|
8.2.10
Aug 14, 2010 22:21:33 GMT -5
Post by Slug on Aug 14, 2010 22:21:33 GMT -5
SANDSTREAM of MEADOWCLAN
Sandstream saw the rush of orange fur, and raised his head and met Gingerstar's gaze with a blank one of his own. If anything, he was more bothered by the fact that the PineClanner-- excuse him, PineClan Leader-- was disrupting the gathering with her... concern.
"What's going on? What are you doing?"
Without missing a beat, the MeadowClanner answered. "Elder No-ears is merely exhausted from the journey to the Gathering, Leader Gingerstar. I have made sure that it was nothing serious. He will be fine." Sandstream felt like he was talking to a kit, though he quickly reminded himself that Gingerstar was not a medicine cat like himself, but a Leader.
It was probably wise to keep that thought to himself.
"However," Sandstream began, voice gaining a slight edge of sternness to it. "I advise you to make sure that Elder No-ears has water sometime before the night ends. I do not wish for him to acquire a sore throat at his age and time." Perhaps he was crossing the line by saying this, but it had to be said.
Then more calmly, Sandstream added "As it is, Leader Gingerstar, please forgive any rude behavior you may have seen from me. I am positive that your own Medicine cats could have checked on your Elder with every fineness as I have, if not better. I meant no invasion on PineClan's privacy." With that said, the ginger tom dipped his head to the PineClan leader.
Sometimes it was good to be as blunt as Sandstream.
|
|
|
8.2.10
Aug 15, 2010 0:46:59 GMT -5
Post by Whiskers on Aug 15, 2010 0:46:59 GMT -5
Gingerstar [/font] Gingerstar listened to every word that Sandstream had to say with perked ears and a fierce, judging expression. She wasn't opposed to clawing Sandstream in the face if he said something she didn't like-- he was messing with her oldest elder. With No-ears. No-ears was possibly one of the only cats in the world that Gingerstar trusted wholeheartedly and without his wisdom and calm, reasonable guidance, she would be nearly lost.
Lucky for Sandstream, he didn't say anything that upset her badly enough to break the warrior code, end the truce and 'anger Starclan.' Though he came pretty close with his strange, blank expression and blunt tone, which just peeved Gingerstar off really. But then again, she appreciated Sandstream's professionalism. He delivered the news quickly, efficiently and for that reason, she decided to return the favor by being equally blunt.
"Of course you didn't. Thank you. You can leave now," Though Gingerstar had no authority to dismiss the Meadowclan medicine cat, she did it anyway. She did not wait for him to leave either, just turned around and barked her next orders.
"Aspenheart! Come here!" she yowled. [/center][/size]
|
|
|
8.2.10
Aug 15, 2010 1:43:29 GMT -5
Post by Pyro on Aug 15, 2010 1:43:29 GMT -5
Aspenheart looked around slowly, his eyes narrowed. Oh. So he had had an opinion that went against her's and now all of a sudden he was her servant? To be called forth like some dog-pet of a twoleg?He felt a little guilty when he saw she was calling him over to No-ears. The elder did not appear very well. But then...He was old. It was hard not to think of the elder as made of the strongest oak and toughest rocks...But...The deputy shook his head. No. No-ears was just having a bit of trouble, that's all. Just a bit. A smidgen. But no matter what's going on, what gives her the right to yowl for you like some dozy apprentice? The thought was small, but put Aspenheart right back into a grumpy mood.
The grey tabby stalked over to Gingerheart, flashing a glare in her direction. He considered muttering something quiet and vicious at her, but decided against it. Instead he focused on No-ears, ignoring Gingerstar completely-despite the fact that she had called for him.
"No-ears are you alrigh'?" It had no doubt been asked of the elder before, but still. It seemed rude not to say anything of the sort. ((finished))
----------
Adderfang raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected her to catch on to his own uncomfortable-ness so quickly. Quiet and observant. He'd just have to make sure she wasn't...too observant...Lest she find out something that would be...Well, anyway, she had asked for confirmation of her observations. He didn't see any reason not to give it.
"Yes...I'm still not very used to be around so many cats at once."
|
|
|
8.2.10
Aug 15, 2010 17:32:38 GMT -5
Post by Rolo on Aug 15, 2010 17:32:38 GMT -5
No-earsNo-ears was still focused on his breathing when the sandy coloured tom approached, so he didn't notice him until he'd shoved his head up against his chest. If wasn't fighting for breath, he would have leapt in surprise and hissed at the sudden contact. The stink of Meadowclan was suffocating and he couldn't help feel more than a little awkward.
Then the tom turned to him and told him he had exerted his body too much for his age. Yes, he knew that. He didn't need a medicine cat to tell him that and remind him of his body's slow loss of strength, especially in such a blunt manner.
Then, if it couldn't get any worse, Gingerstar had appeared. Half of him felt touched by the emotion in her voice, his leader wasn't prone to show much outward care towards cats she liked. However, the other part of him, being the able and politically-minded cat he was, was just annoyed she had shown it in such a public place, on such a important occation.
He looked up at them both, "I appreciate your concern," He mumbled between breaths, speaking to neither cat particularly, "But I'm fine. I just need to... to rest here a moment."
However, he seemed to have gone unheard. Gingerstar continued to gripe against the medicine cat and then called Aspenheart over for some reason unknown to him. How would having the deputy help him to breathe and keep the situation from worrying the rest of Pineclan?
He felt almost ashamed about all the trouble he was creating. He just wanted every cat to go away and let him recover in his own time.
"Don't make such a fuss." He shifted his eyes up to Gingerstar's, giving her one of his stern glances, "I'm an elder, not a kit, and I have no doubt this'll pass. In fact, it already has passed."
He forced himself to steady his breathing, feeling immediately lightheaded. Once Gingerstar was convinced he was alright, he'd sneak off to find a pond somewhere where he could drink and then he truly would be alright.
"So, let's stop worrying about whether this ancient body of mine is fine or not and start worrying about proper gathering things."
As if to prove his point, he rose up and began to wobble his way into the main clearing. Unfortunately, he found the combination of a disfunctional leg and dizziness to be quite unpleasant, and within a few steps, he had entirely toppled over.
If he hadn't been embarrassed before, he definitely was now.
|
|
|
8.2.10
Aug 16, 2010 19:14:10 GMT -5
Post by [ hardyrex ] on Aug 16, 2010 19:14:10 GMT -5
Rabbitstep
The walk over to the gathering was pleasent. After all, the weather was nice, things were peaceful between MeadowClan and the other Clans and--
Cedarstar tripping over rocks.
Rabbitstep almost didn't stop the snicker in time. For some reason, his old self was slowly bubbling through his stern personality, and it was begging to be freed if only for a moment. He could almost feel the glare of Blacktail on him, and he coughed and walked straighter. Dead or not, the tabby could always feel his mentor watching him. Always. Would his mentor be proud of his current life? Having a family, being deputy, getting wiser with every Moon. What about his family? Surely his mother would gush over how much he had grown, then try to groom his hair straighter. His father would give a nod, the smallest of smiles on his face. Miststorm would just tell him that it must of been a mistake. Then he would force her to go hunting in the middle of Leaf-Bare. Ha.
The tan tom bounced into the Gathering, sitting down in the deputy's spot under the leaders. The other Clans were pouring in, mingling with one another with small talk about the what's and who's, who done what with who and how could they have done that. "Greetings, Volepelt. The prey is running well in FogClan, I guess?"
Sootpaw
unfinished
Beaverstripe
unfinished
|
|
|
8.2.10
Aug 17, 2010 14:29:16 GMT -5
Post by Cloud of Diamonds on Aug 17, 2010 14:29:16 GMT -5
Cedarstar
He nodded politely to the other three leaders as they came up, wearing a neutral expression. Despite his happiness (and slight worry) it would not do to show it. Friendly they might be at times (Gingerstar never was, he didn't know about Miststar, and Cloudstar was the nicest in general) they were still from other Clans. They may have been united once, but those times were long gone. He felt pangs of nostalgia sometimes, but they came less often now. Besides, he should be grateful - Owlstar was no longer leader, and she hated him for being deputy instead of her. Why, he wasn't sure. But he knew it.
"Mm, I suppose."
Although, of course, he didn't specify who he was agreeing with. Tactics.
The shaggy tabby watched with a raised eyebrow as the orange she-cat went down to check up on her head elder, or so it seemed. He would never get over the strangeness of PineClan in that respect. Elders in a position of power? Indeed, their advice should always be carefully considered he knew (although he didn't have any elders of his own in MeadowClan) but still...it was almost like making an apprentice deputy, or a kit medicine cat. It was strange.
Ah good, Rabbitstep was socializing well. As he looked at his deputy, he marveled over how astute the tom was and how quickly he had taken on his duties. It was heartening.
Brightnose
Gatherings were dull.
To be honest, she spent most of her time philosophizing (Brightnose speak: daydreaming) and watching cats with amusement. Occasionally she would look for her own apprentice - and realize he wasn't there. For some reason it made her oddly empty. But she shoved the feeling off.
Mmm, the PineClan leader was behaving oddly...she couldn't really tell because so many cats were in front of her, but there seemed to be some commotion...ah well. It was none of her business.
Now, what had she been thinking about? Ah yes...what emotions were made of and how they connected to the real world...
Loonstep
He cut an odd path through the mass as he stepped even more awkwardly than normal through them. He could've sworn he'd heard a few snickers, but maybe he was paranoid. It wouldn't surprise him.
He was distracted. Thinking thoughts he was forbidden from thinking. Wildly imagining foolish, impossible fantasies that he hated himself for. He. Did. Not. Feel. This. It was simply a parasite invading his mind, poisoning him with its sick dreams. He did not know where it came from, or why, but he would beat it. All he wanted was friendship and loyalty, no matter how hard it was to have both. He didn't want this complication.
But then he smiled. Of course she would be here, causing him happiness and pain. He spied a tabby tail that he knew so well, and caught a glimpse of the small body it was attached to that he also knew from kithood. He suddenly longed to yank on her tail (lightly) like he had when he was young. But he couldn't do that any more.
So he simply padded up behind her, and quietly spoke.
"I found you, little goose. I flew all over looking for you, you know? But here you are, so far from home. I'm glad to have followed you this far." More and more often he sound himself speaking cryptically, and he thought he knew why.
To hide what never should have existed in the first place - his foolish fantasies.
|
|
|
8.2.10
Aug 18, 2010 15:13:45 GMT -5
Post by Crowzerplorodon on Aug 18, 2010 15:13:45 GMT -5
SHREWPAW Shrewpaw had never been to a gathering before. It was exciting. There were so many cats here and it smelled a little funny plus some of the older apprentices didn't seem to like him but that was only because they didn't know him, Shrewpaw was sure of that. And when they did get to know him they'd like him a lot, because he was the best apprentice in this clearing. Better than Sootpaw, that was for sure. Speaking of, Shrewpaw was a little peeved that Sootpaw had come but Fawnpaw had not. He didn't care if his sister was blind! She was more entertaining than his stupid brother. Plus, she was the medicine cat apprentice! She should have come with her mentor, like how Shrewpaw came with his.
Speaking of, Cedarstar looked pretty cool on that rock. Fur fluffed to make himself look bigger, Shrewpaw started walking closer, only to stop when he watched one of this other leaders (Sandstar... no... Fire... no... Gingerstar!) hop off the leader's stone. His golden eyes were wide in curiosity as he tried to see what she was doing, but his excitement fell when she just approached an elder. Psh, that was lame. She was a leader, what did that elder matter? And besides, Sandstream was already over there and Sandstream was the bestest medicine cat of all time. The old coot would be fine.
… That rock did look pretty empty, though.
Shrewpaw's eyes narrowed as his excitement was rekindled. In a moment, he was trotting over to the rock, grinning at his father when he walked by. “Hi da- Rabbitstep!” He called, correcting himself mid-sentence. He wasn't a kit anymore. Shrewpaw just couldn't call the deputy of his clan dad, even if it was a proper title. It just wasn't apprentice-y. Such a kit thing to say, and he had long since almost grown out of it. Hey, he was young, he was allowed to slip-up every now and then.
Eyeing the rock, Shrewpaw braced his back legs, aiming for a spot right next to Cedarstar. This would totally be allowed, screw the code. He was Cedarstar's apprentice and the deputy's son. Plus, the rock needed four cats, and Shrewpaw was just going to be doing Gingerstar a service. He'd get down before the meeting started... maybe. He took a deep breath, then jumped, back legs scrambling to get his footing besides Cedarstar. But he managed it, grinning proudly as he took a seat next to his mentor, ignoring the other two leaders.
|
|
|
8.2.10
Aug 21, 2010 19:53:59 GMT -5
Post by Whiskers on Aug 21, 2010 19:53:59 GMT -5
Gingerstar [/font] Gingerstar's heart nearly leaped out of her chest when she saw her head elder crumble to the ground. She was so used to seeing No-ears standing tall, despite his ragged fur and lack of ears. He even sat dignified, wearing his age better than any cat she had seen. Seeing him on the ground, legs shaking as though a nervous kit trying to walk for the first time, was unnerving and for a few moments, Gingerstar was at a loss of what to do. Her leader persona fell off of her as if it had been a leaf stuck to her pelt and she hurried to his side again, crouching down.
"Oh No-ears," she murmured in a voice that lacked her usual sternness and togetherness, as she looked him up and down in a panic. She suddenly longed for the presence of Sandstream again-- the Meadowclan medicine cat was blunt and efficient and she wanted that. But she held no authority over him and so she'd have to just listen to the advice he had given her: fetch No-ears some water. "No-ears, can you walk?" Gingerstar asked, trying her best to keep the blatant concern out of her voice, since No-ears had almost as much pride as her. " If you can, I'll send a warrior with you to the nearest stream."
If not, they'd have to settle for some damp moss. Either way, she would need a warrior. The perfect one sprang to her mind and so she turned to her deputy. If there was one other cat, besides No-ears, who she trusted, it was Aspenheart.
She moved closer to him, murmuring low so only he could hear. "Aspenheart, will you please assist No-ears in any way possible? I would do it myself but I can't leave the Gathering," And she gritted her teeth in frustration at the fact-- this was one of the times where she wished that she wasn't Gingerstar, leader of Pineclan. MistystreamIt seems as though they were a lot alike, which helped with Mistystream's nerves immensely. Knowing that he was just as awkward and out-of-place as she was meant that he would not judge her...hopefully. Yet as she made eye contact, she felt uneasy still. She did not know why, could not pinpoint a reason inside herself...all she knew is that this cat in front of her knew a different kind of loneliness. A loneliness beyond her own. Such deep, dark feelings certainly did not mean good things...and though Mistystream was uneasy, she still wanted to try and speak to this cat. There would be no harm in that.
Only what would she say?
"We are like kindred spirits then," she said as friendly as she could. "Lost in the place we call home. But at least you approached me. I could never do that." GoosefurGoosefur squealed as Loonstep's voice hovered above her. She jumped, twirled in the air and faced him with a huge smile. With all the scents around her, he had found her before her nose found him. This was surprising since Goosefur was such a skilled tracker, but it didn't matter. Loonstep was here, which meant this Gathering would be so so so much fun.
Her excitement made it impossible to think clearly. She nuzzled him and licked his ear before she even knew what she was doing, even thought about how cats were watching her and judging her, despite the truce. After she had made this show of affection, her thoughts continued to abandon her. She purred and her body shook with the happy noise.
"Thought you'd scare me, huh, sneaking up like that! Oh gosh, Loonstep, it's so good to see you! If you weren't here, this gathering would be so awfully dull," giggled Goosefur. [/center]
|
|
|
8.2.10
Aug 22, 2010 23:57:13 GMT -5
Post by Pyro on Aug 22, 2010 23:57:13 GMT -5
Aspenheart
Anger and irritation made way for concern as Aspenheart watched No-ears fall. He raced to the elder by his leader's side, his face openly...something...for once. Worry filled his pale green eyes. No-ears had always seemed so strong, so proud. To see him vulnerable was a crushing blow.
He crouched beside Gingerstar, actually sharing her feelings. For the first time he agreed with every word she said. And at her request he jumped to his paws with a nod. He leaned a little closer to his leader to mutter, "I'm sorry." The tom hadn't been planning on apologizing for his behavior, considering her's...but it was best to mend that bridge before it broke.
Aspenheart turned back to No-ears, ready to help him up if he asked...or if he didn't and still needed assistance. "There's a stream very close by, I believe. We wouldn't have to walk far. But if you'd prefer to stay closer to the Gathering, I can just run and get some moss." The tom avoided directly mentioning the elder might have trouble. He'd more than once proved sturdy for his age, and no doubt the elder wouldn't like to be reminded much further of the signs of his age.
Adderfang
"I lost my kindred spirit too soon."
The words surprised Adderfang. Rarely did he talk about Sonne to other cats, much less she-cats. But something about the female before him reminded him of his former mate. Was it her intelligent way of speaking? Perhaps. Sonne had certainly had a fondness of sounding professional to other cats. The way she seemed to change her nature around cats she didn't know very well used to amuse him...
This was why he didn't like she-cats. They all had something which reminded him of his loss. All of them. Every damn one had to go and remind him. It was like some being wanted him to suffer, to always know that he'd never see his mate again. This one in particular seemed to be on a mission to remind him of things he'd lost.
"And I'd hardly call...this...home."
|
|
|
8.2.10
Aug 24, 2010 17:51:53 GMT -5
Post by Cloud of Diamonds on Aug 24, 2010 17:51:53 GMT -5
Cedarstar
First Gingerstar, No-ears, and his own medicine cat being odd, and now his own apprentice! The MeadowClan leader had to work hard to maintain his composure. Dear StarClan, was the world going mad? Sighing, he turned to the other leaders first, though he longed to give the silly little tom a good chewing out.
"Miststar, Cloudstar, I apologize for my completely mouse-brained apprentice who saw fit to go where he is forbidden. He is young and foolish, and I pray forgiveness for his idiocy. Please accept my utmost apology; I will punish him later."
Now he turned to Shrewpaw, yellow eyes narrowed to slits, fangs ever so slightly bared.
"You are in a lot of trouble, young tom. Go back to the Gathering; enjoy it while you can, for I will decide on a fitting punishment for your outrageous audacity later. Dismissed."
Slightly embarrassed, he turned back to his fellow leaders and cleared his throat. "In other news, Russetwhisker of our Clan is dead; she had the bad luck to have a burrow collapse on her. One of our warriors tried to dig her out, but to no avail. At least she is with StarClan now." He finished solemnly. Let Gingerstar laugh, the fool. He cared about the deaths of his Clanmates. She probably didn't give a thought to where hers went after death - if they went anywhere at all. He didn't believe PineClan was strictly sinful, but their disbelief made him uneasy. It was complete disrespect for the highest authority. Still, it wasn't worth attacking for.
He remembered, with a barely concealed shudder, his own death in a burrow. Eight lives remaining. The mottled tom knew he had plenty of moons left, but still, dying left an impression on a cat, even if for him it was only temporary.
It made him realize that he didn't wish it on any cat, not even his worst enemy (not that he had any, well, not besides Brownstar, and frankly, Cedarstar didn't care what had happened to him.) At least, not that death - the suffocating. It was lucky he'd been close to the surface and able to dig his way out.
It also made him fear for the deaths of his loved ones: Gingerstripe, Russetpelt, Littlewhisker...he even loved Shrewpaw, in a way. Despite his strictness, he cared for the dark brown tabby.
Loonstep
He smiled. But in his head, pain and sadness swirled and tangled until he didn't know how he felt.
He loved this - her sweetness, her cuteness, just...her. So much. More than he should. More than was right. But he would not give in. He must be strong.
For some reason, he suddenly wondered how the tabby herself would feel if she found out. Would she love him? He didn't know. Hopefully not, or things would be all the worse. But he shouldn't have to worry about that at all...they weren't going to be together. It was a stupid thought.
He had to keep telling himself that.
Still, he purred. Might as well enjoy this. As a friend. "I appreciate your sentiment, little friend. But perhaps we should move to somewhere more private."He swerved his head toward the edge of the clearing, where they could talk in relative peace.
Knowing she would follow, he began his slow walk toward the spot.
|
|