After Sharpstar [ClanMeeting]

[FireFlyDragon]

[Marshflight]

Sharpstar was gone. So much like Echostar he had simply disappeared, without a known trace. Marshflight didn’t know what to do, Sharpstar had extended the offer of deputy to him – and he had accepted. Even now, as he stood gazing uncertainly upon The Stump, a place long used as a meeting ground for the clan generation before him and many others he was unsure; unsure of the clan’s reaction to his deputyship and now leadership, when Sharpstar hadn’t even announced it himself to the clan. It had been only dawns ago that the coming leader had asked him to take on the role of deputy, and not even a moon had passed since Echostar had disappeared. Everything was just moving so fast…It was overwhelming for the young warrior. He was already a leader, without being a deputy or a mentor; his chosen apprentice had been Sharpstar’s own daughter, and he wondered vaguely if she knew of his disappearance yet.

Of course! She’s his daughter after all… His mind snapped at him, tail swinging nervously from side to side, his shoulders still and head unmoving as his gaze flickered to the sky with darkening clouds. He guessed snow was on its way, and not long now the ground would be under a layer of frosty flakes coagulated from the sky’s waters. As his mind drifted he realized just how many cats had disappeared, neither clan had been spared from casualties these seasons; and now that leaf-bare was upon them all every thing was liable to get worse. ShadowClan themselves had lost two leaders in hardly a season…Not a good thing while all the clans were under normal leaf-bare pressure, not to mention many cats seemed to be standing on the edge; as if a war was coming at any second. This only deepened his worries among the many that lay on his shoulders now.

His main worry was the Clan believing him, he couldn’t think of a way to insure that he wasn’t lying, for in times like these there were always those who sought out the power for their own gain…Marshflight defiantly wasn’t the type though, that was obvious, at least to him. Hopefully his clan mate’s trust in him would be enough to at least ease their worries – if only for a little while. The deputy was another matter, and the apprentices to be given mentors if not already received involved another time and place in his mind. He had a lot to do; and Marshflight was never the kind to give up and run away from responsibilities, no matter how tough or how much pain they involved.

And so, trembling slightly from nervous shivers and the cooling weather he silently lept upon the cool, dry Stump. His fur spiked as he turned, the cold wind fighting through his coat as he took a breath, his released carbon creating a weak fog as he readied his voice, and himself for what was to come next. Strangely, he felt calm standing upon the long created Stump. He wondered if his fear had been to get on it, rather then what would happen once mounted. And with this flowing through his mind, quietly calming him and steadying his voice he strongly called out those oh so familiar words. Their meaning washing his tongue, and it was as if the whole land had gone silent, just so the words that now easily flowed past his jaws could be heard far and wide.

"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather at the Stump for a Clan meeting!"

[wolfkitten]

The young she-cat had been so angsty the past few days... She was worried when her father didn't come home from Moonstone within the time he was expected... It had now been a few days since her father had left to receive his nine lives and name... And yet it shouldn't have taken this long for her father to get back. She would find herself pacing the Apprentice's den, much to the annoyance of her denmates, considering her pawsteps weren't the quietest. But she didn't seem to care these last few days.

Even today, Nightpaw was unnerved and uneasy, pacing her den and then moving out to move around camp. It had been suggested that she use this angsty energy to go hunt, but she simply couldn't concentrate on a task... But she had worked hard since her father and herself had gotten home... And she was ready to be promoted... She felt ready and she had been told that she was ready to have her Warrior ceremony... And yet with all the confusion during this time... It was complicated... She understood this... Heck she hadn't been with the Clan a whole moon since she had been taken by humans with her beloved father...

Lately Nightpaw had been strange... Those who knew her as a tiny kit knew that she was the sweetest, most gentle cat in the world despite her harsher parents... True enough her father had been a gentle one, and yet he still came off as harsh... She tensed up as she thought again of her father, shaking such thoughts from her mind. Her father was fine. And he was coming home... And yet Marshflight... He seemed eager to take the leadership... This rubbed Nightpaw the wrong way... She held a healthy respect for Marshflight as her mentor and friend... And yet she still felt he was rushing this... Yet with the gathering not far away, how could he not? She huffed and sighed softly and finally shook her pelt out and headed for the entrance of the camp. She had to get out and do something...

Yet when she heard the familiar summoning words for the Clan, coming from the maw of her beloved mentor, she paused and turned slightly to give her shoulder a lick, mildly irritated. She would turn, however, and pad right back into the camp, glancing around as she bounded for the stump, finding herself being the first cat at the meeting. She smiled warmly and dipped her head respectfully to Marshflight, her tail whipping slightly and then curling around her frame.

Nightpaw had been growing considerably fast... She was now the size of a Warrior, but only just the age of a young Warrior ready to start their Warrior duties, and yet she was larger than all those that would be her age. She was turning out to be a beautiful she-cat, growing into those abnormally large paws... Lately Nightpaw felt bad, because of her snappish nature during the recent events of her father's dissapearance, and yet no one seemed to blame the young she-cat... Though as soon as the uncertain times ended, Nightpaw would likely be right back to her normal self.

The young dark she-cat would remain seated and silent, attention wavering slightly as she watched the cats coming out of their nests and coming into camp. This was her beloved family... Her wonderful Clan, and yet her heart felt empty without her father here with her... But one way or another all would be well. Her father had been right. ShadowClan was strong... They would survive and get through this, and if her father didn't come back... Which wasn't an option in her mind... She would stand by Marshflight and help him through this as well as she could.

[Breezy]

*Three Siblings*

Emberwing was just returning to camp with her other two siblings. They dropped off the prey they caught and suddenly heard Marshflight call a Clan meeting. Autumnfur and Mudtail were surprised to hear it coming from a warrior instead of Sharpstar the Leader of ShadowClan. Emberwing wondered what was going on. What had happen to Sharpstar and why was Marshflight on the stump where all meetings were held. The three young warriors answered Marshflights call and sat in the front of the rest of their Clanmates. Light blue, Dark blue and Green eye's all three looked up at the old tom(older by only two moons). Emberwing was worried about Sharpstar and the leader daughter. She hasn't seen the leader in a while now and mutter's were going around that he left the Clan or that his just disappeared without a trace. Emberwing along with her siblings watched Marshflight. But Emberwing started to notice something about Marshflight and that was, that he was handsome. She blushed under her fur when this thought crossed her mind.

Her sister elbowed her "What do you thinks going on Emberwing" asked Autumnfur. Mudtail looked at his two sister's and showed he was wondering the same thing "I don't know. But I get this feeling that it's about Sharpstar's disappearing" Emberwing said with a worried look in her light blue eye's. She has always seen Sharpstar has a second father and it worried her greatly that he was missing. Emberwing then remembered that it must be even harder on Sharpstar's blood kit. After seeing the sad look on their sister's face. The other two siblings dropped the subject. They all went back to watching Marshflight waiting for what he had to say to the whole Clan.

[havok]

Trotting into camp, her mouth full of prey, Warhawk had just been dropping them off at the fresh-kill pile when Marshflight had leapt up onto the the stump in ShadowClan camp and called a Clan meeting. "This has to be about Sharpstar," she mumbled to herself, padding into the crowd of her Clanmates. 'Leaders come and go, but the land is forever,' she thought. An old saying, but it was true enough, especially here, it seemed. There'd been a few disappearances, but Sharpstar's wasn't so startling. This had happened before, after all. She remembered when Echostar had gone, or at least she'd heard. This new age seemed to wash over her like a bad wind. It always passed.

Looking up at Marshflight, she wondered what kind of Leader he would be. Not bad of course. ShadowClan has always had great heros. Great didn't mean they would be just or righteous, but great. Warhawk was comforted knowing that Marshflight was a kind and just cat. He could help ShadowClan's reputation. That would be well enough and who knew what could happen tomorrow? She didn't, but she'd be the one to tell the tale. Three of her Clanmates were talking amongst themselves, but the only ones that interested her at the moment were Nightpaw and Marshflight. Nightpaw had lost her father and Marshflight was to be their new Leader. These were such eventful days and she had to remember them all.

[FireFlyDragon]

[Marshflight]

It wasn’t long before cats began showing up, Nightpaw being the first. She gave him a respectable nod, seemingly agitated but still calm as she sat there, her gaze upon him. Lifted, Marshflight gave her a grateful look, happy that she was behind him…Even though her father was gone. No! Marshflight mentally clawed himself, Sharpstar had to be alive; Maybe he just got lost or was held up somewhere by two-legs again. His battle with himself was cut short as more cats gathered, curious eyes now upon him as they sat obediently down.

Enough cats had gathered now, nearly the whole clan had showed up. Thankfully they all remained quiet; none seemed worried about him up on the Stump, though many curious and wondering gazes looked up to him. When all had seated themselves comfortably he rose, tail twitching slightly as he thought of the right words to say, he didn’t want to upset anyone. His ears sidled to Nightpaw’s location, especially his apprentice. Taking one last breath, hoping his voice would remain strong and calm, though he felt nothing like it.

“ShadowClan. I’m sure you’ve noticed that Sharpstar hasn’t returned from Moonstone.” He swallowed, pausing as he took another breath, his inner voice growing more confident as he spoke. “We have no idea what could have happened, and if hes coming back which we all hope he might.” He must… Marshflight looked around the surrounding cats, so many different expressions rose to his eyes, and he could sympathize with most if not all that he could discern. Going on he finally got to the other sensitive matter.

“I’m not sure if all of you know but before Sharpstar disappeared he offered me the position of deputy…And I accepted. With the gathering nearly upon us It might force us to move on, but not abandon hope for Sharpstar’s return. So, I announce now that after the coming gathering I will be traveling to the Moonstones to receive my lives; though I wish this would have not been necessary for many moons to come.”

One more he took a final look about the gathered cats, and his gaze falling on Nightpaw he added some more words. “Nightpaw will accompany me to Moonstones, while Warhawk will lead the Clan back into ShadowClan territory.” He searched the crowd until his gaze landed on the she-cat, he hoped she would not object to this, as he wanted to make sure there was someone in charge with him gone. But this journey would also give Marshflight time to be with Nightpaw a before his role as leader. The time would be good to talk and maybe confide in one another if possible. “And remember.” His voice held a certainty as he rose a little taller. “ShadowClan never was, and never will be a Clan that could be stepped on, or overlooked. We will not give the other Clans a reason to think we are weak because of our recent troubles. This meeting is over.” His voice faded away and was replaced with a small silence as he stepped down from the Stump, immediately heading towards his apprentice. He wanted to talk to her…Apologize if possible.

[wolfkitten]

Nigthtpaw sat absolutely still near the bottom of the stump, though far enough back that she didn't have to crane her neck to see Marshflight. Her gentle eyes were absolutely fixated on his form. She heard cats starting to gather in around her, causing her ears to flicker just a bit. Back in the Clan less than a moon and she was left alone here. She hardly knew the cats around here... Though she was starting to get to know them quickly. So many names she was very familiar with, so many faces of her beloved Clanmates.

Thoughts ran rampant through her mind as she awaited the rest of the Clan to gather at the stump to hear the words of Marshflight. Nightpaw was Marshflight's apprentice and thus of course she knew very well of the troubles and everything going on. She was well aware of the situation as Marshflight would share with her his troubles. Nightpaw found it odd, and yet she would listen very intently when he did... It would seem she had more of the natures of Sharpstar's sister, Snowpelt, than either of her parents... Yet she still could hold the sharp tongue of her mother... Not near as practiced or as scathing as she... And yet still sharp and witty. Nightpaw usually preffered to use her wit and skill in building cats up, rather than tearing them down... And yet with her feeling at her lowest low, that was difficult for the time.

Nightpaw wasn't given very much time to dwell on this, however, as Marshflight would soon begin to speak, addressing the Clan. Her gentle eyes fixated upon him, her thoughts wandering again over the last moon... There was no cat in this Clan, save her father, that she had grown as close to as Marshflight, her beloved mentor, confidant, and friend... And yet something else stirred inside her, a very odd feeling for the young she-cat. It confused her and the very thought of it made her wrinkle her nose in confusion.

Once again she would push her overly loud thoughts to the back of her warring mind, gazing up at Marshflight and listening intently to his words. As he spoke of her father, she would visibly tense up, though show amazing restraint, remaining absolutely silent and respectful to her Deputy... She couldn't bring herself to call him her Leader... Indeed her father had told her that he was going to ask and appoint Marshflight as his Deputy... And yet he hadn't done it. Of course not, he dissapeared shortly after going to Moonstone. He had insisted on going alone... She growled slightly for not insisting back on going with him... He had said that he felt he needed to go this alone, so she let him... Marshflight too had honored that request... And now he was lost to them...

Yet as Marshflight voiced her fears, an inward growl started. He was not lost... He would come back. What was Marshflight doing... He was just going to move on like nothing was happening? She trusted Marshflight, and yet in the pit of her stomach she felt this was wrong... This was not how it was supposed to happen. Her father would come back... Her father would come back and lead the Clan... He had to! It was his duty... Nightpaw would continue to watch Marshflight unwaveringly as she listened, her thoughts being dragged back as he spoke of his trip to Moonstone after the Gathering. The Gathering... They had to move on before then... She sighed slightly, she just couldn't face the reality that her father might actually be truly gone...

But as her name was called, she looked up, sitting taller and dipping her head in a respectful nod and acceptance of Marshflight's will. There was no surprise there that Marshflight wished his Apprentice to accompany him... And yet there was no kittish excitement bubbling in Nightpaw, merely an understanding and acceptance of her responsibility... What a cat beyond her years, and yet the desire to prove her worth to Marshflight still burned strong... And that other bothersome thought would also resurface, causing Nightpaw to mentally recoil and push it down, padding slightly at the ground a couple times as if she could paw it right into the dirt she sat upon.

Marshflight's last words of the meeting made hope swell in Nightpaw's heart. Even if her father was gone... His Clan would live on and thrive under the one he chose... As soon as Marshflight dismissed the Clan, Nightpaw would move to her feet and start away. All she wanted at the moment was to be alone... And yet it didn't seem she would get that yet, as out of the corner of her eye, she saw Marshflight making his way toward her. She paused mid-step, glancing back to him, standing a near regal posture, before lowering her head and tail slightly in submission to his position as her Mentor and Deputy... But she would look up to meet his eyes quietly, her voice gentle, though he would likely hear strain in it. "Hello Marshflight..."

[Breezy]

*Three Siblings*

Emberwing watched the meeting and for some reason she had a feeling that it would be about Shapestar. Turned out to be right on target. Her sister and Brother felt bad for Nightpaw who might have lost her father at such a young age. The three felt sorry for her because they understood the pain of losing a parent at such an age. Emberwing looked at her siblings "I'm going to talk to Nightpaw for a moment guys. Go on ahead and continue hunting" she said with smile to them. Autumnfur and Mudtail both smiled her "Your have to good of a heart Emberwing" Said Mudtail to his sister. The other's left to hunt more and Emberwing made her way to Nightpaw with their new Leader Marshstar.

One she had made it them "Nightpaw, I would like to say, that if you ever need someone to talk with about this happenings. You may come to me, my sister or brother to talk. or if your comfortable with just talk with me that's fine" she said in a sweet tone to the apprentice. Emberwing looked at the apprentice with Light blue eye's that show her sadness for what has happen lately to the younger cat. Emberwing then looked at Marshflight or more so Marshstar "I wanted to say...my StarClan Bless your leadership Marshstar" She said with a small blush under her fur. Emberwing had liked the time for a while now. But she didn't know what to do and well she couldn't tell her siblings, they'd try to protect her or something like that.

[havok]

Marshflight said they'd hold out hope for Sharpstar's return. Warhawk didn't bother with it much, hope, that is. As long as the Clan didn't throw itself into a complete panic allowing more chaos to ensue, they'd be fine. ShadowClan have been through worse disasters than this. In fact, she could probably recall most of those stories. According to Marshflight, if Sharpstar didn't show up before the next gathering, then he'd split off afterward with Nightpaw and go to Highstones to receive his nine lives and the 'star' part of a Leader's name. He chose Warhawk to lead the Clan back home from there, leaving her in charge until he came back. Though this was slightly surprising, the only indication she showed of it was a slight twitch of her whiskers, before bowing her head respectfully to her Deputy.

Finally after some stirring words that Warhawk took note of for repeating the tale of this particular meeting, it was over. She spotted Nightpaw trot over to her mentor and say something, though so softly, even Warhawk couldn't make it out. Then Emberwing spoke quickly with her siblings and trotted over to Nightpaw and Marshflight, saying a few words to Nightpaw before turning to Marshflight, calling him, 'Marshstar'. Now, that, she couldn't allow. Warhawk padded over to the small party, though her icy gaze was fixed solely on Emberwing. She understood her role after the gathering there wasn't much to talk over with Marshflight. Her words came out as a near hiss, "Watch your tongue, Emberwing! Marshflight isn't Leader yet, nor has he received the nine lives or 'star' name of a Leader. We're still holding out hope for Sharpstar's return, don't turn your back and forget about it." By then, her ears had flattened against her head in annoyance at the ginger she-cat. Remembrance and detail were very important to Warhawk, she'd didn't want them scoffed, least of all, by a Clanmate.

[FireFlyDragon]

[Marshflight]

Nightpaw had remained calm during the gathering as far as Marshflight could tell, though it wasn’t a surprise when she reacted to his words about Sharpstar and his possibility of not coming back. The large tom didn’t want to think about that though, after all, he wanted Sharpstar back as much as any other cat.
It seemed Nightpaw’s heart hadn’t healed much as she turned away as soon as he called the meeting to a close. Hesitating, the tom thought about turning back, perhaps trying to figure out patrols and what to say at the gathering if need be. Nightpaw had noticed him now though, and as she turned to face him he realized he might as well go over there now, even with all these cats still mingling about them.

His pawsteps were silent as he closed the few tail-lengths between them, Nightpaw committing to an obedient position of his status as he stopped before her. At first he wasn’t quite sure what to say, and endless moments seemed to pass silently, his tail flicking with a sudden bout of nervous, yet sincere feeling. As her voice just tempted his pricked ears he just barely caught her words. They sounded gentle enough, though they lacked her usual energy and personality that he knew the she-cat so well for.

Seeing his apprentice so lack-luster he couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward, and in an attempt to even the field he sank down to his haunches, bringing himself to the large apprentice’s own height as his orbs sought her own. His tail slowly curved about his dark paws as he finally brought it upon himself to speak, his words soft and holding sincerity. “Nightpaw-”

His sentence was cut off as the tabby she-cat Emberwing found reason to join them. Stopping abruptly his gaze veered off from the black she-cat, instead landing on the young-warrior’s form as she approached, turning to Nightpaw as she began to speak. Marshflight’s tail twitched, now uncomfortable with the situation as she began to offer the other help, in the form of sympathetic words; perhaps to much so. Marshflight wasn’t all to sure but the warrior’s attempt to help might just get a sharp remark in reply from the grieving apprentice.

“Emberwing, I’m sure you only wish to help” He stood, taking a step towards the two, advancing between them almost unnoticed as he turned to the she-cat. “But I think you shouldn’t be offering help from your kin without them offering themselves.” His tail flicked back to Nightpaw’s side, hoping she wouldn’t throw about her sharp tongue; after all, Emberwing was only trying to help. It was after her words for Nightpaw that she now turned to Marshflight himself, blessing his road to leadership with a seemingly embarrassed tone.

Startled momentarily he remained silent, and Warhawk, hearing the young she-cats statement trotted over, a somewhat fierce gaze fixated upon the blue eyed tabby. Her reprimand came out in a hiss, and though Marshflight thought she was a little harsh he made no move to interrupt her. What she was saying was true in a sense. But as her heated words faded away Marshflight cooled the air with his calm tone, looking first to Warhawk and then Emberwing as he spoke.

“Warhawk, I understand your concern and I agree. But I see no reason to frighten your clanmates when not necessarily needed.” Pale eyes now fluttered to the tabby, grateful yet still gently stern in their gaze. “I thank you for your support Emberwing, but I have no leader’s name or authority as Warhawk mentioned. Sharpstar still hold those in his disappearance and return.” His gaze danced to each, hoping he had calmed them all enough to repress possibly sharp comments in the future. Though all was quiet now Marshflight could still feel his heart beat uncharacteristically fast. Times now were tense, even if Sharpstar had been here things still might have been edgy. And with the gathering only dawns away things would get even more intense.

[wolfkitten]

Nightpaw never was all that much of a social cat... Of course nearly a year with twolegs with only her father for company might do that to one... But she did love all her Clanmates dearly in the short time she had spent with them thus far. Especially Marshflight, with whom most of her time had been spent as she learned the rest of her Apprentice training. She blinked warmly at him as she would soon rise from that submissive posture, watching him carefully and wandering what it was he needed. She respected this cat deeply, but she really didn't feel like idle chatter today... And yet... Idle chatter may be needed to take her mind off of today's happenings...

She smiled slightly at him as the silence lengthened, not at all minding it, nor finding it awkward in the least. She tilted her head slightly as she looked to him, watching him lower himself to make him at her own level. Well she would seat herself for the time being, allowing her own haunches to sink to the ground, ebon tail moving to wrap lightly around her overly large paws. Thankfully she had begun to grow into them, yet they were still overly large. Finally she heard him speak her name, and she would dip her head slightly, seeing the concern in his eyes. Well she would reach out to place a paw gently upon his... "He will be alright Marshflight... And he's coming back. I can feel it..." She glanced up at the sky and tensed up a little. In reality she couldn't... Her father had been far away and the bond she had built with him was stretched... And yet she couldn't stop believeing that he would come back.

But she would look back to him before nodding slightly. "But I understand... W-we need to be ready to move on if he... If the worst should happen." She nodded slightly and looked back up to him, her eyes full of sincerity. "If it happens... I will follow you Marshflight. Unreservedly I will follow and trust you." She nodded again and removed her paw, just when Emberwing made her way over.

She tensed up just a little as she padded over. Nightpaw didn't know Emberwing or her syblings all that well, and yet her words brought a slight smile to Nightpaw's maw. It was all she could do not to retort or send a sharp remark Emberwing's way. In all honesty, her mother was coming out in her lately and she really wanted Emberwing to mind her own business. And yet she would squish that thought quickly, not wanting to be mean to the young warrior. She dipped her head slightly in grateful respect. "Thank you Emberwing... That means a lot to me..." She nodded to her, and returned her gaze to Marshflight, knowing her actions and words may be a surprise to him. Nightpaw was often predictabley unpredictable. She could hold a sharp tongue like her mother and father, or she could be kind and gentle... More leaning toward the kind and gentle, but she had her moments... And at a time like this her moments came more often.

Then along came Warhawk as Emberwing spoke to Marshflight. Warhawk looked about ready to come unglued as she seethed and hissed at Emberwing. Indeed, her words seemed harsh to the Apprentice, but she merely dipped her head and remained absolutely silent, uncertain what to say about this at all. But she would smile slightly to Warhawk. If all went poorly, she would make a wonderful Deputy for Marshflight... Strong and orderly... Detail oriented, she would help this Clan to move smoothly. But this was a part of the worse case scenario... Of which Nightpaw prayed would not come... At least not for many many moons, though at that point it would turn into the best case indeed. But she smiled to Warhawk at her words. True enough they were merely logical, and yet they hit Nightpaw as something more. Warhawk thought there was a chance that Sharpstar might be coming back too, and this lifted Nightpaw's spirits considerably.

[Breezy]

*Emberwing & Her Siblings return*

Emberwing gave a sad smile to Nightpaw, she hoped that she was being nosey. When she saw that look on Nightpaw's face and knew that it would take a while before she approved of wanting to talk to anyone. She nodded her head to Nightpaw, but then turned back to Marshflight when he spoke up and said that she shoulder offer he kins help, if they weren't willing to give it them selfs. They had just gone out hunting for the Clan is why she was doing it. Emberwing sighed at his words and soon after saw Warhawk coming their way. She wondered what was going on and before long knew in the sign of Warhawk hiss hrush words. Emberwing had lowed herself to the ground in little in shock and fear of the older warrior. But then Marshflight's words scolded the other warrior for frighting her. It was a little embarrasing to have her Deputy come to her aid. Her brother and sister were normally doing that. Speaking of who they had just return to watch Warhawk scream at their sister. Emberwing nodded to Marshflight's gentle, yet stern words that he was not yet the leader and that hope was still being held for Sharpstar's return "I'm sorry Marshflight...........I hope he returns too.........we need a leader in times of trouble and worry" she said more to herself then to anyone else.

The two Siblings came to stand beside Emberwing with angry looked at Warhawk "I don't want to ever see you treat my little sister like that again" Mudtail hiss at Warhawk. He called her his little sister, but she was the youngest of the three twin siblings. Last to be born was Emberwing and first was Mudtail and then after him was Autumnfur. speaking of Autumnfur, the other tabby she cat was hissing at Warhawk for frighting her younger sibling "Do that again and I'll rip you fur off" Autumnfur said with a hiss. Mudtail and Autumnfur were a few minutes older then Emberwing. speaking of Emberwing she was siting there looking at her siblings in shock. She then sighed with a worried look to Marshflight who she knew wouldnt' take this lightly. She looked him in the eye's "Please don't be to hard on them" she whispered. She knew her siblings were over protective of her and didn't want them to be scolded badly because of that. It has been like this ever since their parents dead when they were kits.[/color]

[havok]

Marshflight was already nervous and Nightpaw was frayed and it was only after her own stern words to the little actress that was Emberwing, did she realize that she hadn't helped the situation at all. Marshflight scolded her for it, sternly, though gently, as was his nature and Warhawk dipped her head to him. He was Deputy, still above her in the ranks, he deserved her respect. As another warrior however, Emberwing would feel the full brunt of Warhawk's fury if need be. Normally, she was one to love her Clan and all those in it, but the three 'amber siblings' always seemed to chafe even her hide, Emberwing especially with that innocent act of her's. Even through this turmoil that raged within her, Nightpaw smiled to Warhawk and she softened a little. Warhawk knew better than to cause a stir, the Clan came first before all else, her own personal feelings for other members included.

That was until the 'back-up team' decided to show up and save their poor, sweet, innocent sister. 'Dear, StarClan, why've you cursed ShadowClan with this trio of manipulation?' she asked silently. The first to growl at her was the brother, then the sister. Before Emberwing could pull her sweet, innocent act, Warhawk smiled sweetly at them. "Ah, yes, ganging up on a warrior slightly younger and less experienced than yourselves, I see. You must feel so big. Does your sister have you both under her paw so completely?" she said, her voice smooth and dripping with sarcasm. Before they could waste any more stupid words on her she turned to Marshflight and Nightpaw. "I'm sorry for letting myself go like that and unlike these three, I'm going to stop flapping my jaws and do something usefull. Excuse me," she said, the senserity behind her words showing in her eyes, though the annoyance at the other three cats glittered there too. With that said she bowed to both Marshflight and Nightpaw, then turned and trotted past the trio, head and tail held high. Hunting sounded good right now, at least she would be of some use to her Clan that way.

[Silver]

Skyfire had watched the ceremony silently from his den entrance. Now, as he watched the Clan talk and murmur among themselves, he slipped out into the cold world, padding up to Marshflight's side. "Don't worry about Sharpstar," he murmured. "I have a feeling he is safe. I cannot tell if he will return to us though. StarClan has been silent on this issue," Skyfire kept his voice low, his words meant only for Marshflight. Skyfire blinked encouragingly at the deputy, before dipping his head respectfully. "I am sure that you can handle the Clan until his return," he purred. As he turned, he paused briefly to glare at the three siblings. "This is not the time to be fighting among ourselves!" he hissed. "I do not want to have any of you in my den for silly reasons such as this!" Skyfire flicked his tail dismissively, cutting off any argument that may have come his way, before the tortoiseshell tom turned and padded back to his warm den, calling for his apprentice as he slipped inside, his orange and white tail waving for a moment before it too vanished.

(Is it safe to close this thread?)

[FireFlyDragon]

Yesh XD