan cat, a lilac calico that seemed young, perhaps she was just out of the apprentice den? So WindClan had good news to bring to the gathering, that was good. 

"Hello." He hummed a gentle, courtly greeting to the WindClan she-cat, flicking his tail over his paws comfortably. "The rain is a little... dreary isn't it?" Quailfeather added in attempt to spark a conversation and dipped his head "I'm Quailfeather," He introduced kindly, his voice welcoming, despite the weather. "And you?"

rise from the smoldering pyre of wormwood and weeds
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Nettleplume had kept himself busy caring for their wounded leader, Coldstar having receieved the worst of the injuries. Or rather, Coldstar had lost a life...It was a morbid sort of curiosity that fueled his efforts. What did it feel like to regain your life...? He joined the rest of the cats in the clearing wordlessly, lost in his thoughts as his body was poised to support Coldstar this day. He could have rested another day, but he was determined...Determined to show off their victory to both ThunderClan and the rest.

Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
⋆｡°✩ ⭒ ──● 𓄿 ●── ⭒ ⋆｡°✩

By now you'd think the forest held its breath. At Fourtrees where leaders and their Clans came to gather from earlier times. The wind whipped up the grass, bringing with it a note of change. ThunderClan had not arrived. Not even when RiverClan and Coldstar managed to make their way into the Clearing. Still, ThunderClan was absent. Palestar might have mumbled something about it.

Perhaps the newest power in the forest simply had no intention of hurrying to meet those who had once thought so poorly of them. From a branch, a raven called, an guttoral baritone that could be heard even from above the pattering of rainfall. Kosmo emerged from the shadows cinnamon hued frame immaculate and free of any visible injury. His mismatched eyes scanned the gathered cats, alert and brimming with oppertunities.

This was SkyClan's time to shine.

He offered no apology for his tardiness. No explanation as to where ThunderClan or their precious cats may be. Only a slow inclination of his head, polite enough to satisfy convention and measured enough to suggest he was indulging it. "Clans of the forest." From above the rising wind he greeted them, half tail in salute as his own attendants fanned out.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting. There has been much to do. But rest assured, we are here now and can plan to commence - " Kosmo had not come to Fourtrees to ask permission for any of it. His brought himself forward on proud paws, practically beaming, warm for his companions despite the storm rumbling around them.

"- As SkyClan. Fourth Clan of the Forest." They had taken their place among them and planned to keep it.

Healing is a matter of time,
but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.

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Rowanglade trilled a greeting to Frosteyes, so that the blind she-cat could join the Medicine Cats more easily. Using her tail she signaled her apprentices closer, eyes wide with shock when the party that declared themselves the fourth clan. She eyed the clouds, seeing them only touching the edge of the moon.

No other protection is wanting,
provided you are under the guidance of prudence.

‹‹‹‹ ››››

Prudence moved with a swagger alongside Kosmo as he entered, watching the gathered cats carefully for their reactions. The sharp, metallic voice of a cardinal followed the raven song before the wildlife around them seemed to teeter on the edge of a cliff.

"So speaks the Medicine Cat of SkyClan." She swaggered forward with her tail held high and her fur showing even more of the curl than normal due to the damp. Prudence made the leap up to the top of the Greatrock with sure and steady paws. "The time has come for us to begin."

In the skies above the clouds moved uneasily as the drizzle continued to fall. The edges of the moon were touched, but they never drifted into true coverage.

Let’s have some fun!
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Muddypaw followed Rowanglade closely. She still felt awkward among the Windclan patrol, but less than she had a moon ago. She was enjoying learning all that she could from her new mentor, although she was still truly devastated by the loss of Flutterdream. She missed her clan too. The smell of the swamp and constant evening song of frogs seemed so far away on the open moor. If the young mottled she-cat was honest with herself, she almost hated the sound of the wind amongst the heather and tall grasses of her new home. Still, the Medicine Cat Apprentice remained eager and enthusiastic. Tonight she was hoping to meet her littermates and try to tell them all about the things she had learned, including a brag or two about how often she got to eat rabbit these days.

The young apprentice was much surprised by the lack of other cats when the clan arrived, but figured it would give her time to work out where to sit. Muddypaw was conflicted on this idea. She felt like she should sit with her mentor like she would normally, but on the other paw she wondered if she should sit in the Shadowclan Medicine Cat spot like last moon. From memory, the retired Riverclan medicine cat would be there tonight, but the young apprentice still wondered whether she should be there to assure her clan that she was still Shadowclan. Muddypaw shook her head and sighed to herself. Growing up, she had always believed that she would be a warrior, and a part of that had been growing firmly into the belief of clan loyalty. Medicine Cats had a different sort of loyalty, however. She was first and foremost loyal to her ancestors and then her living clan. Living in Windclan had begun to bring this idea more to the forefront of Muddypaw’s mind and she had began to wonder if Medicine Cats really should recognise clan borders at all. Would it be so bad if the Medicine Cats were sharing all of their resources? Prey and territory was one thing, and she couldn’t deny their importance. But why should her clan suffer because another clan’s land grew a certain herb better than theirs? Shouldn’t that herb be shared fairly as needed? The thought went long and deep, but Muddypaw didn’t allow herself to dwell on it here and now. There would be time for thinking and eventually time to propose the idea to Rowanglade and the other Medicine Cats.

A new thought eeked into Muddypaw’s mind and the apprentice frowned to herself before padding over to where she had once sat with Flutterdream. For one reason or another, she wasn’t fully sure that Ashpaw liked her. She had tried to be differential to the small tom, recognising that Rowanglade was his mentor first and foremost, but curbing her own enthusiasm had been practically impossible. She would have to find time to talk to him one on one and try to sort things out. Maybe he was just resentful of having to share his mentor when other apprentices didn’t have to share theirs?

Once more, Muddypaw’s attention was pulled aside. This time, by the arrival of her own clan. The young cinnamon torbie perked up and smiled widely, eyes scanning for her littermates, only to slightly slump when she didn’t see them. Not even her parents were there. Longing welled in Muddypaw’s heart and she felt a wave of homesickness wash over. Instantly, the she-cat’s usually cheerful demeanor dissipated into one of quiet misery. She hardly noticed as other cats flowed into the clearing, and even paid almost no attention at the weighty length of time between the arrival of clans. Her attention was caught by the arrival of Kosmo and his followers. Confusion flickered in the she-cat’s multicoloured eyes as she stared at the newcomers, noting their scent. Shock rippled through Muddypaw’s pelt at the strange cat’s announcement. Thunderclan was the fourth clan. Who in the name of Starclan was this Skyclan? Muddypaw looked toward Rowanglade for guidance.

I don’t need them. Not anymore.
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Magdalen limped into the hollow of what she had learned to be called Fourtrees. Her injuries were still plain to see and the one on her neck was still plastered in herbs. Thankfully though the bruise she had earned in the battle was hardly tender now, and the other scratches had scabbed over. The ones on her belly had been superficial enough that she had no concern for them and they were almost a memory, while her thigh scratch left her sure of a scar, though her dense fur would probably disguise it. As the tabico stared around the hollow from behind Kosmo and Prudence, she stiffened and focused on forcing her fur to remain flat. Kosmo had mentioned that there would be a truce tonight and thus that they would be safe, but the sheer number of cats here had her uncertain.

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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Palestar's attention had wandered toward the gathering of Medicine Cats, her mismatched eyes catching on the familiar cinnamon pelt beside Rowanglade.The young apprentice seemed quieter than she remembered, though perhaps that was only the weight of being so far from home... Palestar made a mental note to speak with her before the night was through.

She had a message from Emberdust and Specklenose to deliver, and beyond that, she found herself curious as to how the young she-cat was faring in WindClan. There would be time enough to ask.

...But then...

Her gaze shifted back toward the Greatrock just as Kosmo's declaration settled over the clearing. What in StarClan's name was SkyClan?

For a moment, Palestar wondered whether the rain had drowned out some crucial detail. Her ears angled forward, and her expression hardened as she searched the gathered cats for any sign of ThunderClan. In their place stood rogues, speaking as though the forest's borders and traditions were theirs to change.

Her fur began to bristle along her spine as Palestar strode forward, gaze fixed on Prudence before they all were swept over with a suspicious glower. She had no intention of allowing this spectacle to proceed without question. Not while she still drew breath and certainly not while the other Clans stood by to watch.

"A name and claim do not make a Clan. You arrive without invitation, offer no explanation for ThunderClan's absence and expect us to accept this as though the matter has already been settled?" There was no mistaking the contempt there, though she kept her paws planted and her claws sheathed. Anger was easy but acting upon it during the truce was another matter.

"What have you done with ThunderClan?" The moon remained wholly visible despite the clouds that gathered around its visage. An ill omen...Her ears flattened slightly.

Could StarClan truly be content with this? " I suggest you explain yourself before you presume to speak for the fourth Clan."

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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Duskmantle had been watching the exchange from beneath the oak, his expression growing increasingly guarded as the unfamiliar cats claimed their place at Fourtrees. The name of this new "Clan" meant little to him, but the cinnamon tom's scent was another matter.

The wind shifted, carrying it through the damp clearing and Duskmantle recognized his scent. He'd followed it beyond the Clan borders before, through unfamiliar territory and places where a Clan cat had little business wandering. He went looking for answers about the tom responsible for his existence and now here he stood claiming a place among the Clans.

Here again at Fourtrees. His sire.

Duskmantle's jaw tightened, ear angling foward. He'd come looking for his sire, but he hadn't expected to find him wrapped up in something like this. Whatever SkyClan intended, it seemed the entire forest was about to be dragged into it. And a more pressing matter still...if anything had happened to ThunderClan, he wondered...Was Coyotebloom alright?

Duskmantle stepped out from beneath the oak, but didn't trust himself to do anything besides stalk closer to Palestar and the rest of his Clan to offer his aide should they need it.

Stars do not pull each other down to be visible, they shine brighter.

∘◦ ⛈ ◦∘

Skypaw had a general idea of what Gatherings were like, but she had been under the impression that Merryaster would be here with her. The fact that she wasn't that anything could happen without her mentor here uneased the young apprentice, she didn't know any other cat here aside from her own clan, and a small bit of fear could be seen in the blue eyes of the white apprentice.

She glanced over at her brother, as if to look at how she should be reacting in the situation. But his mentor was here, his mentor would always be here. She wasn't really that close with any of the cats in attendance except for Cinderwisp, and even then, her connection was... touch and go. This felt like misery, she was... alone, even if the hollow was full of cats, she just felt so... lonely, at least she would, if it wasn't for Galepaw.

Just as Skypaw was about to settle into a nice seat beside her longer furred littermate, pawsteps followed. While all the clans were fairly unfamiliar to her, she knew that SkyClan was not one of them.

It took mere seconds for Skypaw to crumble, her chest tightened and she worked much harder for breath as her paws shivered against the hollow's floor. These cats were here to take ThunderClan's place! Had they killed all of ThunderClan? Well they weren't here, part of Skypaw just wanted to scream and run back home to Merryaster, to Lilyriver, to home. But instead, she ran to a darker corner of the clearing on shaky paws... rain be damned.

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I identify as a threat. My pronouns are Try/Me.

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Coldstar's tail twitched as Kosmo made his declaration. He had kept his footing bounding down into the clearing, and kept appearances mingling with Windclan and Shadowclan. The truth was he was tired. And the night could not end soon enough.

As Prudence bounded up to join the leaders, Coldstar hissed and put distance between himself and the she-cat. This was not how this gathering was supposed to go. Moreover, this was not what Kosmo had promised him. Although he had no love for those forest dwellers the code was clear. He never wished for Thunderclan to vanish - he had wanted what his ancestor unfairly lost. That was all.

He took a step back, glancing down at Nettleplume and Cinderwisp before sliding down the side of Highrocks to rejoin his clan. Putting himself between the strange hoard of rouges and Riverclan's apprentices. And to echo Palestar's sentiments.

"Where is Thunderclan. Our code states the Four Clans and names them in turn. There is no room for a fifth." He bristled, facing down Magdalen and Polaris.

Healing is a matter of time,
but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.

‹‹‹‹ ››››

Rowanglade stilled, unsure of how to handle the situation. But there was no way to handle this that she could think of. Instead, she turned herself to keeping watch over his apprentices. She would no loose another if this night became chaos.

No other protection is wanting,
provided you are under the guidance of prudence.

‹‹‹‹ ››››

Prudence ignored Palestar's indigence, instead settling on her hindquarters to drag a paw casually over her ear. She turned a head at Coldstar's hissing voice before she gave her paw a lick to draw it daintily over her ear again. "Recognition of a clan is not the job of the leaders." The voice was full of confident calm. Prudence trusted that the devotion to tradition would still their claws. She settled herself more formally now that it was her time to speak. The thin, curly furred tail twined around to cover her paws. "The only force that can deny SkyClan is StarClan themselves."

She cast a yellow-green eye over each of the other leaders in turn. "Though the aid of our allies SkyClan has come into possession of a sizable territory. In honor of this momentous event we have ceded Sunningrocks to RiverClan. Their help was instrumental as we took our place in this forest." She gave that bit of news a moment to simmer. No reason to rush her words, after all. It was the night of their first gathering. They deserved the opportunity to soak it in.

"As for ThunderClan," Prudence's green eyes slide shut for a moment in pleased contentment. "Our esteemed Medicine Cat advised that mercy was to be granted to the infirm and the infantile. What the remaining dregs of that former clan exist do so beyond the bounds of this forest. Without a place amongst these four trees."

The edges the clouds round the moon swamp and blew as if put into motion by unseen wings.

rise from the smoldering pyre of wormwood and weeds
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Nettleplume had little interest in the confident declarations being made atop the Greatrock. His gaze remained fixed on Prudence as she spoke, pale blue eyes narrowing faintly at the mention of StarClan. The she-cat seemed awfully certain of what the stars would and would not permit.

His attention shifted briefly when he noticed Skypaw retreating toward the darker edge of the clearing. The apprentice's distress was hardly subtle and he watched her for a moment before quietly making his way over, settling at her side without a word. He didn't crowd her or demand an explanation. He simply remained there as a presence.

Then Prudence spoke of StarClan's authority and his eyes immediately lifted to the moon. Even with the clouds gathering overhead, its face remained visible. He studied it in silence, searching for some indication of the stars' displeasure...but there was none.

His ears twitched. He wasn't foolish enough to mistake the absence of a warning for a blessing, but neither could he ignore what was before him. He didn't much care for the fact that the she-cat had spoken out of turn about RiverClan and their affiliation with...Kosmo.

"As it stands...the moon remains clear." He growled towards the crowd. "That does not mean StarClan approves of everything that has happened tonight. Only that they have not made their disapproval known." Again he fell silent leaving the distinction to settle among the leaders. The stars had not spoken plainly and he could only watch the sky.