Rewarding the Justly Rewarded (private)

[Spec]

Silent pawsteps negated the noise of the night around her. The stars were high, to light her path to the Moonglade, where she, Miststar would go and return with her night lives – and meet Starclan once more. There was pride in her step, knowing that Owlstar had been banished, along with her few supporters that would be marked with sin forever. It was depressing somewhat, though, to know that such young cats had been corrupted by Owlstar's sin, especially when she knew they were all her children. Even though, as a mother to all, she had to accept this as Starclan's plan, her heart was heavy as the responsibility placed squarely upon her upright shoulders. The only company she would allow to transverse alongside her was Brightnose, and despite her painstaking views, was still, rightfully, Fogclan's medicine cat. It would have been ill luck – as well as uncivil- to accept the presence of the she-cat. Luckily, the journey was silent, Mistpelt making quite sure that no pause would be given to encourage any moment of speech. The tiniest scowl dampened her mood, mostly driven by the seriousness of this next encounter with her heavenly ancestors. Such a corporate event required her to be in her best condition, a prime image of what a leader should look like and present herself. It was close now, as her nostrils swelled to take in the scent of Moonglade, where she flicked her tail curtly to motion that Brightnose stay outside and wait patiently until her return.

Mistpelt hovered desperately close to the entrance, knowing that another step and she would enter sacred grounds. Unlike Fourtrees, the Moonglade was the cornerstone of her ancestors, where leaders and medicine cats alike traveled to hold council with Starclan for guidance or encouragement – or their nine lives. Mistpelt was here for the exact same reason, perhaps a bit of three, allowing the starry aromas around her to sink into her fur and cloud her senses. With a mute, calming breath, she stood forward into the darkness – into the entrance of Mouthermouth. At once she was greeted by the pool, simmering dully as the moon's rays played upon its surface. The pointed she-cat eyed the pool fondly, eyes softening immensely as she melted into a lax and comfortable posture. She had no reason to hide from those who trusted in her so much, who understood every fiber of her being, and ultimately peeled back and revealed the secret of her very being. Pushing forward, she settled herself in front of the water, its still glasslike surface enticing her to tilt her head forward. Examining the pool, she raised her eyes to the ceiling, heaving a great yet steady sigh from her lips, imaging her breath carry out through the hard upwards interior and floating into the sky. Her time had come. Gazing back at the pool, she leaned against her shoulders, sockets rolling down as she laid in front of the it. Another second was breached before she allowed herself the absolute honor of lapping from the water, and reclining back, allowing her eyelids to falter and seep into the heavens.

Darkness greeted her. Blinking , Mitspelt rose inside of her thoughts, a slim figure misty with anticipation. Seeing Them again! She whispered feverishly to herself, trembling with excitement and awe. It wasn't long before the chill that asailed her morphed into one of lingering warmth, a trill traveling down her spine and ending with a jerking flick of her tail. Around her, shapes began to gathering each within her sight as they molded on vague cat-like forms. Within minutes, Starclan had arrived, tuned into their Chosen with eyes of stardust. Nine had assembled, nine had honored her with Their presence; all the game pieces were set, and Mistpelt bowed her head low, her body melting into a posture more benefiting that of a servant than that of the ruling monarch she would soon become. The largest cat, a she-cat the color of purest snow, sat at the head of the semi-circle, head tilted with shoulders tall and proud – elegant and renounced that she would speak freely for the group that had assembled before her. Mistpelt refused for her eyes to settle upon them, only hesitating when the snow white she-cat's eyes stared down at her.”Rise, Mistpelt. We've been expecting you, although a bit earlier that we had thought. You're determination is nothing short of admirable- aside from punctuality.” Mistpelt jerked into attention, eyes rising obediently upon the starry ancestor. All these cats were strange to her, allowing herself to steal some brief reprieve from the head cat. A brown marbled tom inclined his massive head towards her, his breath feathery upon his lips – a voice of tender gentleness to contradict his massive size. “Welcome Mistpelt.” The greeting was echoed throughout their ranks.

The white she-cat was quick to speak again, “You have come to claim your rights as the new leader of Fogclan.” The white-cat mewed curtly, albeit a bit too corporate. “Come into the inner circle.” The ivory she-cat did as she was told, holding herself as high as she could without recoiling at their noble eyes, judging her from their unfathomable depths. Living up to Their expectations would be a feat, but as always, she couldn't disappoint, wouldn't let Starclan down. She stepped forward with as much dignity as the humble servant could show. When she had come close enough, the brilliant white she-cat came forward, gently craning her head until her face was directly above hers. “Welcome Mistpelt. Are you ready to receive your nine lives?” The she-cat in question only nodded, choking out a quick I am before the ceremony continued. “With this life, I give you courage. Use it well to defend your clan. Mistpelt collided with a sharp stab of pain, nearly choking o the breath she had saved to rally her strength. Pain coursed through her body, and her limbs twitched in revelation to the Gift. Heart pounding, she waited stiffly for the next to come, inching her chin to the side where her eyes bounced listlessly to one cat and the next. What was wrong? Had she offended one of these mighty monarchs? A trembling heart shivered inside the cage of her chest, wondering for a moment if she would be torn from the earth and assailed into the stars. But before she had the chance to speak up, the white cat, who had knowingly translated her expression, continued.

“Owlstar yet lives, and with her lives, we cannot take them back from her to give to you. Every life she keeps will be refused to you, yet every life she loses will be transferred to you. I know this may seem confusing, but this is the path that has been chosen. It is not in our power to take back the Gift of the Nine Lives, but only to give.” The icy monarch lowered her head, while the rest's eyes bore into Mistpelt's soul. Throughout the clans, there had only been one cat that held the name of 'star' and that was the leader, but with Owlstar yet alive and another to replace her, there would be two. Together, the crowd of glittering felines spoke as one. “I hail you by your new name, Miststar. Your old life is no more. You have now received the blessing of a leader and StarClans grants you the guardianship of Fogclan. Defend it well, care for young and old, honor your ancestors and the warrior code. Live each life with pride and dignity.” However grateful the newly named Miststar was, her thoughts were ablaze with vengence. Even in exile, Owlstar continued to spite her with the refusal of her nine lives. Owlstar no longer needed them, but it seemed that as long as she had them, Miststar would be denied, and every life Owlstar lost, Miststar would receive in full. She bowed her head towards the group of cats around her, each bestowing them her extreme gratitude and responsibility. Now was her time to shine. The outline of the cats slowly disappeared, leaving behind the tiniest trace of stardust and warmth. Only the white-she cat remained, eyes heavy upon her. “Wake up and head back to camp. Tell no one what you have seen, just tell them you received your nine lives. Rule wisely Miststar.” There was warning in her voice, but Miststar could not decipher it, and the white cat knew so. In another second even she was gone, fading into the darkness – and Miststar rounded in her sleep, jerking forward as if waking up from a nightmare.

The new leader rose to her feet, her strength returning and with that might came a balancing air of pride and intelligence. Owlstar would pay for denying the rightful leader her new lives, but perhaps she could receive them...in due time. With the slightest of smirks, she moved around the pool, the ripples winking back at her. The ivory pointed she-cat moved out of the Moonglade, setting eyes on Brightnose before her eyes gleamed like the enigma they were.

[Cloud of Diamonds]

The MoonGlade might as well have been a place of filth and unholiness for how much Brightnose hated to see it now. It wasn't that she no longer liked the MoonGlade itself, but coming here with her - the liar, the impostor, the utter trickster and deceiver she was - was almost beyond bearing.

They had been silent the whole way, which was traditional. But the calico's mind had still worked furiously. Obviously, Mistpelt - no, Miststar now - was up to something, though authorized by StarClan it was not! No, the ancestors would never speak to a mere deputy no matter devout she was. Devoutness was fine and dandy, but it did NOT permit such heinous actions as the cream and tabby she-cat had performed! And even if they had, they would have informed HER, their main correspondent besides Owlstar, first. They also would have informed Owlstar. Sure, the black and white she-cat hadn't been perfect, but who was? Even if she hadn't deserved to be leader anymore, she hadn't deserved to be driven out of the Clan.
Mistpelt's dream...she had to stop from snorting. Obvious it would have been - were it StarClan-given. But it was clearly no more than one ambitious feline's wishful thinking. She had been deeply offended by the fact that so many of her Clanmates had acted like mousebrains and hung on Miststar's every word when there was NO PROOF. The wind being a sign...how silly.

StarClan were probably groaning in agony at her ridiculousness. But of course, they hadn't come to her with advice yet because it was too soon. They must figure out a plan to overturn her mad idiocy. It was a pity they could not intervene directly, but oh well.

And she, the medicine cat, must play her part well. Though she despised it, she knew she must act, and act well, to maintain her position in the Clan, or Miststar might well say she didn't have StarClan's favor and demote her. It was ridiculous, but she had to consider it. And she could not tell anyone yet that she didn't support the new leader because she was unsure who - besides the cats who'd left with Owlstar - still had loyalty to their old leader.

She dipped her head respectfully and spoke in a careful, respectful voice as she always would from now on as the new leader came out. "Greetings, Miststar. How did the ceremony go? Well, I suspect."

Though Brightnose hoped it had not gone well at all, and she would be surprised if it had. Surely Owlstar must still have most of her lives; and couldn't cats only recieve nine lives if the old leader had lost all of theirs? Surely she had learned that somewhere...nevertheless, she would not raise the issue with Miststar lest she appear unfaithful.

[Spec]

Miststar was quick to spot the medicine cat waiting for her near the entrance. She had forgotten just how long the ceremony had taken. Luckily, though, Brightnose hadn't appeared suspicious in any way when their eyes met – at least, nothing the newly named leader of Fogclan could easily decipher. Nonetheless, Miststar made her way towards the calico she-cat, head up and nodding once towards her inquiry. Her voice was enlightened from the raw experience of it all, just soaking every word that was exchanged deeply into her fur. This also tasted of mild resentment for Owlstar, and the constant reminder that Miststar was still on the decline as long as the treacherous she-cat still lived with all of her rightful lives. It just wasn't fair. “The ceremony went well enough, Brightnose. It was certainly a night I will never forget as long as I draw breath, but still, it hadn't gone as expected.” There was a slight hiss on her tongue, as if a bad taste had reminded her of the tragedy of Owlsar's reign. “I received one life, but no more, not while Owlstar still possesses eight.” She left her words at that, not entirely trusting the medicine cat after her outburst at the meeting where she had banished Owlstar. It was a shame, really, to not trust the supposedly 'eyes and ears' of Starclan. One simply couldn't rely on them anymore. Turning her head, she threw a quick glance over into the trees, tail twitching anxiously. “Let's head back to camp. There is much to tell the clan and many things to address.” With her words, her body shifted forward, pawsteps silent as she began to trot back towards camp, aware of Brightnose's presence close behind her. Miststar had to keep a close eye on Brightnose, making sure that she wouldn't step out of line again, of course, but instead of further showing her disapproval, she flashed a quick smile in her direction. "Thank you for your company."

[Cloud of Diamonds]

Even though she knew it had been likely, the calico couldn't feeling slightly surprised, as if she actually had believed that the insane cat was chosen to lead StarClan. A feeling of triumph welled in her, but her kept her face carefully neutral, then formed a concerned expression on it.

"I see...unfortunately, that is procedure. I am sorry StarClan had to deny you that, but I suppose they are forced to be fair, even in situations like these when you are so obviously deserving of your lives. And indeed, there is much to do, and you are welcome." She said, speaking normally but with a hint of reverence, dipping her head. Then an idea popped into her brain. What if she explained her change of mind here and now, to make it firm and indicate that she was trustworthy despite the fact that she'd somewhat defended Owlstar at the banishing? It would be dangerous, but done well...why not?

"Miststar...I would like to address something myself. I owe you an apology for defending my former leader today. I was simply confused by the vast implications of your speech, so of course I made the error of defending Owlstar. I did not realize then that of course you would not have lied about StarClan, surprising though this was! How could I have mistrusted you? I pondered it on our walk, you see, and came to the conclusion that I must not doubt our ancestors, or all is lost. So I pledge myself to you, here and now, in the name of StarClan and their divine intentions."

She dipped her head a second time, impressed with the quality of her own acting. It was so good even she half-believed it.

[Spec]

The leader's pace instinctively quickened. Not because the unpleasantness of the closeness kept beside the medicine cat, but of her own eagerness to fulfill Starclan's will to “fix” Fogclan, as it will, and for it to reach the glory that Starclan intended it to be. Her ears banked halfway to catch what Brightnose had said, but it wasn't until they reached a break in the trees did she dare slow and turn a icy gaze upon her subject. Her expression was solemn, her facade pristine and angelic as all of Starclan willed, yet there was a slight dislike for the she-cat glowing in her sea foam eyes. But, of course, her lotahing was quiet, unreadable except for the twitch of slight distste for her stride to be interrupted, but her words needed to be addressed as well. Obvously, there were lots of flaw with the medicine cat, and this was a chance for Miststar to enact her duties as leader and help push Brightnose in the right direction for forgiveness – however hard the shove may seem. “Your words are acknowledged, Brightnose. But it is not only me you should be appologizing to, but Starclan as well. If you are so easily swayed by mere mortal emotion, I would recommend that you seek further guidance from Starclan. It would be a pity to allow a cat such as yourself to fall out of Their graces. Every word, truth of lie, acts to represent your honor. They all have meaning and a purpose, so remember where you stand and be aware of who exactly you are dealing with. Starclan might forgive, but they never forget.” Was that the smallest tinge of warning in her voice, the slightest tone of a threat? Even if some excuse of such was heard in her tone, her voice merely stated the facts of life. After all, she wanted to help dear Brightnose recover her faith. As of now, she was treading upon thin ice, and although her pledge would be honored, she doubted Brightnose's every word, especially when she had acted against her. Still, she wasn't above allowing chance for redemption. With a hidden grin, she continued onwards, her pace reclining to hinder her speed to retain the conversation if need be.

[Cloud of Diamonds]

The calico almost lost face but managed to keep herself from snorting in contempt. This mouse-brain. This utter idiot who thought she knew StarClan better than Brightnose herself. She was a medicine cat, for StarClan's sake. Chosen by them to bring their messages to aid her Clan. Learned in the healing arts which she was so skillful at. Who did this impostor think she was?

The chosen one, she answered herself sarcastically in her head. StarClan's gift to the forest, no doubt. As if.

But she must be meek, tame, ready to prove herself to the new leader of her Clan. And so she must, until Owlstar at last regained her rightful power over FogClan, or until Miststar died. She wasn't quite sure which one would make her happier.

She chose her words carefully, always keeping a hint of awe and gratitude in her voice.

"Yes, you are right. I cannot return tonight, of course, for I must follow your, and thus, their divine intentions, but as soon as you permit I shall come back, and beg our ancestors to cleanse me of my wrongdoing. Let them see that I have regret etched in my heart, or if that is not enough, let them guide me so that I may gain forgiveness somehow. Yes! Let them not forget, so that they will never again let me be so blind and foolish! And I must be careful, true...I shall be humble, as I am now, and let them take in my sins and tell me how to make right again." She said, voice as solemn as if she actually believed the foxdung she was saying.

[Spec]

Miststar distracted herself with the duties that shadowed her road ahead. She would have to be increasingly vigilant, as would all of her clan, to overcome the obstacles in front of them now - one step at a time. An owl gave an eerie drawl overhead, causing her spine to raise slightly in annoyance, but before a scowl could decorate her muzzle, the noise stopped, as though it never occurred. Strange, though she, whose mind was completely devoid of hesitance, to think even now she is able to mock me. A few more minutes bathed in silence, until a throaty caw of a dried out raven echoed throughout the trees, shunning the void that was developing. Yes, even the nothing that came from the medicine cat's throat. The ivory toned she-cat continued, half acknowledging Brightnose's speech, which seemed more winded than heartfelt, but of course, that was her instincts warning her still. Perhaps she could rest more easily after Starclan had cleansed her of her sins. She merely nodded, a bit belated, well after she had finished. "I trust you can make time - Whenever you are free to, of course." She mewed resolutely, picking her paws up as she spoke. They would reach camp soon, and with that, the window of opportunity would branch apart and reveal itself, and within her reach. She could almost taste it." Quickly." She breathed with grim purpose, the night suddenly catching up with her. Her body was drained of almost her entire energy, only her faith kept her going now where another cat would have surely fallen with exhaustion.

[/blockquote]

[Cloud of Diamonds]

OOC: Brighty doesn't really have much left to say, so uh, can we just start this up again in the camp?

[Spec]

Yep that works. Onto the Deputy thread!