Gathering~ (all cats)

[bracken]

Morningpaw of Riverclan;

Morningpaw blinked, not knowing how to reply. "Oh, hello there, Silverpaw." she said softly. "I'm Morningpaw." she added. Morningpaw nodded, shifting uncomfortably. The golden tabby gave a curt nod, waiting to make her escape.

[Breezy]

*Silverpaw*

The young silver apprentice smile at the one she now knew as Morningpaw "It's nice to meet you Morningpaw" she said happily. Silverpaw was always happy to meet new cats and it gave her some feeling of hope for her family yet. She thought that one day she was going to be a cold hearted apprentice and yet, here she was being kind to a apprentice from another clan. Silverpaw didn't care what Clan they were from and also felt like having a friend. She didn't have many friends at home. Her brother was her friend, but it just wasn't the same as having a friend, friend who you could trust. Silverpaw's blue eye's looked at the other apprentice "So how has the prey been running lately" she said with a smile.

[hazel]

Stormpaw looked up in surprise as a she-cat's voice greeted her. She scrambled to her feet, and, remembering her manners, dipped her head respectfully. The she-cat smelled like WindClan, but there was something else that was so familiar, but she couldn't place the scent. "Uh, hi! Yeah, this is my first Gathering," she said proudly, lifting her chin a little. "I was going to tag along after da-uh, Blackclaw, but he wandered off muttering something. Crazy cat." She flicked her ears in embarassment when she realised she'd been rambling again. "Umm... so, you're WindClan, I guess. What's your name?" Even if Stormpaw tried to distract herself with conversation, thoughts circled her mind, pondering over the startling similarity of this she-cat.

[W.in.DY.]

Windblaze bounded down, scanning the crowd for Bearpaw. Taking a seat where she was hopefully noticible, she sighed. This would be hard-- well probably not too hard.

Riverstar frowned, her train of thought had just derailed about 80,000-- or more foxlengths away from it's track.

[Silver]

Breezefur smiled down at Stormpaw. "Yes, I'm from WindClan. My name is Breezefur," she sighed. The warrior's ears twitched slightly at the mention of Blackclaw. So he is here... she thought, quickly scanning the clearing for the familiar lean black shape. Unfortunately, the clearing was full, and she couldn't spot her secret mate. She did, however, briefly met Rainpelt's intense gaze. There was warning in her green eyes, and Breezefur nodded slightly. Rainpelt looked away first, glancing up at the leaders sitting upon the High Rock. There was a low hum around the clearing, as cats tried to wrap up their conversations before the leaders called the Gathering to a start. "Is Blackclaw your mentor?" she asked, trying to seem casual. It dawned on her she really didn't know who Stormpaw's mentor was, who she thought her mother was, if she was settling in well, how her training was going, if she had friends... the need to speak to Blackclaw intensified, but she kept herself composed, trying not to give away her feelings for either ShadowClan cat.

[Crane]

Noxshadow
Each individual hair of Noxshadow's pelt seemed to be aware of Mountainpelt's warm body, suddenly sitting down next to him. No, scratch that, every single molecule in his body was aware of her prescence. He held his tongue, lest his beloved flee like a startled mouse. But still, just because he wasn't talking to her, doesn't mean he wasn't revelling in her mere prescence. Nor did it stop him from thinking about her...
Ugh. No. Not now, he scolded himself, immediately shifting his attention to the leaders upon the rock. Riverstar and Duskstar had taken their positions; Spicestar was wandering about for some reason. Where was the ShadowClan leader, Sharpstar?

Pollenwind
The slender she-cat glanced up as RiverClan arrived, then moved to a better spot for watching the goings-on. Some deeply-buried instinct told her that tonight hs going to be big. The balance in the forest had been upset, every cat knew it, but no cat dared to act on it.
The worst part was, the odds were almost definite that it was bad.

Cranefeather
Cranefeather followed Riverstar's lead, every pawstep feeling like he was stepping on sharp pebbles. He hated following. He'd been born to lead! He suppressed his irritation as his mate leapt up onto the rock, instead enjoying the ripple of her muscles as she moved. Heh. He'd definitely gotten lucky with his mate! Stunning, intelligent, and a great warrior. Apart from when she fell asleep in battle. He snorted at the memory.
The white tom settled into the deputy's traditional position, wondering whether Duskstar would dare reveal the alliance between ThunderClan and RiverClan. He wished Duskstar wouldn't, for it would cause WindClan and ShadowClan to band together; however, it was probably inevitable. RiverClan and ThunderClan's forces were stronger, and Duskstar and Cranefeather themselves made a fearsome pair in battle. Besides, the other Clans were in turmoil after their leaders kept dissappearing. What bothered Cranefeather the most, however, was the fact that he wasn't behind it! It was just a survere amount of bad luck. n their behalf, anyway.

Pantherpaw
Pantherpaw quivered with excitement as the rest of WindClan appeared, as well as ShadowClan. Now it was going to start! Oh, StarClan, StarClan, StarClan! She was so excited! The little black she-cat looked around for the leaders, since Spicestar wasn't up there. Well, hopefully, it'd start soon. Her amber-and-emerald eyes widened.

Riversong
Riversong heard a tom's voice in her ear, and turned to see Blackclaw, a ShadowClan tom. He was requesting to know about Midnightstar? The she-cat felt her stomach constrict and blinked slowly.
"I'm sure Duskstar will tell everyone when the time comes," she replied, but then bit her tongue. She had just given away that Duskstar was leader! Oops! Well, he was going to find out anyway, so why did it matter if she told him a little early? He had asked nicely.

Spicestar
Spicestar cursed mentally as he realised he was the last leader to get in position for the Gathering's beginning. With a quick, efficient leap, he wa up with his fellow leaders. His eyes surveyed the change in cats, but he made no comment. All would be explained, as soon as he decided to start the Gathering.
"Sorry about my tardiness," Spicestar apologized sincerely, "Shall we start this Gathering, everyone?" Without waiting for a reply, Spicestar yowled into the cool night, calling for silence.

[FireFlyDragon]

[Marshflight]

Fourtrees grew quiet as the cats below rushed to finish of their conversations, seeing as the leaders now called their attention from the rock. Marshflight could feel the eyes begin the stare, and he knew that it was merely curiosity in their gazes that flickered over him, nothing more on most accounts. As Spicestar joined those already seated upon the stone he sincerely apologized, and for a moment Marshflight was about to reassure him it was fine…That was until he mentally clawed himself. He was representing the whole of ShadowClan for peat’s sake! He couldn’t just go patronizing the other leaders, who no doubt had been accepted by StarClan and had earned the titles dutifully.

At this thought Marshflight couldn’t help but feel at least a little guilty, after all he had gained his title through his leader’s disappearance, and not only that he had been chosen as deputy less then a moon ago! Sure, a lot of things like this were happening but what Marshflight knew for a fact is that many cats would give their entire body and soul to gain the position he hadn’t even had an ambition for. It just set his stomach the wrong way when he thought about it.

His battles of the mind were silenced though as Spicestar called for order, which was instantly taken into affect at the hollow’s silence. It felt weird; to have so many cats but not a noise to go with them…He guessed this is what deaf cats had to go through, and it made him shudder inwardly. Apart from his random spell of insight Marshflight doubted the clan wished their news to be shared so early in the gathering, and he decided on their account he wouldn’t do that. So, rising from his spot he took those last few paw steps until he was within the leaders' small group. Taking a moment to look at each of them, making sure to show respect, but also not hand his position over on a platter he spoke with a voice that asked for no argument.

“ShadowClan wishes to speak last tonight.” He silently sought acceptance of his words in each set of shining eyes before nodding, turning back and seating himself in his previous position. His tail neatly curled about his paws and holding his body in a relaxed state while he waited for the others to share their clan’s updates. And with each announcement he would react accordingly, though maybe hold onto a bit more sanity then others might for certain gains of knowledge.

//OoC// Meh, it be smaller but I figured the Gathering needed another post to get it up and thriving again! =3

[hazel]

"No, Blackclaw isn't my mentor," Stormpaw replied softly, sounding almost disappointed. "He's... uh... he just takes care of me. He's nice." She fell silent, worried she had said too much. She breathed a sigh of relief when the leaders called the meeting to start, averting her gaze from Breezefur to the cats on the rock. Her yellow eyes lit up in anticipation. I wonder what the leaders will say, she thought.

Blackclaw gaped at Riversong. "Duskstar?" he echoed in disbelief. "She didn't die, did she? Where in StarClan's name-" He was cut off by Spicestar's yowl to begin the Gathering. Fighting down the rising waves of dread and nausea, Blackclaw looked up at the leaders. Please, please don't be dead. My sister can't be gone. StarClan, why?

[havok]

Warhawk

The gathering was starting already. Warhawk hadn't done much since she'd arrived anyway. She didn't care for other Clan cats. Any that had approached her had been met with a cold glare, and in turn they had backed off, running to some other cat. She socialized enough with her own Clanmates, though she'd been careful to stay away from Emberwing and her siblings. The last thing she needed was another fight with those idiots. It was the last thing her Clan needed. Ignoring them was the best she could do to avoid conflict and it seemed to be working. Spicestar announced the start of the meeting just as Warhawk sat down. Marshflight said that ShadowClan would speak last. Warhawk's tail twitched nervously because she knew why he'd want to go last.

Bearpaw

He'd long ago left his brother, Loudpaw somewhere, lost in the crowd, or with Pantherpaw, knowing Loudpaw. Bearpaw scanned through the sea of cats, trying to spot the splotchy gray fur of his mentor, Windblaze. Eventually, he found her and she'd been looking for him too. He sat down next to her just as the meeting started, his brown tabby fur contrasting against her silver hues.

[W.in.DY.]

"I guess I'll go second to last?" Riverstar meowed, glancing at the other leaders. She was not one to go first, second or last, so second to last was her desired place. She was cold. She emptied her lungs, the outlines of her ribs more apparent as she did so. Riverstar ignored the painless jabs to her side, trying to not give anyone an idea.

[Crane]

Spicestar
Spicestar huffed quietly with irritation. How come he always got bullied into going first? He fought to suppress a scowl. Although he thought his ear twitched.
"Well it looks like I'll be going first... again..." he began, eyeing Riverstar and Marshflight. "WindClan is doing well, despite Leafbare. Without much interference from Twolegs the rabbits are still plentiful. Three of our kits have become apprentices. Pantherpaw, Eaglepaw and Dapplepaw!" He nodded towards each as he announced their apprenticeship. "Our medicine cat, Rippedtail, has retired, and her apprentice Windblaze has become WindClan's official medicine cat. Also, she has taken an apprentice, Bearpaw."
"Overall we're doing well, and with four new apprentices, this is one of our strongest Leafbares ever." He nodded to show he was done, and took a step back so the other leaders could speak. Next moon, he was so not going first.

[Silver]

(Taking over for Snakey x3)

Duskstar smirked down at the sea of cats below, glancing at Marshflight. Coward, he sneered, glancing to see the other leaders agree. Pfft! Weaklings, all of them! he thought, disgusted by Riverstar's quick retreat. "Wonderful, Spicestar. I'm glad to hear all is well for you," he purred, his voice dripping like honey tainted with sarcasm. He shifted, feeling a slight thrill knowing he sat in the spot that had Midnightstar had occupied for countless moons, wrapping his tail around his paws. Lets just hope she doesn't have a change of heart and return to ruin everything for me, he thought darkly.
"Since Riverstar was so kind in letting me go first," he announced, resisting the urge to roll his eyes, "I have the pleasure of announcing that RiverClan and ThunderClan have agreed to share territory this harsh leaf-bare," he said, empathizing each word for dramatic effect. Swiftly, he continued, "It is for the good of both Clans! We are thriving in ways we could not before... and we wish to share our good fortune with the rest of you," Duskstar turned to Spicestar and Marshflight, his eyes glittering mischievously. "We ask that WindClan and ShadowClan join us, so we may rule to forest together, in peace. Of course, there would be chaos with so many leaders, so naturally Riverstar and I will lead this united Clan," he called, raising his voice to ensure that everyone could hear him. His gaze flickered between the toms. "And even if you do not wish to join us, surely you see the genius behind our ideas, and will generously donate some of your land to us, so we may continue to grow?" he purred. At this, the stunned silence from the Clan cats below and a caterwauling erupted as Cats yowled their protest and agreement.
Duskstar whirled. "Silence!" he roared. Immediately, the outburst settled into discontented grumbles. "Before you disagree so strongly, think of the benefits. There would be no more blood spilled in battles, no hatred for those of... different blood lines. No cat would go hungry, and sickness would no longer threaten us. We would be united as one! Perhaps, just maybe, we could even run the Twolegs out and take back what was ours!" he rallied, speaking now to the cats in the clearing instead of to the leaders. Duskstar raked his hungry gaze over the cats below, daring someone to speak out. "I have full faith in Gingerstorm, my deputy, and know he will work together with Cranefeather to ensure that everyone is benefiting from this agreement," Duskstar turned once again to Marshflight and Spicestar, nodding his head respectfully. "I know it is a big decision, so I allow you to return to your Clans tonight and speak with your warriors. I hope to receive your answer at the next Gatherings. But... keep in mind, we are a growing Clan. Even our combined territories can not hold all of us for long. We hope you will... comply," Duskstar stepped back, allowing himself to melt into the shadows of the trees as a chorus of cries rose from the warriors below. "You're up, Riverstar," he hissed, chuckling softly to himself.

[havok]

Warhawk

How dare he?! This was just too wrong. Everything inside her, everything that made her a warrior, everything that made her Warhawk screamed in protest. Her already long-haired pelt was fluffed up to its maximum extent and her angry yowls were loud enough to rise above the crowd. "How dare you?! I'll kill you!!!" She would have too, if she hadn't been held back by the insistent claws of her Clanmates. Not caring whether he was a Leader or if her actions might cause a war. War was better than this! The threat of a tyranny was much worse than becoming an anti-hero for the rest of her life. She didn't care if she'd have to kill him multiple times. As long as she could stop this treachery from happening, she'd live like an outcast if it meant saving what she loved. Freedom is not easily taken away, she'd make sure of it.

Bearpaw

No. This could not be. Bearpaw shivered next to Windblaze. He knew StarClan would not approve of this. He knew it because he could hear the weeping voices in the breeze. They wept of the Fourtrees and the Four Clans. It wasn't right and it couldn't happen. Duskstar's plan would fail, he felt it. There would be much loss and in the end, it would only bring sorrow. The angry yowls of a ShadowClan warrior drew his attention away from the breeze's cries. Her own Clanmates had to hold her back from leaping onto Duskstar, her claws were unsheathed and ready to kill. He saw the raw fury in her eyes, the future in store for the Clans, and was afraid. Nudging Winblaze with a paw gently, he asked, "What do you think's gonna happen? I'm scared."

[wolfkitten]

Snowpelt~

Snowpelt would have long since moved back to the gathering of cats after hearing the terrible news from her young niece... She sighed slightly as she would seat herself near the rock. She gazed up at Spicestar in silence. The young she-cat had become intensely loyal to their newest leader in such a short time, and yet the news of her brother hit her sideways, causing her to be distracted and confused. She sighed slightly to herself and would listen intently as Spicestar was bullied into going first as usual. Poor thing... Well she would listen to his account, nodding slowly as he spoke, before listening to Duskstar next. His words caused her hackles to raise slightly in an eeriee dislike of what he had to say. She longed to speak to Spicestar of this matter. She was torn with this, not knowing how to react... On the one hand, that could help to make her Clan safer... On the other it could cause some huge problems... ThunderClan could be plotting to take over the forest... And as she heard the tom speak, that is what it felt like he was trying to do... With Riverstar as well? This confused her greatly, yet she remained silent, despite the yowls of agreement and the yowls of protest. She didn't even flick an ear when Warhawk began to come unglued.

Nightpaw~

Nightpaw's heart was heavy after she delivered the news to Snowpelt, but she would move into the throng of cats, watching and listening intently. She heard Marshflight... Her beloved standing in leader... Address the Clans and request the last spot to speak. She tensed up a little as she heard this, but would nod, tensing up all the more as she heard the voice of Riverstar. Somehow that smaller she-cat unnerved her, making her very leery of her. Yet she kept her place and listened intently. Soon enough Spicestar stood to speak, seeming disgruntled about having to go first, all seemed well with WindClan, which made her smile saddly. Her father would have been glad to hear that... Yet then Duskstar spoke... His speech was stirring and exciting, the idea brought yowls of both approval and rejection. Nightpaw's voice rose as well with a hiss of anger. "No way! ShadowClan will never join with the likes of you!" She suddenly fell silent, wincing a little. It was no place for an Apprentice to be speaking, and yet she was large for an Apprentice, easy to mistake for a Warrior? Well her attention was soon pulled off that thought and onto a beloved Clanmate. She heard angry yowlings from Warhawk rise with her own... Then the she-cat looked mad enough to run up there and tear up the Leader. Well the large Apprentice would move rapidly with a few more of her Clanmates, placing her large form in front of Warhawk. "Peace Warhawk!" She said simply, watching her with those cold eyes. "Not here..." She murmered.

[hazel]

Blackclaw hissed in rage, digging his claws into the ground and clenching his teeth. "Where's Midnightstar?" he yowled, his bright yellow eyes burning into the new leader on the rock. Did this mean Midnightstar was dead? What right did Duskstar have to request such a thing? He'd only just taken his place as leader, and already he was trying to change the way things were; the way they lived. "It's StarClan's will for there to be four clans!" Blackclaw spat. "Are you turning your back on our ancestors?"

Stormpaw blinked slowly, processing Duskstar's proposition. A united clan. Somehow, she was sure it wouldn't work out. The four clans were seperate for a reason, and to unite them and try and make them work together... it would be complete chaos. She heard Blackclaw angrily insist that Starclan wanted four clans, and rolled her eyes in exasperation with her father. She remained silent though, not wanting to speak out of turn.