The Gathering
Late Greenleaf
Moon High
The Clearing

A sleek black form slipped between the shadows, weaving around trees and bushes with practiced steps. The shape of the tomcat was hard to follow, but those following him would know where they were going now. Green eyes flashed in the darkness, looking back at the crowd who had gathering behind him. Jaggedstar stopped at the top of the ridge, looking down at the shallow dip that formed the clearing. All around them, trees and undergrowth hid the territories from view; only the light of the full moon above to light the way. LightClan was the last to arrive, as he always made certain. It was much harder to ambush those who knew you were coming after all, and Jaggedstar expected no kindness from the other three clans.

The black tom raised his tail, signalling his cats to be silent before he flicked the tip and plunged through the undergrowth. The clearing beyond was still blooming with life. The grass was green and soft against his pads, while flowers grew easily in the sunshine. Even this close to leaf-fall, the Clearing was always full of energy. Cats from the four clans mingled as he shouldered his way through the crowd. He wasted no time with the other clans. Jaggedstar had no time or will for friends, no desire for a mate or kits. After all, the last cat he trusted betrayed him in the end.

As he jumped up onto the old, moss covered log, Jaggedstar absently thought of his brother. Raggedpelt was likely dead by now, and walking the hunting grounds of StarClan. There was no way that the brown tabby tom would have survived the leaf-bare alone after Jaggedstar had driven him out. Emerald green eyes scanned the clearing, picking out the pelts the Medicine Cats gathering on the far side of the clearing. The mingled scents would confuse intruders, but it would also mask any murders tonight. If they were lucky, none of the clans would have planned something for tonight, when their guard would be down. Jaggedstar knew that there were cats among them who didn’t care for the sacred truce.

Lean muscle flexed beneath the solid black of his pelt, as he adjusted to sit with his tail wrapped over his paws. The moss covered log was soft and warm beneath him, but the tom had always prefered reeds and feathers to moss. Would never understand how the other clans managed to sleep on moss that smelled like bark. Jaggedstar would always prefer his nest lined with feathers and fur from his prey. Waiting atop the log for the other leaders, Jaggedstar watched the crowd milling about. He wouldn’t rush the rest of the clans into starting the meeting; there was still plenty of time tonight, and morning patrols had already been sorted out.

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No cat probably wanted to admit it, but Stormflash looked particularly bored as they went through the motions to get to the Gathering. He always found the Gatherings to be quite a hassle, despite it usually being an honor for cats who were picked out to attend. To him, it meant that he had to go out of the territory and thus, can't keep an eye on the clan. He had full trust on the cats back at the territory, but that doesn't ease the worry that had developed in his belly that told him that a rogue cat might attack - or some of the other predators decided that it was time to feast upon his brethren.

Nevertheless, Stormflash had to attend and he was trailing behind the leader of Cliffclan. Opposite of Lightclan, Clifflcan usually was the first to get to the meeting place since they valued being on time. However, the other clans were close behind when it came to arriving so he didn't exactly have the luxury of lounging around for a while. Taking his position behind the leader where deputies usually sat when it came to Gatherings, he let his eyes roam for a while. He saw other cats mingling with each other - friends from beyond the clan finally meeting yet again and shared gossips. This kind of interaction always brought a smile upon his face, even if it ran the risk of them losing loyalty over to another clan.

Stormflash had been there before. He was friends with cats from other clans, before he became Deputy which offered no chance to talk with others. He had made good friends, but most had died one way or another. Though, there was on glaring memory he could always remember. It was the fact that he never befriended any cat from Lightclan. It was not by choice, of course. Stormflash had tried, along with his sister, but they always fell short for some odd reason or another. He knew how ruthless the cats of Lightclan were, and maybe they didn't really like Cliffclan's behavior towards other cats. After all, they were the most accepting out of all of them. Perhaps they loathed them for being this easygoing. Who knows.

Jaggedstar and his clan had finally arrived. Stormflash gazed at him and his deputy before turning his head to another position so the leader of Lightclan wouldn't tear him to pieces for looking. Stormflash had never been fond of Jaggedstar but that was mostly attributed to him just being overall hard to approach. Even those from Lightclan who decided to leave told them that he was never the warmest of cats nor did he have many friends - or any at all, depending on which cat you heard it from. Stormflash wondered if he would still be leader once he takes up the mantle as the leader of Cliffclan. Hopefully not, he could already feel the migraines of trying to talk it out with him when it comes to certain problems. He wondered how the leader kept up with Jaggedstar all this time - then again, they tried to avoid any confrontations with the Lightclan leader so that may be why.

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Ah the Gathering. It had always been a time for mingling with other cats. Tigerfall was rather thankful that they all had this chance to take it easy, lest Starclan smite them all for being disrespectful and going against the Warrior Code. Yes, the Code. If he wasn't mistaken, it had only been made recently. Before he had been born, his parents were both rogues until very recently before his birth. He still remembered how the elders usually told their stories about how they weren't in clans before. No Warrior Code, no Clan, just them and surviving in this forest. Tigerfall wondered how that kind of lifestyle worked out. But there was no time to wonder about the past - as he was here on the present and had to pay attention.

Tigerfall's tail flicked to the side as he watched the other clans enter - eyes brightening when he saw familiar faces. The other Medicine Cats had been good friends to him, and he to them. There was a bond you would come to share when you meet every half moon to convene with Starclan. He always came to appreciate their presence when they would share some stories when they came together as they waited. Which reminded him, Frostwhisker had still been expecting kits, was she not? He wondered if she would come to the Gathering - and their own meeting in Moonfall. It had always been risky for her. He was worried about her well-being because of it. But no matter, she was a medicine cat herself - surely, she knew how to pace herself well. Besides, she had an apprentice. They will be fine.

His eyes were drawn towards other cats - mainly that of the Boulderclan Deputy, Spidernose. He had always wondered who Frogshade's kit was, the other one, he means. After the Gathering from when she was announced as warrior, Tigerfall put two on two together. He was interested in her not only because she was Softwillow's (his apprentice) sister, but also because she was part Cliffclan as well. He wondered when she would find out. Frogshade and Softwillow never spoke up since it would cause some frictions between the two clans. However, was it truly a good idea to just leave her in the dark like that? What was the father doing anyway? To simply not tell Spidernose all about it. Shame, really.

Memories of Lilybranch and Dawnstrike flooded his mind without his consent. He had always regretted it - his sister's death and his brother's disappearance. There was a small part of him that blamed himself for it. Mainly because of how powerless he was to stop his siblings from running out. Had it not happened, maybe Lilybranch would have still been alive. Dawnstrike would have never left. Tigerfall had been aware of his brother's hotheaded nature, but he failed to do anything before it happened. He knew that Coalrunner felt the same - maybe even more since she had been present during the fight. But neither showed their remorse - their guilt. They had to move on and live on.

"Do you ever wonder what it would be like if your sister was with you?" He mused to his apprentice, tail now tucked in on top of his paws. Tigerfall had been careful to say it so that the other Medicine Cats wouldn't suspect much when they overhear. One would easily think that he may have been talking about a departed littermate. "Personally, I find littermates to be quite a handful, but they are useful to be around when it comes to lifting my spirits up." It was just the musing of an old cat who remembered his own siblings and how he can't be with them anymore - aside from one.

Raising her tail, Maplefoot crouched lower in the brush all around her fellow Oakclan cats doing the same. There were fewer than usual, doubled patrols would cause that. Still, when torn between presenting a force of strength at the gatherings and protecting Oakclan’s territory she would always choose territory. Right now when Oakclan was at its most vulnerable it would be on her shoulders to show they were strong as ever, not a show in force with numbers, but her own confidence. Hers and hers alone.

Giving a silent flick of her tail in signal, Maplefoot led the cats rushing down the slope following Cliffclan’s arrival. They burst into the clearing, slowing to a steady trot. They were second to show, but placement didn’t bother Maplefoot. Padding across the clearing tail and head held high she waited at the base of the log, watching as Boulderclan and then Lightclan streamed in, nodding her head to all three leaders and their deputies in turn.

Maplefoot watched the other cats carefully, waiting to see if any of them were whispering at the absence of an important cat, none had seemed to notice yet, or if they had they weren’t making a scene. Her own warriors were following her instructions to the letter, keeping close together, even as they moved amongst the clan cats, revealing nothing but presenting a picture of strength and unity. Maplefoot knew the other leaders must have noticed by now, Jaggedstar was a sharp cat, as were their deputies and she imagined they were all waiting patiently for her to explain his absence.

Remaining in place until all three leaders had grouped on the log, Maplefoot sprang up next to them, digging her claws into the soft bark to show she meant to stay. Immediately this action was followed by accusing stares, ”deputies sit below” the whisperers murmured, but Maplefoot kept her head high, daring the other leaders to question her right to be seated next to them. There was no definite rule for a deputy joining the other leaders, not yet anyway. For all Maplefoot knew she was the first to try.
“Oakclan’s leader will not be joining us tonight.” She explained, conveniently leaving his illness out of her explanation. “I am representing Oakclan, in his place.” She said her final words with forceful respect, making them almost a challenge.

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BoulderClan
Location: The Gathering
Interacting with: Maplefoot @Dusty,

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BoulderClan arrived third, behind OakClan and CliffClan, and Spidernose, as business-like as ever, headed straight for the bottom of the log, completely oblivious to the eyes of the CliffClan cats who were watching her. The deputy frowned, her tail twitching in a mode of agitation as she noticed the absence of the elderly OakClan leader. Of course this was not entirely unexpected, the last time she recalled seeing the leader, they had looked very frail, as if StarClan might claim them at any moment….but she was used to their presence at the Gatherings and it was unsettling to see them not there. Her shock was not abated as Maplefoot marched straight past the other deputies and leapt up onto the hollow log with the other leaders. A ripple of discontent passed through the cats down below as they flicked ears and blinked up at the brazen she-cat, Spidernose was no exception.

The BoulderClan deputy’s ears pinned back flatly against her skull as she craned her head up at the OakClan deputy.
“Maplefoot, what in StarClan are you doing?! Get down from there!” she hissed, but Maplefoot paid her no mind.

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Softwillow

CliffClan
Location: The Gathering
Interacting with: Tigerfall @Polaris North

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Softwillow had been lost to her own daydreams, as she often did while sitting in the clearing and waiting for the other Clans to arrive. She imagined herself and her mother finally gaining the opportunity to tell Spidernose the truth, and the chance to be a family….she shook herself awake as she realised her mentor had begun speaking to her.
“Hm?” she flicked an ear, taking a moment before she fully registered the question, then in response, threw a discreet glance at the space in front of the hollow log, where the deputies gathered close to the leaders. In between the deputies of OakClan and CliffClan sat the morose-faced Spidernose. “Oh…would it be terrible of me to admit that I do?” she admitted, a tinge of awkwardness to her mew. Softwillow had never spoken to her directly, but she had heard enough of the she-cat from the BoulderClan medicine cat. Since the former, Blazefoot (who had also been her father, but she wasn’t sure if Tigerfall knew that much) had passed away from greencough last leafbare, his apprentice had taken over. It sounded as if no-one else in BoulderClan knew of Spidernose’s true origins. Instead, they believed her to be the kit of a loner or rogue, left on BoulderClan’s border and found by Blazefoot when he was gathering herbs.

Softwillow knew better, her mother, Frogshade, had told her so. Tigerfall knew too, for the medicine cat had been present to help with the kits’ birth. Softwillow was always grateful to the tom for looking after herself and her mother since then, even though CliffClan was welcoming and didn’t judge her heritage, she couldn’t help but sometimes feel unconfident, or not as good as her mentor or her father. Tigerfall was always patient with her and always willing to listen.
“I often dream about what it would be like to have a littermate to talk to, or laugh with...or just, anything really.” the medicine cat apprentice gave a wistful sigh. “But somehow I don’t think that will ever happen...”
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Frogshade

CliffClan
Location: The Gathering
Interacting with: Ashclaw @Drakey (indirectly)

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Frogshade followed the rest of her Clan into the clearing where the Gathering would be held, finding a patch of soft moss to lay herself down on while they waited for the other Clans to arrive. It wasn’t long before the scent of BoulderClan drifted into the clearing, and soon afterwards the cats that accompanied it. Frogshade looked up to spot the lean figure of Spidernose amongst them, beside the leader Duststar. The she-cat couldn’t help but feel her heart swell with pride at knowing both her kits were so successful in their life; one training to be a medicine cat with CliffClan and the other BoulderClan’s deputy on track to be leader one day, of all things!

The she-cat sighed. The only thing that would make this better would be the opportunity to approach Spidernose herself to tell her how proud she was. She could congratulate the she-cat of course, but as nothing more than a senior warrior of a rival Clan paying respects to a promising youngster and offering her respect for Spidernose’s new rank. No, she could never truly tell her the pride she felt as her mother, and every day she prayed to StarClan that would change one day. She had even asked her other kit, Softwillow, to speak with them at the next meeting of the medicine cats at the Moonfall, but Softwillow had protested, telling her “Mother, it doesn’t work like that and you know it...”

Frogshade couldn’t help but tense somewhat as LightClan arrived. They had never been an amicable Clan and other cats were always on their toes about whether or not they would start a disagreement, or worse, a fight. But with the new Warrior Code in place, it was hopeful they could live a more peaceful existence. As a force of habit, she looked through the crowd of cats as LightClan intermingled with them, though only the medicine cat was talkative with members of the other Clan, spotting the familiar reddish-black pelt of her former apprentice and adopted son, Ashclaw. As she had feared, a large and brutish LightClan she-cat sauntered over to him and spoke some words to him. Frogshade stood up and stretched, meeting Ashclaw’s gaze over the LightClan cat’s shoulder and blinking slowly, an invitation that she could intervene and rescue him from her should he signal he wished her to do so.
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Cinderblaze

LightClan
Location: The Gathering
Interacting with: Ashclaw @Drakey

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Cinderblaze trotted behind her Clan leader, the she-cat’s head held high with pride and her plume-like, black tail streaming behind her. As always, LightClan were the last Clan to arrive, cats from the other three Clans all zig zagging back and forth throughout the clearing. The warrior’s amber eyes scanned the throng of pelts and legs below her, searching out for only one. Spotting her exiled brother, Cinderblaze strutted across the clearing, tail arched high up over her back with a slight kink to the tip, and stopped in front of him.
“Well, if it isn’t my dearest brother, Ashclaw.” she purred, licking her lips as she eyed him over, noting he was still as strong as he had been before. “How’s life in CliffClan, huh? Don’t you miss your big sister? You know, if you changed your mind I could always talk to Jaggedstar...”
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Crowjaw

The Gathering

Interacting with Frogshade @The Elvenqueen

Crowjaw enjoyed Gatherings, though he was never a talkative cat, it was refreshing to be with different cats, he wasn't well loved in Lightclan, almost every cat in lightclan gave him kind nicknames, such as "Weak", "Coward" and some of the mean cats like his loving brother, called him the little brother, which drove him nuts. The reason why he was so hated was because he had the "stupidity" to stand up for the weak, Crowjaw was a Warrior, Warrior's exist to defend those who cannot, but Lightclan was full of "Warriors", ones who are "honorable", they act "honorably" hurting the weak and treating them like slaves.

Horrible memories of his childhood came back to him, his older brother Crookedclaw, his name fit him perfectly, he was crooked and evil, yet his parents favored that scumbag over Crowjaw, in his parent's eye, Crookedclaw was a sweet little kitten who couldn't do any harm, so they look the other direction when Crookedclaw beats his blind Sister Rosetail, then Crowjaw would attack Crookedclaw in a futile attempt to get him to stop, but in the end it would all be for naught. His parents would instead yell at Crowjaw and his sister for hurting their poor little baby, performing mental gymnastics to make the victim look like the bully. He scowled at the air, other cats had childhoods made of shining gold, while Crowjaw had nothing but ash for one.

He followed his leader Jaggedstar down the gathering, in a line of other warriors, Though Jaggedstar didn't followed the philosophy of defending the strong and punishing the weak, he was still his leader nonetheless, it was his job to follow his leader's every order, any true warrior would do the same, He liked Jaggedstar in a way, he was strong and ruthless, he was a leader that would lead Lightclan to glory and it was Crowjaw's mission to follow his lead. He walked off into the crowd of cats, being one of the only Lightclan cats to intermingle with the rest, he spotted Frogshade watching Ashclaw with a sort of worry, he didn't know what was wrong but he did know one thing, it was his duty to help her. Is something wrong? he asked her with a voice full of concern

Boulderclan

Location:The Gathering

Interacting with: Jagged star @ViolentViolet
Spidernoose@The Elvenqueen

The Mau had come late, dust on his shoulders as usual, he had slept in the tunnels again, seeing Jaggedstar he walked up to him nodding to him," Hello Jagged star. he said with smile,"[color=93E71A] Awful crowded here isn't it?" He had meant to say more when he saw his deputy," Ah, I would love to talk more my quiet friend but I would like to catch up with someone.
" Hello Spidernoose. I am late again. I apologize, how is he? Is he alright? I-I don't see him." He had meant his kit, knowing that he wold go to her when he is out, "getting air" He had looked around for him trying to see him, when asking he is tense, again in the tunnels he found nothing, nothing! While searching in the tunnels he had looked all night finally sleeping on the ground. He had woken up with a start, forgetting that it was the Gathering, he had spent an hour retracing his steps.

Oakclan
Gathering
Interacting with: Spidernose [@TheElvenqueen]

Frowning at Spidernose’s inquiries, Maplefoot flicked her tail wondering how much to reveal. The news of Willowhisker’s fate would spread no matter how tightlipped the Oakclan cats remained. Some had probably already guessed, and were waiting for her to confirm their suspicions. The she-cat rolled her shoulders back. There was no reason to be ashamed of her new position, Maplefoot took the responsibility in stride, stepping into the paw prints and legacy of a great deputy.

“Sadly, Willowhisker perished in a hunting accident joining the ranks of Starclan only two nights back. I was to reveal the news later tonight for all to hear.” The latter was a lie, but a little white lie never hurt any cat. Maplefoot had only just decided to tell anyone about Willowhisker, and only because she was directly asked.
“She was a great warrior, and a great mentor. She will be well missed in Oakclan. We’ve suffered no greater loss these moons then her passing. And at our loss and Starclan's gain.” Maplefoot dipped her head in genuine remorse, remembering her days under Willowhisker’s tutorage as an apprentice. Easy and happy times. Raising her head Maplefoot continued, pride rising in her voice. “In her place I have been named deputy of Oakclan. Oakstar saw me fit to take his place when the time comes, and as my first task I led our cats here to the gathering. I am ready, and proud to serve my clan, and honored to be chosen.” The last bit perhaps wasn’t necessary, and maybe a little boastful, but Maplefoot felt all the better for saying it.

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The arrival of Spidernose did not invoke much reaction from the Cliffclan deputy. The two weren't friends per se, acquaintances would be a much better word to describe what their relationship was. It was mostly because the deputies weren't exactly the type to suddenly be on friendly terms with other deputies and Stormflash wasn't sure how he would approach the situation - so he decided to keep silent, only dipping his head as a greeting of the she-cat. He didn't mind the silence, and it would seem that Spidernose doesn't either. He appreciate that.

However, silence wasn't going to reign during this preparation as Maplefoot approached. His eyes narrowed as she made her way towards them and Stormflash quickly commented. "Willowhisker... where is she?" It was rare for another cat to stand in for a deputy since they were all usually young and fit. To not see Willowhisker and only Maplefoot - a cat he barely knew and only found out the name in passing - was surprising. There was also the glaring lack of presence of the Oakclan leader. He had been old, the leader from the very start of the making of the clans, but seeing as the old leader's presence was always there from the very start - not seeing him again was worrying.

What in the name of Starclan was going on with Oakclan?

His inquiry was soon answered by Maplefoot. First, the leader couldn't come today. She said that after taking a seat on the log - where the leaders were. This elicited an angry reaction from Spidernose but Stormflash kept quiet. Quite the brave one, Maplefoot was. Then she went on to report why Willowhisker wasn't there - it was because she was dead. A rush of sadness washed over the deputy, but he kept an easy face - his usual face.

"I'm very sorry for your loss. It is saddening, but I am sure she will be happy in Starclan's ranks." He and Willowhisker had never been close, but to lose a cat that you've grown accustomed to seeing does give some pain to others. Stormflash then looked towards Spidernose, only now giving her the proper attention. He merely gave her a nod towards Jaggedstar - the strict leader of Lightclan. The two deputies didn't have to say anything. He could take care of this and he will take care of it well.

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Tigerfall's eyes seemed to soften upon hearing her response. Cold, he may be, but he tended to show emotion around his adoptive sister and his apprentice. It may be because of how much time she had already spent with him. Perhaps, it was also because they both lost their littermates, though hers would be more tragic considering the fact that she never got to meet her formally. They didn't get to grow up together in fear of bringing conflict with it. A truly unfortunate event.

"No. It wouldn't be." He reassured her, voice softening. He only ever used that around his own family and extremely close friends, and patient who have been through a lot. Tigerfall had been an excellent Medicine Cat not only because he was trained, it was also because he had this talent to suddenly change his attitude to approach a situation right.

His ear flicked upon hearing her wistful thinking. He finally turned at him for the conversation, lowering his voice so that he could speak about it without worry of someone finding out. "Certainly, you're not thinking about this in the right way, my dear apprentice." He pointed out before turning back to the area wwhere the deputies and leaders were. "Could you not have befriended her, at the very least? Though it would not be the same, you could finally talk to her."

He paused. Of course, that was merely one option. It would also be rather hard now since they were at the back and she was all the way in front, but it would have been possible before. Tigerfall gave her chances to mingle with others by not requiring her to sit by him when she was younger. But perhaps, another would be able to fill the void? "And what about young Ashclaw? Yes, given that you were both older than when I had met Coalrunner, but perhaps you could have treated him as so?"He looked towards where the Tom was sitting to see that a Lightclan cat had approached him.

Was that not his blood sister? He could see Frogshade stiffen, obviously not liking it. Hm, it would seem that they all had some family issues. Though, for Ashclaw, Tigerfall knew that it was because of his softer attitude as compared with other Lightclan cats. It was a good thing they're own clan was very accepting, or else most cats would not know where to go. Though it meant that there would be more patients, Tigerfall never minded. They were all living in this forest together and they should be helping each other, not fighting. Sadly, other clans don't seem to see it the same way.

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She really did feel like a bother. The rest of the clan cats had had to walk slower than normal towards the clearing to avoid her falling behind. The tortoiseshell limped as fast as she could, but she still felt some of the glares of her fellow clanmates. They still didn’t like her, and thought that their leader was wrong to take her into the clan. Even if CliffClan was the most accepting, Spottedblossom had never earned her warrior name, and likely would never fight like a real warrior. Hopefully, she could at least take care of the kits in the clan. Her own four were already fitting in extremely well, especially with the other kits and apprentices. Unfortunately, there hadn’t been any other kits born after Spottedblossom had joined the clan.

CliffClan was the first clan to arrive, and she found it easier that way. She had been able to find a place to sit not far from the log, where she could watch and listen in on the leaders speaking with the deputies before the gathering. She was most comfortable near Stormflash and their leader. The two had been the most kind to her in the clan, accepting and helping her, making sure she felt at home. She disliked being too far from them outside of the camp. Her kittypet hesitation still following her even after so many moons away from her housefolk. She did admire him though, and if given the chance, she wanted to get to know the warrior better. He was after all, the least intimidating of the warriors she’d spoken with. While she watched them, she saw a rather…. Confident, looking she-cat strut up to the log and jump up to join the other leaders. Spottedblossom didn’t know all the cats names yet, but from the looks of the others on the log, she could tell that the she-cat wasn’t meant to be up there.

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OakClan was the third to arrive. Many of the warriors had made a fuss about Oakstar staying behind, and she had intended to stay at first. Before Oakstar’s mate insisted that she take Sagepaw to the gathering with her to make sure that Maplefoot didn’t do anything foolish. It was also Sagepaw’s first gathering, and she wasn’t going to make him mis the experience. Frostwhisker was relieved however, when Oakstar sent Leopardfrost and Two-Face with them as well. The two were a comfort around the new Deputy.

Leading her apprentice, she paused at the edge of the clearing. “I know it’s intimidating at first. I find it better to think that all of these cats have needed a Medicine Cat.” The fluffy white she-cat had stopped more for her own comfort. She was further in her pregnancy than she would admit, but she was too stubborn to stay behind yet. She still had at least a moon before she would be ready to kit. “The Leaders sit on the Log over there, and the Deputies stay beneath it.” As she turned her attention to the log, the Medicine Cat was just in time to see Jaggedstar speaking. The gathering would start soon now that everyone was here.

Flicking her tail again, she headed over to where the other Medicine Cats were sharing news. She caught the end of the conversation, but didn’t pay too much attention to it. There were things that hadn’t been shared between them, and there were reasons for it. Just like Frostwhisker had never mentioned to the other Medicine Cats about the dreams she had growing older, and how her mentor had died. “Tigerfall! Softwhillow!” The persian purred loudly as she greeted her friends, finding new energy in being around them. Even if she did sit down in a soft patch of moss, rather tired due to her swollen belly. “This is Sagepaw, my apprentice. It’s his first gathering.”

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Jaggedstar had seen Stormflash watching him for a moment; green eyes flashing even as he saw the she-cat walking towards the group. He’d been the last to lead his clan into the Clearing, but not the last to approach the Log. She walked as if she was more importantly than the others, and jumped right up onto the Log. Maplefoot… He should have known. She had already held her head too high for a mere warrior, and now she’s managed to weasel her way into Deputyship. Sometimes he mused that it was unfortunate that she hadn’t found herself in LightClan. They could use a level-headed warrior that wasn’t unnecessarily cruel. Of course, Jaggedstar wasn’t going to just offer her a place. It was OakClan’s place to see the light of ambition in her eyes that mirrored that of the young Jaggedstar.

He waited patiently a moment, sitting with the other leaders as she explained herself. He was likely the coldest of the three leaders, silently watching her with calculating eyes. The least expected to do what followed next. The moment she stopped speaking, clearly satisfied with herself, he fixed her with a deadly and authoritative glare. “But you are not the leader of OakClan yet.” He spoke calmly, before lifting himself up and shouldered her off of the log. His larger size and strength made it much easier for him than most cats, and he wasted no time sitting down again. “Know your place Deputy. OakClan does not need a repeat of Owlfeathers… incident.” His voice was steady, calm, but sharp with the barely hidden threat. Owlfeather had been the OakClan Deputy when Jaggedstar had been Jaggedscar, and the two had fought in a boarder squabble. Owlfeather later died of his injuries, to be suceeded by the most intelligent Willowwhisker.

Turning his gaze away from the others again, Jaggedstar wasted no time in turning to the gathering cats. Lifting his tail, he didn’t wait for permission from the other leaders, merely yowled the summons and watched the clearing fall silent. Many would admit that Jaggedstar was not a cat to be on the bad side of. His emerald green gaze sweeping over the crowd, finding each and every one of his cats among them. Cinderblaze was with Ashclaw again it seemed. He really would have to do something about her persistence in pestering the weak.

“Let the gathering begin!”

Ashclaw
Location: The Clearing
Interacting with @The Elvenqueen Cinderblaze

Ashclaw had followed far behind his clan, being the last one of Cliffclan to arrive. His head, held low, and his tail lying on the ground. His appearance was not one of subjugation, of submissiveness. No, strength and power flowed with the muscles under his skin. His appearance was the result of trying to hide his size, though it didn't work. Ashclaw already towered over other cats, whether or not his shoulders were slumped or not. Of course his attitude changed when he saw his elder sister. Cinderblaze padded in his direction. Immediately, instinctively, Ashclaw’s back straightened, his tail rising, his shoulders becoming squared. Holding his head high, Ashclaw could easily see over the older she-cat’s head.

Letting her speak, Ashclaw waited for her to finish. Then, sitting back on his hind legs, he sighed. “Dearest sister, you know that I, as always, do miss my sister. Don't you ever wonder how she's doing?” Ashclaw looked up at the starry sky. A thin breeze flowed between the two cats, cinders and bramble berries. It was a smell that Ashclaw knew well, one that had been with him since his birth.

“As for Cliffclan…” Ashclaw's eyes briefly met those of Frogshade’s, his tail flicking ever so slightly. He was alright, Cinderblaze had never been a threatening figure for Ashclaw. “Cliffclan has made me stronger.” Ashclaw noticed the disbelief in his elder sister's eyes. “Not only that, I found a mother there. One that is better than any she-cat of Lightclan.” Ashclaw's grey eyes burrowed into Cinderblaze’s own amber eyes. “Though, I might ask, how are my blood relatives?”

Shadowtail
The Clearing
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Shadowtail trotted in the middle of the Lightclan cats, his tiny form almost unseen. If one was to see him with any of his siblings they would swear that he couldn't be related with them. Of course, his size had built a completely ruthlessness rarely seen, even among Lightclan cat's. On either side of Shadowtail walked two other warriors. Members of his apprentice group, they were big compared to him, but diminutive compared to his brother, Ashclaw. The name brought bile to his tongue. Reaching the clearing, Shadowtail spoke to his ‘friends’. “Duskpelt, Dawnfoot, stay with me. Don't interact with those lesser cats.” The venom in his voice was even more insidious than normal.

Of course, as soon as they reached the clearing proper, Cinderblaze made her way to that disgusting brother of theirs. The bile in his throat threatened to spill forth, but Shadowtail swallowed the bitterness down. Why? What was it that she saw in Ashclaw? Why does she refuse to acknowledge his own existence? Well, it doesn't matter anymore. Shadowtail would make them pay. Oh yes, he will take control of Lightclan, and then they would pay.

Crowjaw

The Gathering

Interacting with Frogshade @The Elvenqueen

Crowjaw wished he didn't come off as threatening, he wanted to be the exact opposite of threatening, warrior's were meant to protect others, warrior's shouldn't be feared by the weak, they should be liked. When Frogshade asked him about how merciful Lightclan was, he stayed silent, though he knew she was right, Mercy was didn't exist in Light Clan, there was only a sense of cold ruthlessness, kill or be killed. But he refused to agree with her, as much as he hated Light Clan, it was his clan, he fought for it, he was fed by it, in return all he had to do was obey it. He was representing his own clan in this gathering, to bad mouth his own group would be a sin. He wished he had been born into a different Clan, one that wasn't obsessed with strength, one that recognized him for who he was, not for the claws he kills with.

He felt a pang of sympathy for Ashclaw, his sister Rosetail was nearly exiled more than once, his own family supported it too, seeing her as nothing but another mouth to feed, the only thing that stopped that was him threatening to go with her. "This is a gathering, he won't be hurt here" he reassured her "If he is ever attacked, I promise I'll help him" he added, though he silently knew that he might not be able to fulfill it, if a war broke out between Cliffclan and Lightclan, he would be forced to fight for his own. "I'm not well-loved in my clan either, I feel you're pain" he confessed, a warrior's greatest skill was empathy, without empathy there is only violence.

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Stormflash seemed a bit uneasy as he changed his sitting position ever so slightly - something that shouldn't have been noticed by the others. Given that he did say he trusted Jaggedstar to handle the situation, he still didn't feel comfortable around the Lightclan leader - at least, whenever he spoke that is. The reminder of the previous deputy of Oakclan didn't seem to bother Stormflash that much. He hadn't been the deputy when Owlfeather was around - instead, only being there when Willowhisker was still alive. She was such an intelligent and sweet she-cat, it was a real shame she had to go. Though, perhaps her successor would prove to be more interesting than she had been.

From what they were seeing right now, she was a bit hard-headed and very ambitious. While Stormflash cared much for the formality of these kinds of events - and also the hierarchy that the clans possessed, the mere bravery of the she-cat had been most entertaining. He wondered how everything would go once she would ascend to the leader position - something that would undoubtedly happen soon. After all, Oakstar was rather old already and it wouldn't be too long until he extinguishes all nine of his lives. Not that Stormflash wishes it upon the Oakclan leader - simply something to muse about whenever you don't have anything else to do.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when Jaggedstar's booming voice announced the start of the Gathering. The voices that could be heard had now disappeared. Stormflash eased on his position and waited for it to end. It's not like he would actually do anything since his leader was present. Among the cats, though, he spotted Spottedblossom near them. Ah yes, the stray she-cat. While most of the warriors in Cliffclan were most accepting of cats being accepted to the clan, they weren't nearly as nice to the Queen. Perhaps it was because she was a stray cat who lived among two-legs for most of her life before being found by one of their warriors and being welcomed by the leader. A small part of him wondered why she had been picked to go to the Gathering as well, but he quickly dropped the subject in his mind and waited for the leaders to speak about the current conditions of the clans.

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Tigerfall had been about to respond when Frostwhisker and an unknown kit had come towards their position. Oh? So she finally took on an apprentice hm? The two had become medicine cat apprentices around the same time, and while he succeeded his mentor earlier than expected, it was quite a wonder to see that Frostwhisker took her sweet time in getting an apprentice. Then again, he wasn't planning on doing so if not for Softwillow's insistence on becoming his apprentice. Accepting her had been rather easy once he found out that she had quite a strong connection to Starclan as well. It hadn't been a long time since she's gotten her medicine cat name, but to think that he would already have a full-fledged successor when Frostwhisker only began training one.

However, his first reaction to seeing her wasn't as cheerful as hers or his apprentice's. He turned his head towards the she-cat who was lying down and then said, "You're too stubborn for your own good Frostwhisker." He pointed out before continuing, his ear twitched, showing his annoyance. "You're expecting kits. It should be fine if you didn't attend the Gathering." Her being a medicine cat aside, it should be normal for a queen to stay behind. He didn't exactly know the date of when she had started showing signs of having kits, but he was pretty sure from her condition that it wouldn't be too long until she would have to give birth to them.

Tigerfall let out a sigh, knowing that the she-cat would respond in some way that would state that her having kits would be no problem at all, and that she would attend no matter what... or something along those lines. The gray tom looked towards the apprentice who Softwillow was talking to, reassuring that the Gathering might be nerve-wracking at first but that it's fine and he shouldn't worry. He supposed that he should greet the young one as well - the other medicine cats had been rather nice to Softwillow when he first brought her there. "Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you Sagepaw. My name is Tigerfall and I'm the medicine cat of Cliffclan."

His eyes then trailed over to the leader's log when Jaggedstar announced that the Gathering would begin. "It's time to be quiet now you two. It's starting."

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It was a crisp, cool night as Sagepaw faithfully tagged behind his mentor, Frostwhisker. The scenery was further highlighted with the swarms of fireflies that put on a dazzling display of lights against the cool blues and purples of the night sky. Despite witnessing this event every Greenleaf, Sagepaw found it impressive nonetheless. He made sure not to become too enraptured by the performance of the fireflies however, as he didn't want to get left behind. The natural elements that played out with the seasons were always fascinating to him, but giddy excitement paired with a tense nervousness overdrove his reverie. Tonight was his first gathering and nothing, not even these fireflies, were going to delay him from his first gathering.

A cat would have to be blind not to notice Frostwhisker's ever expanding belly. Anyone could tell she was pregnant, even so, she was still a very talented and wise mentor in Sagepaw's eyes. He noticed he was slowly encroaching the space between he and his mentor and distanced himself a few steps to try and give her some room. Normally he would not get so close to another cat, but he trusted Frostwhisker well enough to approach her and speak to her as if she were an older sibling or parental figure. Sagepaw knew his clanmates wanted him to keep an eye on Frostwhisker. But, despite his internal motivation to do anything he could for her, he couldn't help but feel rising levels of inadequancy wash over him whenever he thought about the task he had at hand. He always looked up to his mentor, but felt himself at a sore loss when it came to accomodating for her.

Then the apprentice saw it, the largest clearing he'd ever gazed upon. The glade looked serene and calm, a clever façade over the hidden tension he could feel condensing in the air around him. Despite it being a gathering, he could easily tell the different clans apart by the way the masses of cats sat apart from the others, mostly keeping to themselves. Sagepaw was preoccupied with taking everything in that he barely heard Frostwhisker point out the different areas where cats of specific ranks rested. The movement of her tail caught his attention once more. The amicable bounce his pawsteps had carried as he tagged along after her disappeared when he saw the other cats. Despite his efforts to straighten his stride and pace his canter with confidence, the small cat became Frostwhisker's shadow. He simply gave a small, curtious, if slightly weak, dip of his head as Frostwhisker introduced him.

Sagepaw's inquisitive gaze studied the two cats his mentor introduced to him. Softwillow's pale blue eyes seemed to dance with liveliness and her tone of voice and friendly pitch indicated she was on good terms with Frostwhisker. The apprentice noticed that the affable she-cat was looking at him. He listened intently to her, soaking the knowledge up like a sponge.

"It's nice to meet you. Everyone seems pretty nice so far."

Sagepaw let his tail sag a little lower, feeling less anxious about this gathering after meeting Softwillow. As soon as he did that, he heard another voice speak up, a tom. His eyes darted a little too quickly to the source of the noise. He hadn't noticed the other cat standing next to Softwillow. His pelt reminded him of a polished river stone. This cat gave all the required courtesies when speaking to him, but nothing more and nothing less. Sagepaw could feel a budding respect for this cat, Tigerfall. Sagepaw got the sense that the tom was older than all the other medicine cats in this group, he at least acted very mature and serious. The small framed cat bowed his head slightly to Tigerfall.

Then a silence descended over the clearing. A large black cat perched before them had spoken and every cat seemed transfixed by his mere presence. That must be one of the leaders, certainly not ours. Sagepaw shot a quick glance at Frostwhisker before sitting down and focused his attention on the large black tom.

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The medicine cat couldn’t help but purr loudly, greeting Softwillow with a happy mew. Flicking her tail up, she stroked the younger she-cats side as she walked passed, going to greet her apprentice. Blue eyes watched the other medicine cats contently, her breathing having calmed again. Laying her head on her paws, she watched the two younger cats until Tigerfall spoke to her. Purring in amusement, she looked up at the tom.

The two of them had been apprentices together many moons ago. He was a few moons older than she was, and she’d looked up to him for a long time even though she had never mentioned it before. Her mentor had died before his, and he’d been quick to find an apprentice. Perhaps it was her kits that had been the problem, but Frostwhisker was happy that she waited until Sagepaw came along. He had a rather good sense of what to do so early on in his apprenticeship. Luckily for them, as she’d be kitting in a moon or so.

“There is no way I’m making Sagepaw miss his first gathering Tigerfall. Besides. I know I’m safe because you’re here in case the worst happens.” She purred in response, blinking at him playfully. He was always so serious; it was easy to tease and play with him. It was unfortunate that they hadn’t been able to grow up together. “I’m afraid I’ll have to miss out on the next trip to the Moonfall though..” The white she-cat trailed off, hearing Jaggedstar call the Gathering into session. Struggling to sit up, she gives her chest fur a couple of embarrassed licks as she’d noticed some other cats watching her flounder. No doubt they also thought that she should be back in camp at the nursery.

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Staring out at the sea of faces looking up at him, the LightClan leader relished in how he could silence them all with his summons. His pelt rippled as the muscles beneath flexed with waiting power. The strongest of the leaders, and least forgiving, Jaggedstar knew that no one would dare threaten LightClan. He was unafraid of battles, and had more than once taken the lives of other cats. He’d driven his own brother out to maintain the fear he had over his clanmates and others. The latest generation of warriors however, had become more trouble than they were worth. Perhaps a purge was in order.

Stepping forward, while the other leaders remained seated, Jaggedstar looked over the crowd before beginning. “Two Moons ago, Hollowshade, Badgersnout and Hawkwing drove a badger out of our territory. It fled into the mountains near the OakClan border.” The powerful black tom gave a moment as his clanmates cheered, letting the warriors drink in the praise with pride. “In addition, We’ve named two new warriors this moon; Ashstorm and Adderwasp.” Pausing again while cats called out the new names, Jaggedstar let the faintest hint of amused pride glow in his emerald shaded eyes. “Prey is running well, and our apprentices are showing great promise; LightClan remains strong after this leaf-bare.”

Finishing his news, the black leadered settled back down on the log, wrapping his tail over his paws while waving for the next leader to share.

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@The Elvenqueen@Dusty@Pennydumb123[@WelcmeToGudBrgr]@Drakey@Canidae@Polaris North@Pastel Moon@The Elvenqueen