Gathering [ 8/25 ]

[Crowzerplorodon]

ooc|
Second Gathering time whoo ~
There's no set day for this to end but we can't let it get out of hand like it did last time, k guys?
Some rankings may have other players playing them, just because they need to be played.
Make sure you're cat's invited before you post. And do not post until all four leaders have posted.

How fast a moon went by. It seemed only yesterday Cloudstar was standing on this same ledge, looking out at the cluster of trees in the middle of the clearing. Even the scents from the last Gathering lingered on the air, ready to be renewed by tonight’s meeting. Once again Cloudstar was surprised to see that StreamClan was the first clan to arrive, but at least his clan wouldn’t be late.

His green eyed surveyed the cats he had brought this time. A hearty group, he could say the least. He was sure of their loyalty, though. No StreamClan secrets would be spilled tonight. Eyes lingering longer than he should on Rabbitheart, Cloudstar chuckled. Who knew what sort of things the tabby tom would cause tonight.

He faced his patrol with a neutral look on his face. ”I trust you all to be at your best tonight. After all, you are representing StreamClan.” How each cat would interpret ‘their best’ was up to them, Cloudstar just hoped they had enough sense to not make a mockery.

With a flick of his tail the leader moved toward the clearing, going at a little faster than a walk. His paws skillfully avoided any holes or twigs or anything that could trip him up as he led his clan down the slope into the empty clearing. His nose twitched when he reached the bottom, slowing down as he realized that they were still the only clan to have arrived.

Hopefully another clan would make themselves known soon, Cloudstar mused as he padded his way toward the stone in the center. His white pelt stood out from the shadow casted by the large stone. At least he’d be easily seen.

[/blockquote]

[[.___Paije] !]

Cedarstar

Large brown paws padding at a nonchalant pace at first, Cedarstar was content at what he saw behind him. His Clan loyally following him to the holy place where all Clans met at the full moon. It was a wonderful night. The large brown long-haired tabby tomcat had sped up his pace lightly, even a leader like himself could become eager to converse with other leaders and see what is going on. StarClan blessed them all, with good signs ahead that it was peaceful. Cedarstar couldn't quite tell about which Clans were there yet. But very, very faintly. Ahead of his own Clan. Near the gathering place, he could see a group of cats entering. Black nose twitching, he could tell. It was StreamClan. "StreamClan." he whispered to himself. Looking back at the brown deputy near by, as if he were trying to see what Bramblefang was thinking. Shaking his head and quivering his whiskers, Cedarstar quickened his pace again. To a light and steady jog.

Coming closer to this holy place of meeting other cats, the brown tabby turned to his Clan, blinking and nodding to them. "You all are representing MeadowClan tonight. Be on your best behavior," he meowed, eyes meeting those of his Clan. "StarClan blessed this place for us all to come here in peace. So I would expect for all of you to keep it that way." A small grin tugging his maw, Cedarstar turned his back to the Clan; and with a flick of a tail to signal the Clan to come he trotted in, tail and head held high in confidence. Cloudstar was all ready there. Excellent. So they were the second Clan to come here. Head turning back and forth, looking about the StreamClan cats. Nodding politely to them before moving to the stone in the middle. Calmly and gracefully leaping up into his normal spot, next to Cloudsar. "Evening, Cloudstar," he meowed, nodding. "How is prey running in your territory?" he asked, becoming comfortable and giving his own left paw a few nonchalant licks, watching the snow-pelted cat next to him.

[Whiskers]

"Well here we are, Pineclanners."

Gingerstar spoke with indifference, rather put off that the gathering had come so soon. She hadn't even realized that it was tonight. How sad that was! She had been planning patrols, training with her apprentice, speaking with the elders and the gathering had completely slipped her mind. It had been embarrassing when a younger warrior had to remind her that he simply couldn't go on the dusk patrol because the gathering was tonight, and he was either going or guarding the camp.

So humilating.

Of course she hadn't let that little bit of news upset her image. She had remained stoic, flicking her ears back, pausing before opening her muzzle and correcting herself, before rushing off to her den to scold herself in silence. How could I have forgotten? I had the blasted MOON to remind me!

Nothing she could really do about it though. Gingerstar was truly ashamed of her stupid mistake and she knew that such a thing couldn't happen again. She was leader. Leaders didn't make mistakes like that, and though it seemed like a little thing to some cats... it was huge to her. To Gingerstar, such a moment of forgetfullness, carelessness, showed that she was slipping. She was becoming disorganized, lost in her duties. And one slip up could always becoming another...and another...

"This isn't our first gathering so I expect each one of you to know how it works," she drew herself out of the horror of the event, focusing on the cats behind her with a pointed look. She felt like a mother, explaning the first day of training to her kits.

"You will listen when each leader speaks, and you will be respectful. I shouldn't have to say anymore than that. Anyone who refuses to "play nice" will find themselves picking ticks of the elders for a few days."

With a final sweeping glance, Gingerstar turned back around and headed toward the gathering area, where she quickly joined Cloudstar.

[/size]

[Kelly]

The twitching tip of her tail would be signal enough for one to leave her alone. It clearly spoke that she was more than annoyed with how the evening had gone, even more so because it was the one evening that mattered most in the entire moon. Gatherings were no event to turn your nose at. And when the younger warriors learned that all would set itself back on course. After all, who were they to hold up the Gathering by taking to long to join the patrol heading for the clearing.

Her black and white fur rose subtly with each soft breath she took. A few last second attempts to cool herself down before she would meet up with the other leaders in the clearing. Her claws sank into the dirt before being pulled out, only to repeat the cycle again and again. Yellow eyes pierced the shadows casted by the silvery moon against tall, FogClan trees and undergrowth.

In the clearing below she watched as both MeadowClan and PineClan pour in, joining up with the StreamClan cats who had already gathered. And while she felt rather hypocritical holding her clan back, Owlstar needed these last few minutes. Besides, being fashionably late wasn’t all that horrid. Slowly she turned to face her deputy, yellow eyes locking on the light colored fur of Mistpelt before looking the she-cat in the eye.

“FogClan,” she addressed to the entire patrol, standing up from her previously crouched position. “Think before you speak, think before you act, and generally think about what you do here tonight.” A frown spread across her muzzle as she gazed out at each cat that had joined the patrol tonight. “After all,” Owlstar’s voice lowered. “You are representing your clan.”

With that she swept around to face the clearing once more, standing proud before leading her clan down the slope and into the opening where they would greet the other clans. The moon guided her pawsteps as the leader made her way around each cat that had begun to mingle with others. Her view was locked on the three cats who gathered by the large rock in the center of it all. With a curt nod, Owlstar took her place besides the three of them.

“Greetings, I trust you all are well?”

[/blockquote]

[Crowzerplorodon]

Finally it seemed other clans were arriving. Cloudstar watched with a bit of relief as first MeadowClan and then PineClan poured into the clearing, the cats immediately seeking out their friends or interesting cats to talk to. His tail wrapped itself firmly around his large paws as Cedarstar approached. He nodded in greeting, green eyes bright as he responded to the MeadowClan leader. ”Good evening as well, Cedarstar. Prey is running wonderfully, Green-Leaf hasn’t given up on us just yet.”

”And welcome, Gingerstar,” he said to the she-cat, nodding at her as well. Now all they needed was Owlstar. And from the scent gathering toward the FogClan side of the clearing Cloudstar assumed they would be arriving shortly. He let out a pleased purr when the clan broke out from the undergrowth, watching as the white and black she-cat approached.

”Very well, thank you Owlstar. And you the same?” It seemed a good night for the gathering. Tensions weren’t very high (at least from Cloudstar’s point of view) and all the clans had arrived timely. None seemed to be in great distress and so far at least no fights had broken out. Perhaps this time it would go off without a single hitch.

--

Jaggedclaw held his head high as he followed the rest of his clan, generally ignoring the sharp ache in his claws as he continued along. He wouldn’t complain tonight, the gathering was far more important. He paused as Gingerstar did, making an idle comment to himself about what had gotten under her skin before giving his gray and white pelt a few licks.

”Jaggedclaw? We’re here.” The elder’s head whipped around to face the large, shaggy brown tom cat speaking to him. When had Otterfur gotten so close? And when had all the other cats left to make their way to the clearing already? Was he really that intent on washing that he hadn’t noticed?

”’Course we are,” he grunted, pushing ahead of the warrior and following the cats who had already left into the clearing. Otterfur shook his head before moving after the elder, keeping and eye and ear out for someone he could speak too. Perhaps Briartail would have been invited with StreamClan again. He had enjoyed speaking with the StreamClanner last time.

Leaving Otterfur to his thoughts, Jaggedclaw skirted passed warriors and apprentices alike, glancing around the clearing for an elder or two he could join up with. Warriors were so boastful and immodest nowadays. It was no fun listening to them brag about their latest accomplishments. And apprentices seemed to scared of grumpy elders during the gatherings. Other elders suited him just fine.

Now where the blazes were they? Blast it if he had to go find No-ears for some company this night. Not that the Head Elder wasn’t great and all. But gathering meant fresh faces. And fresh faces he would get.

--

His long gray fur was buffeted by the wind of the open plains. At least he wasn’t cold, even if the wind was making a downright mess of his pelt. And he had just given in a few good licks, too. Why couldn’t the wind be agreeing for once and leave his fur alone? Especially on a night like this. A gathering night, and more importantly, his first gathering too.

Green eyes narrowed as a guard against the wind as Jaypaw followed the rest of his clan into the clearing, eyes locked on the powerful form of his leader. The apprentice slowed a little as Cedarstar broke from the rest of his clan to meet up with Cloudstar and eventually, all the other leaders. He felt a little awe at the strong cats all clustered together, but it was broken by the sound and smell of many, many cats finally hitting his senses. His eyes opened wide as he watched FogClan pour into the clearing and suddenly he felt extremely small.

Keeping a blank look on his face, Jaypaw warily made his way around the gathering area, looking for one his own age to speak to. Maybe he would be lucky and stumble upon a large group of apprentices. Then he could just slip in to whatever they were talking about. Or perhaps he would find an elder and sit back as he listened to the older cats swap stories. As long as he wasn’t spending the whole time alone, Jaypaw was quite fine.

[/blockquote]

[Slug]

Willowpaw stuck close to Stonetail's side as they slinked down into the clearing; Willowpaw decided to use a smarter tactic and ask one of his fellow FogClanners out of those who were going to the gathering to stay with him during this large meeting, unlike last time Willowpaw had gone off on his own. He knew better now, of course, but the last gathering had shook him. Being alone wasn't really Willowpaw's strong points, but neither was being in a large group of still unfamiliar cats.

He really had to get to know others know. Really.

Looking up at the larger grey tom besides him, Willowpaw's ears went flat at the size of Stonetail. He truly was a behemoth, though it made Willowpaw wonder how such a big feline could move so... smoothly. But nonetheless, Stonetail had been the only one to reply to be Willowpaw's "partner" when he had asked "W-Who will st-stay b-by m-my s-side a-at t-the G-Gathering?".

And Stonetail's answer was "Me".

Willowpaw, no matter how intimidated he was by Stonetail's size, would forever be grateful to the warrior. He would be better than great protection for Willowpaw if an agrument started, or a twitchy cat decided to let loose some stress. On Willowpaw. Which the apprentice would really not enjoy. Really. He was not the type of cat to be a punching bag-- then again, was anyone?

"This is where I leave you, Willowpaw." Stonetail suddenly spoke, startling the petite grey tom out of his thoughts. Wait, what? Wilowpaw wondered, alarmed. Stonetail couldn't lea--

Aaanddd... the warrior was already gone.

Blinking in amazement, Willowpaw sat there in the cluster of cats, staring at the spot where Stonetail once was. How does he do that? He asked himself before he began to wander around, weaving through the different felines, looking for something-- someone. Willowpaw was searching for a cat that looked strong, familiar, and best of all, his age.

Or somewhere near around it.

Suddenly, Willowpaw spotted grey apprentice. He was larger than Willowpaw, but not by much-- then again, most cats were larger than Willowpaw. But he didn't mind. Much. Parting his mouth open, Willowpaw let the scent of-- MeadowClan, was it? Creeping closer to this apprentice, Willowpaw studied the other tom for a moment. Grey, like himself; his rank, too, from the size of him. Maybe his age as well?

Finally, when Willowpaw was close enough, the small apprentice stuttered a small, yet firm "H-Hello?"
---

ooc: Lol fail. e.e I couldn't think of anything for Stonetail. D: So don't judge me. >|

[prowler.]

Minnowpaw
--
As Minnowpaw slipped into the Gathering she tried to stay near the front of the procession with her mentor and deputy, Stormflower and her leader, Cloudstar, but as they entered the two went seperate ways and she ground to an uncertain halt, but immediately lost them amongst the throng of cats. She jumped nervously as she was assaulted by unfamiliar scents that were all so strong, an unusual, foreign concoction. Her ears flattened and she gave a muffled squeak as a giant gray warrior from another clan almost stepped on her and paused, hearing the sound, he looked down and looked a little surprised before hastily apologizing, "sorry there, little 'un" before moving on with a swiftness that Minnowpaw thought uncanny.

As she stood still bewildered as other cats filtered around the unusually small she-cat she felt as if she could feel their penetrating gaze of interest, just chanting this one's new. barely an apprentice! looks like a kitten. terrified, the poor dear. She wrapped her tail beneath her belly and hurried forward into the gathering, her fur fluffed out a bit more than normal, gray eyes wide and more than a little frightened. She was most certainly the smallest of the gathering, even the apprentices - were they even apprentices?! - looked huge to her.

Moving into an apparently unoccupied space the newly renamed StreamClan apprentice sat down uneasily, wrapping her tail tightly around her paws and forcing herself to focus. What was it Cloudstar had said? "I trust you all to be at your best tonight. After all, you are representing StreamClan."? Well this wasn't her best, she could do better than this, so she forced herself to calm, closed her eyes once then twice before taking a deep breath and loosening her tail. Her fur however was still amuck and hurridly she began the rapid task of licking it's thick fluffiness down.

-----------------

Hailstorm

[/color]
--
Hailstorm's look was passive as they entered the clearing, a little off schedule and late, but whatever, it didn't mean much to him. He cast his gaze around him idly before spotting a group of warriors chatting together. Glancing down he fixed his eyes on his apprentice Sootpaw - this would be his first gathering, yes? 'Well, have fun Sootpaw, this is where I go elsewhere. You could go talk to Willowpaw and Jaypaw over there if you'd like.' He commented, almost failing at remembering the other young apprentices names.

His duty done, he turned to find that said group of warriors were nowhere to be seen. With a grunt and a little grumble, he padded off into the clearing, spotting Stonetail be began to make his way over to the fellow FogClanner - he'd be damned if he was going to sit alone at a gathering. On his way he almost tripped over a tiny apprentice and felt surprise leap into his watery blue-gray eyes; were StreamClan recruiting kits into their ranks now? He quickly fired off a hasty apology before moving on.

As he rounded to being near Stonetail he meowed a greeting, 'Hey there Stonetail.' He tried to think of anything, but "hows the season been treating you" or "how's the prey going" would be stupid to ask of your own clanmate. All the same, being in a group would make the two more approchable, they were both large warriors, but neither of them were particularly unfriendly in any way.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Spec]

Mistpelt


Mistpelt followed close behind; loyal deputy trailing after the shadowed figure of Owlstar. Pfft. The light pelted she-cat padded warily behind her leader. Eyes naught more than narrowed slits, she stared mutely ahead, tail straight and narrow as her shoulders rocked obediently towards their destination. All her mind warped around the very notion, chanting irritably the single word that dashed along her senses. Late! Late! Late! It was a disgrace to even fathom the thought of Fogclan, the chosen clan, bringing up the rear in the parade of clans. It appeared that Streamclan assembled first, closely followed by Meadowclan. What was more insulting was that Pineclan managed to squeak by with third place, leaving Mistpelt to wallow in her self conscious thoughts. A Gathering was a Gathering, however, and her matters would have to wait to be addressed for future times. She blamed Owlstar, accusing her nonchalant demeanor and ignoring the urgency, and with it the pride, of arriving first at the Gathering. The full moon shone down at her, Starclan winking its approval at her patience, which was eased into appearance, due to the circumstances. Her whole body reflected the moonlight, graciously provided through the grace of Starclan. Naturally, she was wary, but she had little reason to be. The Gathering foretold a time of forced peace within the four clans, and woe is the cat who would even unsheathe their claws in this sacred place! Mistpelt simply wouldn't risk a confrontation here.

As she came into the clearing, Owlstar commented towards her party. Mistpelt, however, caught her gaze dutifully and turned away when she had finished speaking. She knew the drill, and she didn't have to be reminded. The deputy of Fogclan padded ahead, scanning the gathering cats. She tolerated speaking to StreamClan and MeadowClan when it was necessary, but PineClan she avoided altogether, and frowned when she caught wind of Gingerstar and her brutes. Shaking off the dreaded itch that trailed its way over her spine, she gave the Pineclan cats the cold shoulder, studying them with a blank expression on her face. A small smile graced her face as she passed a couple of her comrades, nodding to both Hailstorm and Stonetail, decent warriors in her book, but there was always room for improvement. “Hailstorm, be careful where you put your paws...” She winked over at him, indicating her good humor, which could always be spared for the pleasure of her fellow Fogclanners. Before she took her spot beneath the gray stone with the other deputies, she desired just to make her rounds between her clan, greeting them, some silently with only a inclination of her head, some vocal, giving them brief 'hello'. Her paws eventually ended up near her position where she would spend the Gathering, and with a small grin, ears pricked forward eagerly, she awaited the Gathering to finally begin.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tawnyheart


Tawnyheart brought up the rear of her party, but made sure to keep the large shaggy frame of Cedarstar ahead of her at all times. Luckily, though, the company of the warriors and apprentices that accompanied her on the journey proved heartfelt and she still took pride in her ability to attend the Gatherings. But did her leg hurt, needles seemingly penetrating her hip where the socket was damaged. Forcing herself not to appear strained, though, she realized she wouldn't have it any other way. When they reached the clearing, she paid little heed to the game of 'who got here first' and just decided to continue forward to find an elder or two to share her company with. On her way, she passed a couple young apprentices, whose intentions were sincere, but one accidentally bumped up against the small of her foot. Realizing his mistake, the apprentice apologized hurriedly, thinking she would swat him for his insolence, but Tawnyheart did no such thing. She merely gave a tolerating smile towards him and continued her rather tiresome limp/hop gait until she could plainly see one of the PineClan Elders, Jaggedclaw. His presence brightened her face as she always looked forward to other elders like her. With a steadily advance, she approached Jaggedclaw with a loose smile, eyes gleaming with pleasure. “Jaggedclaw...it's so nice to see you again.” She paused only once to seat herself beside him, gently lowering herself onto her haunches with one leg stuck out next to her. “How are you, dear?” Her voice was softspoken, aged, but still kind. While she waited for his answer, she bent her head down and washed a spot of her fur just below her shoulder, before glancing back up.

[Kelly]

Sootpaw
-
Sootpaw nodded up at his mentor before turning to watch Willowpaw head over to the apprentice Hailstorm had labeled as Jaypaw. MeadowClan scent washed off of the long furred tom and if it wasn’t for the fact that Willowpaw had already approached the apprentice Sootpaw would’ve have taken his mentor’s suggestion. With the slightest sigh the dark gray apprentice took a seat next to his clan mate, nodding curtly at the MeadowClan apprentice.

“Sootpaw,” he supplied. He bit back his lip to prevent from saying something nasty about Willowpaw. But honestly, who stuttered at a Gathering. In front of cats they didn’t know? So much for a first impression. “He’s Willowpaw. It’s Jaypaw, right?” Sootpaw doubted his mentor’s knowledge was wrong. If Hailstorm said the tom’s name was Jaypaw, then it definitely was.

His attention was grabbed by the sight of was he first passed off as a kit. Then Sootpaw remembered kits weren’t allowed to come to Gatherings (thank StarClan) and snorted at the small, fluffy apprentice. “Look at StreamClan, making that cat an apprentice. She doesn’t even seem six moons yet.” He glanced at his monochromatic friends (well they were all gray) for agreement. Or at least, some sort of realization that he was right.

------

Patchfur
-
The elder walked with a renewed grace, small white paws passing over upturned patches of dirt and scattered twigs. His bony tail was held high and curled slightly at the tip, swaying in the light breeze of the open clearing. “Relax Minnowpaw,” the elder said gently as he passed by the young apprentice. “Why don’t you find some nice apprentices to chat with?” He gave the she-cat a soft smile before padding off.

From the corner of his eye Patchfur caught site of two elders like himself. Glad to see he wasn’t the only ancient bones invited this moon, the ginger and white tom weaved through warriors and made his way toward where the elders sat. “Greetings, Tawnyheart and Jaggedclaw,” he mewed softly, taking a seat next to the PineClan elder.

“It’s a lovely night, is it not? I’ve not seen the moon so clear in a while…” He trailed off there; leaving room for comments as he gave one of his front paws a few meticulous licks. It was true though. Maybe he always came out when clouds were in the sky but it had been ages since Patchfur had seen the full moon so round and bright. Perhaps it was a sign, he mused

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[Slug]

Hey there Stonetail

At first, the large warrior had thought it was his own apprentice from the way the voice had greeted him; he didn't recall Cedarpaw ever being on the list of cats that were to go to the gathering. Glancing to the side, Stonetail raised a brow at the warrior. "Greetings, Hailstorm. I did not know you were coming as well." He admitted, though with a drone, as he settled himself on the ground.

"Sit, please." He said, pawing the place in front of him, inviting the other warrior to a discussion. "We've much time, and you'd waste it by standing around." Stonetail's face showed not a twitch of emotion, though his eyes said otherwise as they glimmered with amusement at Stonetail's "joke". Suddenly, it seemed Stonetail decided to lead this conversation by adding a swift, yet low-toned "How is Sootpaw's training going? Well, I hope?" Stonetail asked, curling his tail around his paws.

---

Sootpaw.

Willowpaw only gave a smile at the other apprentice, edging just the slightest closer to Jaypaw. He really couldn't help it. Jaypaw looked strong, in the grey apprentice's eyes, and Sootpaw... well, he certainly gave off a vibe he didn't like. Willowpaw knew quickly that the other wanted to say something rude. If anything, maybe Jaypaw would protect him, or at least... oh, who was he kidding, he wouldn't protect him. This was a gathering. He'd have to stick up for himself if he wanted to get by.

He's Willowpaw. It's Jaypaw, right?

"Y-yes I am Willowpaw." He suddenly spoke, puffing up a little, then his fur went flat again. Willowpaw couldn't help but feel slightly insulted. He had needed to speak, to at least feel acknowledged. Sootpaw seemed to have only noticed Jaypaw, and brushed him aside. Or maybe he was just being paranoid again.

Yeah, he probably was.

Look at StreamClan, making that cat an apprentice. She doesn’t even seem six moons yet

Suddenly, Willowpaw scowled. "Just b-because sh-she's small doesn't mean s-she c-can't b-be an apprentice, Sootpaw. Sh-she j...just n-needs to grow." He said lamely, ears going flat with his fur as he looked at the ground, kneeding up some grass nervously. He really didn't need to say that, but he felt he should. He may not be as small as the she-cat, but he was still small, and felt that he should throw in some good word for her. And himself.

"B-but... she is... v-very small." He added, glancing a look of sympathy at the she-cat before returning his gaze to the ground.