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Post by Kit on Aug 10, 2010 3:17:44 GMT -5
A group of cats shuffled through the bushes along the old Thunderpath, the wind whistling through the lightly forested valley and ruffled their fur. Past the open grass just bordering the widely spaced trees a tall rocky figure loomed ahead, bathed in silver moonlight. “Smell any other Clan’s here yet?” A large-set brown tom meowed. “I can’t smell anything over the two-leg crowfood.” An orange tabby she-cat hissed, squinting her eyes against the wind. “It’s certainly perfect territory for PlagueClan though.” “They must not be able to smell or something.” A gold-brown cat with hollow spots whispered to a brown she-cat the same age with black flecks all the way down. “Careful. They might rip your nose off if they overhear you.” The other she-cat, Kestrelflight teased, her whiskers twitching in amusement. Her golden and spotted sister, Jaguarpelt, merely sniffed in dismissal. Signaling with his ear, the large brown tom in the lead headed up the slope to the rock. Instantly the scent of CliffClan and PlagueClan reached her senses. “I don’t see why PlagueClan has suddenly decided to come to Gatherings these last few moons.” Kestrelflight meowed uncertainly as they neared. “Who knows, just beware.” A large brown and white tom meowed, brushing his white tail along her flank. “As if you need to tell me.” She meowed. Coming up the rocks, Kestrelflight instantly spotted three CliffClan apprentices she knew too well. “Well, if it isn’t the little kitty who flew!” The only she-cat of the group sneered. “Nice to see you too, Harpiecry.” Kestrelflight mewed tautly, making it a point to pass her by. “They’re nice as ever.” A she-cat meowed alongside her. Kestrelflight turned her gaze to a small, black she-cat with long black fur that fluffed up everywhere. Her eyes were a tawny gold and she had no tail, though nothing had happened to it. That was just how it was. “Friendly as a fox in a fit.” Kestrelflight meowed in agreement. The small black apprentice was Roadpaw, who was about four moons behind her. The she-cat was looking forward to earning her warriors name in the next moon or two. “Why don’t we go see the elders? I’m sure Flameflight’s re-telling his ‘amazing adventure’ to everyone for the millionth time.” “I’m more interested in Ravenfeather’s war stories!” Roadpaw meowed immediately, trotting ahead. Following, Kestrelflight sat down a tail-length away and was soon joined by a black she-cat with white-tipped ears. “Greetings, Kestrelflight.” “Rockshadow! How are you?” Kestrelflight greeted happily. “Good. I see StarClan has blessed us with a nice, clear night. Not a cloud in the sky.” Rockshadow added. “Any sign of MarshClan yet?” Kestrelflight shook her head. “No, but I’m sure they’ll be here soon.”
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Post by yaminochi on Aug 10, 2010 3:37:48 GMT -5
Shadows danced across the ground of the unclaimed valley territory. Large fern and fir trees sat spread out across the windy night covered land. The trees were just thick enough that it left no inch of the land with out spotted shadows. A light green like hue filled the thin forested valley with an almost eerie glow and the constant wind made it nearly impossible to smell any thing other than the cats at the gathering and the slight stench of the sap.
Unheard paw steps moved around the ground as the shadows swayed across the floor of the forest. A group of unseen night stalkers moved silently, following closely behind and down wind of a group of otter like cats. Darting from shadow to shadow, using the movements of the shadow across the ground created by the heavy breezes of the valley, the black figures moved unseen, matching their movement perfectly to the constant sway of the night covered ground.
The stopped at the edge, continuing to watch in pure silence as they moved up into the trees, remaining hidden in the foliage and shadows. The smell of the ferns and fir masking their scent as they sat still, glowing eyes watching, observing.
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Post by Kit on Aug 10, 2010 3:49:04 GMT -5
Kestrelflight picked up the scent of tangy fish and water scent before ever seeing the cats first. MarshClan is here... She noted silently, noticing the other cats around her smelled it too. After a long moment long, sleek cats appeared, streaking through the unclaimed territory. A large ginger tom stopped as the large brown cat from her own group approached. "I hope we are not late." The ginger tom meowed, looking up at the moon as it waxed towards its zenith. "Not at all." The brown tom, Bearstar meowed, the cats departing towards different areas. The deputies were gathered together talking while the medicine cats and their apprentices gathered at the foot of the leader's peak, talking like excited kits. Kestrelflight turned her attention back to the group before her. "By the way, I haven't seen or heard any trace of Peakstar tonight. She is here, right?" Kestrelflight asked, looking to Rockshadow. The she-cat flattened her ears slightly. "Don't worry, everything will be explained." Was the only thing Rockshadow offered before getting to her paws and padding away. Kestrelflight looked after her questioningly before shrugging and looking back to the group of cats. She listened to the elders ramble on about their 'young' days before the leaders headed toward the leader's peak. "Looks like the Gathering's 'bout to start..." Ravenfeather, a large black elder tom meowed. He was the largest cat of all the Clan's, some cats even said he was part dog due to his massive size.
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Post by yaminochi on Aug 10, 2010 4:01:37 GMT -5
Just as the leaders had reached the peak, the shadows of the forest moved, silently, letting them self's come into view as the exited the unclaimed valley. At the lead of the small group that consisted of at most 15 cats, most of which were young, was a young male who looked like he couldn't be more than 8 to 9 moons old. Orange spots sat across his sides, orange stripes across his back and flame like markings across the side of his face. Two-toned red and blue eyes glowed as the light hit them just right, he walked bravely, not scared of the gathering of cats. He knew he had no reason to be. The other cats how ever seems on edge, not jumpy, but they didn't let their prowling stature fade. Even in plain site they seemed to nearly blend into the ground, most holding the same spotted marks with only a few holding the stripes along their back like the one seeming to be leading them.
They smelled that of the valley, fur holding slight hints of shine where small amounts of sap had set it self to shine like wax across their fur. They just inside the meeting around, seeming to take in the reactions of the other felines before they would decide to move forwards once more.
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Post by Kit on Aug 10, 2010 4:05:10 GMT -5
The Clan cats took quick notice of the strange cats, bristling warily, though they didn't dare to make a move on them. All the cats eyes were filled with suspicion, sizing up the group of cats tensely. Whispers traveled like wildfire, of things like 'who are they', 'why are they here', 'what do they want'? "You there!" Bearstar spoke, his voice commanding and terse. "Who are you?"
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Post by yaminochi on Aug 10, 2010 4:13:36 GMT -5
The one leading spoke, voice nearly that of a purr. "We are Twilight clan." he meowed, tail twitched behind him as he moved forwards.
The group followed his example, as they grew close their size became apparent. Large, lean built with a thin muscular form. Each was at least almost as big as the two leaders, Bearstar and Bigstar, yet despite this size their paw steps were left unheard as they moved across the ground to stop just before the groups.
"My name is Bramblefire, we thought this would be the best time to introduce our self's. We have been among the shadows of the valley for 2 moons now." he purred once more in explanation.
Bramblefire, he was obviously the more brave of the clan, and his calm, asserted, yet respectful tone showed he was also the least timid at the moment. He stood an inch or two taller than the rest of his clan, the inside of is ears a bright yellow which faded at it reached to tip. His fur holding a slick shine like the rest of his clan.
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Post by Kit on Aug 10, 2010 4:22:34 GMT -5
"Twilightclan?" A cat repeated from the rocky clearing. "What is this, a joke?" "You realize," A cream she-cat splashed with red growled from the Leaders' rock, lashing her tail angrily "...that this place is sacred as is this night. And you..." She swept her gaze over the new set of cats before fixing it on the one who called himself Bramblefire. "...you intruders aren't welcome here!" She finished with a hiss.
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Post by yaminochi on Aug 10, 2010 4:25:18 GMT -5
"Intruders, that seems a bit rash. If I'm correct the valley hadn't been claimed by any one yet, and as we are a clan, does that not make us incline to take part in this gathering?" he questioned, not backing down from her growling and taunts.
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Post by Kit on Aug 10, 2010 5:03:44 GMT -5
"A clan?" A young white and orange-flecked she-cat, Harpiecry sniffed. "Throw any rag-tag group of rogues together and they call themselves a clan!" A light gray MarshClan tom, Quicksplash, sneered. "Look at their 'leader'! He's barely above apprentice age!" A dark brown tabby elder scoffed, shaking her head. "They're nothing but oversized kits playing pretend!" PlagueClan's single elder, Mouse-ear agreed. The white and amber she-cat yowled for silence and turned her gaze on the new cats. "If you are so entitled to this gathering, then you would know what it means and why it came to be. Tell us, oh great Twilightclan." She challenged in a sneering tone, narrowing her eyes on them.
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Post by yaminochi on Aug 10, 2010 5:16:32 GMT -5
The cat let out a displeased sound. "Fine, if you do not wish us to be here, we will leave. How ever realize. The Valley is ours." with this claim placed the group turned, blending perfectly into the ground they moved across with out a sound and if any had split off to stay and spy on the gathering, it would be completely unknown that they had.
They made their way back to camp, realizing if they were to gain the respect they wish for as a clan they would need to show just how much of a force they were.
"Send out 8 to patrol the borders, two for each side of the land. The rest of us will go hunting. " Bramblefire muttered, seeming rather displeased with the outcome of the introductions.
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Post by Kit on Aug 18, 2010 11:10:13 GMT -5
KIT: "...pff...TwilightClan..." an orange tabby, Bengalband snorted. "Whoever heard of such nonsense?" A chorus of chatter broke out along the Clan cats, many unhappy or hostile. Kestrelflight turned her attention to her sister, Jaguarpelt. "What do you think?" "Who cares? Rogues are rogues, no matter what they say." Jaguarpelt dismissed. "If it comes to a fight, I'll be ready!" Roadpaw meowed excitedly from a few tail-lengths away, before a large, sleek white tom pushed her to settle down. "Quiet. Interruptions or not, a gathering is still a gathering." He reminded sternly. Sniffing petulantly, Roadpaw sat down as she was told while the leaders silenced their Clans. "Despite these current events the Gathering will go on as usual." Bearstar called. After a few moments, the talking finally quieted down again. Bearstar, being ahead of the other leaders already, took the chance to speak first. "CanopyClan is doing well so far. Ever since the rampant attacks on our camp by Ku-chree'hsu, and his defeat by one of our newest warriors..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over to Kestrelflight. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Kestrelflight ducked between Jaguarpelt and the white tom, Whitelion, hoping the other Clans didn't see her bristling with embarrassememt over such praise. "...we are happy to say our kits are healthy and boisterous again with the looming threat now gone. Prey is still plenty this year, even with Leaf-fall beginning, and our Clan is as strong as ever." Stepping back, he motioned for the next leader to take over. "Lucky..." Jaguarpelt hissed in a whisper. "What it must feel like to be recognized like that by every Clan!" "It feels awkward..." Kestrelflight admitted. "Hush!" Zebrapelt, one of their Clan's senior warriors hissed. The white and red-splashed she-cat stood up next, a quiet murmur breaking out among the Clan's. "I have grave news to report. Peakstar, our valliant leader, has passed on to our warrior ancestor's hunting grounds." She meowed. "However, I am ready now to take over as Clan leader, as I have always been since Peakstar chose me as deputy." She reported seriously. Kestrelflight remembered that just a few moons earlier, Echocry had been CliffClan's deputy, but when it was discovered she was bearing kits, she was forced to step down. That was when Peakstar chose Amberfang, one of CliffClan's senior warriors. Amberfang was fierce, and the only thing sharper than her claws was her tongue. Despite that, Amberfang was fiercely loyal and followed the warrior code to a tee. There were few cats that did not respect her. Peakstar made a good choice. Kestrelflight thought silently. "From now on, I am no longer Amberfang. I am Amberstar." Amberstar declared strongly. "Amberstar! Amberstar!" The cats cheered, welcoming her as CliffClan's new leader. Amberstar stepped away and Bigstar took her place. "It is indeed sad to hear of a leader's death like that, but with it, a new leader brings a new age and new promise to their Clan. I know that Peakstar will be greatly missed, and not just by CliffClan. MarshClan is eating well, even as the salmon retreat from our territory this season. The wild dogs have been making more appearances at our fence-border near the Thunderpath, but so far nothing bad has resulted. Even so, all Clan's should be extra cautious. Leaf-bare will make them hungrier and bolder." With this Bigstar stepped back and PlagueClan's leader, Stormstar, stepped up. "PlagueClan is doing well. Our prey is running and the Two-legs have stopped bothering us." As Stormstar mentioned prey, several howls of protest rang out. "More like stole prey!" Roadpaw hissed, unsheathing gleaming white claws and jumping up. "Roadpaw, sit down! This is a Gathering, so sheath your claws." Whitelion ordered. Roadpaw looked longingly over at the PlagueClan cars, wishing she could dig her claws through their mangy pelts, but reluctantly sat down. "Well, if that's all. I believe this meeting is over." Stormstar purred, jumping down and leading his Clan away. With a last look to each other, the other leaders jumped down as well and started leading their own Clans away.
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Post by Kit on Aug 18, 2010 11:31:22 GMT -5
YAMINOCHI: Two shadows moved through the grass as the gathering drew to an end. Making their way unseen they moved into the valley and towards the camp where the hunters were just starting to return with prey. Sitting among some of the older members of his newly self-proclaimed Clan, Bramblefire spoke about things to come. "Bramblefire." Two cats with pure black fur other than a few very small and dim orange dots meowed as they ran up. "Shadowpaw, Rosethorn, seems you were successful. Any news to report?" "Yes, it seems their leaders have the part 'star' at the end of their names...and this PlagueClan, they seem to be disliked." Bramblefire nodded slightly. "So they have a leader selected? How does this come about?" He mused slightly, seeming curious. "Well it seems that when their leader dies, the next in line, which is chosen by the leader, becomes the..." Rosethorn was interrupted as one of the patrols ran up. "One of the Clan's has made it's way into the valley. What should we do, let them be?" "No, we will gain no respect from them should we just let them be. This is our territory, so if they wish to pass, they will ask us for it. Everyone able to fight, come along. We will circle around them before making ourselves known." Bramblefire spoke so that each Clan member would hear his words. With this said they moved, slipping into the shadows and moving together along the valley. The scent of the marsh was a dead giveaway. They circled around the MarshClan cats, moving through the shadows until they made a perfect circle of thirteen cats before suddenly standing and allowing the shadows to seemingly drop from them. Bramblefire, just as before, was the first to speak. "Did we not say this was our territory?" he hissed in warning, the other cats giving light growls and hisses as they stepped around the group, not leaving any room for escape.
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Post by Kit on Aug 18, 2010 11:40:39 GMT -5
KIT: Bigstar raised his tail for his warriors to halt, shooting one a warning glance as they growled and unsheathed their claws. Turning back toward Bramblefire, he held the tom's gaze evenly. "Rogues have no territory or territory boundaries." Bigstar stated simply. "And you have no right to hold us from our own territory. We've been travelling this routesince our Clan's came to be and we will continue to use it." He said, letting the veiled threat show just enough that Bramblefire and his group would pick up on it. As if reinforcing this, the large tom slid his claws out, obviously ready to fight if needed but not taking the first swipe. Looking his adversary over, they were matched in overall size, but Bearstar had many long seasons of experience and strength. Between the two of them, Bigstar knew he was more likely to win a one-on-one match against this cat, and he had several other seasoned warriors on his side that stood a good chance as well.
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Post by Kit on Aug 18, 2010 11:54:03 GMT -5
YAMINOCHI: "We are a Clan, not rogues. We have been a Clan for many generations, just not in this area. Just because we know little of your customs and history doesn't mean we are not a Clan. We have claimed this area as our own. If you wish to pass through, you will ask and we will escort you." He hissed back. Now they stood at full height, each cat's claws ready should someone get hasty and attack. Two of the cats moved over them, above the MarshClan cats in a fir tree. They had the advantage of night and that this was there own territory. The shadows made them hard to see even as they loomed a several mouse-lengths higher than most of the MarshClan cats, except for Bigstar and perhaps a couple others. Not only that but they had MarshClan completely surrounded, from the circle around them, ready to attack should MarshClan not agree to ask for passage through, the the two cats above, claws ready, eyes watching the leader closely. "We do not wish to start a fight, but we will not tolerate any disrespect."
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Post by Kit on Aug 18, 2010 12:11:14 GMT -5
KIT: "Then go be a Clan elsewhere!" A cloudy gray tom hissed. "Quicksplash!" Bigstar snapped, slapping his tail over the young cat's mouth to silence him. The orange tabby leader turned his attention to a cream and white tabby she-cat and younger Calico and white tom. Both had the scent of herbs, the hint of something sour, and the smell of stale sickness - though obviously not their own sickness - on their pelts. "Skippool, Pebblepaw, take Redshoulder and Darkriver back to camp." He meowed. "Prepare your den as well. Just in case." He added the last part as he turned to face Bramblefire once more. The tabby she-cat nodded her head and directed a pair of cats toward the edge of the circle in the direction of their own territory. Both cats were much older than any of the other cats there, one of them a husky light ginger tom with an old, jagged scar down one shoulder and a heavy limp. The other was a scrawny blue-gray she-cat with countless scars from battles long past, while one eye was clouded over so she could no longer see out of it. "I expect even your band of...cats..." He paused as though contemplating whether or not to call them rogues, and decided on just 'cats' for the moment. "...would not be so low as to attack medicine cats and elders." He growled, lashing his tail and the group unsheathing their claws, making it clear that if they so much as thought it they would all attack in a heartbeat.
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