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Post by cowbird on Nov 8, 2021 14:03:58 GMT -5
Chris
The clan, silent merely moments before, now blew up like a troop of birds simultaneously taking flight. Tigerlash glowered at his clanmates, pushing back against Q who had stuck to his side since they brought Islandfawn’s body back to the camp. How could they be gossiping about Joystar and Paintedstar when they had a legit crisis on their paws right now?
A few tail lenghths away, Havenlight was sitting hunched under a large fern, glaring heatedly at the medicine cat den, her tail lashing. “Scarletlily is literally right there. I dont why we are leaving the lifeline of the clan in the paws of a half trained warrior apprentice.” Two of her kits, Logpaw and Butterflypaw exchanged looks as their mother ranted, but kept silent. It was best not to provide input when she was like this.
“Oh come on, Havenlight, stop being such a thorn in the paw,” came the amused reply from the fresh-kill pile nearby. Emberpool had recently returned from a hunt and caugh the tail of the warrior’s complaint. “What are you running on about anyways?”
“Islandfawn’s dead.”
The pale she-cat immediately stopped her smiling, her eyes first widening, then a somber emotion crossing her features. “I knew I smelled death coming here,” she murmured, casting a long look at the former medicine cat’s corpse laid in the middle of camp. “How did it happen? Who found her? Was i-”
“Nobody knows,” Tigerlash growled, keeping his eyes on the fallen medicine cat as clan members gossiped. “She was just… dead when we found her. Wrapped up in this.” He prodded the blanket beside him dejectedly.
“And now our only medicine cat is too busy moping to take up the position!” shrilled Havenlight. The usually laid-back queen was still shooting daggers towards the medicine cat den, her claws scraping the wooden floor. “I don't know why Joystar isn't doing more to get her together. It's been more than two moons now.”
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Post by Goldenstar on Nov 22, 2021 1:33:01 GMT -5
cowbird(I'mma do a teeny tiny skip. {Well not teeny tiny actually} I have a better idea than my original plan...) --- "May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Hightop for a clan meeting!" Paintedstar's voice roused Turquoisegem from her slumber. She shifted next to Tigerlash, surprised by herself that she was laying so close to him. His dark tabby fur and her paler coat pressed so close together that the strands blended. Embarrassment seared her pelt as Tigerlash lifted his own head and the two of them unfurled, preparing to head toward the kitchen counter to hear what their leader had to say. Already, Snowphoenix and her sister- Icedragon- were sitting side by side next to Tanglereed and the other elders, Graysplash and Squirreltrill. Next to Squirreltrill were her kits- Heavymoss and Cindercrown- Cindercrown's eyes dark with worry. The other elders, Jaggedbriar and Astergrove were sitting next to Willowwood, the queen speaking in a hushed, worried voice to the two older Warriors. Twigpaw and Droppaw were sitting nearby their mother, chatting eagerly to each-other, blissfully unaware of the anxiety that was rising like a tide around them. On the counter, Joystar was sitting an entire fox-length away from her former mate, her blue eyes clouded with a flurry of emotion so intense, it may as well have been a coming storm swirling in those baby blue depths. As the cats, kits to elders, apprentices to warriors, filled the kitchen, Turquoisegem's intuition began to settle in her gut like a boulder. Despite pressing against Tigerlash's strong frame for support, she couldn't shake the unease and the fur along her spine began to rise. Paintedstar waited until everyone was present to continue speaking. "As you know, tomorrow marks the end of the three moons since our last visit to Cloud Valley- when we left our brave volunteers to fulfill their roles in the Breeding Bonds that will save our clan." He paused to allow for a warm ripple of joy and yowls of pride. "With the retrieval of our old members... and new, we must put our faith in the next generation and pray that StarClan will guide us." He paused. "As you all know, a week ago Turquoisegem and Tigerlash discovered our beloved Medicine Cat- Islandfawn- struck dead by the street sign at the end of our territory." Graysplash let out a low, heartbroken moan and some of the other cats echoed her cry of longing and grief. Paintedstar let it stretch on for a few heartbeats before continuing. "In her place, we have had Yarrowpaw as our stand-in medicine cat..." his pupils narrowed into dangerous slits and Joystar flinched. "Because Scarletlily has been... disturbed." He flicked his tail in annoyance. "In other news, with the upcoming new litters of kits, our nursery will be quite full. We need to make sure there is plenty of space." His eyes focused somewhere in the crowd. "Myrtlekit and Cranberrykit.. will you both come forward please?" "That won't be necessary, I'm afraid." The icy voice sent chills racing up Q's spine. All of the cats took their focus off of their leader and turned their heads to see who had spoken. But Turquoisegem knew- she knew before she saw her. The long frame, the mustard colored fur, the glittering, angry gold eyes. Yellowwasp! Paintedstar's pupils narrowed once more into dangerously thin slits as he looked at his warrior- who stood with her head proud. This was far from the broken, grief-stricken molly who had raced from the camp in anguish when she had found out that Islandfawn was dead. "Yellowwasp, how dare you interrupt a clan leader in the middle of a cer..." "I dare in many ways you can't even imagine," she spoke loudly with a snarl, her ears curling inward toward each-other and her tail lashing wildly as her eyes darted across the surprised faces in the crowd. "And as of this moment, you and Joystar are leaders of Inkclan no longer." "What?" Joystar, for the first time, seemed angry. The fur along her shoulders began to lift and Yellowwasp just swished her tail and bounded across the room in a movement so fluent that her paws seemed to barely touch the floor. Gasps off shock and horror echoed around the room as she leaped up on the counter beside Joystar, her hard gaze racking across the leaders with acid in her stare. Turquoisegem could feel the static all around them and it was making her lightheaded. She halfway pushed to her paws, hovering over the floor, pressing so hard against Tigerlash that she nearly could have knocked him over. "We need to get out of here," she whispered to him before a ferocious yowl ripped through the manor. Paintedstar lashed his tail at Yellowwasp, his teeth bared. " How dare you stand where the leaders beckon? Get down this instant!" "And who will stop me?" Falconswoop was growling defensively, pushing to his paws but Yellowwasp snapped her gaze over at him. "You are the help, are you? Shall I show you mine?" she cleared her throat and as she did, much to Q's horror, cats who she had never seen before, began to pour into the manor through the entrance. Joystar's eyes stretched wide with terror as she glanced down at her mate and Falconswoop in turn flicked his tail toward their kits- Blazepaw and Dustpaw pressing against him. All of the cats were huge, sleek-furred, and healthy. Even as snow was coating the ground outside they somehow were well-fed. At their head was an eerie looking orange and black tom with a missing eye and he had a black bandana around his neck. Yellowwasp swung her head over to Paintedstar- the older tom's eyes stretched wide in shock. "Your time as Inkclan's leader is over, Paintedstar... You are weak, old tom. You have been for moons. Your weakness and broken desire to keep control of a clan you cannot maintain has driven away one of your daughters who was poised to lead us one day. Joystar, I've watched you cower from a tom three times your age. You could have taken the initiative to drive him out and protect your clan, your kin, and your loved ones... but you didn't. You are just as weak as he is. And because of this, I know that you two are no longer fit to carry this burden. And Starclan knows that Lacewing is useless now that her precious best friend is gone. That means the strongest cat here must take charge to see that Inkclan survives. Don't worry- I'll carry the weight." She lifted her head. "Any cat who wishes to stay with me under the joined rule of myself and the Brotherhood... you may and you shall be rewarded. Those of you who refuse?" She flicked an ear and the swarm of cats- this Brotherhood- tightened around the Inkclan cats. "Will be removed." She flicked her tail, malice in her eyes as she bared her fangs at the leader duo. "Just as I removed Islandfawn." Nobody moved and for a moment, Turquoisegem thought her heart would burst. Poor Islandfawn! she wanted to wail but instead, she glanced around her. All of the Inkclan cats were staring at their leaders, frozen, eyes wide in fear with fur rising along their spines. How had things gone so badly so fast?... Cranberrykit and Myrtlekit were going to be made apprentices and now... "Well?" the orange and black tom with the missing eye snarled, unsheathing his claws. Snowphoenix bared her fangs and she and her sister stood protectively in front of the elders- poised back to back. "W-Where do you want for us to go?" Joystar whispered at last, looking desperately around at her horrified clan-mates. "I don't know," Yellowwasp said idly, suddenly relaxing. She licked her paw and drew it over her ear. "And I don't care. Now decide!" "I'll... I'll stay," Willowwood said immediately and her daughters stared at her in horror. "I can't leave Jax. And o-our kits are buried here." "We can't stay here," Q whispered to Tigerlash. "I can sense the evil from these cats. It's suffocating me. We have to go."
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Post by cowbird on Dec 4, 2021 11:21:48 GMT -5
Chris
(I am upset at how good you are. I literally cant keep up with this sort of greatness)
Despite Q freezing immediately besides him, Tigerlash hadnt fully grasped what was going on. He spun around, his eyes wide as Yellowwasp stalked to the ledge where the leader’s sat and soared to the top, her powerful limbs rippling as the rare shine of the sun through the windows caught her pelt. “What on earth…”
In the center of camp, Cranberrykit scampered backwards as the shadowy cats slunk into the clearing at the Yellowwasp’s sharp yowl. Was this how apprentice ceremony’s always went? Beside her, less visibly shaken yet oddly still, Myrtlekit’s eyes flickered back and forth between Yellowwasp and the two leaders. Besides the strong, ferocious she-cat the joint leaders looked old and scared- especially Paintedstar as he gazed in horror as the mysterious yet muscular cats wound their way through the kitchen, sliding between the old, decrepit wood, snapping at the haunches of the queens and elders as they stalked by.
Removed Islandfawn? Anguish tore its way out of Astergrove’s throat as the elderly she-cat slumped to the ground. Her old friend… she had been looking forward to joining them after the Bond kits came to the Manor, to finally rest her bones and enjoy her last seasons surrounded by love and memories. Astergrove’s paws were still sore from digging her friend’s grave and now… seeing as this is why the medicine cat had to lose her life, the old she-cat didnt have the energy to do anything but mourn and wait for StarClan to call her home as well. Besides her, Tanglereed lowered his head and licked his denmate’s shoulder. Is this what we’re worth, StarClan? He pleaded, casting swift glances at the band of rogues that were overriding the Manor he grew up and served in for many seasons with an strange, vaguely familiar but still very off smell.
Havenlight shuffled as discreetly as possible to where Grasspaw and Logpaw stood. The two brothers were nearly warriors but no amount of training could shake the fear in their eyes as the Brotherhood pressed against them. No, this was a time for motherly guidance. “Quick- boys!” She hissed, her head low and fur laying down flat and unsuspecting. “Get your sister and follow me to the bathroom. It’s our only chance to escape this… this… whatever this is. Now, now go!”
Tigerlash rose to his paws, the fear coursing through him feeble in comparison to the anger he felt to his former training partner. There was no way the entire clan was going to leave this place- whether by voluntary will or by force. If there was any sort of compassion left in the twisted she-cat who stood on the ledge… He looked up at the ledge, hoping one of their leaders was shaking out of their stupor and would begin to rally the clan to do... something. But both Paintedstar and Joystar were frozen in place, their once impressive auras shriveled in the face of this coup. It was clear neither was going to save the clan from this.
Growling, the massive tabby swung his head and, with a beckoning of his tail to Q who was eye-wide in fear, began pushing his way out of the crowd, glaring at any of the strange cats who looked at him. His paws itched with an eagerness to slash a muzzle, or tear open a throat but the warrior kept on, pushing away his fury. There was no way to fight their way out of this… not this time. "Cats of InkClan," he yowled once he and Q forced themselves to the entrance of the Manor, twisting his head around so he was looking back at the gathered cats and his burning gaze set directly on Yellowwasp. "Remember who we are. Noble, courageous warriors who live not by fear and hate, but honor and justice. Please... make the right choice."
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Post by Goldenstar on Dec 27, 2021 13:42:04 GMT -5
InkClan RP Update; Pre-Meeting and the Visitors"This is our home!" Paintedstar snapped at Yellowwasp and the she-cat narrowed her eyes. The next instant, she flashed her paw out and her sharp claws caught his face. Paintedstar recoiled with a yowl as blood welled in the scratches and Joystar's fur began to rise.
"Leave him alone!"
"Then go!" snarled the orange and black tom. "Yellowwasp has waited long enough!"
"Let's go, let's go!" Racooncoat was already using his tail to usher some of the apprentices toward the entrance to the camp. Indigonight followed behind him, using her body to shield the kits from the angry, twisted faces of the Brotherhood as they went. Turquoisegem fell in step beside Tigerlash, her pelt prickling as she averted her gaze. Graysplash was looking around frantically as if she didn't know what to do. The Manor had been her home her entire life and she'd been part of it longer than any other cat... could she leave it?
"Graysplash, we have to go," Yarrowpaw was saying to her softly, using his head to guide the old she-cat along.
"Ah ah ah. Not you. You stay with me," Yellowwasp interjected as she leaped down and landed beside Yarrowpaw, the tom's golden eyes stretching wide in shock. "My clan will need a healer. You're very gifted. I'll appreciate your talents, Yarrowpaw... I see potential in you."
"No!" Falconswoop was already baring his fangs. "You won't have my son!"
"Leave him!" Paintedstar snapped. "We have to get the rest of the clan out!"
"He's my son!" Falconswoop snarled and flung himself at Yellowwasp only to have a swarm of Brotherhood cats leap atop him. The clearing suddenly exploded with action and cats went flying in all directions. Gravelhail and Rubblefall found their way to Paintedstar and the others and began fighting side by side with their father to get to the entrance. Joystar, alongside Ironpeak, had doubled back to help Falconswoop. As Paintedstar rushed his clan-mates out of the hole in the manor door, Ironpeak erupted from the throng of fighting cats with Falconswoop's scruff in his jaws. He and Joystar raced for the entrance, batting at cats as they went. Blood was running into Joystar's eyes from a scratch along her brow and Ironpeak's left ear was torn nearly down to the base of his skull. Yowls of fury echoed behind them as Joystar and Paintedstar pushed the clan into the tall grass and further and further away from their home.
"This can't be happening!" Joystar panted as she took lead of the splinter group and urged them up the hill that lead away from the manor. She cast her gaze over her shoulder, her eyes watering. She wiped the blood from her eyes and began to look around at her clan-mates and her heart plummeted. There were so few of them! Herself, Paintedstar, oh- they hadn't managed to get Yarrowpaw!, Falconswoop, Indigonight, Coon, Ironpeak, where was Windseeker?..., Gravelhail, Rubblefall... Oh no! Pastellight hadn't made it out. Blackwood had refused to leave without his mother and poor Deerfreckle was too terrified to go. Tigerlash and Turquoisegem were pressed tightly together but there was no sign of Heavymoss, Cindercrown, or their mother. Snowphoenix and Icedragon would have stayed behind with the elders... they'd never leave them with those... those...
"Is this everyone?" Paintedstar gasped, beginning to count the heads of cats he could see. Wolfracer, Hawkridge, Riverbandit, and Leafblade were all missing. Briarthicket and Amber were with them. So was Emberpool. Nightshade, Melloweyes, and Ravenfeather weren't there either. Droppaw and Twigpaw were pressed tightly together, shivering in shock that their mother had left them. Logpaw, Grasspaw, and Butterflypaw were being comforted by Dustpaw and Blazepaw with Havenlight pacing close by. Myrtlekit and Cranberrykit were huddled close to their mother- Smallpoppy. Graysplash, looking completely shattered, was standing next to Tanglereed, their tails intertwined.
"None of the other elders made it out?" Racooncoat gasped and Graysplash hung her head.
"They were afraid! They wouldn't leave their home or Squirreltrill... but Phoenix and Dragon stayed behind with them. They'll watch over them." She looked back at their home longingly. "I'll miss Astergrove terribly..."
"This isn't over," Joystar promised them. "They have my son..." she groaned miserably. "And one of my daughters! They have our clan-mates. The manor is our home. We will take it back..." she shuddered in the cold and licked Graysplash's ear encouragingly. "But we can't do it if we freeze to death... Come on, you lot." She nudged Myrtlekit to her feet. "It's a long walk across town."
"Where will we go?" Falconswoop asked as he fell in behind his sons, his eyes dull.
"Golden Park," Joystar replied as she took the lead of her splintered clan. "Tundrastar won't turn us away... we can do this. We will do this. Together. Inkclan is strong... no matter how many pieces it is in. They'll be alright..." Starclan please protect them.
Graysplash stole a final glance over her shoulder at the manor's familiar frame before turning back around, pressing tightly against Tanglereed, and following her clan-mates into the falling sheets of snow.
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Post by cowbird on Dec 27, 2021 14:33:44 GMT -5
(Havenlight would have escaped actually as she was with her kits! The rest is on point- i love it!!)
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Post by Goldenstar on Dec 27, 2021 16:16:09 GMT -5
(I shall edit! Thanks babe.)
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Post by cowbird on Dec 27, 2021 21:08:54 GMT -5
(I shall edit! Thanks babe.) (No problem thank you! I think i'll send Astergrove to StarClan during this... I dont think she'll be able to tough it out like old Graysplash... she's already to frail.)
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Post by Goldenstar on Dec 28, 2021 0:05:07 GMT -5
(I shall edit! Thanks babe.) (No problem thank you! I think i'll send Astergrove to StarClan during this... I dont think she'll be able to tough it out like old Graysplash... she's already to frail.) (Graysplash will be devastated..😭 I'm excited to see your craftsmanship.)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jan 4, 2022 4:07:01 GMT -5
(Inkclan allegiances updated on the bottom of Cloudclan's main page for those who are currently in the Valley.
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Post by Goldenstar on Jan 4, 2022 5:12:01 GMT -5
(Front page update complete.)
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Post by cowbird on Jan 4, 2022 11:08:35 GMT -5
(Front page update complete.) (Hey- I'll RP Tanner from the brotherhood if you would like! There are so many unique cats there)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jan 4, 2022 13:36:49 GMT -5
(Front page update complete.) (Hey- I'll RP Tanner from the brotherhood if you would like! There are so many unique cats there) YAY.
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Post by cowbird on Jan 4, 2022 23:11:43 GMT -5
The Brotherhood cats GoldenstarBeaver- massive, thick-furred gray and brown tom with odd, faint white swirls on his back and yellow eyes. || Bandana color- white and red. || Joined the Broken Brotherhood with only family he knows, his cousins Mole and Song. || Mole (Molepaw/Molecreek)- shaggy furred ginger tom with dull green eyes. Does his best to seem threatening, but deep down has slowly begun resenting the Brotherhood. || Gay- a bit in love with a certain other apprentice. || Minerva (Leopardstrike)- small, tawny-furred she-cat with unusual spotted pelt like the cat she’ll end up being named after. Sassy and very opinionated- is scared of no one. Well… maybe except for Leech. || Bandana color- greenish brown. || Furze- fluffy gray she-cat with intimidating yellow eyes and a scathing tongue. Has a permanent slight limp from an old, untreated injury. || Mates with Adonis- mother to his unborn kits. || Queen. || Bandana color- black. || cowbird. || Adonis- ginger and brown tabby tom with kind hazel eyes. Joined the Brotherhood to protect his mate and their kits. || Bandana color- rusty red. || cowbird. || Song (Songpaw/Songheart)- a sweet-natured molly, but with a tough upbringing and has been able to survive the harsh realities of the city despite her delicate appearance. She’s meant to survive and will do so no matter where life takes her. Song is a beautiful light brown she-cat with golden eyes and thin-striped legs. || Sister to Mole, younger cousin to Beaver. || cowbird.
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Post by Goldenstar on Jan 5, 2022 0:54:54 GMT -5
(Abe I love themmm.)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jan 5, 2022 2:26:20 GMT -5
"You're a pretty thing."
The color drained out of Pastellight's nose and ears as she took a step back, her fluffy tail pressing against the old well. In front of her were two members of the Brotherhood- one a sleazy, thin black and white tom with broken teeth named Jack and the other a huge mountain of a cat, a gray and yellow patched tom with small ears and dark green eyes- his name was Ego.
"Why do you look so scared?" Wheezed Jack and Stella recoiled from the stench of his breath. "We're not gonna hurt ya."
"P-Please just let me go..." she whimpered, trying to turn left but Ego blocked her. She flattened herself to the ground. "I-I-I just wanted some water, please..."
"How do we know you weren't trying to escape?" Ego snarled and she shook her head wildly.
"N-No! I would never. I am loyal to the Manor and to Yellowwasp and Oriole. I just w-wanted some water... and the elders are thirsty..."
"Old fools. Why you clan cats worship the weak and the old so much I'll never understand..." Jack reached out a thin, dirty paw and grabbed a lock of Stella's tail fur and curled it around his claws. "We just kill them or leave them to die once they can't help the cause."
"That's smart," Pastellight replied softly, her mind calculating how she was going to get out of this. She had heard now, about the way the Brotherhood worked. Only the strong and loyal survived. Toms took what they wanted, when they wanted, and for the most part males were higher ranked than mollies. Except for Oriole's own kits and of course, Tigress. She wasn't the only Inkclan she-cat who had been... targeted... by Brotherhood warriors. She just had to play it safe and she'd probably get out of this... maybe. "Have you personally ever killed anyone? I'm sure you have- you're absolutely viscous."
"Oh, well. Thank you!" Jack lifted his head proudly and Ego snorted through his nostrils.
"She was clearly talking to me, idiot. No cat in their right mind would ever be afraid of you. You're too scrawny!"
"Oh, but scrawny toms can be underestimated!" Pastellight perked her ears. "They can be sneaky."
"That's right!"
"And big toms- so powerful." She batted her eyelashes at Ego. "I'm sure you could crush my skull with one paw..." she set her tiny paw over his massive foot. "But which of you is stronger, I wonder?..."
"Oh me, for sure!" Ego growled but Jack laughed at him.
"Stronger and slower! Here, I'll show you how quick I am..." he leaped at the his clan-mate and the two toms began to mock fight in front of Stella, the pretty she-cat ogling over every kick and scratch and bite. When she was sure that they were too preoccupied with one another to notice her, she began to creep away. She hadn't gotten so much as a fox-length before Ego called out to her.
"Hey! Where are you going?"
"Oh! W-Why, I was just going to fetch water... after such a battle, you two must be terribly thirsty..." her anxiety began to spike when she noticed neither tom seemed amused by her story. As the two untangled, Pastellight felt her heart pounding in her chest. Jack, she could probably tear to ribbons, but Ego... He really could kill her with one paw. She was hunkered to the ground, ready to fight her way out before she'd let them take her, when a soft, silky purr caught her attention. Windseeker appeared out of the shadows and twisted her way between the two toms, swiping her tail under Jack's pointed chin as she rubbed her head affectionately along Ego's hard jawline.
"Why so hostile, boys?" she purred, twining herself around them. Enthralled by the white and gray tabby she-cat, the two Brotherhood warriors turned their attention to her as she guided them back toward the well. "Why waste your time on a kit like her?... I'm a real warrior. I saw you two fighting- I've never seen so much wit in my life!..." as she walked between them, purring and bumping her hips against their flanks, Pastellight felt her heart aching in her chest. Windseeker was on of the most Inkclan loyal cats in the entire clan- which is why she had stayed at the Manor to protect those who had been trapped in Yellowwasp's web. She had come to her rescue and was placing herself between the two toms and Pastellight... a sacrifice of highest regard. As the three cats disappeared along the hill, Stella felt tears threatening to fall. She took off back toward the direction of one of the pools of water that had yet to freeze. Every hair on her pelt ached with anxiety as she dipped moss-ball after moss-ball into the stinging cold water. She had gathered all she could carry and was turning around when she was met by soft, warm yellow eyes.
"Yarrowpaw," she greeted her half-brother with so much affection it was nearly painful. She dropped her moss and pushed himself into his fur, drinking in his familiar scent.
"Did they hurt you? You smell like fear..." he began to examine her, his eyes carefully taking in every inch of her form. "You look okay..."
"I thought... I thought they were going to..." her voice cut off. "Windseeker saved me."
"Not in time, I'm afraid." His eyebrows furrowed. "Pastellight, why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Tell you... what?" she tilted her head. Yarrowpaw's eyes lit with worry.
"You... you don't know?"
"Know what?"
"You..." his eyes flicked back. "You don't know that you're pregnant?"
Pastellight's world began to spin and she managed to turn her head away in just enough time to vomit the contents of her stomach violently into the snow. Her brother tried to steady her as she began to sob uncontrollably.
"No! I can't have kits here!" she wailed and Yarrowpaw slapped his paw over her mouth.
"Shh! Don't let them hear you... it's all Yellowwasp and Oriole want to breed their Brotherhood into our clan."
"But these kits aren't sired from a Brotherhood tom!"
Yarrowpaw stepped back as if she'd struck him. "No? Stella, then who..."
She looked away and his gaze softened. "You don't have to tell me. I can keep your secret."
"How long can it be one?" she whispered, looking up at him desperately. "It's leaf-bare, the Brotherhood is eating the fields bare... there are hardly any mice left to hunt. Everyone is getting thinner- even me. How long before I'm showing through my fur?... How long until they know... Oh, Yarrowpaw, I can't have my kits here! If Yellowwasp finds out..."
"She won't," he promised, his yellow gaze searing into her own. "I'm going to get you out of here..." he leaned down and grabbed a mouthful of moss. Pastellight, trembling from cold and fear, did the same. She took as many wads of moss into her mouth as she could and began to silently follow her brother back toward the Manor, feeling heavier and heavier with every step she took.
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Post by Treeheart on Jan 5, 2022 3:11:13 GMT -5
(Mah hart 😞 Ma sol)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jan 5, 2022 22:23:49 GMT -5
Abe In the bathroom of the Manor, a tortoiseshell she-cat lifted her head. Squirreltrill's tired sage green eyes brightened when Yarrowpaw and Pastellight entered the den with fresh, dripping wads of moss. "Oh, some water!" she said happily, looking over at the pool that existed in the tub- but what little water that was there was frozen. "Jaggedbriar, Frosthaven, look- the kits have brought us fresh water." "Shhh... keep your voice down, Squirreltrill, please." Yarrowpaw laid the moss at the three elder's paws. Squirreltrill doled off the moss-balls to her companions as Pastellight split off to give some of the refreshing vegetation to Astergrove. "You're Sparrowspots aren't you?" Squirreltrill's distant voice caught Pastellight's attention. She was looking at Yarrowpaw with so much affection and warmth. "Have you seen my mate? She went out hunting..." "She'll be back soon," Yarrowpaw told the old molly gently as he began to clean the dirt out of her fur. "You're a mess, Squirreltrill. I'll clean you up." "That's an apprentice's job," she told him warmly. "Not for a warrior like you, Sparrowspots!" "Oh, well, even warriors have to help out sometimes," he told her with a pang of sympathy in his eyes.
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Post by cowbird on Jan 5, 2022 23:05:18 GMT -5
(kinda have a migraine- so i'll probably have replies by friday when im off!)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jan 19, 2022 5:53:12 GMT -5
(Tiny bump. <3)
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Post by cowbird on Jan 21, 2022 14:20:42 GMT -5
(Turns out i posted the wrong thread xD)
Chris
Jaggedbriar was silent as she lowered her muzzle to the wet moss. She couldnt bring herself to drink, not when fear seemed to be the only thing she could feel. The elders had been essentially forgotten as Yellowwasp took over the Manor but Jaggedbriar wasnt worried about her being cared for- she was blind yes but no newborn fawn and could very well live off of whatever she could. Yet despite that, she could sense just how dark the aura had become. The sound of kits rolling in the snow had vanished. The apprentices minus Yarrowpaw were all gone. Even Squirreltrill, usually oblivious to most things, had been rather somber lately, her ramblings more off the hook and erratic. She suppressed a sigh as Yarrowpaw brushed past her and nudged Astergrove.
The clan’s oldest cat was as frail as ever. Her eyes were dull, her already thin frame nearly skeletal as she shifted and Jaggedbriar winced as she heard the brittle crack of bones as the old she-cat moved around to purr rustily at the young medicine cat. “Why thank you, little Joy,” she rasped.
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Post by Goldenstar on Jun 1, 2022 22:24:41 GMT -5
The sun was only just beginning to rise as Yarrowpaw led his sister further and further away from the Manor. He stopped short of the inside of town and he nestled deeply into her dreamscicle fur. "You remember what I told you? About the herbs to take?"
Pastellight was trembling as she took the bundle of herbs he had prepared for her journey and she nodded slowly. She looked deeply into her younger brother's eyes and reached out a paw to cup his face. "Why don't you come with me?..."
"I'm the only healer in the clan now. Half of the ranks of Inkclan are sick. It could be Greencough, it could be Whitecough. It could just be a common cold. This leafbare was hard and unforgiving and they're all hungry because the Brotherhood has taken and taken and taken all the land can give. If I go too... so many could die. Our elders, our kits... I can't. But you can, Stella. Make it to the Valley. Make it to the Wall. Cloudclan will protect you. You won't kit for another few weeks. You'll make it there before then. You'll need to tell Brightpaw..."
"He may be Brightsomethingelse now..." tears stung her eyes. "What if he's forgotten me?"
"He hasn't." Yarrowpaw smiled at his sister and licked her ear. "No one could forgot about you. Now, take the herbs and..."
"I followed their scent this way!" The distant cry made Pastellight's blood run cold.
"It's Ego!"
"Damn it! They followed us..." alarm crossed Yarrowpaw's face as he turned his back on his sister. He turned back to face her with determination in his eyes. "Scratch me!"
"What?!"
"Stella do it!"
"I don't want..."
"Do it now!"
With tears in her eyes, the molly unsheathed her claws and struck her brother across the face. Blood welled under his left eye and he grit his teeth to keep from yowling. He looked back at her with adoration in his yellow eyes. "Make it to the Valley," he told her as he turned on his paws and raced off back toward Inkclan. Her heart pounding, Pastellight gathered up the herb bundle in her mouth then bolted into the bustle of the city just as pale, orange dawn light began to leak across the buildings and flood the street with color.
Yarrowpaw had made sure to roll around in dirt and mess up his fur before he met the scout patrol at the crest of the hill before the city. He found himself staring into Oriole's one amber eyes- the Brotherhood leader flanked on either side by Ego and Killian- one of the Brotherhood's most decorated and aggressive warriors.
"Yellowwasp is in labor," Oriole snarled. "And when we went to fetch our medicine cat, he was nowhere to be seen! You and your sister trying to sneak off, I see? Where is she?"
"I was following her!" Yarrowpaw snapped, his paws trembling. "I went to check on her this morning because she was complaining of an earache and she wasn't anywhere in the mansion. I followed her scent- just as you did- and found her sleeping under that pine tree..." he flicked his ears toward a lonely pine. "I told her she couldn't just leave- that you all would find her- and she attacked me..." he winced a bit, remembering the sting of his sister's claws as they caught him under his eye socket. "But I'm just a medicine cat apprentice. I have virtually no warrior training... I hit my head on the trunk and when I woke up, I tried to follow her but her scent is lost in the city. I can't track her for the smell of human reek. I'm sorry... I didn't mean to fail you..." he lowered his head then immediately lifted again. "Yellowwasp's kits are coming?! We must go now!" he took off hurriedly back toward the Manor, making sure to fake a limp as he went. With suspicious eyes, Oriole and Ego followed. Killian, however, didn't seem to believe the tom's story. He sniffed at the ground, realizing that Pastellight's fear scent was fresh. He snarled through gritted teeth then turned on his paws and followed up the hill after his party. He would report to Yellowwasp later.
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Post by Treeheart on Jun 1, 2022 23:57:04 GMT -5
(Ma heart... ma soul...)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jun 9, 2022 2:05:03 GMT -5
(Gonna update some posts here tomorrow. <3)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jun 10, 2022 12:12:38 GMT -5
Yarrowpaw woke with a jump when Leech prodded the young tom's side. His ribs were still aching from the beating he'd gotten from Oriole. He hardly remembered the days before at all until it came to him in a flood of unpleasant memories. Him silently packing traveling herbs for Stella. Her escape. His sacrifice. Being escorted back to the Manor with haste. Yellowwasp's long and bloody labor. And then his trial once the kits were born. Her eyes were still dull from exhaustion when she called the clan to meeting. Her kits were squealing for her milk as she had Yarrowpaw tell his story- again. Killian had spoken up and said he found the tale didn't make any sense and had addressed the scent of milk on the breeze. Yarrowpaw had refused to admit that Pastellight had been carrying kits but neither Oriole nor Tigress or Yellowwasp believed his denial. He was found guilty of treason and had been beaten in front of the entire clan within an inch of his life before having to deal with his own wounds since there was no other medicine cat to aid him. And then he'd been forbade from ever leaving the inside of the Manor. He had an assistant now. Lolly was her name- an odd she-cat without a tail that sported pink and purple tabby stripes on her legs. Yarrowpaw had been surprised to find she was rather kind.
Yarrowpaw was drawn from his thoughts when Leech prodded him again and this time he hit a sore spot. The young apprentice huffed in pain and forced himself to his battered paws. Despite the bruises on his ribs, the worst injury was to his face. He had a deep gash under his left eye that had swollen the lids shut and burned like fury. Lolly was helping him take good care of it but Yarrow was almost certain his vision would be impaired in that eye forever. He tried not to think about it.
"What do you need? Someone have a thorn in their pad again?" he grumbled and Leech rolled his eyes at him.
"Mind your tone, young buck. Yellowwasp is introducing the clan to her kits. She's given them names."
"Charming."
"And there are a few more announcements. Come quickly. She's in a good mood. Let's keep it that way." Leech left without a word and Lolly came loyally to the tom's side, letting herself be Yarrowpaw's crutch as he limped toward the front of the house.
The gathered mass of Inkclan and Brotherhood warriors made Yarrowpaw sick to his stomach. While the Brotherhood were fit, lean and muscular, most of the Inkclan cats looked like husks of their former selves. The elders were thin as twigs- as they were treated in low priority under Yellowwasp's law. Leaders and deputies ate first- to stay strong and able to lead their clan. Then Queens and kits held priority. Then healthy, strong warriors were given the highest selections of food. Then apprentices. Elders and medicine cats ate last.
Yarrowpaw's heart dropped as he saw Windseeker trying to sit proudly as she was among the queens. He knew she had become a favorite of the Brotherhood under false pretenses of loyalty. Her one and only concern was only to keep her true clan safe... and she had given everything to do so.
Yellowwasp cleared her throat from the counter and the idle chatter stopped. Beside her, Oriole and Tigress were standing tall and proud.
"Cats of Inkclan!" the yellow molly cried. "I have brought to you wonderful news! My kits are strong and healthy and I wanted to introduce them to you and tell you their names."
A ripple of warmth spread through the crowd, mostly fake from Inkclan but enthusiastic and excited from the Brotherhood. First, Yellowwasp picked up a small golden kit with black markings and lifted him high. Once the cries of approval had fallen, she set him back at her paws.
"My first born and my only son! Cheetahkit!"
"Cheetah! Welcome little prince!"
"My second born..." she lifted up a nicely inked gray-brown molly before setting her back down. "Cinderkit!"
"Cinderkit! A fine name."
"And the last..." Yellowwasp lifted up a striking black she-cat with brilliant pale gray and yellow inking. She set her back down. "Sparkkit!"
"Sparkkit! A wonderful name!"
"Look at these faces. Learn their names! They will be the future of this clan... Oh, and speaking of futures..." her eyes darted to where the queens were gathered. Windseeker kept her head held high but the two beside her- much to Yarrowpaw's horror, he saw Willowwood and Snowphoenix- had their heads lowered. "Inkclan has three new queens! Praise them! Say their names! For with their births will come the next, new generations of Manor-born warriors! Each generation stronger than the last."
As cries echoed through the Manor, Yarrowpaw met Lolly's odd, pink and purple eyes and saw only regret and horrible uncertainty swirling in their depths. The young medicine cat felt shivers racing up his spine as he closed his eyes. He sent a prayer up to Starclan, up to their ancestors. He hoped Islandfawn was able to hear him. And maybe, just maybe, she could send word to their family which was safe in Cloud Valley.
We need you... Oh, Starclan... help us!
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Post by Goldenstar on Jun 10, 2022 12:14:38 GMT -5
~Cheetahkit(Cheetahlash)- tom. || Yellowwasp and Sandstrike's son. Brother to Cinderfern and Sparkspot. || Goldenstar. ||
~Cinderkit(Cinderfern)- she-cat. || Yellowwasp and Sandstrike's daughter. Sister to Cheetahlash and Sparkspot. || Goldenstar. ||
~Sparkkit(Sparkpool)- she-cat. || Yellowwasp and Sandstrike's daughter. Sister to Cheetahlash and Cinderfern. || Goldenstar. ||
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Post by cowbird on Jun 10, 2022 13:34:01 GMT -5
(Just some updates to add to the InkClan occupation drama)
As the cats from InkClan, both rogue and Clanborn, disapated from the meeting, Mole bounded off he hunk of wood he was sitting on and trotted over to a small she-cat who sat daintily, her tail wrapped around her paws. She had a stoic, rather unreadable look to her gaze, a look not dissimilar to the eyes of many of the Brotherhood as they stalked about the Manor. "Hey Song," Mole muttered, rolling his shoulders confidently as he reached this smaller cat. Song turned her blank stare towards him and twitched an ear in acknowlegement.
"The kits...er, look great".
"Yes, Yellowwasp's kits will great warriors."
"Perfect additions to the Bro- the Clan. Great additions to the Clan," Mole stuttered, his eyes flickering between she-cat and the cats who were off in the distance.
For a moment, Song simply stared at him. There was a silence between them before she gave a small nod of her head and almost as if walking on clouds, slinking out of the nearest exit. Casting one final look to see if any cat saw him, Mole less gracefully scrambled after her.
... "Snowphoneix is expecting kits?! With one of these hooligans? Id never thought she'd betray her clan like this!" Jaggedbriar stumbled into her nest with the help of her denmates, her paws sore from the little movement she could do, but her scathing tongue and ferocity of spirit never fading despite the horrid conditions the elders had been forced into. Her blind eyes flashed as she crouched in the shadows of her nest. "She's a traitor like the rest of them! I hope StarClan has no place for such low-lives like them!" she spat.
... Furze snorted to herself as she slunk back into the nursery, her tail twitching irritabily as she curled up in the dark shade of her nest. "Not sure why my kits werent presented to the clan," she muttered as she leaned protectively over her own brood. Just a quarter moon before Yellowwasp had kitted, Furze, who had been heavily expecting herself when The Brotherhood took over the Manor, had delivered her own but besides her overbearing mate Adonis coming to dot on them, none of the others seem too excited for her's- at least not to the point where they cheered for Yellowwasp's parasitical offspring.
The three of Furze's huddled together, breathing in harmony almost as they rested in their mother's warmth. Splinter was her eldest, a ginger tom with a brown stripe on his back and tail. He looked nearly identical to his father- so much that one could even say Furze herself hadnt birthed him. The two other were gray- the second a paler gray with darker paws that she named Lardella and the third and smallest a dark gray tom she decided to name Fluff. The she-cat felt a flash of satisfaction as she recalled standing her ground with Leech over the naming of her kits. They maybe part of this InkClan nonsense, but as far as Furze was concerned, The Brotherhood ruled this place and they hadnt changed for anyone- not even when Oriole took control. She wasnt about to adapt to foolish names just because they did.
"Dont you worry, little ones," the scarred gray queen murmured as she gently lapped the kits squirming gently as her bosom. "You'll be far more special than any of these snake-hearts combined. The Brotherhood will survive with you."
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Post by cowbird on Jun 10, 2022 13:52:22 GMT -5
Splinter- ginger tom with dark brown stripe along his spine. || Son of Furze and Adonis. Brother of Lardella and Fluff/Stormwing.|| cowbird.||
Lardella- light gray tabby she-cat with darker paws. || Daughter of Furze and Adonis. Sister to Splinter and Fluff/Stormwing. ||
Fluff/Stormkit (Stormwing)- thick fur as soft as duckling fuzz, dark gray tom pale blue eyes. || Son of Furze and Adonis. Brother to Splinter and Lardella. || Kit/Warrior. ||
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Post by Goldenstar on Jun 22, 2022 2:45:03 GMT -5
(Leaving these here for Abe but then I'm gonna drop a few random threads for anyone. <3)
"How can you believe that?!" Blackwood's hiss was a whisper as the tom followed the Elders back into the bathroom, a scrawny mouse hanging from his jaws. He set the meager prey down and offered it to Squirreltrill- who shook her head and pushed it away. "Phin would never betray the clan! She was forced into creating those kits. So were Willowwood and Windseeker."
"What will her poor others think?" this was the soft, gentle voice of Blackwood's mother- Deerfreckle. The timid she-cat crept into the Elder's Den with another pathetic creature- a very tiny lark. She set it down at Jaggedbriar's paws and Blackwood began to pick the feathers off of it for the older cats. "When Droppaw and Twigpaw come back... their mother, who didn't leave with them, will have another litter. Oh, their little hearts will be broken..." tears welled in Deerfreckle's eyes. "Oh, I miss Pineblade so much."
"He'll be back soon," Blackwood told his mother softly. "The others are coming back."
"Why would they?" Squirreltrill, her eyes distant, looked away. "Why should they."
"Because we are their clan!" Blackwood hissed as he pushed the now-plucked bird over toward Jaggedbriar and motioned for the ancient cat to eat. "Joystar would never truly abandon us. They will come. We cannot lose faith now... Jaggedbriar, eat. I know it's not what I wish I could bring you but... prey is prey." ~ "Furze?" into the nursery came one of Oriole's kits- Phantompaw. He held a healthy baby rabbit in his jaws and he dropped it at the queen's paws and dipped his head respectfully. "I'm glad you're awake still. The rabbit is fresh. How are the kits?" he asked, leaning forward to sniff the little bundles. Phantom wasn't like a lot of his siblings. He had a soft heart and didn't mistreat cats like so many of the Brotherhood did. He was interested in herbs but every-time he tried to learn from Yarrowpaw, his father would nearly tear his ears to pieces. So he had defaulted to fetching prey for the queens. "Do you need some water?"
"It's been nearly six moons since we took the Manor!" Oriole had Yellowwasp on the porch outside, his lips drawn back in a snarl. "This is not what we agreed. You promised us that if we helped you drive out Inkclan, you would help us take over Golden Park. The Brotherhood was never meant to become a clan. We were never meant to rule under you, Yellowwasp. We were supposed to be a team. I heard you call us 'Waspclan' the other day. I am not your subject!" he spat and Yellowwasp rolled her eyes. "I left Goldenclan and the traditions of the clans behind me. I didn't trade one shitty leader for another."
"Mind your tongue!" Yellowwasp snarled. "Without me, your sickly apprentice-aged kits would have died moons ago when they had Whitecough. It was my medicine cats that cured them. What kind of idiot leads a code-less, banner-less, rule-less group of rogues without a healer?!"
"We had a deal!" Oriole snapped again, his face only an inch from Yellowwasp's own. "I'm giving you one moon, Yellowwasp. One moon to keep your word and help us take out Tundrastar... or I'm withdrawing the Brotherhood from the Manor. That leaves you, and only you, with your three kits and a group of nomadic Inkclaners that hate you. They'll kill you. And leave your pretty three children with their brains smeared on the concrete."
For a moment, fear settled into Yellowwasp's heart. Not for herself... but for her kits. She looked away, her tail lashing in anger. She knew he was right. Without the Brotherhood... Yellowwasp would fail. She couldn't have that. There was too much on the line. She looked up, meeting Oriole's gaze.
"Two seasons ago, a litter of my kits froze to death on the shore because we didn't have adequate shelter for the Brothers. Golden Park has everything my kin need to survive. I'm only doing what you are- I'm protecting my children."
Yellowwasp held Oriole's stare and she nodded. "Very well. We train the apprentices twice as hard. We regroup the Warriors and teach them brutality. Come next moonhigh... we'll march on Golden Park."
"Thank you," Oriole finally put away his yellowed fangs. "And you are sure that the rest of Inkclan won't be coming back?"
"No, they won't. Joystar is pathetic and weak... the majority of them left. We have the scraps, really," Yellowwasp replied with a wicked gleam in her eyes. "There are too many cats here now. The Brotherhood has numbers nearing a hundred. Inkclan has never, and will never, equate to anything that size. They are weak and simple minded. Everything is as we planned, my friend. Next moon, we take Golden Park. And then the town is ours to rule. Side by side." She extended her paw and Oriole offered her a slimy smile as he shook it.
"Side by side."
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"There's definitely at least two," Yarrowpaw, looking exhausted, told Tigress as he ran his paw across her flank. Beside her, Leech was standing with his head held high and pride. Part of Leech's agreement as co-leader of the Brotherhood was that he got to sire at least one litter from Tigress. He had been trying for moons with no luck but now, sure enough unborn kits squirmed inside Tigress's belly and Yarrowpaw could tell from the disgusted look on the Molly's face that she wasn't happy they were Leech's spawn. The medicine cat apprentice nodded.
"Drink lots of water and stay off your paws. Congratulations. The Brotherhood is blessed."
Tigress nodded at him and she and Leech headed for the porch to tell Yellowwasp and Oriole the good news.
Lolly, Yarrowpaw's assistant, furrowed her eyebrows as she brought over herbs to apply to his injured eye. "It doesn't work, you know."
"Hm?" Yarrowpaw murmured, wincing as she applied a poultice to the still-open wound. "What doesn't?"
"What they're doing. Oriole and Tigress... and Leech, I guess... are trying to breed an army. But they don't understand that a clan can't run on one type of blood. Eventually, they will run out of cats to breed with that aren't kin. Then the Brotherhood will fall to ruin. That's what happened to the rogue group I was born in. We were all too-closely related because the leader pair only bred with each-other and would pick and choose who could mate with their offspring. But then we were all related in the end and it... you know. It doesn't go well. It doesn't work."
Yarrowpaw met the she-cat's odd colored eyes and Lolly looked away. "My mother... she was also my cousin. Or my sister? Half? I don't remember. But anyway... I was born with my tail folded inward and my paws were bowed. They left me in the alley to die."
"Oh my Stars..."
"Then the two-legs found me. I remember the first group wasn't very nice. They put things that burned in my fur and it's why I'm pink and purple now... and then I got out of there and a nice man took me and he took me to a human healer and the healer took my tail. It hurt very badly my entire life so it wasn't a loss really. And they worked with my so my paws didn't bow anymore. And then they gave me to a nice woman who took care of me for a long time... until Oriole found me and asked me to join. But I didn't know it was going to be like this."
"You could still leave, Lolly. Go back and find your nice human."
"No... I can't. Oriole doesn't let you. You either die in the Brotherhood or die because of it." She looked away and was quiet for some time. "Yarrowpaw?"
"Yes, Lolly?"
"Do you think that your mother will come?"
"I know she will."
"When she does..." Lolly lowered her voice. "Do you think she'll let me stay?..."
"I'll talk to her. We'll see." Yarrowpaw offered a small smile. "Can you go gather some herbs for me?"
"Sure."
"I'm going to go check on Windseeker and the other queens. Bye, Lolly. I'll see you soon."
Yarrowpaw turned to head back into the living room to tend to the expecting mollies while Lolly turned on her paws and exited the Manor through the hole in the door- unaware that ever-vigilant ears had heard every word she said.
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(Feel free to add in/interact with anyone!)
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Post by cowbird on Jun 22, 2022 17:29:47 GMT -5
Chrisssss
(I just love these. Yarrowpaw is so sweet, my heart aches for him trying to keep his clan together in all this.)
Jaggedbriar growled fiercely as she shifted her sightless eyes towards where Blackwood’s voice was wafting from. Young cats think they know everything! “I can believe and say what I want!” the old cat snapped, twitching her nose at the meager prey that was pushed to her paws. The meeting had sapped the already failing appetite the elder did have and with a grunt she pawed the flesh to the nest over- where Astergrove crouched. The Manor’s oldest cat was now its weakest- hardly ever speaking or eating. The Inked elder was dying and it was clear to everyone who saw her. But Jaggedbriar wasn't ready to lose her Clanmate… her friend just yet. Her rough tone suddenly softened and the blind elder comfortingly drew her tail along the ailing queen’s spine, coaxing her to take a bit.
Distracted only momentarily, Jaggedbriar flicked her tail towards Blackwood and Deerfreckle. “It may be true that they are not traitors and only are doing what they can to keep living,” the elder rasped. “But what will their clanmates think when Joystar makes her return?” She kept her voice low, remembering the near omnipresence of The Brotherhood in their home now. “Will they understand the sacrifices you claim they made when they will bear half-Clan- rogue kits? Especially after we sent many of our strongest warriors to spend the better part of a year in the Valley for the sole purpose that we boost our population with cats of honorable blood?”
… Furze nearly hissed as the apprentice bent low to sniff at her kits, but the matted queen simply resorted to narrowing her eyes. Phantompaw was the oddball out of his litter. As a matter of fact, among the nearly countless kits Oriole and Tigress had, he was still the… weirdest. Far more reserved and gentle, he lacked the fire of his father or the manipulative tendencies of his mother. And while Furze was often annoyed with the leaders of The Brotherhood, she was much more wary of the ones who seemed to go against the grain. Those were always the deadliest.
“Er… no,” Furze replied, eyeing the smaller tom with a suspicious yellow glare. “They are doing fine, thank you very much.” She circled around them tighter as she looked at the prey besides her nest. “Thanks,” she mewed shortly, nodding towards the rabbit and hoping the apprentice would get the point and leave. Yet the nursery entrance shook again and Furze couldnt help but groan at the sound of the intruder.
“Phantompaw?” the gruff mew of Beaver sounded towards them and shifting over to look around the apprentice, the great dark brown tom’s shape took form. His stoic eyes peered down at the nest of kits as he spoke. “I thought Oriole told you and your brother’s to train?”
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Post by cowbird on Jul 1, 2022 9:32:29 GMT -5
For the Plot
(Hey Chris so I was thinking of doing this a while ago. I saw Sandstrike's part in the CloudClan meeting thread so i thought this could finally bounce off perfectly. if its overreaching let me know- we can always annul it ofc)
The brush near the Manor was growing unruly with weeds, grass and wild berries and the sickly sweet scent of these different types of undergrowth seemed to make it rather hard for any cat to detect just what tasty morsel could be hidden among the tangled roots.
It also happened to be a unique place for a cat to hide.
Song had been sent on what felt like the hundredth hunting patrol today alongside Tanner, Heavymoss and Boondocks this time and she was exceptionally happy she had managed to shake off Oriole’s son for this particular patrol. Tanner wasnt the brightest flower in the bush, but what he lacked in comprehension, he very well made up for in sheer brutality. Song winced slightly as she remembered the whirl-causing cuff the dark ginger tom landed her one moment she called him a fox licker. She hadnt backed off completely… but she had made sure to never be within the tom’s striking distance again.
Now with Tanner rustling noisily in the tall grass several fox-lengths away, Song was quick to take advantage of and see if she could catch an unsuspecting vole or two before calling it quits. The sun was beginning to calm down from its midday rage but after a whole day of stalking the new found territory, Song was much more inclined to dive into her nest then go galloping for other prey. And that was the plan for the longest until two familiar, venomous voices from the porch wafted down to the tight brush where Song was stalking. Her quarry, tight with fear, dived behind a root and the apprentice-aged cat hissed in frustration- only for her anger to be frozen when she heard the few strands of conversation that was occurring just a glance above. Horror set into the young cat’s chest. Attack GoldenClan? Straight on?
Song had joined The Brotherhood when she was just a kit, tagging along with her older cousin Beaver after her and Mole’s parents disappeared after a skirmish in their camp. Song didnt remember much about what happened; she was so young and was thrust behind a wall of leaves. All she knew after was Beaver telling them that their folks were no more and that Leech would be their caretaker now. He was a hideous cat even back then and Song had learned fast that her bright and eager persona wouldn't last very long in the group she now found herself in. But The Brotherhood, as vicious as it was, hadn't even formed until Oriole joined and the former GoldenClan cat had this rage in him, this quick to light fire that one paw made him easier to avoid… and on the other almost as deadly as Leech if he did let his malevolent gaze set on you.
Now, as the golden-eyed she-cat crouched frozen as the base of the bushes, she felt a sick sense of unease tumbling around her. The takeover of the Manor was harsh enough- Song couldnt meet the gaze of the massive black tom who sat with the crumbling old cats or the blind elder who’s pale orbs seemed to burn into her pelt. But to send this massive force of deadly cats unto the unsuspecting, unprepared GoldenClan cats? Alas, there was nothing Song could do but wait… and do her part.
Once the voices faded a bit as Oriole and Yellowwasp moved further down the porch, Song, as gently and quietly as possible, pulled herself free from the far end of the bush, her heart racing as she kept her ears perked for anyone approaching. The last thing she needed was to be seen slinking in the bushes. Suspicion from one member was all that was needed to teach Song a lesson. Once free, the smaller cat turned tail to head back to the more open fields when an idea struck her. Behind the Manor, there were far less watchful eyes. No cats were perched facing the woods that way.
The woods towards GoldenClan territory.
“No. Nope, absolutely not,” Song muttered and marched towards the other way. She was witty and could hold her own, but she couldn't risk going behind Oriole’s back and doing something like that… as devious as his plan with the InkClan leader was. The Brotherhood was her home. What loyalty could she dash off for some cats she hardly knew- cats who she was sure if she saw would be much more willing to attack her or worse?
But this is wrong…
Song stopped in her tracks, head down. It was wrong. But wasn't betraying your family even worse? She thought of Beaver and his bulky, stiff form as he followed Leech loyally into everything. He would never understand- he’d actually feel compelled to report her. How could she break his heart, when he was the one who held her and Mole together through the terrible times of their kithood? And Mole himself… the tom meant well. He wasn't loyal to The Brotherhood- not like Beaver was. But he had never admitted it and it had taken Song’s careful watch of her littermate to understand how he felt. He would explode if he knew Song was even thinking of doing this…
Yet was there any other option? She looked back over her shoulder at the porch where the four leaders sat, their backs facing her. They were monsters, willing to hurt anyone in their way of achieving power, in achieving space and safety for their own- and to heck with everyone else. Song didnt know how she was going to get GoldenClan to actually believe her. In all actuality, they had every right not to. But what she did know was that she had a brain and four paws. And that if she didn't at least try, the blood that would run in Golden Park would be on her own accord in some way.
Casting a sweeping glance to ensure she was clear, Song huffed one final breath before silently turning tail and headed into the forest. She had an extra thing to do today after all.
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