The Fourth Gathering

[Seafeather]

Seastar

Seastar stuck close to the ground as she headed to the Great Hollow. She lifted her nose to scent the air. CloudClan! Seastar lifted herself up a little more. She always had respect for the CloudClan leader. She was well known and Seastar was always proud to stand beside her on the Great Sycamore. Seastar flicked her tail as a signal for her clan to move in.

The wide expanse that just a moment ago was spotted with CloudClan cats, but now was mingled with both CloudClan and FrostClan cats. Seastar jumped up the Great Sycamore's branches and sat the one opposite Jadestar. She dipped her head in a friendly greeting and awaited the night's fair.

Oakpelt

Oakpelt didn't want to, but Jadestar had asked him to come to the gathering, but seeing as she was a well-respected leader he obliged. He was sitting with a few of the other warriors talking about the past gatherings. Strange things happened. Almost open war between FrostClan and IvyClan. A traitor from IvyClan joining FrostClan. And nothing on the most recent one last moon.

FrostClan! Oakpelt lifted his head to greet the other clan that lived up in the colder part of the territory that always held the first snows of the season. He realized that he never had a decent conversation with one of those clan's cats. It had just never occurred to him. Well, now is as good as any other time. He got up from his seat and walked over to a cat and began a conversation.

Spottedwing

Spottedwing walked into the clearing with her clan. Head high and proud. Not high enough to make herself seem like 'She thinks she's all high and mighty.' Just high enough to have some pride and dignity. She walked along side Duskwing who begged a nursing queen to watch Sunkit for the moment so she could come along. Seastar had allowed it which was different for her.

Spottedwing sat near her friends Duskwing and Iceglade starting up a small conversation and waited for the other two clans to arrive.



OCC: Yeup! I didn't it and I ain't taken it off!! lol! I thought it was about time for the Gatherings to start up again. As soon as this one is done, we have to start on the fifth so don't be surprised if you see 'The Fifth Gathering' appearing after only a few days. Please, everyone reply to this AFTER your leader introduces themselves.

[fαllεη •]

((OOC: I don't mean to be a party-pooper here, but shouldn't this wait until Jadestar is dead so that a new leader and deputy can be appointed 'n' such? XD))

OCC.:.Seafeather-I'm so lazy that I don't even want to make a new post. XD The 4th gathering was supposed to be like a month ago so yes, it's before Jadestar dies.

[Fallinggaze]

~Fallinggaze~[/i]

Fallinggaze arrived at the Gathering, quietly, and happily. She would be able to see the progress of the other clans, and how the cats have been doing. The smell of other cats filled her nose, as she sat down silently, waiting for something to happen.

[Raccoonstar]

RACCOONSTAR

Raccoonstar led his Clan into the Gathering. He scented FrostClan and CloudClan already there. IvyClan had yet to arrive. He leaped up onto the branch and sat himself next to Seastar. After last Gathering's incident, he didn't want to let her fall all the way. He kept his senses alert if she had a fainting spell. He turned to Seastar. "Hello, Seastar," he meowed warmly. "I trust you are doing okay?" He already knew the answer, seeing as she would never admit it to him if she wasn't, but it felt good to ask. He liked Seastar. He liked her spunk, her style. The way she stood up to bullies like Silentstar. Cedarwing was ready if the absolute worst happened; but he hoped it wouldn't soon. FrostClan needed someone like her to have that spunk. Everyone did. Raccoonstar was happy to report new warriors. Falconcry and Hazelfrost would be great. And just in time for leaf-bare. Any Clan needed warriors in leaf-bare. He gazed happily into Seastar's ocean eyes, expecting her answer.

FALCONCRY

Falconcry was so happy, he was restraining the urge to bound like a kit all the way to the Gathering. His first Gathering as a warrior! He stayed next to Hazelfrost the whole way, rejoicing in having a friend; even more than that; that he could share his excitement with. Raccoonstar would obviously mention him to the rest of the Gathering. He'd just beam up to him and everyone staring, and receive the praise sure to come. He saw that FrostClan and CloudClan had already arrived. He tried to sit next to Hazelfrost, but instead bumped into a FrostClanner. "Oh, excuse me. Sorry," he meowed, when Hazelfrost winked out of sight. Mouse dung! he thought. He tried to make the best of it with conversation. "Excuse me, but I didn't seem to catch your name..."
(Can be anyone)

WINDPAW

Windpaw sat impatiently in the apprentices' den. He'd better be picked for the Gathering by Silentstar, or he'd be pissed off. More specifically, he'd have thoughts of death that involved Silentstar. He made a mental list of reasons why he shouldn't go to the Gathering while he waited. 1. I went to the last Gathering. 2. I snooped on Silentstar's conversation with Hollowbranch. 3. I killed Reedtail. 4. I killed Lightningstrike (with Flamepaw.) 5. I am probably going to kill Owlfeather (with Flamepaw.) The list went on. He'd be lucky to go to this Gathering. But he glared at the opening anyway, awaiting Silentstar to stroll by and invite him.

LEOPARDKIT

A Gathering! This was the one thing she wanted when she became an apprentice. That, and a good mentor. She hated being so helpless; it was too much like her youth. She was helpless when she watched her own mother leave her; she was helpless when she watched her adopted parents die; she was helpless to have Eclipsekit as a half-sister. It became an annoyance. This was why she wanted to be Leopardpaw instead of crummy, helpless, Leopardkit.

DUSKWING
(I just realized that Duskwing needs to be in FrostClan with Sunkit, not at a Gathering. Like fallen, I'm too lazy to make a new post. Sorry for my derp. (Derp: Noun: 1. An inability to think properly. 2. A facial expression of crossing the eyes outward and making a face cross between an 'o' and a smile.)

NIGHTLEAF

Nightleaf comfortable followed Jadestar into the clearing. A Gathering was a neutral thing for her, seeing as she got to go every single time. But she was slightly nervous. What if Seastar fell again? She shook off the thought and sat with Smokeleaf, the FrostClan medicine cat. She scented SnakeClan was nearby; Skyleaf would know to join them. Nightleaf passed the time waiting for SnakeClan and IvyClan with conversation. "Hi, Smokeleaf," she said with a faint expression of warmth that looked more like tiredness, "Everything okay with you?" Nightleaf inwardly shook off the tired expression and opened her eyes a bit wider to show Smokeleaf that she wasn't really tired. She perked up her ears as she waited for the medicine cat to answer.

[//Sunneh// is FuMiNg]

-Fadedstripe-

"...Falling in the black
Slipping through the cracks
Falling to the depths can I ever go back?
Dreaming of the way it used to be
Can you hear me?..."

Falling Inside the Black © Skillet

The sky was clear when Fadedstripe breezed into the moonlit clearing, his amber eyes shifting from side to side as he checked the air for hostile scents. There were none, of course, unless you devised the dank and fading scents of other clans as ‘hostile’. Ever since the clans had started meeting at the Great Hollow, very few creatures had dared to enter, especially those that the warriors preyed upon. It was a pity, once you thought about it - it deprived the clan cats of a midnight snack, though StarClan knows what kind of fights it would start. Maybe the lack of prey here was for the best.
As he raised his eyes to the sky, Fadedstripe saw that Silverpelt gleamed brightly overhead. The swathe of stars that represented their fallen warrior ancestors usually did this on the nights of Gatherings, but he still took this as a good omen. He wasn’t exactly what you would call the superstitious type, but this was his first Gathering as a deputy. He deserved to be welcomed by StarClan. He had served his clan for many moons and nothing - not even StarClan - was going to stand in his way.
Confident in his position as well as his abilities, Fadedstripe looked around. What he saw (or what he didn’t see) left him slightly surprised. FrostClan usually arrived first, but this time CloudClan had reached the Hollow early. It was the second time they arrived at the Gathering first for the past two moons. A rare feeling of pleasure lit up his gaze as he noted this. Good, he thought - mentally, that means we have the upper paw. He hoped that Jadestar would make a habit of getting here this early; CloudClan had been the underdogs for far too long. They needed to seize any advantages they could get their paws on, no matter how insignificant, and this was one of them.

When they reached CloudClan's usual side of the clearing, Fadedstripe realized that his gait was starting to surpass Jadestar's. Pelt slightly hot, he reminded himself to stay a step or two behind his leader - the dark tabby wasn't the head of the clan yet, no matter how much he would like to believe it. Despite his caution, he remained where he was for a bit longer. His leader had always approved of discreet cheekiness rather than complete obedience, as it hinted towards an independent spirit, though Fadedstripe knew he was going a bit too far. At least he was close to achieving his goal - that counted for something. Jadestar was old, very old, and that meant that she would retire soon. Yes, retire. Fadedstripe wasn't nearly ambitious enough to have his leader killed, as many cats had done in the past. That was too cold, too evil. He never wanted to go that far.
Letting out a puff of air, Fadedstripe slowed his pace a bit, hoping that no one would notice his quiet surrender. His slender black legs moved to match the gray leader's gait perfectly, but he allowed himself to fall behind to trot at her flank. As he walked, his jagged stripes seemed to warp and slither across his pelt, disorienting any cat that dared to stare at them for too long. Unsurprisingly (or at least to himself) quite a few cats had done so on previous occasions. Especially she-cats - they were the worst, always drooling over him and giggling behind his back. It was just plain creepy. Luckily, those select few had decided to keep their gazes down. Any of them that still remained smitten with him (or so he would like to believe they were) had learned their lesson long ago.

The shuffling gaits of numerous cats pulled Fadedstripe out of his musings, and he averted his gaze from the back of Jadestar’s head - why in StarClan’s name was he even staring there to begin with? - and onto the group of warriors heading his way. It was FrostClan, and at their head was - you guessed it! - Seastar. The lithe tortoiseshell looked quite well for a cat who had just taken a deadly tumble from the Great Sycamore at the previous Gathering. Fadedstripe hadn’t seen it, but he had heard enough about it to know how serious it was. He wasn’t exactly surprised at her recovery, though - that was expected of a leader with StarClan at her side. All leaders had that special connection, so he wasn’t about to place her above any of the others, but he had to admit that she was quite a she-cat. Fadedstripe blinked, his sharp amber eyes momentarily hidden by intricately marked eyelids. He would have to be wary of her; she was the last cat he wanted on his list of enemies. The dark tabby offered her a nod, though she was probably focusing her attention on Jadestar rather than him, then turned once again as yet another clan entered the Hollow. It had to be SnakeClan - IvyClan was always late, the no-good devils. When he became leader, there would be changes, and the IvyClan problem would be one of them…

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[Seafeather]

Seastar

Seastar passed the CloudClan cats. The new deputy, Fadedstripe, offered her a friendly nod. She returned it and stopped in front of him before continuing onward.
"Congratulations, Fadedstripe. I know you will keep your clan from getting into harms way and such." The edges of Seastar's lips curled up in a friendly way.

Seastar nodded to the SnakeClan leader, Raccoonstar, as he climbed the Great Sycamore and asked her how she was doing. "Yes, I am. Thank you for asking. I trust you're doing okay?" Seastar was friendly this gathering, she was going to be strong and happy for her clan as much as possible. No matter her circumstances.

IvyClan was late...again. As always the other three clans had to wait for them before they could start. When Shatteredstar was leader they weren't ever late. Mostly first or second. Things certainly have changed since Seastar became deputy a couple moons back. She looked up at the moon and Silverpelt. No clouds in site for miles. Good. Seastar wiggled on her branch, probably not exactly leader like but hey, she was bored!

Oakpelt

Oakpelt had almost decided to give up on trying to make conversation when something or someone bumped him from behind. "Oop! Sorry!" He said. This cat was a SnakeClanner. Pretty young and new by the look of it.

"Oh, excuse me. Sorry," He said hastily. "Excuse me, but I didn't seem to catch your name..."

"Oakpelt." Oakpelt replied. This poor cat! He looked so nervous! "Oakpelt of CloudClan. How are you?" He asked. This was the chance to visit he was looking for! Even if this specific cat was young, it didn't matter to Oakpelt. A friend was a friend, not matter how young or old.

[Raccoonstar]

RACCOONSTAR

"Good to hear, Seastar," Raccoonstar meowed, "Good to hear." Seastar wiggled on her branch in a very un-leader-like manner, and Raccoonstar stared at the whole of the Gathering. Everyone looked so happy. Some looked even nervous; it was probably their first time there. He smiled. The Gatherings were always a time of peace and stating of business, but it was also a time of socializing and even friendship. That was the part he loved. He looked in the direction of IvyClan; they were always late since Shatteredstar's reign ended. He sighed inwardly. He turned to Jadestar. "And are you doing okay, Jadestar?" he asked. Again, and obvious question with an obvious answer. He was just showing that he cared. Silentstar never asked these things. And he was showing that he was not Silentstar; not even close.

FALCONCRY

Falconcry smiled. "Hi Oakpelt! I'm Falconcry! This is my first Gathering as a warrior! I'm so excited! But also really nervous. I'm glad to find a friendly cat here. How are you, Oakpelt of CloudClan?" Falconcry meowed nervously and quickly. He was almost hyperventilating, he was so excited. But seeing that calmness was actually possible was already calming him down. He was chittering like a squirrel. He took a deep breath in and out, and kept a calmer face that was staring at Oakpelt. He looked like he needed a friend. And Falconcry was known to be friendly.

[- - -evening ||]

MOONFIRE

Chapter ? --Annoying Nights of Breezy Air

The gathering. Usually the gathering was not bothersome, and not so time consuming; but because she was so busy hunting and doing border patrols during the day, she needed her time at night to think. There was nothing to do here were she could sit and think in her own quiet spot. This melodrama was getting out of hand, and she wanted to end it soon. Very soon. She hoped that nothing dramatic would happen here --like Seastar falling head first down to the cats below. She shuddered. Moonfire was not one to be afraid of heights --but it made her a bit weary now.

She could just picture it --Seastar's flowing pelt, whirling around her as she fell, letting out a huge thud as she hit the stony ground; cats rushing to her from all clans, some that even included some from IvyClan. No. Or was that just the IvyClan traitor? She curled up her upper lip. She still couldn't understand why one would not stay loyal to their own clan. They were born in that clan for a reason. Even if Silentstar was intimidating, scary, she had heard, at times, he was their leader and there was no reason to run away from your problem. If StarClan had wished it, that mangy traitor could have been born in FrostClan if she had wanted. Besides --weren't the rumors true that Silentstar was nearing his third life? Or were they just that, rumors?

She had also heard that Jadestar was having ..'problems'. Random attacks in the middle of the night etc. and the loss of her deputy didn't make it look any better. Although Fadestripe was a handsome, loyal cat, a cat that promised good fortune for his clan, Moonfire wasn't intimidated. He wasn't fighting her now and when he did --she would be sure to win.

She looked up at her leader, his raccooned stained pelt ruffled in the wind. He looked so tall and proud --but a bit too friendly. "I trust you are doing okay?" she wanted to shake her head. Way to friendly; she had chosen Thunderheart to come --for some unrelated reason. Embarrassment? She didn't know; but she hadn't seen him show up yet, not yet.

SLASHSNOW

Chapter ? --Play Fair

She had not been chosen to go. That Moonfire --did she want Raccoonstar to herself? So selfish of her! So selfish! What was her problem, just because she was deputy!!! Oh, Come on! They might as well call this cheating! She got to get some Extra privileges while Slashsnow was stuck doing what she wanted to do; Unbelievable!!

Moonfire thought that she was so perfect to have Raccoonstar, the leader padding after her. Why couldn't she choose some other cat? There were plenty of nice cats around! Why Why Why? She narrowed her eyes --this game was getting out of hand, Moonfire was starting to pull ahead, but Slashsnow would not allow that.

EVENINGPAW

Chapter ? --Remember who you are

Excitement coursed through her body. Hazelfrost! She was so excited for her friend! She remembered the day as clearly as it had been yesterday. Hazelfrost carrying her back, even though they were both sick, and then getting her name the very next day! She was so proud; but jealous too, which made her ashamed that she was jealous of her own friend --she would get there...right? Her eyes darkened at the thought of never getting her apprenticeship over with; but then her eyes brightened...she had forgotten something!

She sniffed the air and had a quick look around, only to her disappointment that she realized that the IvyClan troop was not here yet. It had been a moon. Only a moon since their last gathering, and only a few days..no weeks since she had last seen him. Him. She had missed him very much. He was like a brother to her, a very nice, very loving brother; she was sure that he felt the same way about her. IvyClan? I know right, but that just proved that not every clan had their evil ones. He was probably the least evil in the clan, she reflected happily.

She whispered his name,

"Windpaw?"

No, she was soaked in happiness and the fact that she had another friend, but...she had saw the plain ambition in his eyes, the readiness to kill. She knew that that should remind her of something, but she couldn't put her paw on it. She was here to look out for him, she had to remind herself over and over again. Just to make sure that he had done nothing bad.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color][/justify]

ICEGLADE

Chapter ? --Unbelievable

She was still deterred by the fact that Rivershadow had taken over Spottedwing's life and then had just dumped her as if nothing. No, wait, she was deterred by the fact that Spottedwing still wanted him. Unbelievable! She shook her head. No way would she ever let that happen to her. And Duskwing too. Duskwing had no pride at all! How could she take away her freedom by taking care of an oh-so-precious kit?! Unbelievable.

FLAMEPAW

Chapter ? --Not now

He was quite content by how well his plans had turned out. Jadestar had now two more lives left, the deputy dead, and now the more ambitious thought, to kill Owlfeather. He turned toward Windpaw to congratulate him on his successive way of not screwing up the plan, when he noticed how 'over the edge' he was. Did he really want to go the gathering that badly? Flamepaw curled his upper lip,

"Why do you want to go to the gathering, Windpaw? It's just a bunch of stupid cats from all clans." Why? But he had promised himself and Windpaw that he wouldn't pry, as he wouldn't. When Windpaw decided to tell him, he would tell him; but not now, not now.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color][/size][/justify]

[Raccoonstar]

WINDPAW (hoorah! something to do with him!)

Windpaw looked at Flamepaw. "I want to see the look on Jadestar's face. On all CloudClanner's face. They just lost their deputy. Jadestar has two lives. They are experiencing 'random attacks' at night. I almost feel sorry for them." he meowed darkly. His mind was screaming the last reason to him. What about Eveningpaw? You need to see her NOW! But his facial expression was determined to conceal it. His thoughts turned to Owlfeather. He'd would be easy prey. If they had caused CloudClan this much trouble, he wouldn't even have a chance. Then IvyClan would get a new deputy-probably Hollowbranch- who would serve SIlentstar without a doubt. Owlfeather lacked the dark emotions to do so. So, they'd kill him when he was on a hunting patrol with them or something similar, and he'd be dead in a minute or so. Easy as catching a mouse. And it would be the second deputy they'd kill. Flamepaw would give him the signal, he'd do what was necessary to end his life. And that would be that. But what about Eveningpaw? When would he get to see her, if not soon? He inwardly shook off that thought. He'd see her. He'd have to.


OOC: Derp.

[- - -evening ||]

FLAMEPAW

Chapter ? --Misc.

Flamepaw looked toward the IvyClan enterence. "I want to see the look on Jadestar's face. On all CloudClanner's face. They just lost their deputy. Jadestar has two lives. They are experiencing 'random attacks' at night. I almost feel sorry for them."
"Well don't, we need no room to feel sorry for any cat, or become any friends with other cats beside ourselves." At this he looked at Windpaw from the corner of his eye; but he saw no emotion so he continued, "I am quite confident that either of us shall be picked." he whipped his tail in a circle. "Do not get side tracked with enthusiasm Windpaw, as I shall not either." Enough of this, he would tell me in time, "Besides," he forced a smile to his face, although he did really mean it, it was just hard to 'smile' these days. So he came out with a lopsided grin, "Besides, even if you don't go this gathering, by next gathering he will deffinatly take you, you will probably have your warrior name by then. That is," he meowed with a wry smile, "If you don't break your paw or something. What name do you wish for anyway?"

He stared at the white warrior, the dark black stripe on his back. Windstripe? No, surely Windpaw would not like that name. Windeyes? No. Windpelt, Windsong, Windflake? Way too she-catish. Huh, Windspark. That suited him, but then again, it was all up to the so called leader named Silentstar.

[/justify]

[Seafeather]

Seastar

Seastar sat on the tree branch, waiting for Silentstar to get here. At times like this, it didn't seem like IvyClan was a clan at all. But a band of random cats that just so happened to be lucky enough to have territory with the other clans. Maybe there would be a time that the other clans could be rid of them for good. But not now. Oh no not now. Maybe it would be the thing Seastar would be known for. The defeat of IvyClan. Maybe that's just what she needs. A good battle to ease her mind off of things.

Oakpelt

Falconcry... "Let me guess...it's your first gathering as a warrior isn't it?" He asked. Oakpelt let out a deep chuckle. "It's always the most unnerving thing. Your first gathering as a warrior." Oakpelt flicked his new friend with the tip of his tail. He could tell by the tom's nervousness that it was his first time. And being a new warrior meant he was going to be announced to the rest of us along cheers of "Falconcry! Falconcry!"

"Don't be nervous. Make it fun." Oakpelt comforted.

[.M.i.d.n.i.g.h.t.i.e.]

Silentstar

[/b]

Silentstar's ice blue eyes were deadly chips as he ran throughout the forest. He took a slow pace, taking his time, making sure the other clans waited in suspense for his Clan. Of course they would wonder, he thought to himself. but, IvyClan was worth the wait, in his opinion. the other leaders could chase their tails. especially SnakeClan, which was his next target. He had already explained that his Clan was to be the most polite to SnakeClan. They would expect nothing.

The ruddy orange tom, reached the top of the clearing. He signaled with his tail to his Clan that it was time to dash down. His pelt rippled as he trotted forth, and took his place on the branch, a good space away from Seastar. He flicked his ears in a curt motion for a greeting, nothing more. He dipped his head to Racconstar, and meowed a murmur of greetings. His ice blue eyes scanned the many pelts of cats below silently, contemplating his plan on SnakeClan.

Silverbreeze

[/b]

The silver tabby had overheard her brother's conversation with the newly made warrior. She padded over and purred, "Falconcry, is it? A lovely name. You should be proud when it's called by your leader." She nodded her approval, and called out a greeting to a friend she had made earlier. She sat quietly as he padded over.

Brokensnow

[/b]

Brokensnow padded over, hearing Silverbreeze calling his name. She was a polite she-cat, and he didn't want to ignore her request over. He nodded his greetings to the other two toms, meowing, "Hello. My name is Brokensnow. And you are?" He pricked his snow white ears, with friendly curiosity. He had no enmity with other clan cats. He didn't mind them, actually; he only minded another cat when they threatened his friends. His golden eyes scanned the Clearing in one quick motion, taking in all the potential friends.

[//Sunneh// is FuMiNg]

-Fadedstripe-

"...Falling in the black
Slipping through the cracks
Falling to the depths can I ever go back?
Dreaming of the way it used to be
Can you hear me?..."

Falling Inside the Black © Skillet

Fadedstripe was in the middle of a silent tirade about IvyClan (in fact, he was just getting to the good part) when he noticed Seastar return his affable nod out of the corner of his eye. Ah - so she had seen it, and was courteous enough to respond to it. Well, that was something; most leaders had a tendency to ignore their minors, or at least patronize them, especially when they were from other clans. But Seastar seemed genuinely…friendly? He filed this away for future anxiety sessions, then straightened as Seastar slowed to a halt in front of him. It was strange how readily the dark tabby was able to bring himself to attention, even when it wasn’t even his own leader approaching him. Instinct, Fadedstripe assumed (or maybe Jadestar had finally managed to discipline him after all those moons), then flicked his black-tipped ears in recognition as Seastar spoke.
“Congratulations, Fadedstripe.” The warmth was evident in the tortoiseshell’s voice. My, my - a leader that wasn’t afraid to encourage and welcome cats from other clans, even after all the battles that went on between them and those that were liable to happen. He would of scoffed in her face if it wasn’t for the pleasure he felt at being praised by her, as well as the unmistakable guard up in the she-cat’s eyes as her lips curled into a slight smile. No, this wasn’t a foolish, open friendliness that she displayed, but a distant comradeship. They were both clan cats, were they not? They could easily identify with one another, especially now that he was a deputy. “I know you will keep your clan from getting into harms way and such.” Fadedstripe was tempted to respond with a hearty ‘aye, aye’, but restrained himself and toned it down to a soft, “Thank you, ma’am” as Seastar passed by the CloudClan cats and continued onward to the Great Sycamore.

She leapt up onto the usual branch without much trouble (Fadedstripe chuckled as the FrostClan spectators noticeably relaxed), only to be quickly joined by Raccoonstar, the leader of SnakeClan. The Sycamore’s branch creaked slightly as the gray tabby’s considerable weight was added to the lot, but of course, it held. It would take more than a stocky tom to fell that tree. Raccoonstar paused for a moment, then Fadedstripe watched, intrigued, as a quiet exchange passed between the two leaders. Raccoonstar was obviously concerned about Seastar, though StarClan knows why. Wasn’t she supposed to be his enemy? Fadedstripe didn’t expect the happy-go-lucky leader to take joy in Seastar’s fall, but concern was something you reserved for your clanmates, not your enemies. And - would wonders ever cease to exist? - Seastar thanked him for his concern and inquired about his own well-being. Thanked him! Great StarClan…was he missing something here? Was there something they knew that Fadedstripe didn’t? Or were the two leaders as soft and sentimental as a couple of elders? After a moment of thought, he vouched for the latter. A scowl distorted his features as he shifted impatiently on his haunches, then winced as his entire body instinctively stiffened as the acrid scent of IvyClan hit the roof of his mouth. He doubted that he would ever grow accustomed to that stench - IvyClan had to be the most rancid clan in the forest, and that was saying something. His brow furrowed. Even if a warrior from that particular clan hadn’t killed his mentor, Fadedstripe would of despised them anyway - he was sure of it.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

~Stormleaf~

"...I believe the world is burning to the ground
Oh well, I guess we're gonna find out
Let's see how far we've come
Let's see how far we've come..."

How Far We've Come © Xbox 20

Stormleaf stormed into the clearing in his usual manner, his green eyes fixed on the tip of Silentstar’s ginger tail as they entered the clearing, trying to keep his rage centered on a single subject. As the moons dragged on, Stormleaf had been feeling more and more like he was the kit-sitter of IvyClan rather than its medicine cat. Well, figuratively rather than literally - other than helping out at their births, Stormleaf really had nothing to do with the clan's kits. He just didn't have time for them. Sure, he attended to the little buggers when they needed a brief checkup or two, but that was it. It wasn’t that he didn’t like them - in fact, he still felt a bit of empathy towards them, being a young cat himself - it was just that medicine cats had better things to do than play with kittens. No, he was talking about the warriors (and, sometimes, he added with a wince, even Silentstar as well). It seemed as if their goal in life was to maim themselves, cause conflict, or maim one another.

A sigh parted the golden tom’s lips, which slowly moved into a grimace as he recalled all the incidents that had taken place recently. The battle with FrostClan, soon followed by poisoning FrostClan, Reedtail’s attack on Seastar (now that was a situation that Stormleaf wouldn’t soon forget), Reedtail’s death, apprentices running amok…and rumors…rumors of an attack on SnakeClan. Stormleaf was tempted to laugh at the idea. With their musical tendencies and kindly leader, SnakeClan was probably the most peace-loving clan in the forest. In fact, besides the great battle between all four of the clans, there weren’t very many memorable conflicts involving SnakeClan. But, when provoked, they could be as venomous as their name, though Stormleaf doubted that Silentstar would start a direct battle. That just wasn’t his style. The leader would go for a more discreet approach, similar to the one he used on FrostClan: sabotage. Stormleaf had never approved of this tactic, but if that was the choice his leader made, there would be no disagreement. He sat down with the rest of the medicine cats, still fuming. If they wanted to talk, that was fine with him, but he wasn’t about to start a conversation.

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[Raccoonstar]

WINDPAW

"When I become a warrior, Windchill or Windspark would be a good name. They suits me. It's all up to Silentstar. Oh, here he comes now. Let's follow him to the Gathering." Windpaw stated, ignoring Flamepaw's rather futile attempt to smile. Eveningpaw at last! He wanted to see her soon. Rumors had started floating around that SnakeClan was going to be attacked, and he didn't like that at all. He would have to warn someone. No, he'd never be as traitorous as Duskwing (he still hated her). He'd tell a quiet, kind apprentice about it. Maybe a kit or a young 'paw. They'd tell a SnakeClan patrol for sure. And then it would be over. SnakeClan would know. Eveningpaw would live. Windpaw would look angry, an innocent kit or 'paw that would be too kind to be a good warrior anyway would be punished. Windpaw would secretly feel really good inside. Relief. Something he had not felt in moons. Along with guilt. But he'd rather not feel that. Had he felt guilty when he killed Reedtail? No. Had he felt guilty when he killed Lightningstrike? No. Would he feel guilty if he did nothing and Eveningpaw died? Yes. Why? He liked her. In a special way. Did she feel the same? Or did she just want to keep an eye on him? No. That night they had spent together...that was special. Would he tell her that he killed Lightningstrike (not alone, eve, don't yell at meh) and that he killed Reedtail? This, he could not answer. He had done wrong. Very, very, wrong. Murder was breaking the warrior code. Tigerstar snarled in his head.
"You don't have to obey the warrior code. When others don't, you step in, and the warrior code does what?"
Nothing... Windpaw sighed mentally.
"That's right. Now go to the Gathering." Tigerstar meowed before disappearing into the dark. Windpaw looked up, and he was already there. Curse his thoughts for being so time consuming! He 'tried' to sit next to Flamepaw, but was thankfully blocked by a warrior. Windpaw made sure he was out of Flamepaw's sight, and sped toward Eveningpaw. He shifted his eyes to make sure he was not being watched by any IvyClanners, and relaxed.

"Hi, Eveningpaw. Nice to see you here." he meowed flatly, his brain still used to his usual flat tone. He waited for her answer impatiently, hoping that the Gathering would wait for her answer. He shifted his gaze to where Flamepaw had been, then realized that so many warriors had filled the space between the two IvyClanners that he couldn't see him even if he had before. He relaxed, knowing that Flamepaw couldn't see him. He looked back to Eveningpaw. Her pretty eyes, lovely fur...wonderful everything. She was pretty. She was smart. She was...kind. She would not survive in IvyClan without help. If only she had been born IvyClan. If only Silentstar had always been her leader instead of Raccoonstar. If only, if only. 'If only' would never solve anything. It never did for him. Had an 'if only' gotten Tigerstar to disappear when he was a kit? Had an 'if only' caused him to not motivate himself to kill Redpaw, Reedtail, and Lightningstrike? Had an 'if only' caused Windpaw and Flamepaw to become and realize themselves as half-brothers? No. Never.

NIGHTLEAF

Nightleaf sniffed. IvyClan! Stormleaf padded up to the three medicine cats and sat silent. Nightleaf decided to break the silence between the cats with the art of conversation. "Hello, Stormleaf. How is IvyClan, and how are you?" she stated warmly. She wanted to invite the fairly new medicine cat to the others' conversations, not shun him. She waited for his answer with a gleam in her eyes that showed that she was not humorless, not hapless, but a happy soul that could deal with the sick with a smiling face. She hoped that everyone could have this gleam once in their lives.

FALCONCRY

"Thanks, Oakpelt. Very much." Falconcry said in a much calmer tone then before. He should be proud. He had spent his hard time as an apprentice to get his warrior name, and now he was here, readying for his pride to reach its climax when the whole Gathering shouted his name. Then a cat called Silverbreeze heightened his pride even further. Falconcry remided himself that he was not all mighty, and had to humiliate himself slightly by reminding himself of when he got a thorn stuck in his paw and he had cried like a bird with a broken wing. Then a cat called Brokensnow padded up to him and asked his name. "I'm Falconcry. It's my first Gathering as a warrior." he meowed warmly. Oh joy, more pride! He'd have to think up something else humiliating to calm his overwhelming thoughts of being leader of everything, and that would be so fun.

RACCOONSTAR

Raccoonstar wrinkled his nose as IvyClan's stench wafted in. Silenstar gave him a friendly nod, but not the others. He eyed him cautiously; he knew this leader was trouble. He'd push up the borders just a tad bit. Just to make sure. He dipped his own head in response to Silentstar, hoping he hadn't seen his cautious gaze. Now the Gathering could begin, but when he glanced at the clearing, seemingly hundreds of conversations buzzed and roared. He'd wait for the vocally roaring warriors and apprentices to quiet down, and then he'd start. Or another leader would interrupt the conversation and start. But he doubted that. It was...rude. And leaders didn't tend to be rude.

OOC: I want your leather pants. X3

[Seafeather]

Seastar

Seastar saw, scented before she saw, IvyClan finally padding into the clearing. He barely gave any recognition to the FrostClan leader. Barely a flick of his ears. Seastar slightly bared her teeth, but he never saw them. She quickly stopped and replaced herself on her branch. I'm going to send out more patrols on the IvyClan side...keep an eye on them even more. Seastar nodded her head to Raccoonstar to start the gathering. SnakeClan never goes first, so maybe a little change will be good.

Oakpelt

Oakpelt flicked his sister's, Silverbreeze, flank with his tail when she came over to greet Falconcry. He watched her call out to another male as he came over. He asked their names as he introduced himself as Brokensnow. "I'm Oakpelt." Oakpelt could tell by his scent, earthy and rocky, that he was a SnakeClanner. One of the nicer clans. FrostClan could be friendly, if you catch them on the right day. If not, they will freeze you out within seconds. IvyClan was harsh and didn't visit much with others. Oakpelt didn't like to talk to them, but he tried to not be stereotypical.

Badgerface

Badgerface walked in with his clan. Proud and strong. He held his head high so it wouldn't seem like they were late, but fashionably late as it were. Silentstar had told them to be especially nice to the SnakeClan cats. Badgerface didn't know why but he knew better than to question his leader's judgement.

Badgerface found a SnakeClan cat and began a conversation with her. She seemed nice. But she was from SnakeClan. Most of them were nice. He never liked the overly nice kind of cat. They were just to perky for him. Badgerface scanned the area looking for a specific cat. Aha! The dark pelt shown like fire in that light colored clan, FrostClan. Duskwing... Badgerface's lips curled back in a snarl. The treasonous traitor! How dare she even think about showing herself in the presence of her former clan?

Badgerface made a mental note that if they ever met in battle, he would make sure she would loose.

Skyleaf

Skyleaf walked straight over to her fellow medicine cats, like an old routine. They greeted her with a friendly flick or smile as she set herself down. She realized that the IvyClan medicine cat, Stormleaf, was down looking depressed. She couldn't help herself. He was just radiating depression.

"What's wrong Stormleaf? Are you okay?" This was a safe question for a medicine cat to ask. There wasn't anything wrong with being concerned for a fellow cat. After some time she realized he didn't really want to talk at the moment. She'll give him some time by himself.

Skyleaf talked amongst the other cats. "How are you doing Smokeleaf? Nightleaf" As she addressed Smokeleaf, she could tell that the she-cat was feeling...angry. But not mad as in sad for herself, it was an anger for a friend or sibling you might get when they hurt you. Skyleaf blocked out the rest of the world, including Nightleaf who she just asked a question to.

"Smokeleaf...is something the matter?" Skyleaf couldn't help herself. She was just being curious as to why her long time fellow medicine cat was angry.