Gathering 6/17 - 6/22

[Whiskers]

ooc// Em. It's Firepaw. Firepaw and Finchpaw. ^^; Though I suppose Redpaw would have worked for him too.

bic//

Finchpaw was more than relieved to be away from any Pineclan cat-- though he had been originally looking forward to speaking with one, he knew that with his brother it would be impossible... and that had been proven to him with the whole Spiderpaw incident. He really should have anticipated this and stopped the whole mess from happening beforehand... at least it was over now. It had only taken a few lies to shut Firepaw up and now his brother was happy again, strutting beside him with feathers fully plumed.

He hoped that Firepaw would try his best to impress. Finchpaw did speak of him sometimes during gatherings and medicine cat meetings but it was usually just a word here and there about how lively, foolish, and downright hilarious he could be, but Firepaw could easily dash away those sentiments and force a different impression on the she-cat. As he glanced back at Firepaw, he saw that Firepaw's muzzle was curving slightly into a very happy grin, which relieved Finchpaw. He wouldn't have to drag Firepaw away from another cat, it looked like. Especially since Bluepaw certainly did believe in Starclan with all her heart.

As he approached Bluepaw, he could sense that she was already impatient with Firepaw, even though he hadn't sat down. Bluepaw was a bubbly sort of cat, very fun and sweet, and also easy to read. The way she looked at him told him that she most likely wanted to talk to him alone about something or other. He felt guarded already because of that. Out of all the medicine apprentices, Finchpaw was probably closest to Bluepaw. She was like him; she had second thoughts and besides Frostpaw (who actually knew more than Bluepaw about his dreams now, after only one conversation), she was the only one he had had the courage to confide in. He would never tell her that these thoughts were more than just hesitation, that he truly wished to be outside, hunting and fighting. And he was never tell her that he doubted Starclan's existence. But he could speak of some of his demons to her. Whatever she wanted to speak with him about, Finchpaw only hoped he could satisfy her with a truthful answer, because he was so sick of himself and the lies he told.

"So Finchpaw... care to introduce me properly?"

"Of course, Bluepaw," he purred, keeping all worries to himself, hidden under his kind tone and kind eyes. "This is my brother, Firepaw. I've told you a bit about him already... and Firepaw, this is my good friend Bluepaw, as she has just introduced herself." He wrapped his tail neatly across his white paws and tilted his head to look at Firepaw once more. His brother was smiling joyfully at the she-cat and unspoken words were dancing in front of his eyes. Oi. He was going to say something stupid.

Firepaw opened his muzzle and his tone was sly, his words as slippery as the skin on a frog. "Gosh, what a looker, she is! Tell me, what do you... really do at those medicine cat meetings?" He grinned even wider and plopped down, looking at Bluepaw up and down rather inappropriately before glancing back at his own brother suggestively.

Finchpaw grew scalding hot under his fur and he wished he could kick Firepaw down a ravine or something. Although he really did love his brother (he questioned himself why, sometimes), this whole Gathering would be easier without him!
---

Gingerstar had zoned out by the time Owlstar had spoken. It wasn't that she was trying to be rude. She has just heard everything before. Every full moon, they came and said the exact thing to each other, regurgitating old answers in the same tone. "How's the clan, Gingerstar?" Running smoothly, she would say. "And how are you, Gingerstar?" Oh work is hard, but I'm fine, she would answer "And the apprentice, Gingerstar?" And she would glance at Badgerpaw (if he was there that night) and with a slight frown say, "Well, he's a bit too energetic but he throws himself into training 100 percent."

It really was all too boring. She drew all her pleasure from looking out toward the cats and seeing their faces as they exchanged their own pleasantries and told stories about prey they caught. Even No-ears was interacting tonight!

Gingerstar looked away from the mass of cats, back to the leaders, where Cloudstar had summoned them appropriately. She sighed a weary sigh, rather reluctant to break up all the discussions that were happening, but she followed Owlstar and then whipped up the words she was going to say tonight. She had thought them through night after night as the gathering had approached, and she was sure that she was properly prepared. Unless one of the other leaders had a surprise for her, this gathering would go just the way Gingerstar had planned.

[/size]

[Nightfall]

<sup>Speckledpaw frowned upon her Clanmates talking to other Clans, but couldn't suppress a squirm of excitement. Her first Gathering! There was so much to take in, but she knew she had to be on her best behaviour. Cedarstar would get upset if something went wrong.

Standing erect at the side of the clearing got a little painful. She slouched down a bit, immediately standing erect again when a warrior walked past. The tom stared at her and shook his head, laughing. "A bit uptight, ain't she?" He mumbled, vanishing into the throng. Speckledpaw frowned, insulted.

With all the scents and the unfamiliar pelts around her, Speckledpaw got confused-and a little scared. She got up and was about to look around for some of her Clanmates when a rustle in the bush behind her jump with fright and nearly cry out. Two bright green eyes stared out at the Gathering,blinking every now and then. These eyes had obviously not seen her reaction.

After catching her breath, Speckledpaw managed to stutter out, "W-who are you?"

00c;;
Phayl. D:</sup>

[Pie]

Stormflower glanced up at the rock, Cloudstar seated carefully watching the Clans below. Briefly her thoughts tangled up in wonderment over the leaders not starting the Gathering long before.

Don't get her wrong, she liked being around cats just as much as the next cat, well maybe not just as much, but hearing about the little news was always that much more exciting. That and she could get home faster and plan more patrols and the like for the following day.
Already her gears were working to plan out who should hunt tomorrow and who should patrol after the first set went out. She'd already given out the duties of the morning before she left for the Gathering.

Once more her thoughts shattered as, yet, another body joined them. Another cat of PineClan. Looking at the young tom, Stormflower gave him a small smile. "Evening, Spiderpaw. Training going well?" From the corner of her eye, the Deputy of StreamClan noted Owlstar leaping onto the rock next to Cloudstar. A few moments later Gingerstar was making the moves to join them.

"Seems as if we're about to start.[/color] Her voice was a murmur, likely to be drowned out by the all of the other cats around them. Keeping her body angled toward Spiderpaw, just in case he wished to respond, Stormflower kept one ear angled toward the Leaders for when they started.

[/size]

[laur]

Cedarstar's large yellow eyes followed the other leaders as they each hopped onto the gigantic rock. He followed last, for dramatic effect. Why not? he asked himself, smirking, as he pushed between Cloudstar and Gingerstar to step to the front of the rock. "Anyone mind if I started the meeting? Good." He did not wait for the others to complain as he detached himself to the front of the rock.

"Cats of all clans!" Cedarstar's powerful, booming voice echoed throughout the area, his commanding tone followed closely by silence, "it is time to start the Gathering." Shuffling his round paws to get a better hold on the slippery rock, Cedarstar ruffled his brown, shaded fur and looked out into the mass of assembled felines. "MeadowClan is well!" his merry mew carried to the cats, "and we are proud to announce that one of our warriors, Dappledflower, is now expecting." The triumphant look on the large brown tom made it look almost as if he were the father, but really, he merely just as happy as the real father to have his Clan grow. "MeadowClan has no problems to report today; We are well-fed and happy due to the plentiful prey this season!" His eyes squinted into a jolly expression as he backed down from the rock, murmuring "That is all," on his way.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kestrelstorm nodded respectfully as Bramblefang joined the now larger group of cats he was conversing with. "Quite fine so far, Bramblefang. I hope you are well?" his round yellow eyes traveled down Bramblefang's pelt, reminding himself of a slightly smaller self. He blinked at Sandpaw, trying to send her encouragement -- all though it didn't look like she needed it.

"Oh yes, it's starting!" Kestrelstorm added on to what Stormflower said, "quiet, now!" He felt odd commanding the other deputies, but he brushed it off with a feeling of knowing that they should, respectfully, be quiet.

[/center]

[Crowzerplorodon]

He didn't mind so much if Cedarstar went first. After all, it seemed like the MeadowClan leader would not take no for an answer. Cloudstar made a note to go right after the brown tom before settling down to listen to Cedarstar speak about his clan.

MeadowClan is expecting? He thought with a smile. That would be good for the clans, the first kits born in the new lands. Some sort of historical landmark for the cats of the new forest. Cloudstar only felt the slightest amount of jealousy that it wasn't his own clan bringing the good news of an expecting queen. But it didn't matter, one day StreamClan would have kits of its own.

As Cedarstar backed down from speaking, Cloudstar flicked his tail, his own way of saying 'my turn' before padding to where Cedarstar had sat mere moments ago. He looked down at the cats who had focused all their attention on the leaders before speaking. "Congratulations Cedarstar," he started, but spoke addressing all of MeadowClan. "It is good to hear MeadowClan is doing well. StreamClan also has nothing of interest to report. Prey is abundant and the clan is thriving."

With that he stepped back from the speaking edge of the rock, nodding toward the two she-cat leaders left for one of them to speak. He took a seat besides Cedarstar, wrapped his tail around his paws comfortably and waiting.

[» s a b ø r ]]

Owlstar was surprised by Cedarstar's news. Dappledflower was very lucky, she was the start of placing some real roots in their new home. All of the cats at this gathering had been born in ForestClan or born as loners or rogues. Now Dappledflower was leading the way into the future of the four clans': kits. Kits would grow up to be warriors, some of them would be leaders and deputies eventually.

Owlstar shook her head to clear those thoughts, it was not time to think about such things. Right now it was her turn to tell everyone what was going on in her clan, FogClan. She smiled at Gingerstar as she moved to where Cloudstar and Cedarstar had made their announcements. She cleared her throat quietly then said in a loud voice that echoed around the Fourtrees, "That is wonderful news Cedarstar, I wish your queen well. FogClan is well, prey is plentiful. Hopefully, rain will come soon and relieve us of this dry weather."

[/color]

Owlstar retreaded from where she stood, giving Gingerstar a nod as she passed her. After Gingerstar shared her news then all the cats here could go home, finally. It was nice to go to Gatherings, but you could only stay at one for so long before they became tiresome. Small-talk could only get you so far.

Owlstar joined Cedarstar and Cloudstar where they sat, giving each a nod of the head. She knew that both of them were probably like her, itching to get home. She looked at the moon quickly, they really had been late this time. Hopefully StarClan would not be mad at their failure to notice the time.[/blockquote][/center][/size]

[Emily]

Although Bluepaw was thoroughly disgusted of Firepaw and his haughtiness, there was apart of her that did not resent the spiteful tom. This was almost motivated by the fact that Finchpaw was Firepaw's own kin and brother, and seemed to prove that there's always a dud in the litter, no matter how well mannered the others are. Bluepaw's tail flit from side to side, and she self-consciously fluffed her chest in the brothers' presence.

"Firepaw, huh? I've heard a lil' about you.." Bluepaw mused, dancing eagerly on the tips of her toes. "Hey, you got something stuck in your eyes, Firepaw?" the small she-cat suddenly piped. Bluepaw turned towards Firepaw, elongating her scruffed neck to examine him a bit closer; his eyes, gleaming ever so brightly, appeared watery in her presence, and the she-cat had imposed that there was dust stuck in his eyes.

At Firepaw's suggestive and risque tone (as were his wordings, which Bluepaw was left flabbergasted at), Bluepaw flew upright into a very stern position. "Looker? Looker!?" Bluepaw's whiskers twitched irritably, her tail flew back and forth in aggravation and humiliation, and as soon as she had stood she wanted to tackle the tomcat and show him that 'lookers' could certainly have a temper, and a way of tooth and claw. "I can't tell you, and I wouldn't anyway if I could you... you.. little rat!" stated Bluepaw in a rather rash tone. Firepaw's looking up and down at Bluepaw had fueled her entirely, and although how hard it was to resist the temptation to go full out and end that little rascal's life, Bluepaw swiftly turned her back and trodded off. Looking back once, she cried out to Finchpaw, "Next time don't bring your brother with you!" She threw a wink at Finchpaw, proving to him that she wasn't mad at Finchpaw, no, not at all; but Firepaw on the other hand, was just a pest to the Medicine Cat apprentice.

Finally, the leaders were taking their stand and beginning to announce. The anticipation fell from the suddenly hushed crowd of felines, and Bluepaw fell silent just as much. She scarcely glanced behind her towards the dumbfounded Finchpaw and Firepaw, before swiftly returning her body and attention to the well-respected leaders of the Clans, who were perched upon the rock, preparing themselves to announce their well-being. No clan ever stated too much of a weakness, it was simply not good for the Clan's own good. Advantages and secrets could be gained over time, and Gatherings were far from an exception.

Cedarstar, as one would expect, had pushed himself to the front and quickly stated that he would be starting the sharing of news. Just like the tomcat to be so selfish to do so, while StreamClan's own leader was humble enough to stand back, but proved strong enough to push himself forward in a politely mannered way. Bluepaw gasped, eyes cast wide. MeadowClan had kits... already? It was so early in the season, and never before had kits come so quickly - right after the journey, kits were not so soon expected on the Clans' lists. Life would soon begin to spread, and Bluepaw felt almost resentful that their own clan had not been the first to bear a new generation. The rest of the clans, including hers, was doing swell, though PineClan was still to spread any news of their own.

Bluepaw's ears perked slightly, and her tail rested lightly around her shady paws. She certainly did not want to miss a thing; even the oppurtunity of coming to a Gathering (even though as a medicine cat's apprentice, you are always permitted to go) is a downright honor, and Bluepaw took it with all the pride it brought.

--

Spiderpaw glanced up at the great rock, whiskers twitching in anticipation. The leaders were taking moons to get their furry bottoms up on that slab of stone and announce the usual: "Prey level decent, clan thriving. We've got a new warrior, a new Queen on the horizon." Spiderpaw was flustered that they hadn't gotten up sooner, and already was each clan running far later than they should've been. And here, the rest of the mind-strangled clans were thinking worriedly: 'Oh no, I hope StarClan doesn't get mad at us!' Spiderpaw rolled his eyes self-consciously, before turning his attention back to Cedarstar whom was currently announcing the joyous news of the soon to-be birthing of kits.

It was fairly unexpected of them all, and Spiderpaw could easily detect the pride in Cedarstar's voice as if he were the father himself. Of course, any decent-minded leader would be just as proud as the real father; as they themselves are almost seen as the father or mother of the Clan. Spiderpaw found that somewhat... reasonably thought out.

"What? Oh." The tomcat had been completely fazed by his own interest in the news the Clan leaders were willing to share that he had entirely dismissed Stormflower. He dipped his head in respect to the deputy. "Training's well. Hope your own clan is well," he hastily replied, not wanting to appear rude in the eyes of the she-cat. Once more, did Spiderpaw return his attention to the cats at the base of the rock, and detached his eyes from Stormflower to Cloudstar. He drank in the news hungrily, hoping that one day any of the sharing would benefit his clan. There was always betrayal, there was always deceit, there was always something that would be going wrong between the Clans, outside threats, and even the so-believed to be, StarClan.

[/blockquote]

[Rolo]

((I'll add more when I get back))

No-ears was pleased by the cat's eagerness. It was good to see that young cats these days were so curious.

"Ah, but I don't decide the best course of action to take." Said No-ears frankly, "All the elders do. I just head the meetings." He chuckled, looking up at the moon, "And even then Gingerstar may accept or reject our advice."

He shifted slightly and shot a smile at Briartail. It was a calm smile. He was completely unruffled by the questions as he knew Pineclan's workings like the back of his paw, he had no reason to be set ill at ease by questions about it.

"And how did I get to be head elder?" He asked, talking more to himself than to Briartail, "Aging, that's how. Why, I'm the oldest cat in Pineclan! Perhaps I'm not the wisest or strongest but it is now a tradition that the eldest cat in the clan gains the role... unless that cat is too sick or unsound of mind, then it's the oldest able elder."

Through this speech, his gaze shifted around the gathering as if he was telling all this to himself. There was no hint of arrogance in his voice, just an internal smile as if giggling at how old he was. His voice had held a comical edge but it also had a no nonsense quality, a completely unintentional thing on his part.

He paused for a few moments more before shaking his head as if awakening himself from a doze, looking at the cats around him,

"Any more questions?"

His ears pricked as he heard the leaders finally give their news. He was pleased to hear that all the clans were doing well. There was no conflict yet, which was a weight off of his mind. He supposed it was too early for the clans to push their presences upon one another, they were still gaining stability after all. The trouble would, inevitably, come when the clans were settled... so he just hoped that this period of peace would last as long as possible.

---

Frostpaw, upon hearing it's voice, rolled her eyes at the apprentice. Oh, how idiotic that pitiful thing was! Stuttering in fright? Silly thing to do when a cat approaches you... very warrior-like. She was a little sad that the first cat she met seemed to be completely mouse-brained. She was still in a very foul mood and she knew that her her patience levels were probably at the lowest they had been in for a long time.

"Why would you be interested?" She retorted instantaneously, her voice hushed so not to give away her presence to anyone else. As soon as she had spoken, she turned and crept off through the bushes. She was not interested in talking to such a scaredy meadowclanner. Anyway, if they didn't give her away through their ridiculously jumpy nature, she would give herself away by snapping at them.

She wandered away, being careful not to make a sound. She circled the gathering place, becoming aware that the leaders were now beginning to speak. Most cats had turned towards them, making her attempt at not being seen easier to pull off.

As she moved, she listened to the ridiculously optimistic announcements by all the leaders, cringing at the sound of Owlstar's voice. She could not stand hearing that pompous and illogical cat right now. She had remained deaf to the first true plea she had ever made, a degrading and embarrassing process for her, and she now hated her. In fact, she loathed her almost as much as Rowanheart himself, the cause of her plea. But only almost. No cat inspired such a deep loathing within half as much as Rowanheart.

Frostpaw was busy listening to the news when she finally sat down. Lazily, she cast her eyes over the gathering once again, still a caught up in her own thoughts. She took very little in, her mind switching off as the gathering showed itself not to be worth the effort she had taken to get here.

But then, she spotted something, and the sound and sight of that something made a smirk spread across her face. It cut through her bad mood and made her chuckle.

Maybe the gathering would be worth it. Maybe there was fun to be had here.

Finchpaw was here... but, more importantly, so was another, easily annoyed medicine cat apprentice. Bluepaw. And Rowanheart-kit... there was so much potential for this to be fun.

The relationship between the 3 cats fastinated her. Finchpaw and Bluepaw seemed to be firm friends, although she had no clue why Finchpaw would want to speak to such a ditzy cat, yet Bluepaw seemed to despise Firepaw. There was so much potential for trouble, causing irritation and fun, it made her chuckle.

Frostpaw, without a second though, moved as close as she could to the trio and took a few steps forward into the light.

"Finchpaw!" She called, her voice hushed so that only the apprentices would hear, "Over here!"

[Whiskers]

Gingerstar sat idly beside her fellow leaders, her ears flicking in the direction of the speaker every now and then. She looked as cold and unmoving as stone as she stared straight ahead. She was... glad that there were no issues, at least, no issues that affected her clan, but she was also not very entertained. There were no border scuffles. (Though she thought of mentioning how the Fogclanners were rude to her clan, but then again, no cat was attacked so it wasn't much news. If the bullying got worse, then she would bring it up at the next gathering.) There was no sickness-- which was good, of course. Everything was perfect.

A little too perfect, honestly. She stifled her yawn and whisked her tail back and forth behind her like a broom as she waited for her turn. She watched as Cedarstar stepped up with his booming voice, one filled with authority and cheerfulness. But the cheer in his voice always felt false to Gingerstar, like he was merely masking his true feelings with it. As for Cloudstar, she had no problems with the tom and felt that he was a good, honest type of cat. Owlstar, of course, was brisk as usual.

Finally, Owlstar stepped back and nodded to Gingerstar, and Gingerstar nodded back. She stretched her legs and then walked to the front, scanning the cats with a fierce, analytical gaze before she began to speak.

"It's good to hear that all the clans are functioning as well as Pineclan. Our apprentices are training hard and I suspect a few will be made warriors very soon. There are no problems to report for Pineclan. Cedarstar, I hope the kits are born healthy and strong," Gingerstar bowed her head and then stepped back. It seemed like the gathering was all done. It had gone too quickly, in Gingerstar's opinion and she saw several faces that did look disappointed. They turned toward each other and murmured their parting words. It would be an entire moon before they would see each other again.
----
As Bluepaw began to chew Firepaw out, Finchpaw’s embarrassed mood vanished instantaneously, and it was replaced with one of pure delight. His tail curled up and his face suddenly shone, a smile appearing on his muzzle and trembling his whiskers. Ah, Bluepaw did have guts, and it was that spunky attitude—albeit a little over the top at times—that Finchpaw liked about her. She was always very loud and today, it pleased him immensely that she had not let Firepaw walk all over her dainty little paws.

Firepaw instantly recoiled from Bluepaw immediately and a dazed look entered his eyes as she told him off. He wasn’t used to be told off by a girl and especially by another apprentice. Only Frostpaw had the guts to do something like that, and Firepaw usually discarded her because, hey, she did it to everybody. But when Bluepaw stormed off, the word “rat” still hanging in the air, Finchpaw saw the bewilderment in Firepaw’s eyes. He was dumbfounded. He actually had no idea what to say.

Excellent. Bluepaw had shut him up. The precise way that she worded her lecture had managed to confound Firepaw long enough for her to escape just a few feet off, though she was still close enough to talk to if Finchpaw tried. But alas, the spell did not last long and the look in Firepaw’s golden eyes were dashed away and suddenly, he was indignant… but there were a smile on his muzzle, so he was also amused. Unusual.

“Gosh, Finchpaw, all I did was compliment her. How do you stand that stormy thing?” He joked, and sniffed a bit before turning his snout upward. Yes, he had to recover his pride, the same pride that he had inherited from his father. Thank Starclan or whatever else there was out there (if there was anything thing) that Finchpaw had been immune.

Finchpaw shook his head and chose not to answer Firepaw with words. Anyway, the gathering was starting… and though Finchpaw was more interested in speaking with more cats, his attention was diverted to the leaders. It was the same old, same old, and every leader seemed to have no problem reporting that everything was fine and there was no need for any worry. The only real bit of news that some cats would talk about was Dappledflower’s kits—the first kits born in their new home.

Gingerstar stepped up then but Finchpaw did not hear what the she-cat was saying. A hushed tone caught his attention and he nearly jumped out of his fur as his name was spoken aloud. Firepaw looked equally surprised and Finchpaw saw that Bluepaw probably heard it as well.

Turning, his shock grew. Intense green eyes stared at him and a smirk graced a silver muzzle. The rest of Frostpaw’s body was hidden in darkness. “Frostpaw!” Finchpaw whispered, moving toward her without a second thought. She would be much more interesting than anything Gingerstar had to say…

Unfortunately, Firepaw suddenly rammed him over rather rudely, actually forcing himself in front of his brother. “What in Starclan’s name are you doing here? Don’t you have anything better to do than stalk my brother?”

[/size]

[Rolo]

Frostpaw was pleased by Finchpaw's reaction. For some reason unknown to her, she found it strangely satisfying to find someone actually leaping at the chance to talk to her. It made a change, usually cats would not speak to her unless it was a neccessity... and even then they wouldn't enjoy that. She smiled as he approached.

But that smile soon changed to a smirk. As she had expected, the young Rowanpaw had reacted to her presence by snarling at her. She didn't know whether to be bored by the predictability or happy that she had predicted correctly. Nethertheless, she wouldn't let him insult her, oh no! She'd win against him, just as she would against Rowanheart.

"Greetings Ro-Firepaw!" She chuckled, keeping her voice low, "By asking to talk to him, does that mean I'm stalking him? And don't devalue your brother so quickly. He's not all bad, in fact he is rather intriguing. " She said plainly in a no-nonsense tone.

She paused, her eyes glittering. "Don't you have anything better to do than to make advances at a medicine cat trainee?" She faked sadness, "Your father would be horrified."

Frostpaw was in the mood to win against someone. Anyone. As long as she won, she'd be happy. To frustrate, annoy, outsmart and inspire hatred in others was what she wanted to do the most right now, especially if she succeeded in doing them to Firepaw. She gained a short feeling of superiority for it... something she needed to have over an obsessed starclan believer. It was like she was putting things back in their natural order again... that darned cat had won against her, now she would regain the balance by winning against his son. This wasn't planned though... it was a subconcious thing. In fact, that was probably why she had singled out the apprentice in the first place. She wanted to win against Rowanheart.

She smirked again. This would irritate Rowanheart, for sure!