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Post by W.in.DY. on Dec 30, 2009 12:22:24 GMT -5
"Don't worry." Windblaze smiled, glancing at her apprentice. Secretly, she contradicted her own words. How could you not be afraid? She didn't know.
Riverstar frowned. "Shhh," She paused,"Well, everything is going fine, and that's pretty much it, other than what Duskstar said. The combined territory is keeping the entire Clan well fed, and Pebbletail, our new medicine cat, is idle due to the lack of illness." Riverstar stepped back, and looked to Marshflight.
[sorry for the short post. Silver took it over, because she could, so some of it is hers.]
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Post by Silver on Dec 30, 2009 14:20:52 GMT -5
Duskstar tried to keep his anger in check, but it was hard with the cats howling insults at him. Finally, he could take no more. Leaping to his feet, he snarled at the ShadowClan cats, who spoke the loudest, and were currently holding back a warrior. "Does StarClan cover the moon?! It shines clearly, so StarClan does not disapprove of our idea. They wish for the Gathering to continue!" Duskstar tried to hide to loathing tone in his voice. Slowly, he relaxed, letting his hackles fall. A ShadowClan warrior demanded to know of Midnightstar. "Midnightstar must have decided that leading the Clan was too much for her. We have not seen her for several sunsets now." Duskstar stepped back, looking each cat in the eyes. "As I said, you have until the next Gathering to make your decision. Now, I suggest you silence yourself and be respectful. Marshflight wishes to speak," With that, Duskstar stalked back to his seat in the shadows.
Skyfire stared up into the starry sky. What Duskstar said was true; the moon still glowed, its light unhindered by the wispy clouds that hovered around its edges. This isn't right. They must have some other reason to keep the Gathering together. He thought, scrambling to summon a reason his warrior ancestors would agree with such a ridiculous plan. Yowls of protest rose around him, and out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed Warhawk bristling indignantly. Quickly, he leaped forward, pulling her back just as she charged forward, murder in her eyes. "Warhawk! This is a Gathering! There is to be peace, not bloodshed!" he hissed. Skyfire desperately hoped that no one else would be so foolish as to try and attack Riverstar or Duskstar now, in front of all the Clans. "I hope Marshflight punishes you properly," he muttered, tightening his grip on Warhawk's scruff.
Ravenclaw suddenly glanced up, searching the moonlit sky. A shiver ran through him, and he knew that Riverstar or Duskstar had made the announcement. He was glad he was back at camp; he wouldn't be able to handle the hostile glares and unbelieving, shocked looks. As he sat by himself in the silence of camp, he had a thought. What if the other Clans were so angry at their alliance, they would try and attack RiverClan camp? Suddenly worried, Ravenclaw began patrolling the edges of camp, his sense on alert for the slightest sound. Please come home soon... he thought, nervousness prickling at his pelt.
Breezefur glanced at Stormpaw next to her. Her kit was quiet, silently contemplating Duskstar's words. As the howls of protest rose around her, she decided to remain quiet. What Duskstar said had really struck a chord with her; There would be no more blood spilled in battles, no hatred for those of... different blood lines. Though she knew Duskstar was speaking of some of the kittypet and loner blood that ran through the warrior's veins, she couldn't help but look longingly at Blackclaw, protesting along with his Clanmates. Don't you see? she wanted to cry. If we joined, we could be together. No one would look down upon our love. Our children wouldn't have to be ignorant to their true hereditary... we would never have to fight one another, her heart longed to believe what Duskstar said was true; they could have it all...
Rainpelt stared up at Duskstar, horrified. But what terrified her even more was the far away look in Breezefur's eyes. She followed the she-cats gaze, and her heart nearly stopped. She wants to join Clans so she can be with Blackclaw! She was about to claw some sense into Breezefur when suddenly Duskstar snarled for silence. Of course. This was a Gathering- and Duskstar was right. They had to end it, and quickly. Impatiently, Rainpelt waited for the strange tom that Duskstar called Marshflight to make his announcements so she could speak to Breezefur. Wait a moment... where is Sharpstar? she thought. He seemed healthy enough, last time she had seem him. They couldn't have lost another leader so soon? At least Midnightstar had been leading the Clans since Rainpelt was an apprentice. Sharpstar had only received his nine lives last moon! Things in the forest were changing, far too fast.
Rosethorn and Shrubwhisker sat silent. "He's so confident that everyone else will join him... do you think WindClan and ShadowClan would really agree to that?" he asked, his hackles rising. Rosethorn calmed him with a sweep of her tail. "Whatever the Clans decide... the forest won't be the same, after this. For better, or for worse." Shrubwhisker nodded at the wisdom in her words. "There will be war, won't there?" he asked softly. Rosethorn closed her eyes, listening to the voices around her. "Yes," she sighed. "For we are loyal to our Clans, if not to their leader. ThunderClan will fight... to protect ThunderClan. Not to appease Duskstar and get more land," she said firmly. Shrubwhisker nodded again, gazing up at the leaders, silhouetted in the moonlight. "Where are you, StarClan? What do you think?" he whispered.
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Post by FireFlyDragon on Dec 30, 2009 15:21:11 GMT -5
[Marshflight]
Although not pleased with having to go first Spicestar stepped forward, and calling silence once more spread the good news of WindClan’s apprentices etc for all to hear. As he stepped down Duskstar saw appropriate to sneer, at this Marshflight flicked his ears, Duskstar already forming a leader to be careful of in his mind. The tom’s next words such sealed the deal. At his proposition the large molted tom got to his feet, definitely not pleased with his words; and from the sudden fury of voices from below, the clans mimicked his worries and fury. He didn’t say a word though, merely set his icy gaze as Duskstar now retreated, letting Riverstar take his place.
Her speech was short, as if she didn’t wish to speak. In fact Riverstar has seemed kind of out of it the whole gathering, though Marshflight couldn’t spend time figuring out why as she left the front of the rock; it was his turn to speak. Pushing down the sudden surge of nervousness he stepped forward, his body still somewhat tense from Duskstar’s earlier words.
The cats below still hadn’t calmed down, and Marshflight could hear his clan mate’s push the boundaries of proper Gathering behavior. The tom grimaced silently, this wouldn’t help anything; he knew that much. Duskstar had finally had enough of the rowdy cats, and he told everyone so by leaping to his paws, snarling about how StarClan whished for the gathering to go on. Marshflight tensed at the words. StarClan wishes the gathering to continue because the clans must know of Sharpstar’s disappearance, not because of your hidden threats. Marshflight's mind growled, he was simply trying to convince the clans that what he was saying was the truth, and it sickened the tom.
The warrior waited until everyone had quieted down, though it took some time. As the clearing finally grew to a reasonable volume he began. “First off” he spoke into the crowd, orbs gazing over to pick out those of his fellow clan mate’s, and knowing the time had come; he continued. “All of you must have noticed Sharpstar’s absence from this gathering; much like many cats he has disappeared with no trace. I will be taking his place tonight. And after the gathering I will travel to Moonstones to gain my lives.” He paused, hoping he wasn’t sounding too eager for his coming leadership; obviously he was more nervous then he would be facing a mother badger, but other cats might not see it that way.
“Apart from that we have a two new apprentices.” His gaze fell to the grey she-cat, and he noticed that he hadn’t heard her voice in the throng of angry yowls only moments before. “Stormpaw has joined us at the gathering tonight and our new medicine cat apprentice, Thornpaw.” He allowed time for the yowls of welcome and such to draw to a close, and hopefully this might –at least momentarily- deter from Duskstar’s unnerving speech.
But, the confident leader of ThunderClan needed his answer, and although it might seem unwise to challenge him, especially since he had just announced he wasn’t a leader; –having not gained his nine lives as of yet- he felt this needed immediate attention. “Duskstar-” He began, turning his pale orbs to the dark tom, gaze unheeded by fear or a nervous tinge. Those feelings had fled from his mind at the possible danger of the newly appointed leader. “Although you do raise points that sound like things would be heaven in this new ‘clan’, you have assumed that everything would go according to your plan.” His tail flicked, though his gaze remained relentless. “I’m sure you have had plenty of time to think through the scenarios of what this proposal would bring, and frankly it seems you’ve based the end result on what you assumed we would do.” He now turned his gaze to the gathered cats below, and as he spoke he offered no place for ifs and buts. “I will say this now, since it should be obvious. You can expect nothing from ShadowClan-” His gaze flickered to the RiverClan she-cat. "–Either of you.”
His tail gave a thrash, offering no place for argument as he spoke. “I believe this gathering is over.” The tom looked to each leader, assuming at this point nothing else was needed to be said. He turned once more to the clans below, and bunching his muscles prepared to jump. That’s when he saw it…A dark shape moving about the edge of the clearing, and as he momentarily paused; curious at what it could be a breeze picked up, sending playful bursts through his winter coat. The chilled air held a tinge of frost but also blood and…Marshflight’s breath hitched and as he recognized the scent he had been wishing to smell for the past dawns; and in response he stood dumbfounded. “StarClan…!”
//OoC// OMG! everyone may reply but no leaving! Remember Kitteh needs to create Sharpstar awesomeness before the gathering is over!
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Post by Silver on Dec 30, 2009 21:07:18 GMT -5
Duskstar stared at Marshflight coldly. "You make it sound so arrogant, Marshflight. Truly, I only want what is best for all," he hissed. Like a snake curling to strike, Duskstar slunk from his perch to pause a tail-length away from Marshflight, ready to leap down. "I am terribly sorry you feel so negatively about our proposition. You would make an excellent addition," he purred darkly. "Yes, such a shame... for we have not lost the way of the Clan. We will do anything to defend ourselves... and we are not afraid to attack our enemies if it means to better the Clan," Duskstar's tail flicked eagerly, and his claws dug into the soft stone. His eyes were unreadable as they gazed across the clearing, picking out his warriors. "Remember, I'm not expecting the final answer until the next Gathering. Think about what I've said. You may change your mind by then," Duskstar mentally dared Marshflight to look him in the eyes and see the threat there. This wasn't a choice. He had until the next moon to either give in... or prepare for war. Duskstar watched him curiously as Marshflight gasped, and the tom followed his gaze. The scent that carried over the wind made his hackles rise. Sharpstar?!
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Post by wolfkitten on Dec 31, 2009 3:02:04 GMT -5
Sharpstar The road had been long and hard this last moon... Sharpstar... A loyal and eager cat had met with StarClan and received some troubling news about things coming... And yet, as with very few things, Sharpstar's zeal outran his wisdom. And of course, he knew his Clan was in very capable paws with Marshflight... He berated himself for not being there to tell them that Marshflight was their Deputy... But he knew the cat was strong... Young, but strong. And he didn't feel that staying was an option at that point. He had to find out what StarClan was talking about... And yet his quest to find out, took him the wrong way. He didn't listen to StarClan nearly as much as he should have. He didn't get all the answers. He had failed in his self taken quest in his opinion... His trek had taken him to Twoleg place and beyond... And yet now he made his way quickly home. He had been gone nigh a full moon... It was now the next Gathering and he wasn't there... Well he had started this trek back a ways ago, but in the last few days, he had gotten waylaid by rogues... The latest encounter being one rather large battle of the large tom against a handfull of healthy rogues. Sharpstar was, indeed, finding his way home, and yet this night, of all nights, he found himself being drawn toward Fourtrees as if Starry paws themselves lead him there. He was beat up, bleeding and weak. Amazingly he had not lost so much as a life, but he was drained, his paws dragging, blood being lost from far too many cuts and wounds from battle, but the proud tom would find himself on the edge of the hollow. He would stop as he heard Duskstar speaking, taking a time to rest a small bit before he made himself known. His eyes would narrow as he listened to Duskstar's proposition... That sounded like something that might would have come out of ShadowClan at some time... Certainly not some time during his leadership, and most certainly not something that would, or should, come out of ThunderClan... A slight laugh rang out in his mind... How ironic... He was about to step out and make his presence known when he heard the yowls of fury, the loudest coming from his beloved Clanmates... Warhawk... He nodded, in admiration, but kept his place. Yet when she lunged at him, he tensed, ready to move in, though the bloodloss and weakness wouldn't let him get far with that idea. And yet as he thought about it, a familiar ebon shape would make it's way in front of Warhawk... Nightpaw... He would tense up as he saw the somewhat large shape of his beloved daughter moving to help contain her Clanmate. "That's my girl..." He murmered softly. After that outburst, things calmed slightly, and Riverstar gave her announcement. Sharpstar wrinkled his lip in distaste, such a small announcement... Really announcing nothing at all... Well he shrugged it off, finding himself pacing just a little, still out of sight, but he paused as the familiar voice of Marshflight lifted to his perked ears. He listened proudly as the one he chose to become his Deputy spoke boldly to all the Clans. He spoke of his disapearance and nodded, smiling slightly. He had disapeared... And for that he was appologetic... But now he was back, and as soon as Marshflight would finish, and Duskstar would speak back to him, he would growl slightly before drawing himself up to his full, impressive height and stalk down toward the gathering of cats. His wounds were obvious, but he wasn't about to let them show he was weakened from his moon of constant traveling. His voice boomed out to his Clanmates, his eerie yellow gaze sweeping the hollow. "I appologize for my absence... To the entire Gathering, but especially to my Clanmates... StarClan has shown me a few troubling things that I shall not share here. But know I am very much alive and well as you see here." He nodded to himself, rising up, his eyes raising to meet Duskstar's in a challenging fashion, his eyes narrowing just slightly. "But I must back up my Deputy's words Duskstar... It has always been four Clans in this forest... Four Clans under StarClan themselves... And as long as ShadowClan can defend their lands, there will be no compromising of this law from us. If ThunderClan or RiverClan are seen on our lands, they will be dealt with in the manner to which they are accustomed." He narrowed his eyes in a near threat, his words remaining respectful, but an underlying threat. He would look back to Marshflight, and dip his head slightly. "I thank you Marshflight... I appologize for my departure..." He would soon move to the Leaders rock and tense his muscles before springing to the rock. He looked warmly to Marshflight. He wasn't sure about this, but he felt this needed to be done. "If I may detain you all a moment longer... Marshflight has not received what is due him... He is a wonderful cat... He has served his Clan well and is sure to do so for many many more moons to come... My Leadership was interrupted by... Situations beyond anyone's control... So now... In front of all the cats of the Clans, and beneath StarClan themselves... I pray that StarClan would hear me and approve my choice..." He would use the age old words that he knew in this naming ceremony, changing a few things a bit to match the situation. "Marshflight is to be the new Deputy of ShadowClan." He would nod to his Deputy and friend, smiling warmly before moving so close to him even the other Leaders wouldn't hear him. "I know it's a step down from Leader, but I hope you will still be alright with this..." He murmered ever so softly before looking proudly to the other Clans. "And now I call this meeting over." With that he would jump down from the rock, wincing a little bit as he hit. Indeed there was shock in the area, but Sharpstar seemed slightly oblivious to it all, he winced as he hit the ground, his leg buckling a little, but he would resume his posture quickly, glancing around him at the other cats around him. Snowpelt Shock was the dominant emotion in the young snowy she-cat's heart. She watched what went on with wide eyes... The decension in the Clans... She shuddered a little, but looked to Spicestar for his reactions to all this... It couldn't be good... He couldn't agree to this... And yet she perked her ears forward as she heard Marshflight's speech. She smiled proudly. If her brother truly was gone... He would make a wonderful Leader... Young and inexperienced, but he loved his Clan and was loyal... And yet a deep sadness tore through her as she heard him speak of Sharpstar's disappearance. Yet a nod of approval would come, her heart swelling as Marshflight told Duskstar that ShadowClan would not bow to his wishes... Not in so many words, but he would tell him that they were not for that... Hope sprang in her mind... Perhaps WindClan could do the same... They were growing stronger... Perhaps they could ally with ShadowClan... Not share lands or anything ridiculous like that... But ally... She shook her head slightly. These were issues for the Leaders and Deputys to decide on... Her thoughts were interrupted, however, when Marshflight's attention was pulled to the outskirts of the hollow. Snowpelt would look over, her eyes widening in awe at what she saw. "Sharpstar..." She breathed softly as she watched his hulking frame come into the hollow, his warm voice booming through the area. Her tail snapped in surprise, her whole form rigid as she listened to him, speaking as if nothing were tense or wrong. She grinned proudly as she heard him speak of the fact that ShadowClan wouldn't go along with it... And if it was said by him... It was law. She longed to run up to him and lick his wounds quite motherly, but she kept her place, watching him in silence, smiling warmly in surprise at his bold, but exciting declaration and announcement of his Deputy at a Gathering. She'd never heard of that being done at a Gathering before, yet there wasn't anything wrong with it she supposed... And it was a wonderful bit of news for ShadowClan to be able to share there at the Gathering. She would smile warmly, watching her brother, pride and joy swelling in her heart and mind. He wasn't dead... He was alive and... Well somewhat well... Nightpaw Nightpaw managed to keep her temper under control... But only just... Duskstar was pushing her last nerve, and she would hiss, casting her glance between her Clanmate and the Leader's rock. Yet her gaze would soften as she saw Marshflight, and watched him move to take his spot, taking his turn to speak. Her heart thudded hard inside her chest, but she would finally relax as Warhawk looked to be somewhat sedated, hopefully... If nothing else, their medicine cat, Skyfire, had her by the scruff. Nightpaw was ready to help again if necessary, but she would listen intently to her Clanmate. She nodded in approval as he spoke of rejecting Duskstar's ideals, and yet that thought was cut short as she saw shock in Marshflight's eyes. She followed his gaze, and gasped as she saw a hulking dark shape moving through the trees, and finally into the moonlit hollow. She gasped slightly, her eyes widening. "Dad...?" She blinked, unable to believe her eyes. It couldn't be... Could it? And if it was... Why was he all banged up like that... She shivered a bit, longing to run up and press her nose into his fur and make sure it was truly him... And that this wasn't all some dream... She purred slightly as she watched him and listened to his words. Pride swelled in her chest, though surprise also hit her mind. What was her dad doing... Naming his Deputy at a Gathering? Well... These weren't exactly normal times... So... What else was she to do? She would react as a ShadowClanner should in this situation. "Marshflight! Marshflight! Marshflight!" She would begin chanting his name out loud, cheering for him alone if she must.
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Post by FireFlyDragon on Dec 31, 2009 13:25:00 GMT -5
[Marshflight]
“Sharpstar…?” The boom of missed leader’s voice sent his chest arise with more then emotion, yet the one thing that coursed through him more then anything was happiness, and relief. The wound riddled yet proud tom defiantly stood before Duskstar, and without even a sense of the tension that still littered the hallow he told the confident leader of ThunderClan off. The molted tom remained quite through his words, his gaze simply stationed on his beloved leader that StarClan had brought back to them. That was until Sharpstar turned to him, and saw fit to first thank, then apologize to the startled tom. And although he had no words for this strange sentence he crouched down, dipping his head deeply to his returning leader; he hoped this would be enough to reassure him that he owed him nothing, not even words.
As much as Sharpstar’s appearance at all was a surprise, he offered another bout of said emotion as he leapt up upon the rock, apparently wanting to say something to the slightly dispersed group below him. Marshflight looked to him, unsure if he should jump down, after all, in the presence of a leader a deputy had no reason to be up here…And he suddenly felt an acute sense of disrespect. But Sharpstar’s words held his there, and for a moment the uncertain tom was confused, then suddenly shocked as what the words coming from Sharpstar’s maw began to coordinate with my mind.
Although he longed to whisper to the tom that this wasn’t needed, he was fine without it being announced –at least like this- he remained silent in respect for his leader’s wishes; though his mind was whirling with a jumble of words and thoughts. He remained still, hardly a hair on his pelt moved until Sharpstar paused in his global speaking. As his words faded away silence overtook the hallow, that was until one voice rose over the throng of cats. Marshflight couldn’t suppress a purr; it was his black apprentice Nightpaw, his dearest friend. His attention was diverted back to Sharpstar though, as he whispered another apology. The tom simply looked to him, his gaze littered with affection. “Anything to have you back Sharpstar…” At that he leapt down from the stone, knowing his presence was unneeded upon the leader’s perch. Sharpstar followed soon after.
As his superior hit the ground it was obvious his wounds hindered him, and Marshflight waited by his side as he retained his stance. “I shall fetch Skyfire, wait here.” Hoping the tom wouldn’t argue he lit off for the Medicine cat, finding him holding down an enraged Warhawk. With a quick wave of his tail towards Sharpstar he placed him-self before the murderous she-cat. “Go tend to Sharpstar as best you can now Skyfire, I’ll take care of Warhawk.” His tone held a warning for the struggling she-cat, she had no business acting this way, at a gathering no less.
But before the tom left Warhawk in his care he turned to the nearby apprentice, unable to suppress a purr as he spoke. "Nightpaw...Thank you" Her words had been a support to him, and not only those that she has spoken at the gathering. He was so proud of her, how well she had coped with her father's difference -at least on the outside- and still found it in herself to help the others in her clan - even her previously distraught mentor.
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Post by W.in.DY. on Dec 31, 2009 13:55:55 GMT -5
say hello to the rug's topography it holds quite alot of interest with your face down on it say hello to the shrinking in your head you can't see it but you know it's there so don't n e g l e c t i t [/color][/center][/font][/i]
Mountainpelt shook her head in disgust at both Noxshadow AND Duskstar, but mainly her leader. Was he really that stupid? Of course no one would follow that, even if there were perks. She herself didn't want to follow that. Anyways, her point was, she thought Duskstar had the intellegence of a rock. B
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Post by havok on Dec 31, 2009 14:25:25 GMT -5
Warhawk
Born and raised in war, her blood cried out for it. Rage might have blinded her to her own actions, though the cause was just, was it not? Afterall, the way of their world was falling apart and she was just supposed to stand quietly by and accept it?! No! Never! Eventually the claws and words of her Clanmates cleared the red haze from her sight and she dropped to the ground, exhausted from her own fury. She saw Nightpaw and Skyfire. They both seemed angry with her and she was ashamed. "Skyfire, Nightpaw, I'm sorry, I just-" she said weakly, not being able to finish because now her heart was distraught instead of being filled with hate. Marshflight had just finished saying that ShadowClan would not adhere to Duskstar's proposition and new hope brightened her icy-blue eyes. Though Duskstar felt threatened by Marshflight's words and felt the need to defend himself and threaten the ShadowClan Deputy back, Warhawk's rage was spent. She only flicked her tail in annoyance as the ThunderClan Leader spoke.
Then, it was as if everyone's hearts had stopped beating for just a moment. She seemed to catch the familiar scent just as Duskstar did. "Sharpstar!" she cried out joyously just as their Leader showed himself to the gathered Clans. The dark Leader recovered his place on the rock and spoke of his absence, though not entirely, and he punctuated Marshflight's words of defiance with his own. Warhawk's heart soared, though her icy-glares for ThunderClan and RiverClan never warmed. Just as the gathering was nearly at a close, Sharpstar officially made Marshflight their deputy, in front of all the Clans and Warhawk saw that Nightpaw was the first to call out the mottled tom's name. Warhawk only smiled and the gathering ended. Marshflight soon came over to her, Skyfire, and Nightpaw after speaking with Sharpstar. He told Skyfire that Sharpstar needed help and that he could deal with Warhawk, before he thanked Nightpaw. Then, he turned to her.
When it came to other Clan cats, Warhawk was all ice and fire, an intimidating force, the true spirit of ShadowClan, darker than the moon's shadow and just as terrifying, but before her own Clan, she was a grand story-teller, a good hunter, and a zealous fighter, nothing more. Her ears flattened against her head in shame, "Sir I-" what could she say? Not much. "I'm sorry. Forgive me."
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Post by wolfkitten on Dec 31, 2009 15:50:42 GMT -5
Sharpstar A warm smile was casted to Marshflight as he accepted what he said quite eagerly. He was glad for this... He was also glad he had waited this long to attempt to go get his nine lives and name. He wasn't sure how that worked, if the current leader was alive and well and had not retired in the eyes of StarClan... But he nodded gently to him, before a broad grin spread across his maw as he heard the familiar voice of his daughter, calling out Marshflight's name. He glanced down to meet her gaze, mildly surprised at the look in Nightpaw's eyes... Admiration yes... But there was something else... He glanced to Marshflight with some amusement. If there was something going on, he was sure he approved, and yet it still surprised him a little but how two cats could grow together in a time of need like this... The large dark tom would, indeed, wince as he hit the ground. not liking how pain jarred through him when he leapt off the great rock. And yet he would continue with his proud stature, glancing around at the other cats, almost daring them to start something... StarClan's will for the Gathering had been carried out... They could cover the moon if things got ugly. He looked to Marshflight as he spoke of him staying where he was. He wanted to protest, and yet he would stop, nodding in silence to him. He needed help, at least a small bit to stop some of the bleeding... The weakness he was feeling from bloodloss would not bode well if a fight broke out here... He watched the goings on for a moment as Marshflight moved to Warhawk, Skyfire, and Nightpaw to speak with them, when suddenly a familiar snowy she-cat moved up to him. He had to suppress his joy at seeing her, merely fixing her with a politely curious stare. Snowpelt The young white she-cat would glance to her Leader, before padding over to the hulking ShadowClan Leader. She would dip her head low in respect before her words would come smoothly from her. She too was fighting to keep down her kittish joy, which longed to have her bounce around him and nuzzle him in joy at seeing his return. Yet they had a well guarded secret to guard... They were sister and brother... The only two from their litter to survive... And yet that was a secret that only Nightpaw knew, to their knowledge... Concern was dominant in her eyes as she saw all his wounds and how he seemed to wince just slightly. These were things that many cats would miss, but she knew him well, despite being seperated most of their life. But she would raise her voice warmly to the large tom, keeping it friendly but respectful, trying to keep up appearances. "Sharpstar... It is a blessing to have you back in one piece... I hope I am not out of line for saying this, but WindClan welcomes you back..." She was being bold in saying this, as she was not the Leader, nor Deputy of her Clan... Yet she was highly loved and respected by most, if not all, of the Clan... She dipped her head low after she spoke. These words would likely ring true, considering WindClan would likely be lost if ShadowClan either was not as strong as it should be, or if they joined with Duskstar's plan... If ShadowClan did it, she wasn't entirely sure that WindClan wouldn't follow... Sharpstar Sharpstar would look to the Snowy she-cat as she spoke, before finally blinking in thanks, dipping his head slightly to her as well as he stood there tall and proud before her. Odd these two were... So different, and yet if one looked close enough, there might be a curious similarity between these opposite cats... If one could see the look in their eyes as they gazed upon eachother... One would likely wonder... But Sharpstar would quickly switch his gaze to one of polite gratitude toward another Clan's cat. "I thank you... I am glad to be back..." He longed to pounce the she-cat as he once would when they were kits, to lick her ears and neck, to share tongues with her and catch up on all happenings of her life... Yet now was not that time... That time might not come for quite a while. He was the Leader of his Clan... Afterall. Nightpaw Nightpaw would remain beside Warhawk, watching her quietly. She held no anger or upset in her eyes, merely worry for her Clanmate. She loved her Clanmates dearly and didn't wish to see them harmed or harming others if it could be helped... And at a Gathering, that was not an option... Yet soon she saw her calm down, and she nodded slightly, relaxing her position some, returning her gaze and attention to her beloved Mentor and father. Her chest swelled with pride, and as she watched them upon the rock, she nodded slowly. But soon enough they both came down. The wince did not go unnoticed by Nightpaw, and she would head quickly toward his side, and yet she paused as a snowy she-cat beat her there. A slight smile spread across her face and she would wander back to the gathered group in silence, gladdness spreading through her. She looked back to Marshflight as he stood beside Warhawk, admiration for all the cats involved, shining in her eyes, yet she would remain silent for the time being, listening quietly to Warhawk. She dipped her head slightly, but would merely watch what took place.
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Post by Crane on Dec 31, 2009 19:10:37 GMT -5
Cranefeather listened attentively as Duskstar spoke. He was convincing, yes, but he lacked subtlety. This was one of those things that required subtely, and cunning, to pull off. If only Cranefeather was in his place. This was what he had planned for. Cranefeather and Cranefeather alone leading the forest. Not Cranefeather listening to whatever some random tom and his mate told him. His eyes widened as a cunning plan formed in his mind. He snarled in delight, lost in his plottings and the intricacies of an excellent, well-thought plot. A plot that would put Cranefeather in his rightful spot - as leader. A delighted, twisted smile defomed his features.
Spicestar listened, shocked, as Duskstar made his outlandish proposition and Marshflight's angry reply. Then, it struck him - the fate of the forest depended on which side he chose now. Too much pressure! His tail waved in agitation. If he sided with the Thunder-River alliance, his Clan would be safe, but he'd lose his position as leader, and there was no way that he trusted is Clanmate's futures in the paws of another Clan's leader. They'd be safe while ShadowClan was eliminated, but after that, WindClan cats would be disadvantaged. Spicestar had no doubt in his mind that the to other leaders would turn the tables to their own advantages. Plus, StarClan would probably invoke their wrath on the entire forest. Floods... fires... wind-storms... So, that future wasn't very appealing at all. His other option was to temporarily side with ShadowClan and face a long, bloody war. Many, many cats would die - battle wounds, starvation, and lack of healing. However, the forest would eventually return to normal... or half the forest's cats would be gone. Lost forever! He couldn't decide. He'd have to cast a Clan vote. No, he had to do it now, or risk invasion before they were prepared! "Duskstar, what you suggest... It's to go against all tradition. The stories we've heard about merging Clans have all ended in despair and heartbreak for all. WindClan will stand with ShadowClan against your gross mistreatment of the Warrior Code! "But, please, Duskstar... Stop. This is going to push all four Clans into war. There'll be destruction, famines, destroyed families and Clans. Would you sacrifice the lives of your Clanmates so that the few survivors would live in sin? Be cursed, and die soon anyway? "You are going to destroy the forest because of a childish weakness! So you can't handle Leafbare with your rich forests of prey? You're too weak to defend your borders? "Duskstar, you are a pitifully weak leader." Embarrased at his long speech, Spicestar stepped back again, hoping he'd done the right thing. He noticed a small kerfuffle at the edge of the Clearing and tured to se what was going on.
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Post by Silver on Dec 31, 2009 20:27:11 GMT -5
Duskstar said nothing in response to Spicestar's little speech. He only fixed his cold gaze on the tom before leaping down to join the cats below. "Gingerstorm!" he yowled. "Round everyone up and start leading them home! I will catch up with you in a moment," Turning stiffly, the menacing tom padded up to Cranefeather, his expression carefully cool. "We will need to discuss strategy as soon as possible, from the response tonight. It was only expected, of course," Duskstar shrugged, trying to hide his irritation, though his tail flicked energeticly. Him? A weak leader? He would show the pathetic scrap of fur. He would show them all that no one insults Duskstar.
Skyfire looked up, slightly startled by Marshflight's quick commands. He nodded, relaxing his grip on Warhawk. "I hope you and Sharpstar will discuss a proper punishment for her," he sighed, then hurried over to his leader's side. "Its great to see you again, Sharpstar," he purred as he sniffed his leader's wounds. Skyfire carefully nosed through Sharpstar's fur, keeping an eye on the large tom's reactions. Eventually, he stepped back. "There isn't much I can do without my supplies. We need to get you back to camp and fed as soon as possible. You have a couple of infected scratches, but nothing you can't heal from. A few ticks, as well... good heavens, Sharpstar, you must tell me all about where you've been!" he sighed, herding the ShadowClan leader towards the edge of the clearing. "Thornpaw!" he called, looking for his apprentice.
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