Open to Join [Sticky] Hear Ye, Hear Ye! (PGCM 14LN'20)

Briarfang gave their dark coat a shake, hoping the movement would warm them up. They didn't love the idea of staying out all night in the cold. It would be far preferable to curl up inside and share warmth. In the back of their mind, they couldn't help but wonder what their young apprentice was thinking, as they gave a subtle, sideways glance toward Hailpaw.

Mintwhisker came into camp, a little chickadee dangling from his jaws. His step was a little weary- he had been out most of the late afternoon, but he was pleased to have caught at least one piece of prey, he was still rather disappointed in his lack of a proper catch. When he heard Boldstar's call, his ears perked and he moved to deposit the mouse on the freshkill pile. As he the joined his clanmates to see what his leader wanted, a quick glance up at the full moon showed that it was a Gathering night. His hazel eyes sparkled as he imagined the gaggle of apprentices going to their first Gathering, though surely, Riverclan wouldn't bring them all? They were such a large litter, after all.

Mistypaw emerged from the apprentice's den, having taken a short nap. She had been throwing herself at her training the best she could, but she still felt she wasn't developing the endurance she should be as fast as she felt she needed. It left her feeling frustrated and she hoped she might be able to go to the Gathering tonight to prove that she could keep up and that she had what it took to be a proper apprentice. Who knows, she might even get to see how her siblings were after three months separation. Had the other clans been willing to make them apprentices as well?

Hearing Boldstar's irritating call snapped Bloomfire awake from her light nap. She had been curled up in her nest, sleeping, or at least trying too. Instead of sleeping, her thoughts had been trained on the sounds of the outside as her ears eagerly listened. Sadly, nothing of interest had been said. She made her way over to Briarfang and Goosesong, giving the apprentices a brief glance, wondering if any of them would go. They were shaping up... well enough. She didn't pay much attention to them, but they hadn't been bothering her and that was good enough for now. She sat down beside Briarfang, her fur pressing ever so slightly against her sibling's as if to warm them up a little.

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Ebonyflare followed not long after Lilyriver, the dark ruddy tom's gaze assessing each member of his clan. It was habit really, he had no need to focus on how each member was going, but it was hard to let go of old duties, even all these moons later. A chesty cough racked his body as he gazed up at Coldgaze and Boldstar, noticing just the slightest hint of tension. It was not his place to intervene, but he would still be there to watch and mediate if ever needed. 

For once, Thornstrike was not returning to camp late with prey. Instead, they emerged from the warriors' den, tail flicking as Boldstar had interrupted their respite. It was a Gathering night, so of course that would happen, but still, it always annoyed them. Apprentices and mentors would likely go to Fourtrees that night, and as Thornstrike settled near her siblings, she wondered if he'd actually call of them to attend or just some.

Unlike Thornstrike, Nettlesky was both not annoyed and not bothering to leave the den entirely. Boldstar had plenty of cats to choose from. She would not expect her name among them.