Closed Thread [Closed] Summer Showers at Late Hours [Gathering LG20]

You're a Rockstar, a Superhero!
Get up, get up and show 'em what you're made of!

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Moosestar listened to the madness of voices that surrounded him. Cats called and jeered, many looking his way when he suggested that this was Starclan's doing. He was appreciative of Palestar, then Tigerrush and Mistyleaf of their support. He had hoped he wasn't as stupid as many of these cats thought he was.

However, of course, one cat had to particularly issue amongst the crowd.

"Savagefox! Back down. You should know the code better than that." 

He chastised the warrior, flicking his tail with irritation. He had hoped the warrior would appreciate his chance at a Gathering visit, rather than throw it away with such poor morality. 

"If these kits truly are from StarClan, ThunderClan will ensure they are protected. Clanborn or rogue-blooded, if they are blessed by StarClan, they should be under the clans' protection."

He looked upon both Badgerstar and Palestar, then with a slight glance at the arriving RiverClan Leader. Finally.

"I, for one, think it is smartest to follow what our medicine cats suggest, and take these kits as our own."

Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
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Murkkit looked from one cat to the next, dark blue eyes stormy with thought. A part of him wondered if he'd ever be warm and happy again, but at least with the hope of a new home, perhaps that wasn't out of his reach yet. The real conflict would be if he'd be able to see his siblings again. Four groups of cats had come across them, and there were four of them - Murkkit just wanted them all to have a home to return to.

"If you all come here often, then... maybe we will still be able to see each other, right?" His head turned towards the concerned Sootpaw, then to the rest of his siblings in the shadow of the windclan cat who brooded and gave them comfort. It was a bit intimidating to think he could very well be on his own for a while - but if his mother and sire could do it, then he could too! He continued.

"We'll do our best - honest!" Mouth agape, he blinked up at the shadowclan cats and pondered his fate.

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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"Good of you to come, Boldstar." Palestar muttered a bit under her breath, clearly distracted by the throng of voices and opinions that asailed her, but one thing was for certain - these kits would need someplace to call home. She glanced sympathetically at the dark pointed tomkit. "This is all a bit unorthodox, but yes. Come Gathering night every moon, if you are called to join, you will see one another again." It must have been hard on Sootpaw to hear the interpretation of this prophecy on the medicine cats tongues. Even Flutterdream seemed transfixed. There was no point in worrying the kits more, no point in revealing that one day they'd have to defend the borders from one another. See could only imagine if she had a sibling in another clan - higly unlikely, but with that knowledge? It'd be hard to reign your heart in. Standing proud, the lynx point she-cat introduced herself properly to the kits. "I am Palestar, leader of Shadowclan - we live in the marshlands to the northeast." Perhaps it would be best for the kits to choose where they wanted to go.

There are heroes and then there are legends,
heroes get remembered but legends never die.

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Savagefox leveled their eyes at the cream and white pelted tom. Self-important little sack of snot, asking like they spoke for StarClan themselves. ”You’re the one jumping to claws, apprentice.” There was still a rumble in their tone, dangerous rather than friendly. Then the little black and white tom tried to puff himself up.

”Putting threats in my fangs.” One red ear cocked at the little tom as he was distracted and utterly beside himself at the idea of splitting the kittens up. Savagefox took another step forward to look closer at these kittens. If StarClan was interested in them then there must be something worth seeing. Only one thing in the entire pile of fur was worth anyone’s notice.

”If we’re keeping one, we should take the Orange-eyed one, Moosestar.” Savagefox felt like they were good eyes, contrasting starkly against her pale pelt. If he had to put up with some outsider the least that could be done would be for ThunderClan to have the interesting looking one.

Out with the old - In with the bold

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Boldstar tried to hide his surprise at the no nonsense announcement of the Medicine Cat’s declarations from Fawnbriar. The ‘gift’ of a kit would be much more complicated than just taking it. Specifically, it would be more complicated for Otterwhisker as she was the only one in the RiverClan nursery at the moment. **”Did they explain how we’re to divide them?”

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

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”I’m sorry, Sootpaw, but it will have to be done.” Rowanglade tried to sooth the ShadowClan apprentice. It would be better for the kits if the separation was quick and final.

”They’re kits of StarClan, the two earthly cats who abandoned them here are creatures of the past. Something not worth remembering.” It was best for all if the kits felt inspired to let go of that previous family. Clinging would only be trouble for all involved. ”When they leave this place they’ll no longer be siblings. They’ll belong to the clans they go to.”

rise from the smoldering pyre of wormwood and weeds
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Hmph. As if that shadowclan apprentice had any idea what Starclan wanted. Rowanglade's blunt words were laced with wisdom and found himself nodding along. All they had said was that these kits would be additions to their ranks - but he was clueless as to which kit would be Riverclans. Once the savage ginger had settled, it would be Coldgaze who acted. Picking the odd-eyes lilac she-kit by the looks of it. His icy gaze was even as they flicked to their bold leader, wondering if that kit would be acceptable. Either way, he felt Otterwhisker should have some say in the matter - but at least she had a pleasant disposition and he didn't think she'd be too perturbed by another kit among her many children.

Adventurous hearts, wild and free, dance to the rhythm of destiny
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Brindlepaw kicked her paw as a small rock. The novelty of these kits were beginning to lose their luster and she simply wanted to take a kit - any kit -finish the evening and go home to her nest. The orange eyed lilac kit was the most striking, she thought, even if she seemed similar in color to Wildcry - and Gingerthrash. Those eyes were more orange than theirs. She leaned into Savagefox, aiming to give him a small bump on the shoulder. "Oh, that seems like a good choice!" She chimed in quietly, glancing at him before padding up besides Moosestar, passing Wrentalon with a small smile. "Whaddya think?"

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 medicine cats were making more and more sense by the minute and already claims were being made. The last thing she wanted to do was cause pain for these small wretches that had landed into their graces, but she didn't want to extend their farewells for longer than need be. Even the Riverclan deputy seemed too impatient and plucked a wayward kit and brought him to Boldstar, but Palestar already had a feeling about a certain kit who now implored her, his murky colored body nearly blurred in the blanket of night. She hoped he would do well with them. "You will come with us." She stated simply as the kit had stepped closer to her, and shifted her stance as she called upon the grey shadowclan she-cat who had given comfort to them. "Heronsong, carry him back with you when we're done here. There is still a Gathering to commense." With each leader she settled a stare.

Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
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The little kit breathed heavily as if his life depended on this moment. And in many ways, it did. Soon their lives would be turned upside down and he was terribly exhausted. Half shocked as one of his sisters was snatched up by the riverclan tom, his eyes pleaded with the odd-eyed she-cat who callled herself Palestar. Would she be merciful and see to it they'd be okay? What about his other siblings - what did that older she-cat mean when she said they'd no longer be siblings? Palestar had assured him they'd see each other again... "Waterfall... It's okay. They'll have a nice warm nest and food for you." His reassurance to the pointed tom was only half-hearted, needed a hearty amount himself, before he found his way to the paws of Heronsong, leaning into her for warmth.

HERONSONG

Heronsong blinked as her leader placed the dark kit in her care. Without thinking much of it, she bent and began gently grooming the young one's fur, trying to provide whatever comfort she could to the estranged tomkit. As he leaned into her fur, she wondered how Starclan could send such a small thing as part of their plans...and how they could seemingly split apart this family for the sake of the four clans. Nervousness prickling in her paws, she huddled the kit close, and hoped Flutterdream would be able to help them all make sense of this.

WRENTALON

We’ll never stop because we’re only getting better.
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The orange-eyed kit standing in polite defiance struck Wrentalon as a nearly hilarious image. She was so small, staring directly at one of the wildest warriors he knew. It could be bravery or simple kit stupidity, but he couldn't help but watch Savagefox, whiskers twitching in amusement as his fellow warrior his this weeks-old kitten standing up to him. As funny as it was, though, he still glanced upward toward the moon. Tigerrush had to be correct in her interpretation - if she wasn't, or if they took the wrong kit, Starclan would most certainly send a sign of some sort. But this small she-kit seemed hearty and brave. She would certainly fit in well within Thunderclan's ranks. And who knew, perhaps if Wrentalon got on Moosestar's good side, he might even be able to mentor her once she got older. Sunstrike had mentioned he'd have been a good mentor, hadn't she? She couldn't be the only one to see it.

BRIARFANG

Having kept to the edges of the gathering crowd, Briarfang felt mostly unseen amidst the slight chaos in the clearing. Curiosity pricked their fur as Coldgaze simply went to the litter, picked up a kit, and brought it to Boldstar. It was a simple act, like an apprentice bringing an elder a piece of prey. Almost like a gift, they thought rather oddly, uncertain if their deputy was eager to please or simply impatient about the whole affair. Another thought came into their mind: There's going to be another kit in the clan. As if Briarfang wasn't already kept awake by enough kit cries at night, or harangued by a small mob when they were trying to do their duties. Adding another set of paws to the gaggle...they couldn't wait for these kits to grow up, already.

You're a Rockstar, a Superhero!
Get up, get up and show 'em what you're made of!

‹‹‹‹ ★ ››››

Moosestar could see as the clans shifted to take each kit, with his clanmates seeming to elect the small orange kit. She was a fierce one; of course the clan was interested in her. She also seemed rather intelligent, speaking towards his clan, specifically Savagefox, in a way that was attempting to portray confidence. Was she trying to make herself look more acceptable, or was it more of a protective measure?

Either way, even his own interest had been peaked by the young kit.

"Of course, young one."

Savagefox, with a personality miles in difference from him, their thoughts finally seemed to align.. With Brindlepaw's coupled interest, along with Tigerrush and perhaps even the stout Wrentalon's, he had to admit, it seemed she had already seemed chosen by the ambitious clan.

He came up to the young kit, but with enough distance that he hoped the kit was comfortable. With that, he lowered himself down, sitting his hind legs down before crouching with his front legs in front of the kit so that their eyes were of the same level. He let his fur relax, and his ears to give no presentation but curiosity in how they sat. 

"I apologize for the chaos, and for frightening you. I promise, none of us should," 

With a glance at Savagefox. 

"Be of any harm to you. By coming with ThunderClan, you will be safe, warm, and trained alongside some of the most talented cats of the four clans."

His eyes were comfortably round, while a light smile teased his lips. He was inspecting the kit, but not aggressively- just enough to examine her. With a moment of silence, he then rose himself up, turning slightly. His eyes lingered on the kit, then landed on one of his warriors.

"Mistyleaf, please carry the kit, we need to get back to camp so as to care for her."

Looking to the other clans, he straightened his shoulders and then rose his head.

"ThunderClan will be leaving the Gathering early in order to handle matters related to the four kits. May StarClan guide your paths!"

The tom yowled over the still-raging storm, before turning and beginning his way towards the slopes at the edge of Fourtrees.

The aim of an argument is not victory, but progress
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As the Thunderclanners made to leave, Sootpaw felt a little bit cheated. Gatherings were supposed to be his time to talk to the other clans - but all that had happened was some arguing and bickering. And now everyone was just leaving?

With a sigh, he stepped back from the group of cats and made his way over to Heronsong. It wasn't really the kit's fault the gathering ended so early - no one 'decides' to get dumped here by their parents. Or Starclan. Or whoever.

"Hey!" He managed to find his enthusiasm as he sat beside Heronsong, blocking out some of the wind. "Ah, we will probably be going home soon. It'll be great - you get to see Shadowclan camp and territory. I didn't even get to do that until I was an apprentice, and I was born there!" He tilted his head, watching the little cat. "If you can stay awake, that is."

With the rain, wind and excitement, Sootpaw would be sure to sleep well tonight. Maybe Palestar would let him help the kit settle in - he knew a lot of stories that his own dame had told him in the nursery. "When we get back, there will be food, and a warm nest for you too. We have a lot of prey - everyone is great at hunting." Singing the praises of Shadowclan was one of his favourite activities - especially in front of the other clans. And they deserved it. His clan was amazing.

WRENTALON

We’ll never stop because we’re only getting better.
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Wrentalon sat up straight as Moosestar called Thunderclan to leave. Already? No, he can’t! There was so much they needed to tell the other clans, things they needed to find answers for. They couldn’t allow themselves to be distracted by a little kit! Let Mistyleaf handle it herself, but business needed to be done. He bounded over to his leader, hissing under his breath as he hoped other cats wouldn’t hear, “Moosestar, what about the rogue? We need to let the other clans know!”

HERONSONG

Attempting not to overwhelm the kit at her paws, Heronsong kept herself quiet and relaxed. She purred as Sootpaw started telling it all about clan life. Dawnflurry’s agreement was reassuring as well; this kit would be raised well. Looking over at the others…the Riverclan deputy seemed cold towards the kitten he’d picked up, and the Thunderclan warriors were being outright insulting. At least their medicine cat seemed friendly enough. That poor kit…I hope they are treated well, she couldn’t help but think with a note of apprehension.

BRIARFANG

Briarfang’s whiskers twitched in amusement at all the warriors arguing back and forth. They had arrived at a Gathering in full confusion, and the chaos was getting to be a bit exciting. They heard Coldgaze telling the kit beside him to ‘cope,’ and almost snickered at the bluntness. Warmth was indeed a luxury, and if this kit was to be a true Riverclanner, it would have to get used to being wet.

FALLKIT

Waterfall stood near the brown and white she-cat, watching as his siblings all got snatched up by other strangers. He was confused, unable to parse what was happening. His whole life having known only those three and his dame, and in one day they were all taken away, replaced by a forest of unfamiliar scents and faces. He was so tired...he swayed on his paws as he strove to stay awake, and couldn’t help but sit down. His bright blue eyes were closing despite his best efforts. He could only hope that the reassurances the big cats were speaking were true.