Off to a start

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Uncomfortably, Sandypelt took a seat by Flashwind. By him were two small cats- apprentices? One smelled like Riverclan, the other smelled like Thunderclan. Another cat, a gray she-cat, who was probably a warrior from Thunderclan, by the scent. Racing through memories, she remembered meeting a cat like the gray warrior when she was an apprentice. The cat had been very kind to her, and sweet. Thinking hard, she remembered her name.
"Wolfheart? Your- your Wolfheart, right?" Sandypelt said excitedly. "I met you when I was a medicine cat apprentice. I was Sandypaw then, but now I am Sandypelt. You probably don't remember me very well, but I remember you. And..." Sandypelt trailed off as her eyes met the two apprentices gaze. "Well, this cat, Thunderclan apprentice, I believe," she said, waving her tail at the tortoiseshell she-cat. "I remember going to a gathering, shortly after I became a warrior, saying that you had an apprentice, Wolfheart. I am guessing this is her. And the Riverclan cat, the black and white tom. Surprisingly, I have never seen him before, but we are in the same Clan. Odd..." Sandypelt shook her fur. "Well, maybe you want to know why Riverclan has been gone for so long. Especcially you, Riverclan apprentice, must have been weird being alone in camp. Anyway... maybe you should hear what Dawnstar has too say. Lightning star passed on, or at least he left. Even we don't know..."
Sitting down, she added quietly, "I talk a lot when nervous. Sorry," She nodded to the cats, but her eyes were on the Riverclan apprentice... "What did you do while Riverclan was gone? Sneak to the gathering, I guess?"

[Deleted]

Dawnstar turned to face the Thunderclan leader. She had great sadness in her eyes. She felt like she could just breakdown right there in front of every cat. But she was leader now she can never show weakness to the other clans. For what felt like a moon she just stared at the she cat, with wide clouded eyes. Until she could get herself to speak. "Lightningstar is dead. She was ran over by monster on the thunderpath. It was her last life she lost." Whispers burst through the gathering like wild fire. Dawnstar turned to the whispering cats, and took back her composure.

"Even in dark times I have good news. First as leader I need a deputy. Cloudstep shall be my deputy!" Making this announcement made Dwanstar feel better. She continued on more confidence. "Also id like to say that we have one new Warrior, Scarfoot!"

[cloudstep]

Cloudstep blushed. He had always wanted to be deputy, or at least leader. He looked at all the faces the were looking at him. He knew he would be able to help his clan in many different ways. Cloudstep looked around for Scarfoot, because he wanted to see the exspression on the new warrior's face. He began to wonder wha being a deputy would be like. Would it be hard? Would I mess up? Would other warriors listen to me? What would Dawnstar think of my progress? All these questions raced through Cloudstep's head, as he listened to the annoucements.

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"Sandy!" Wolfheart mewed, cuffing Sandpelt's ear. "Wow, what a fine warrior you are," she praised. Wolfheart looked around for her brother, but couldn't find him. "Hey, Sandpelt, have you seen Redfur? I've been looking for him," she asked, then looked at Leafpaw. "Have you?" Sighing, she rapped her paws around her tail and focused on the leaders, it was almost Fernstar's turn. Excitement churned inside of her. I hope Fernstar mentions us. That would be amazing! she thought. The young warrior was teeming with the spirit of her father inside her. I won't let you down, father, she promised.

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Darkmoon padded over to the patch of grass closest to where the new leader was visible. How exciting, she thought. Well, I hope Dawnstar leads her Clan well, like Moonstar has. The riverclan cats looked kind of thin, but strong. Darkmoon smiled. I wonder how Scarfoot is taking this, I remember being thrilled when I became a full meddy cat, thought Darkmoon. And CLoudstep seemed happy, too. Wow, its perfect. Besides... the only thing that could be better is if she had an apprentice.

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Scarfoot trotted up to the new leader, Dawnstar, "Wait, what happened?" he said, confusion and grief clouding his excitement. "Lightningstar is dead, I see, but what about everyone else? Where's Breezefeather? Don't tell me she's dead too!" She can't be, Scarfoot thought sadly She was my mentor for Starclan's sake! ,Well, maybe that's why I'm a warrior, so I don't need a mentor. he concluded, then said"Where has everyone gone?!"

OOC: Thanks Dawnstar!

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"Well, young warrior, I see you are now Scarfoot, congratulations!" Sandypelt said, trying to change the subject. Knowing she could not keep it up, she sat down by Scarfoot. "You see, fellow Riverclan warrior, I once lived in Riverclan, when many cats lied there. I was expecting kits. Then, mysteriously, warriors were gone, and Riverclan just... left. I left Riverclan as a loner, with many cats, not just the few left, who helped me. Cats died or left. Lightningstar lost his last, final life. All cats grieved. Dawnpelt stood up and became leader, Dawnstar, and, well, you should know Cloudstep and Duskwing, smart cats, and Reedheart, perhaps? Yes, well, good cats. And... well, you may think this is besides the point. Well..." Sandypelt closed her light blue eyes, hoping Scarfoot wouldn't be angry. " I believe Breezefeather hunts with Starclan now. A brave, strong she-cat, I remember, before all of this, when I was only a young warrior, she had been sweet. I am sorry for your loss, it is a high loss for the whole Clan." Looking at her paws, she waited for a birst of sad or anger from Scarfoot. Before he got the chance, Sandypelt turned up to look at Fernstar, Taintedstar, Moonstar, and Dawnstar. "Dawnstar?" She said, trying to gather courage to speak in front of so many cats. "This cat, Scarfoot, has lost his mentor. I remember losing Nightfoot and Firesong. It was sad times. Now, everyone may or may not remember Breezefeather, or any of the cats that are now gone, but I remember them when I was a young cat, before I left the Clan. They were good cats. Please remember them, and may we hold a vigil for them, Riverclan?" Sandypelt lie down, a bit embaressed, but proud to have been brave.
"Wolfheart, Scarfoot, Flashwind, hmmm... your name must be..." Sandypelt thought, trying to remember Wolfheart's apprentices name. "Oh, Lilypaw? No, it was Larkpaw." Sandypelt said. 'Larkpaw, Wolfheart, everyone, may you excuse me? Or, wait, sorry, it was Leafpaw, my mistake!" Sandypelt said, embarresed.

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Dawnstar looked down at her warrior. It seemed that Sandypelt had more bravery then she did. Her pelt burned with shame. " Im afraid Sandypelt is right. Breezefeather has died from black cough. He hunts with Starclan now." Dawnstar took a deep breath. Her clan had fallen on such hard times. "We will hold a vigil for all the cats Riverclan has lost." She said. It was meant to come out with confidence, but her voice betrayed her sadness.

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"H-how did she die?" Scarfoot mumbled. She can't be dead, he thought, confused If she's dead then... "No! I won't believe it!" he cried out suddenly, "Unless you show me her body I won't trust you! No, she isn't dead. I'm sure she'll come back any day now." Scarfoot dropped down with grief. So much has changed lately, he thought.

[Deleted]

Dawnstar lost her self control. Maybe it was her inexperience or maybe it was her strong compassion for others. She forgot all about the watching eyes of all the other cats at the gathering. She leaped of the rock and ran to Scarfoot to comfort him. " Scarfoot you have not lost your mentor. She is with Starclan. She is watching us as we speak. And I know for a fact she is proud of her apprentice" Dawnstar licked Scarfoots ear comfortingly. "I am proud of you too"

[Deleted]

Mothpool couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for the warrior. She was only, oh, maybe several moons in difference to his age. Losing a mentor is HARD. Leafpaw would be devestated if Wolfheart died. Mothpool scanned the area around Scarfoot. She saw a gray pelt. Similar to... Wolfheart? And by her is a tortoiseshell. Leafpaw? What WAS she doing? Mothpool narrowed her eyes and lie down, not moving her gaze. Well, Wolfheart is there, a responsible, smart cat. I shouldn't worry. Mothpool, still wondering, lashed her tail, and then sat up. Leafpaw was known to get in trouble. Suspiciously, Mothpool padded over there.

ooc- By the way, I am super sorry I never post at the Gathering on this account. I will start today!

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Grief turned to anger as Scarpaw shouted, "Those idiots! If they had just stayed put none of this would've happened!!" He glanced around quickly, seeing almost his entire Clan around him. "Why did you even want to leave!" he screamed to no cat in particular. Why does this always happen to me! he thought, enraged.

OOC: Yes, Scarpaw is always this short-tempered, no, he isn't crazy.

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Sandypelt stared at the tom. Dawnstar was trying to help him, and he didn't care! "Scarfoot," Sandypelt growled to the younger tom. Fiercely, she looked at the cat. She stared for longer, just looking at him. She sighed. This cat was only a new warrior- at least 10 moons- probably more- younger then herself. "Scarfoot," Sandypelt said as sweetly as possible. "It's ok that your mad and frustrated. When my mentors died, I was angry, too. But, it's ok!We have some brave cats among us- you know them too, though you have only just met me- and you will grow to be a strong warrior, just like I know Breezefeather wants you too. She is watching from Starclan, looking down at you right now, hoping you will be the wonderful cat she KNEW you would be." Sandypelt sighed as she took a seat by the young warrior, tired as ever. It would be a long night- the first time she had slept in the warrior den since she found out her little kits were on the way.

[Deleted]

Dawnpelt looked on as her youngest warrior yelled out in pain and anger. What was she to do? Words were the only thing she could offer her clan. Along with the little bit of hope and guidance she could muster. 'Lightningstar, why did you leave so soon?' she prayed to Starclan. Dawnstar felt like she wasnt ready to be leader in such a dark time. 'What would my leader do now?' she wondered. Not only had her clan been extremely late, but now it showed tremendous weakness in front of all the others. "I think its about time my clan leaves. We have kits and elders that must be taken care of" And with that she stared to walk to the edge of the clearing, signaling with her tail for her clan to follow. As she left her pelt burned with guilt and embarrassment. Surely the other clans will never forget the gathering Riverclan nearly missed.

[Taintedstar ♥]

Taintedstar watched Dawnstar comfort the warrior. He followed after her. "Wait, Dawnstar," he said in her direction. He wanted to talk to her, for no specific reason. He felt attached to her, even at their first meeting. He walked closer to her, now he was away from the clearing. He stepped in front of her, hopping to stop her in her tracks. "Dawnstar, I need to speak with you, alone," he meowed. "When will I next see you?" he asked. He looked at her expression, scanning her eyes for something, something that will say the answers to his questions. But in the dark abyss of her eyes, he found nothing.

[/size][/justify]

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"Taintedstar?" Dawnstar breathed. She looked wide eyed at the dark tom now in front of her. "You wish to speak with me...alone? " "I suppose that could be arranged" Dawnstar looked at the cats that surrounded her. Each face just as confused as she felt. "Were do you want to meet and when?" At that Dawnstar sat down and waited for his response.

[Taintedstar ♥]

Taintedstar saw the leader's reaction. "I'm sorry for startling you," he apologized. He took a step back to give the she-cat back her space. "I'll meet you at the river, the shared river of course. The following night after the gathering," he stated. He looked to the floor and walked slowly back to the high rock, his head faced toward the ground. For some odd reason he felt disappointed he expected something different, but he didn't get it. He stood next to Fernstar and smiled, you know that smile when it really isn't a smile but you do it anyway. He glanced back at the she-cat, truthfully, utterly beautiful.

[/size][/justify]

[Deleted]

For the first time in as long as she could remeber, Dawnstar was utterly surprised and left (for what seemed like a moon) speechless. She shook herself and responded. "Oh no its ok, I was just in a thought and then you were right there out of nowhere, I thought maybe I was imagining you." Dawnstar laughed awkwardly to herself, hoping she had reassured him. "Ill be sure to meet you then." She tried to sooth.

It seemed somehow she must have hurt Taintedstar's feelings, the way he padded back and forth and kept his head down. Dawnstar felt bad, she shouldn't have reacted like a startled rabbit. A good leader would have been prepared. By now she had completely forgotten her four clan mates stunned behind her. She smiled back at Taintedstar, and let her tail brush his side as she left. Inside her head was buzzing so much, so fast. What could it be that its so important to him? She had never seen him that way. Dawnstar went back to camp completely baffled and exhausted.

[Taintedstar ♥]

Taintedstar watched the leader walk away. He turned his attention back to the gathering. He looked to Fernstar, it was her turn to speak. Now that all the drama was tunned down, she could speak about her clan. He smiled, "Fernstar, I do believe you may speak now," he whispered to her. He looked at the remaining warriors below him. They were two distracted and shock to realize the gathering must go on. He looked were Dawnstar left, she was gone now. he was really looking forward to their meeting, even if he didn't show it. He looked back at Fernstar and cleared his throat trying to silence the warriors.

[/justify][/size]

[Deleted]

Fernstar eyed the Shadow Clan Leader curiously as he spoke with the new Leader of River Clan. "Hn." She turned her head away from them. Privacy, no doubt, was something they were looking for. No matter. She was curious, of course. But sticking her nose into their business wouldn't be the wisest thing to do. So she waited, ears twitching with a slight impatience.

Her eyes flicked back towards the younger cat as he approached her again, Dawnstar disappearing from the Gathering. "Is that so?" she said in a clipped tone, clearly irritated. Fernstar didn't return his smile, not by any fault of Taintedstar. Dawnstar had left, without having the courtesy fo Lightningstar to listen to the older she-cat. No, this new Leader had not struck a good cord with the Thunder Clan Leader. It wasn't though she planned to speak for hours. Just a few more seconds. Couresty, hmph.

"Quiet!" yowled the angular feline over the chattering of the Warriors. "I may not be as interesting as the developments in River Clan, but I have a right to speak on behalf of my Clan." She glanced at Taintedstar quickly, and tore her gaze away just as fast. "I would have you listen for the few seconds I'll be taking." She settled herself, sitting tall and sleek, dark and light pelt contrasting brilliantly. "Firstly, Thunder Clan has a new apprentice, Leafpaw. We trust she will grow into a most worthy Warrior. I would also like to make a mention of three Warriors who have more than proved themselves. Wolfheart, Darkarm and Redfur have fended off several threats from our Camp." Fernstar paused, nodding with a smile at Wolfheart. "That's all I have to say. Forgive me for not being quite as...interesting." She leapt away, stalking off without another word.

[Deleted]

Mothpool understood now. Leafpaw had met Scarfoot, while he was in his time of need, and obviously asked Wolfheart, not her, for help. Listen to yourself, she thought. Don't get emotional, she's her mentor. Mothpool shook her pelt free of dusty and gave it a thorough licking, perhaps to hide her shame? The truth was, Mothpool was proud of Leafpaw, but felt like, for Puff's sake, that she needed to watch out for her sister. Mothpool lay down and uncomfortably moved around in her seat, shooting glances at Leafpaw.

[Taintedstar ♥]

The night was almost ending. The streams of the sun were creeping into the sky. Taintedstar intently listened to Fernstar. He noticed that she gave him a glance, but she obviously wasn't happy. Thunderclan was doing well, along with the other clans. For some reason this gathering had a lot of attitude stitched into it. How both Thunderclan and Riverclan stormed out. Eh glanced at the remaining warriors, Shadowclan and Windclan. Taintedstar cleared his throat and walked towards Shadowclan territory. He flicked his tail signaling for the others to follow.


gathering over? yes?

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[End of Thread]