on what is left [gathering 1]

[tails//]

W O L F S T R I K E

Long gray tabby limbs stretched out across the earth and scored across the warm sod for what seemed like an eternity. The distance the stormy tom led his clan to the clan Gathering seemed so much more than his older bones could handle. Every move he made was met with the grunt of his shoulder blades and the whine of his ankles. I'm too old for this. Rainthistle should being running these Gatherings, the tabby tom thought to himself idly, trying to ignore the pain in his joints that came with overuse. Wolfstrike did not necessarily think that his age was a problem, nor did he want to abandon his role as clan protector. He merely wanted a bit of air to fill his lungs with.

By the time ThunderClan reached Fourtrees, a gentle breeze mixed well with the previously humid, stagnant near-Greenleaf air. A business-like look fell upon his face. Though ThunderClan appeared to be the only group in attendance at the Gathering, Wolfstrike knew that the other clans must not be far behind. The full, careful moon overhead glared out upon at the clans' land, smiting anyone with the faintest thought about not attending the Gathering. Even though StarClan cannot contact us, I know that they are out there, watching. If we break out into a fight; if ThunderClan as much as gives a sneer to a ShadowClanner, StarClan will lose faith in us.

The leader turned his head and body slightly to address his clan. The tom's tone was hushed and very serious. "Be civil." 

[Kite]

Cricketfang

In all honesty, she really didn't know why she still went to these things. It wasn't like Starclan was watching over them anymore. It wasn't as if there'd be any real consequences to disobeying their ancestors anymore. The worst had already happened.

Maybe it was for the gossip. She didn't give a rat's tail about staying civil with the other clans, but knowledge was power. The more they knew about what was going on outside their borders, the more prepared they could be. And as much as the other clans were bound to lie and exaggerate, there was still a chance she could get some solid intel on where exactly the threat of rabies had originated. That'd be nice.

Maybe it was a show of strength, too. Let the other clans know that Thunderclan was as strong as ever. Show up with as many healthy warriors as was safe to take from camp and strut around Fourtrees like they owned the place. Cricketfang was always up for a good strut.

Secretly though, she loved heckling the other leaders. Yes, she was one of those cats-- one of the warriors who just can't keep her mouth shut, always needs to butt in with her own comments and criticisms. Okay, it wasn't a secret, but that was exactly why she was wondering right now why she was even here.

"Be civil."

He was probably talking to her. No, he was definitely talking to her. She huffed but didn't argue. She supposed she could try to rein it in tonight, if only for the sake of Wolfstrike's patience. Make her leader proud and all that. Maybe she'd go and find some elders to complain with. At least that way she wouldn't have to hold it all in, and no one would take her so seriously that Wolfstrike would notice. Elders were supposed to complain.

She took in the empty clearing and flicked an ear. "Maybe the others aren't coming tonight," she thought aloud. "Maybe gatherings are the next tradition they've decided to drop."

[~Nighthunter~]

Lionmask

Heavy footfalls trudged up the ground sending flecks of dirt and debris into the air with the haste of the massive golden tom running ahead of the whole of Windclan. Crisp icy blue eyes scoured the land ahead, ever ready for danger, checking to make sure his clan would pass unharmed. With Starclan gone, he wasn't sure how much the clans would uphold old boundaries and bargains of the truce. It was sad that times had come to this of all things, he needed to watch out for and defend his own, but he silently wondered if that was what each leader was also doing for there clan. Rabies, and other injuries and torments blockaded the health of his clan. Tonight he had chosen who he could spare to try and show that Windclan was still strong. Lionmask had to leave some in Windclan to prevent any infected animals from entering the camp.

Though he seemed strong looking to those that glanced at him, a closer look would show a tired eyed warrior, with a spirit being bashed by the burdens he had inherited. His fur though natrualy long and wild, was somewhat more loosly unkempt. In truth Windclan was a bit thinner then usual and fighting hard to keep up with things. They needed a relief from this struggle, and he hoped that none of the clans provoked them at the Gathering, because he would be damned if he let another thing like a petty insult drag his warriors spirits any lower.

Looking over his shoulder, he nodded to the deputy and to the rest that they were to follow him into the clearing. He knew that they would be on guard tonight, but he sent a reminder anyway, and let his voice out strong in tone of command so that they would know he was serious. " Windclan is strong, no one needs know our plight unless I reveal it. Keep out of fights as well, for we don't need to provoke anything here tonight. See what you can find out about the other clans." The last bit he was serious about for sure. Lionmask would kill for a reason to suspect that another clan was fairing as badly as his without Starclan. It would give him hope that he was not simply failing as a leader in general.

Entering the clearing, he first noticed the scent of Thunderclan and caught the sight of them straight away. Making his way over to Wolfstrike, and pointedly avoiding mingling with the other cats there, he nodded in greeting and took a spot next to him sitting down. "Greetings Wolfstrike. How is Thunderclan fairing these days?" Any cat that thought these types of meetings would go as they used to, were gullible and unaware of the changes, and obviously would meet a hard wake up call. He was not so naïve to think such things, but he hoped that old truces and friendships might linger somewhere this night not totally forgotten.

Nighthunter

She sprinted with purpose and energy towards the clearing, in fact she almost didn't wait for Wolfstrike to announce that they could descend, almost. The black warrior was surprised to see that they had arrived first, Wolfstrike was kind of being a tad bit slower to get to the Gathering, and she wondered if its because he knew they would arrive early anyway. Hiding her disappointment and not being able to mingle with her friends right away, she hurried to sit near her leader to try and talk with him. It wasn't often that they talked, and she didn't want to get stuck just talking to Cricketfang again. Besides she might start scolding the warrior again like she almost did last time, and that would surely embarrass Thunderclan.

She didn't have to wait too long before Windclan arrived. Lionmask made his way over to Wolfstrike before she could sit near him, and she silently wondered if it would be ok to since both leaders were present now. She figured that Wolfstrike might not want her near him now, and sat down alone looking around to talk to someone. She flicked her gaze to Wolfstrike every now and again silently hoping for some reason that he would ask her over, or take notice of her. Though she honestly couldn't imagine why it bothered her, surely there were other cats for her to talk to.

[Kite]

Brightpaw

My first gathering! Her heart raced and set every hair on edge. She followed Lionmask and the rest of Windclan easily, not outpaced despite her small size. Even after a full day's training, the adrenaline pushing through her veins now was more than enough to make her feel completely energized. Her eyes glowed in the moonlight.

She listened carefully to Lionmask's warnings. The first two she had heard before: don't reveal clan secrets, and don't fight. She wouldn't have a problem with either of those; she still had trouble getting words out for her clanmates, she couldn't imagine being able to talk to a stranger from another clan! She would be the very picture of stoicism.

But his third word of advice set her insides buzzing uncomfortably. Get information from the other clans? She wasn't a talker, how would she be able to ask the right questions? She had planned to stick to the company of other Windclanners, but now it was looking like she would have to branch out a little. Maybe eavesdrop some. She was quiet, she could blend in, right?

Brightpaw watched nervously as Lionmask set off for a gray tabby tom. A Thunderclanner. Was he Wolfstrike, the leader? She swallowed the anxiety that was rising steadily in her chest and padded further into the clearing. 

[|{/Bloodrose\}|]

Hailstorm

Pale eyes bore down upon the assembled cats. RiverClan had assembled, prepared to head to the Gathering, but the sleet gray and white she-cat had yet to lead them away. Instead, she sprang up high upon a perch she frequently used to survey or address, and let her sharp and powerful voice silence those around her.

"RiverClan! It is time, once again, for us to attend the Gathering! I believe it is in RiverClan's best interest to portray ourselves as strong individuals. It is important to assume that the times have been equally as hard on the other Clans as they have been on us. We do not know what desperate state the other Clans might have been put in. We might never know, for they might hide it as well. I expect you all to be on your best behaviour. I will not be a mother to a bunch of kits, is that understood? Each and every one of you is expected to act as a mature cat. You are representing the whole of RiverClan. I will not tolerate any foolishness that might tarnish our Clan's name! If you cannot abide by these rules, stay behind. Am I understood?"

Sharp eyes narrowed as she awaited a response. She waited until those who seemed really ready to follow had been separated from the rest, before leaping down from her perch. "We've had a late start. The pace will be quick. We will stop to catch our breath before entering the clearing. Wait for my signal. RiverClan, move out!"

With that, she shot forward, her sleek body streaking through the familiar undergrowth of her home. She led her Clan down a path she'd travelled before, headed to Fourtrees for this very same event. She'd preferred it when she'd seen a huge dark tabby tom ahead of her, a tom who seemed ready to take on anything at anytime. Hawkwing had been destined to be a great leader. How had she ended up in his place?

Pushing away her darker thoughts, she quickened her pace slightly, sparing only a split second to glance over her shoulder, ensuring the rest of the cats were still following. The path seemed to stretch on forever, and she could feel the cool air burning in her lungs, but she didn't slow, not until the intermingling scents of the two Clans was brought to her nose. With a slash of her tail, she halted RiverClan, allowing them to catch their breath in the cool night air before RiverClan joined the gathered cats.

Her own breathing evened out slowly, but her mind was still racing. This was it. She was the youngest leader present. She was the only female leader present. Who knew what the others thought of her, of her Clan. Did they think her weak, incapable of leading? They had another thing coming if they even considered attacking her Clan. She would retaliate with any means necessary. A new, sharp and determined light in her eyes, Hailstorm straightened her shoulders, taking in one last deep breath.

With the breath, an air of power seemed to flow into her. Confidence seemed to radiate about her, but it was a cool confidence. Sharp and deadly, much like hail. With a flick of her tail tip, she led her Clan into the final charge, pushing into the clearing. Her strides didn't falter, didn't slow.

Taking her place near the other two leaders with a confident step, the she-cat offered them each a curt greeting. "Wolfstrike. Lionmask."

[Kite]

Brackentail

The brown, tabby warrior listened to Hailstorm's speech with rapt attention, hanging on her every word. Or at least that was the look he was going for. He sat up straight and tall and watched Hailstorm attentively, as immobile as possible. No fidgeting here. Not even a stray tailtap. Nope. Nuh-uh. Okay this was getting boring, c'mon Hailstorm wrap it up we know how to behave at gatherings.

"Am I understood?"

"Loud and clear," he replied with all the enthusiasm of a kit encountering a butterfly. Which, take note, is a lot of enthusiasm. His tail was twitching with it now.

"We've had a late start. The pace will be quick. We will stop to catch our breath before entering the clearing. Wait for my signal. RiverClan, move out!"

He followed close behind her, keeping up without any difficulties. He made it all they way to the edge of Fourtrees before catching a paw on a root, and so stumbled right into the cat next to him. "Sorry. Wasn't looking where I was going." Once he was back on four steady legs, his eyes were on Hailstorm again, and he watched her set her shoulders. It was like watching someone ready themselves for battle. Were leaders really that fierce with each other?

Should they be expecting someone to break the truce?

Brackentail marched with the clan into the clearing. He watched Hailstorm greet the other two leaders, and noticed a black she-cat hovering near them, also watching. What was her name? Night something? She was old enough to be a senior warrior, he should know her name. The brown tabby approached her and dipped his head in greeting. "Is it just me, or does it feel rather tense for a gathering?"

[Deleted]

Frozenfang

The pale lynx-points ears were sharp as ThunderClan made their way to Four Trees. The warrior's ears flickered when he heard his leader tell them to be civil, tail flickering a bit in thoughts that he was directing it to any one of them, or all as a whole. Pale sapphire eyes turned to Cricketfang next, not because he accused her but because her words surprised him. Why drop the Gathering of all things? They may not all be one clan, but they all had the same troubles. Worst came to worst, the Gathering was a place to ask for help, to share something important if needed. 

"It's not like the other traditions were dropped by choice." He muttered, more to himself than the older she-cat. The young warrior didn't want to see his world that way. StarClan may not be able to speak with them, but that wasn't StarClan's fault! It was none of theirs; the same went with the Leaders and Medicine Cat's lost connection. If anything, it was the two-legs. Why blame their family and clan?

The tom tried not to draw attention to himself, letting out a small sigh of annoyance before following after his clan into the place the four clans met together. He didn't even know if he wanted to socialize at this point, a part of him ready to just watch.

---

Briarstorm

Briarstorm had waited patiently for Hailstorm's signal, though he would admit he was actually a little anxious. He wanted to see how the other clans were fairing. The putty tabby wanted to know if there were any passings of cats he may have seen before, if the other three clans were doing any better than RiverClan. It was just the way the young warrior was about things; StarClan may only be able to watch them, so they had to watch out for each other. Or so he thought.

He couldn't say that others shared the similar ideas, but that was fine with him. The Warrior looked around the clearing, glancing towards the Great Rock to see that ThunderClan and WindClan had made the trip safely. 

'Now just ShadowClan is left...' He thought to himself, nodding slowly. Cornflower blue eyes took in other cats at the Gathering, and a warm feeling spread in his heart to see the excitement in a WindClan apprentice's eyes. He felt a little envious. He may have been anxious for this Gathering, but the young apprentice was probably new, and wouldn't know the tension between the clans even in such a precious place.

---

Darkshade

Darkshade took his time padding into the clearing of Four Trees. Amber eyes watched as Brightpaw padded in nervously as well. The warrior wanted to keep an eye on the young apprentice, as it was her first time here. The raven tom seemed to stay close to her, just to keep an ear out for anything that should not be reviled. However, he didn't want to make himself obvious. He saw a ThunderClan she-cat and a RiverClan tom closest to where Brightpaw was, and padded up to them easily.

He knew his personality gave off a wave of a rough tom, and the WindClan cat knew that he wasn't exactly the most friendly or easiest to approach; this was just how Gatherings went though, and he bowed his head slightly in respect as he went to meet them, catching the last of the RiverClan's words.

Tense for a Gathering? Well, what did he expect? Cats were waiting for StarClan, and with no sign from them the Gathering itself nearly seemed... well, not worth it really. He kept that opinion to himself though.

"I guess there's no helping it. Every leader is seems anxious, and any other cat is easily going to pick up on the feeling and mirror it." He stated simply, inviting himself to the conversation.

[STREAKZ]

owlpaw
i wipe my brow and i sweat my rust

YAWN. StarClan this was a bore. Owlpaw heaved a tired sigh as he padded through the clearing -- to be honest, as aloof as the apprentice would have liked to pretend he was he couldn't deny that his exhaustion had little to do with the inherent effects of his condition and much more to do with the fact that he actually had been working. The medicine cat apprentice was nearly at his wits end, StarClan knew things would probably be better if he just left.

Some guilt flickered in his gut at that thought. Wasn't he the one that wanted to revolutionize the way the Medicine Cats worked in the Clans? If he left he couldn't exactly do that. Besides, Brokenstride needed him. Especially with sickness running rabid through the Clan.

Literally it was rabid, that wasn't just a fancy word. Owlpaw heaved a sigh, he'd honestly rather be back at camp than meeting under the full moon to try and put on an exhausting front. The medicine cat apprentice figured that him being there would put on the illusion that they didn't really need all paws at the ready back at the camp -- honestly they kind of did though.

What was the point in these "gatherings" anyways? Owlpaw couldn't remember a time when StarClan had spoken, he'd been born long after the stones crumbled, and though he never really put much thought into it he realized he didn't hold much faith in StarClan. Not because he hated them, but because he had absolutely no reason to believe in them. All he'd heard of them was that they were unreachable now.

Not exactly the most inspiring of images, y'know?

As far as Owlpaw was concerned this was just an excuse for the other Clans to notice how tired, drawn out, and weak WindClan was. Oh Lionmask could say they were strong, but if this kept up they'd physically crumble. Cats weren't made to keep going and going nonstop, you know? He was seriously worried about the health of some of his Clan-mates.

Oh well. The neutered apprentice thought with a soft sigh, Might as well put on a front then hm? Green eyes skimmed the crowd, lingering briefly on Brightpaw -- maybe he could talk with her? Hm, wouldn't they want them to discuss things with other cats though?

Eh, things worked better in groups anyways right? He lazily made his way to the she-cat's side, pausing for a brief moment -- Owlpaw was odd. He assumed most cats thought so, since being catnapped as an apprentice by those Twolegs and being taken to the cutter he'd never quite been the same. Still, start somewhere. "Hi Brightpaw, you mind if I stick with you?"

He spoke in a lazy, sleepy sort of way, glancing over his shoulder he added, "Not that you have to, I could go somewhere else if you want. Though once I settle down I rarely like to get back up." That was a slight joke, though also true. Owlpaw's energy tended to run on the low side.

welcome
to the new age, i'm radioactive

[Shimmerz*]

x.baby, how i dream of being free since my birth.x
x.cursed, but the demons i confronted would disperse.x

Placid gaze washed over the multitude of ShadowClan cats before him. Among this group stood agile warriors for whom he was very grateful. But looking hard at this bunch, he felt slight agony. They were a weary clan. Surely they had made it through leafbare but only barely. The cats left back at camp were for the most part either sickly or malnourished. Finding prey had been easier recently, but it was still not ideal for a full recovery. Indeed, when he had selected the cats to attend the Gathering, he had insisted they be in good health. The last thing the forest needed now was a war. While Gravesky was certain that all the clans understood this on some level there were always those cats, cats like the former dark leader were laying in wait for an attack. Appearing strong was the best defense against this--for now at least.

Off the record, the deceptive black she-cat had insinuated that Gravesky might want to take action soon. He had toyed with her a bit, agreed on some menial points, careful to appear sympathetic to her cause. He didn't want to be on her bad side. While he trusted his own ability to protect himself, he would stay most informed and most able to influence this potentially militant cat if he appeared to care. Surely he agreed on some things, but for the most part this black feline seemed a bit mousebrained in her old age.

Bringing his focus back to the cats before him, Gravesky made a subtle motion to get their attention."ShadowClan, it is time to depart. When we arrive, be wise and terse. Be strong, or at least appear that way..." He trailed off as his gaze shifted to some particularly exhausted looking cats. "Now, hurry. We're late." Giving a slight nod, he turned and blazed a trail for the Gathering. He really did regret being late, but some things couldn't be helped. Regardless, it was better to be tardy than absent. If ShadowClan didn't show up, this would either be viewed as a sign of weakness or as a sign of something suspicious. Neither assumption would be helpful to the clan's current state.

If one day, he did decide to wage a war against the other clans, he would want it to be something subtle, something no one would expect. He couldn't have rumors hanging in the air like the stench of rotting meat. As previously mentioned, the sage leader did not necessarily endorse the endeavors of Frigidscorn, but if something came up...well, he'd know how to handle that just fine.

x.have you ever heard of some {stuff} so real.x
x.beyond from the heart, from the soul you can feel.x

The tom sighed inwardly as the clan reached the edges of Fourtrees. It seemed they really were the last clan to arrive. As unfortunate as this might be, it meant that ShadowClan had less time to let on its plight to the other clans. This meeting would start soon, and hopefully it could go quickly, and ShadowClan could be out just as abruptly as they came. Getting intelligence on the other clans was nice, but for now all Gravesky wanted was for his clan to avoid being targeted by the other three.

x.and if i die before i wake,i pray the lord my soul to take.x
x.x.but please don't cry.x.x
x.just know that i have made these songs for you.x

Word Count: 522
Song: "The Prayer" by KiD CUDi.

[Deleted]

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COUNT: 534 ; NOTES: ---

Maybe eating an entire mouse before descending into the blatant tension of the Gathering wasn't a good idea. Perhaps paying closer attention to the way he had groomed himself before the sacred pact would have been beneficial. Then again, perhaps it had not. RiverClan was strong, RiverClan was proud, and RiverClan was going to walk into the Gathering and sweep every cat off their paws. Pebblestripe was sure of this, as he licked his maw, the savory juices from his dinner still warm and ripe around the outer edges. His whiskers twitched in acknowledgement to his leaders words as she strode from the camp, the rest of the clan hard at heels. Each cat was quivering with excitement as their paws became a rhythmic thrum on the forest floor. Rocks clattered as their speed quickly outgrew their patience, and caution was thrown into the wind. As long as they were on their own territory, there was no need to be cautionary at this time. After all, it was the night of the Gathering. It was a sacred pact that no cat dare to break. 

Pebblestripe let those words ring through his ears as his paws pounded on the path set out by their leader- Hailstorm. The young medicine cat could only just see the streaks of Hailstorm's pelt in his vision as he crept behind a ginger tom who beckoned by the name of Briarstorm. The tom's pelt flashed bright colors into the night scene, making Pebblestripe slightly envious. He had always been simply plain colored- marble swirled, yes, but with simple and non-elegant streaks of grey and brown. Where was the fun in that? Still, the tom had his eyes, round mossy orbs, which reflected the moonlight as he raced, and they seemed to make up what his pelt lacked just fine. His whiskers twitched as they came to a slow just outside the Fourtrees, his leader keeping her word to give them a moment of rest and recovery before entering.

Huffing, the tom strode in behind Briarstorm, who was watching a young WindClan apprentice with joyful expression. Bypassing him, the patient tom withheld a yawn and passed by his clanmate Brackentail, who approached Nighthunter with ease. The tom let his gaze linger for a moment, curious as to how things would pan out. The air of tension in the area was overwhelming- enough to send any cats hackles rising the second he set foot in the perimeter. Pebblestripe knew why, but he chased thoughts away with a welcome distraction as he set eyes on the WindClan medicine cat apprentice- Owlpaw. The tom snuffed a bit as the young one stuck to his clanmate, obviously feeling the tension as much as any cat. With slightly dismay, the marbled tom cat realized he would not be finding any socialization with the warrior aspect of the night, and padded over to join the two apprentices, who also reside past the aforementioned Brackentail.  "It's slightly tense tonight, is it not?" The tom mused aloud, flicking his tail slightly as he took a seat beside Owlpaw, making sure to keep his distance. He slacked his jaw slightly, pricking his ears for news that the Gathering had begun.

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[tails//]

W O L F S T R I K E

A warm Newleaf breeze curled its way around the vacant Fourtrees, rustling through the trees and ruffling the ThunderClan leader's somewhat thick gray pelt. Wolfstrike sat, his plumed tail curled tightly against his body, as he waited for the other clan cats to arrive. Though WindClan's arrival was nearly immediate after his, the apprehension that bubbled in the ThunderClan leader's belly made seconds seem like eternities. He found his yellow-green gaze shifting from ThunderClanner to ThunderClanner as he waited for the others; only to light upon the black body of Nighthunter. Something about her features, though he had hardly spoken to her a day in his life, kept his anxieties at bay. 

His focus on her was so intent that the arrival of WindClan initially went unnoticed. Had Wolfstrike not seen Lionmask's intentioned approach, he would have jumped out of his skin. When Lionmask spoke to him, Wolfstrike felt slightly out-of-body and took an extra few moments to come up with a solidly ambiguous response.

"Greetings Wolfstrike. How is Thunderclan fairing these days?"

The gray tabby tomcat shrugged after a few moments, the glint in his eyes sharpening. "You seem very eager to hear about ThunderClan. I assume you know that we will be giving out that information to everyone since, well, we are at a Gathering," Wolfstrike meowed, flicking his eyes over to Lionmask and maintaining a facial coat of ambiguity. Sweeping his calculating gaze over Lionmask's face, he realized that Lionmask's question had a subtler intent other than mere curiosity. Do my clan cats appear sickly or few in number? Is he planning an attack? the tom wondered, his worry instantly returning with merely one glance. "Though as you can see, ThunderClan is well. I assume WindClan is the same," the tomcat added offhandedly. His mixed gaze scanned the arriving WindClanners, but only for a few moments. Unlike Lionmask, he focused on the wellbeing of his clan and his clan only. Certainly, ThunderClan needed all of his attention.

When RiverClan and ShadowClan arrived, Wolfstrike rose to his paws and began to scan through the sea of cats for the other two leaders. As per usual, the clan leaders needed to gather and discuss the order with which they spoke. Just because StarClan is no longer with us doesn't mean we can abandon all forms of order. They still see us and they still expect us to do right, the gray tom thought to himself before turning his head around to look at Lionmask. Though soundless in a crowd of casual, buzzing voices, Wolfstrike's eyes spoke loudly enough for Lionmask to understand that he wanted to be followed.

The tomcat then darted into the crowd of cats, dodging colorful sitting bodies as he attempted to pinpoint clan leaders. Everything about the Gathering seemed so disorganized to the leader, though admittedly he wondered if his feeling was due to truth or due to what he had become accustomed to in his time as leader.

When he found the other two clan leaders, he pulled the three aside and cleared his throat. "I will be the first to speak, if that is acceptable with you three," the tomcat meowed, having already figured out what his clan would address in his head the night before. 

[Deleted]

Nightrun

Cerulean eyes kept watch on Gravesky, the toms pelt prickling lightly in anticipation. The words he had shared with Redpaw not long ago stayed in his mind; that it was not his time to give up faith in their clan, their ancestors, or himself. He felt a little guilty; he wondered if he should have stayed back with the meeker cats who may need him there, but he had to show their strength and pride side by side with his leader.


The smoke tabby nodded slightly when his leader spoke to them, bright blue eyes flickering back to the cats behind him with a small smile. It was time to show their own clan spirit here,l but not to stay tensed up. A Gathering was hard; bad times were usually hidden and good times were over-exaggerated. As long as they remembered that, then there was no reason to believe they were the worst off... All clans of the forest were in pain.


He noted they were the last to arrive, and for this reason Nightrun stayed close to Gravesky least the Gathering officially started soon and he be caught in the crowd. The tom let the leaders have their space, their own conversations for the moment as he waited near the base of the Great Rock. Personally, he felt like he had ants crawling in his pelt, but the soft smile on his face wouldn't let it show.

[Kite]

Redpaw

She had been looking forward to this Gathering for a while. It would be her third! She was glad that as a medicine cat apprentice she was expected to attend every Gathering, and while older cats might complain about having to stay up half the night, she couldn't imagine ever not wanting to attend. How could she possibly pass up the opportunity to hear what was going on with the other clans? It was the only time she could talk to cats from other clans without worrying about them attacking her, and the leaders shared news she didn't want to hear secondhand. 

All in all, she was excited. When ShadowClan got to Fourtrees, she took quick attendance of the other clans. ShadowClan had gotten there last, which might make them late. Her tail flicked with annoyance. She'd barely get any time to talk to other cats! She barely waited for Gravesky's signal before heading into the clearing. Immediately spotting Owlpaw, she approached WindClan's medicine cat apprentice and his companions and caught the tail end of the RiverClan warrior's greeting.

"It's slightly tense tonight, is it not?"

She took in the RiverClan warrior as she spoke. "Just a tad." She rolled her eyes at her own understatement. "Everybody's so paranoid. The clans always want to appear strong to each other, but these days there's so much to appear strong in spite of." Owlpaw she knew from previous Gatherings; she'd made a point to get to know the other medicine cat apprentices. But she didn't know the RiverClan warrior by name, and the other WindClan apprentice was definitely new. Freshly apprenticed, it looked like. "I'm Redpaw, ShadowClan's medicine cat apprentice. And you are?"

---

Brightpaw

At Owlpaw's greeting, Brightpaw inwardly sighed with relief. Owlpaw she knew, and he was easy to talk to. And at least this way she wouldn't feel so awkward, even if someone else did come over to talk to them. Owlpaw could do all the talking for her, and she could just be a wallflower. Perfect. She opened her mouth to tell him of course he could stick with her, but when she saw the RiverClan tom approach them, her voice left her.

"It's slightly tense tonight, is it not?"

She closed her mouth and stared. What was she supposed to say to that? She hadn't noticed that the Gathering was tense, at least the cats around them seemed to be talking, that was a good sign, right? And it wasn't like she had anything to compare this Gathering to, since it was her first. Oh no, what if he really meant that she was tense? Was it that obvious? Were apprentices not supposed to be completely mortified at the idea of talking to strangers for the first time? Because she was having a really hard time with that.

Brightpaw was so preoccupied with her thoughts that Redpaw's insertion into their group went completely unnoticed until she opened her mouth. And then she felt completely in over her head. What was she missing, that was making the clans so tense that she hadn't noticed it? She knew how much all the clans were suffering in StarClan's absence, and she knew how much WindClan was suffering from sickness. But she'd been told not to talk about those things. And now here this ShadowClan apprentice was, going on as if all of these things were common knowledge. Were the other clans suffering just as much as WindClan was? And if they were all having the same problems, why was it okay for them to try to hide it? Wouldn't it be better to help each other?

When Redpaw asked for their names, Brightpaw very nearly blurted out "Brightkit." Instead, however, she maintained her deer-in-the-headlights silence.

Not once did she notice Briarstorm or Darkshade's eyes on her.

[~Nighthunter~]

Lionmask

Glancing away from Wolfstrike, he noted that the cats were starting to mingle with one another between wind and thunder. Lionmask trusted his clan to uphold there own while in the presence of the clans. This was a time of importance for them, he could tell that not many of the other cats seemed sickly. That was good, it meant that the rabies hadn't spread so far. No matter the cost, he hoped to keep it out of the rest of the forest. It was terrible disease, and no cat should suffer its wrath, he had seen the effects it had on his kin, and it was a battle everyday.

Wolfstrike's response was laced edged with an absoluteness like he was directing him that leaders did indeed share information at Gatherings. This irritated him slightly, though he was careful to keep a neutral expression in front of the other leader. Its not like he was unfamiliar with the way Gatherings were run, or the way leaders had a duty to the forest to report dangers such as the one he was harboring in Windclan. His sense of honor would never have him holding that out on the clans, he just needed to be careful of how he brought it up. Windclan was not the strongest it had ever been, but the last thing they needed was someone to take advantage of that fact. It was insulting actually if the Thunderclan leader had implied his lack of knowledge, his father Ficklestar had been a fantastic example of a leader after all. Still to start an argument over something of that making was trivial, and beneath him as far as he was concerned. It might not go unnoticed, and he would not forget it, but he would need more than that to provoke him.

Maybe it was just his own mind telling him to be more watchful then normal. Tension had steadily been building on him lately, and his sense of having to rally Windclan in this trying time, was weighing heavily on him with each passing day. So maybe just maybe he was misreading the grey tabby, he was inclined to believe that such things were possible. He took a measured look of the other tom's face, blinking it suddenly dawned on him that he had never really implied that he was seeking to hide information at all from Thunderclan, nor that he was seeking anything special from Wolfstrike, he had simply uttered the normal formal greeting. Taking a more straight posture then before, and making sure to level his gaze with Wolfstrike's he was about to speak when the grey tabby moved and then gestured with his eyes that he was to follow him. Oh boulderdash of all the nerve.... He knew it was because Riverclan and Shadowclan had just arrived, but he still felt he had to address the misunderstanding he believed Wolfstrike to have about his intentions.

Watching the puffy tom saunter off, he huffed a quiet sigh and rose to his paws as well, supporting his weight evenly and calmly made his way over to the now gathering leaders. Lionmask pointedly took his time with a relaxed walk, he wasn't in a rush, and he didn't like that thought of being lead at the moment either. Stubborn as he was, this was a particular peeve of his, Assassin his mentor used to tell him that stubbornness was to be used but not unless you were trying to over come some obstacle, not because you were trying to be difficult. It didn't grate on his mind at all that he was being stubborn at all. Upon reaching them, he noted that Hailstorm was indead still walking over to meet them as well. Gravesky didn't appear to be in a very social mood, having remained in the same place upon arrival. She offered them a curt greeting to which he smirked in response and dipped his head to her. Gravesky was quiet still, but he had noted that it was the way of the tom to be cautious with others. Before they were leaders, each of them had attended gatherings, and had talked as warriors, and in some cases as appeantices. Only now that the were leaders did formality come to play as well as parliament. He wondered what they would do to his simple greeting. " Greetings Hailstorm, and Gravesky. How are Riverclan and Shadowclan fairing?"

Lionmask had heard the mentioning of Wolfstrike to speak first tonight, and it immediately had him wondering what was so important that Wolfstrike wanted to speak so suddenly. It also made him wonder if Thunderclan wasn't planning something, or having some big troubles themselves. His mind was eager to see how it would play out, and he personally saw no problem with him going first. Sure his information was dire, but if he looked in a hurry to share such bad news, it might send out a sense of panic with it, and he did not want that to happen. Deciding to play with the Thunderclan leader a little in slight retaliation for before, he let a look of intense intrique cross his face before he answered." Its alright with me, must be urgent, you seem to be in a rush tonight Wolfstrike. If its alright with the others, its no problem for me."




Nighthunter

Looking at the gathering cats, she felt like it should be easy for an older more experienced warrior to find someone to talk to. This was starting to get embarrassing for her, though she soon forgot about that as her eyes locked onto the faded glance of Wolfsrike. He had turned to talk with Lionmask, but his eyes had been on her. She at once discounted it as nothing, or tried to anyway. Of course he was watching her, he was watching everyone, it was his job. In her mind there was a voice trying to smack her into thinking that he was somehow oogling her instead. No Wolfstrike certainatly was not the type to stare at the cats of his clan in such a way. He wasn't actively searching for a mate as far as she knew, but like herself, he had experienced loss, so she could understand why.

Soon her prayers were answered as a tom she recognized a brown tabby made his way over to her and talked to her effectively giving her something to distract her thoughts from Wolfstrike and his perfectly formed shoulders. Recalling his name as Brackentail, she smiled in greeting letting him know he was welcomed by her. It was nice being a senior warrior sometimes, she knew most of the cats present, and those new to the gatherings would be told that she was older and she would become known in that way as well. Age didn't really bother her, so she wasn't ashamed to admit she was of a different era, in fact she was proud she had such a long life thus far.

Brackentail wasted no time in starting a conversation, and she listened as his concerns for the tenseness of the atmosphere were brought up as unusual. She could understand why he felt that way, it did seem like there was an interesting push and pull to the sense of the gathering tonight, however she had been in some far more nerve inducing gatherings than this. The reasons she was tense at the moment, had nothing to do with the atmosphere, and more to do with her own feelings on other matters. Dipping her head she smiled again and curtly acknowledged him." Yes it does have a tense feeling to it, but I don't think its much to worry about. Gatherings have started out much more chaotic than this before, and the moon is still full and bright." Her reminder that though the ancestors were cut off from them, they were still present with the gaze of the stars and the shining glow of the moon.

She purred as another warrior Darkshade joined them, though she noted his glances to a young apprentice, and brightened up with a knowing look to her face. She had seem that look on mentor and mother alike, it was one of a shepherd, ever careful to keep watch on the progression of there charges. She nodded to his mentioning of the tension as well, but then decided to change the subject." Is that your apprentice, she looks very intrigued, I remembered my first gathering, so much to see and wonder about." She hoped Darkshade wouldn't mind the switch to the topic of mentoring and training, it was much nicer se thought then worrying over the tension until something actually did happen.











Frostedpaw

Hailstorm had sent them to a fast pace to get to the gathering, and he had huffed and silently puffed beside her for most of the trip. This was his first gathering and he was super excited to meet other appentices, and he wondered if he could get some nifty tricks out of other warriors, or maybe a tale or to. His eyes were wide in merry excitement at what could possibly happen. He burst through the bushes and surveyed the surrounding clearing. It was packed full of other cats, he saw a couple of older warriors talking, and watched Hailstorm walk over to them. He wondered if they were other leaders, and decided to follow her, she was afterall his mentor and he didn't know those two toms so why not start there. Well he was about to walk over, until a group of smaller cats caught his eye, and made his paws sway and stop dead. In fact it caused him to stumble slightly, thought he quickly righted himself, smirking in awkwardness and brushing off some debree with his tail gently. Deciding that staying out in the open was making him more noticibly awkward he hurried over to join the apprentices in the huddle, and he really did hurry with a slight jog to get over there. His paw was still a bit sore, not hurt but sore, and he stumbled again, sliding on his belly paws outstretched right into the center of the group. Shaking himself off, he stood and flattened his ears and tried to also flatten his puffed out fur from the shock of the fall. S... s .. sorry, I didn't mean to almost flatten you all. I'm Frostedpaw, this is my first gathering, is it yours as well?" Well not his best entrance, but might as well make the best of it. He grinned and acted as though he had simply sat down and had not caused the mini crater in the middle of them all.

[/font]

[` `shadsywadsy.]

` ` l i g h t h e a r t

I CAN'T ESCAPE THIS HELL
so - many - times - i've - tried
BUT I'M STILL CAGED INSIDE
somebody - get - me - through - this - nightmare
I CAN'T CONTROL MYSELF
so - what - if - you - can - see - the - darkest - side - of - me?
NO ONE WILL EVER CHANGE THIS ANIMAL I HAVE BECOME
help - me - believe - it's - not - the - real - me

They were late. That's right Shadowclan was the last ones to the gathering, and he hated it. Then again, there were few things he didn't hate. As he walked the borders. trailing behind his leader and deputy, next to his apprentice, Redpaw, the medicine cat wondered what it was like to be leader in a time like this. Leading an entire clan with no extra lives, vulnerable to disease and wounds. What was it like to wonder what you were supposed to be doing, what your mission in life was. He wondered with all his heart what was in store for the clans. He was the medicine cat, he should be able to tell the leader his dreams and prophecies. But no. He wasn't getting them anymore so he couldn't. He hated that, too. What kind of messed up kitty cat in the sky decided hey, let's just screw around with the clans for a while, let them squirm. WELL IT ISN'T FUNNY GUYS! The tom huffed out a breath and kept walking.

When the clearing loomed into view, his heart did not leap with excitement, nor did his fur bristle with anticipation. Rather, he remained emotionless and stoic as always. His silly apprentice, which he didn't need might he add, was practically leaking excitement from her claws. He rolled his eyes in annoyance and kept to himself. She raced off at Gravesky's signal and dashed for Owlpaw and Pebblestripe. He followed her, not because he wanted to talk to her or anything, but was afraid that she might make a fool out of herself. His body, a spetaticall to laugh at with his long legs and stocky build, weaved it's way after her. He arrived just as she was introducing herself. He rolled his eyes once more at her silliness as she asked stupidly who Pebblestripe was. Redpaw, you know who this is. It's Pebblestripe, the Riverclan medicine cat. He thought about adding in something about how she needed to be respectful, but decided to save that for later when they were alone. She should not muse her ideas out aloud like that, especially in front of other clan members who might take offense. He really should teach her to think before she spoke.

The tom took a seat beside Pebble, still close enough to Redpaw to make sure she behaved well. She was a medicine cat apprentice for Starclan's sake! Her every move was being watched; her every word was being listened to. She could unknowingly be the start of a scandal that could ruin the clan. Taking in a deep breath, he tried to keep his anger under control. Pebblestripe, the light colored tom nodded to the Riverclan medicine cat and continued, How is your clan doing? Lightheart was being more cordial than anything. In reality, he couldn't give less craps about how Riverclan was doing. But it was important to keep up good relations, no matter how boring the tasks that had to be done to maintain were. He mentally noted that was another thing he would have to teach Redpaw. So many things she has to learn...

[muse] eh.
[word count] 522.
[music] none.
[comments] He's so mean to Redpaw... I apologize.