Gathering Numero Dos!

[Roxie !]

Tipping an ear to one side to listen to what the newly appointed WindClan leader had to say, she contemplated silently. It seemed that Hawkstar’s Clan was having very little trouble, despite the slowly increasing harshness of the season. Badgerstar was more or less neutral to the news--as long as WindClan kept to their own territory, she had no reason to wish suffering upon them. However, there was something about Mistystar’s report that made her fur prickle. It was seemingly foolish; rogues and two-legs were incidents that were completely unrelated, and neither were unheard of. So why was she ready to jump out of her pelt at even the slightest sign of trouble? Stop being so edgy, or every cat will wonder if you have bees in your brain. Badgerstar scolded herself silently, her eyes narrowing by only a fraction. She cleared her throat and tried to focus on speaking.

“It must have been a half moon ago, or maybe a little less. We lost their scent on the riverbank.” She recalled. Though she met Hawkstar’s gaze levelly as she spoke, Badgerstar was acutely aware of Rimestar’s form out of the corner of her eye. There was no telling for sure, but it was possible that the rogues might have crossed over into ThunderClan’s territory. But the RiverClan leader would not be so transparent as to ask about the troubles of a Clan that, presently, were her greatest rivals.

Flexing her claws and trying to clear her mind, she added, “But I’m glad to hear that WindClan successfully drove away the badger. That’s one less threat the Clans need to worry about this coming Leaf-Bare.” With that, she fell silent and awaited Mistystar’s reply concerning the two-legs.


Foxtail let out a purr that was barely audible as his mate announced that she was doing alright. The tom’s posture was relaxed and seemingly casual, and didn’t dare to stand too much closer to the Rosebloom that a normal ThunderClan cat would have, but the glow in his golden eyes revealed his emotions as if he were yowling them to the heavens. While normally so guarded and even brisk; all traces of this reserved exterior had vanished as he gazed warmly at the RiverClan deputy.

A slight flicker of unease passed through the ThunderClan warrior as he took in Rosebloom’s words about the battle. He was consciously aware of the furious tension between their Clans; usually it was an awkward subject between them. Though Foxtail was fiercely loyal to ThunderClan, and would challenge any cat who suggested otherwise, he almost couldn’t bear to go to battle against his mate’s Clan. Every time it happened, the mottled tom could only think…What if one day, I’m forced to fight her? What if the time comes when I have to choose between loyalty to my Clan and my love for Rosebloom? And every time such thoughts entered his mind, Foxtail stubbornly pushed them away. It wouldn’t come to that. It hadn’t last time, right?

He raised his bushy tail, shaking his head slightly. “It wasn’t your fault, Rosebloom.” Foxtail meowed quietly, his tone reinforcing the fact that he felt no anger towards the beautiful ebony she-cat standing next to him. He blinked at her gently, but her next words caused an undeniable shadow to pass over his expression. Inevitably, he’d known that ThunderClan wouldn’t be able to hide their state of disarray for much longer. But confronted with it now, the warrior was speechless. Were there even words to describe the way his Clan was inexplicably falling apart?

It wasn’t that Foxtail didn’t trust Rosebloom--though she was the deputy of a rival Clan, Foxtail knew that his mate would never use anything he confided in her against ThunderClan. He would have trusted her with his life. But sometimes, when he thought about his Clan and the mysterious force taking hold over them…the way cats were disappearing, maybe even dying…he felt as if the very forest in which they lived was haunted, and that it would sound insane to speak of it. Twitching his ears uncomfortably, Foxtail struggled to form the words. “I…it’s…” He dropped his gaze to the ground. “…ThunderClan isn’t doing…their best right now.”


A wave of uncontrollable fury washed over the shadowy gray tom at the RiverClan she-cat's words. Smokepaw's eyes blazed with something akin to hatred, the fur along his spine sticking straight up as he stared at the other apprentice. Unsheathing his claws, the ThunderClan cat took a step forward, almost spitting in outrage. It wasn't Honeypaw's words that had flared his temper so much as her infuriating state of calm detachment. The stuck up, snobby fur-ball! Smokepaw thought, baring his teeth at her. Typical RiverClan pride she think she was too good to fight him?

For all his arrogance, the gray tabby wasn't exactly stupid. Somewhere in his anger-clouded mind, he vaguely realized that Honeypaw was probably just trying to provoke him. But frankly, he just didn't care. All Smokepaw wanted to do was claw the smug look off his enemy's face, and for a half a moment as he fluffed up to twice his size, it almost seemed as if he were seriously considering an attack. But then the tom's ears twitched, and he picked up the faded whisperings of the two cats beside them. His gaze flickered towards the spectators momentarily. Rabbitpaw and Jitterpaw seemed to be watching with bated breath.

Slowly, Smokepaw seemed to deflate. He heaved a deep sigh in an attempt to calm himself down, now very much aware that they were in the middle of a Gathering. To fight here, a place held sacred to StarClan, would be unforgiveable. Never-the-less, he sat back on his haunches tensely and gave Honeypaw a glare that radiated dislike. "I forgot. You love picking fights when your clan-mates are around to protect you, isn't that right?" The tom spat, referencing their vicious fight at Sunningrocks.


Jitterpaw's whiskers twitched at Rabbitpaw's comment, half in amusement, half in exasperation. She wasn't exactly sure why the two apprentices insisted on carrying on like this. Wouldn't it be better for every cat if they just ignored each other entirely? Although, if she knew one thing, it was that Honeypaw was one to hold a grudge. And if her sister let something like this go, then Jitterpaw would eat her own tail.

She opened her mouth to say something in reply, but before she could Smokepaw unsheathed his claws and fluffed out his pelt. What she'd been about to say turned into a half-choked mrrow! of alarm as the tom took a step forward, and instinctively the flame-pelted she-cat dropped into a crouch. If Smokepaw attacked, she almost felt she had to be ready on her sister's behalf. But seconds later, the threat seemed to have passed. It was as if sense finally had smacked the ThunderClan tom right in the muzzle, and now he seemed to be backing off--though, not without another snide remark. How typical.

Jitterpaw rolled her eyes and glanced between the two, before returning her attention to Rabbitpaw. "...Yeah, you pretty much called that one! Hey, look,it's nice talking to you and you're not half bad...for a ThunderClan cat, that is. But...maybe we should...seperate these two, before things get out of hand?" She suggested in an undertone, the tip of her ginger tail twitching nervously.


The ebony tom rested the tip of his dark tail on his friend's shoulder, as if to steady her. Hazelstripe truly did look ready to burst with anxiety, and this concerned him. She wasn't normally the type to reveal so much among so many cats...Brighteyes guessed that things were worse than he'd thought. He cursed himself silently for not realizing how upset the tabby she-cat had been, and not seeking her out sooner. "Hey," Brighteyes began soothingly, his voice softening into a gentle murmur reserved only for occasions like these. "It's okay. Badgerstar's fine--and she hasn't said anything about it to the Clan, as far as I know. And I don't think anyone else saw, or they would have said something." He paused to allow Hazelstripe to take this information in, his bright orange eyes brimming with sympathy as he eyed the ThunderClan she-cat. "It was an accident, Hazelstripe. You can't blame yourself for something you can't control. You haven't been beating yourself up about this, have you?" Brighteyes inclined his head slightly. He hated this--seeing Hazelstripe so worried, and being unable to help her. It made him feel useless.

In spite of himself, the RiverClan tom stole a quick glance around the clearing. He was well-aware that there were some cats here that would try to make trouble if they knew what Hazelstripe could do. But no one seemed to be paying the two friends much attention; everyone had their own business to attend to tonight. Brighteyes allowed himself to relax slightly, and his gaze came to rest upon a familiar dark tabby form half-way across the clearing. He gave Hazelstripe a tiny nudge to draw her attention to the cat, for Brighteyes had recognized him as her brother, Buckthorn. Though Buckthorn was from WindClan, Brighteyes was well-aware of how close he and Hazelstripe were, and he knew the ThunderClan she-cat would be pleased to see him.


Bandedtail let out a purr of amusement, his eyes narrowed as he watched Frecklenose pad away from him. "Me? Getting into trouble? Never!" He called after her, his voice edged with mock-innocence. He knew his level-minded sister didn't approve of half the things he did these days--their personalities contrasted so starkly, but it was all the more fun to tease her for it. With a tiny shrug, the ShadowClan warrior padded further into the clearing.

Things seemed quiet enough tonight. Which, of course, meant that nothing but boredom for Bandedtail. He flicked his ears with disinterest, his gaze roaming over the familiar tortoiseshell form of Mottledface, the ShadowClan medicine cat. She'd engaged the ThunderClan warrior Dawnfur in conversation, and Bandedtail nearly changed direction towards them. But he knew, as much fun as he had messing with the pretty medicine cat, she wouldn't thank him for trying to flirt with her in the middle of a Gathering. Rolling his eyes, Bandedtail eventually approached a WindClan tom, who he recognized as Lionclaw. Giving a short nod of greeting, he settled down nearby, although his ears flicked towards the murmurings of the other cats around him. If Bandedtail wasn't going to stir up any trouble tonight, he could at the very least pick up on some gossip.


Brindlepaw nodded thoughtfully, following her sister's gaze. There were so many warriors here tonight! She wondered, hesitantly, how she would ever measure up to any of them. Or even remember all of their names, for starters. She thought, her whiskers twitching. She'd been about to reply to her sister when another ShadowClan cat, Frecklenose, padded over to them.

Brindlepaw blinked and straightened up immediately, slightly surprised by the sudden arrival. She dipped her head respectfully--after all, Frecklenose was her mentor-- and tried to concentrate hard on what the she-cat was telling them. She nodded seriously at the warrior's words, her amber eyes wide. "Of course, Frecklenose. We'll be really careful!" She promised earnestly, glancing at her sisters. Hazelpaw had already agreed, but she couldn't help wondering whether or not Maplepaw would actually take something like this seriously. One could only hope.

She gazed around the clearing again, her paws prickling with anticipation.

[Otterpaw]

Rimestar narrowed his eyes at Badgerstar's words. He wouldn't thank her for driving rogues into his territory. ThunderClan had enough trouble as it was. And they always faced intrusions from Two-leg Place, where kittypets roamed. They didn't need RiverClan pushing their troubles onto them as well. But, unwilling to be provoked, Rimestar just flicked his ears at the RiverClan leaders news. He nodded at Hawkstar's words briefly, and then settled down with his paws beneath him. Hostility still glinted in the tom's gaze, but he did not participate any further in the conversation taking place. It would serve him better to listen, and seek out any weaknesses the other Clans might be having. The more troubles they had, the less they would focus on ThunderClan's evident problematic situation. Rimestar glanced up at the moon. His ears flattened in annoyance. Would this meeting never start?


***

Lakebreeze followed Shadewhisker's gaze to where Honeypaw and Jitterpaw were conversing with a few ThunderClan apprentices. He shook his head in negative, but smiled fondly. He liked being reminded of his own days as an apprentice, so he always took an interest in the training going on in his Clan. "Not yet, but I hope to one day soon. How about you?" Lakebreeze asked. He really did hope to have an apprentice of his own, and strived hard to prove himself to Badgerstar. But how would this happen when there were no kits in the Clan?


***


Otterpaw nodded. She noticed that Drizzlepaw didn't seem comfortable, despite her attempts to offer friendship to the WindClan apprentice. Otterpaw wondered what had happened to make this cat so reclusive and tense? Or had she just been warned by her mentor to keep her mouth shut among cats of other Clans?

Otterpaw ducked her head to wash the tabby-and-white fur of her chest as she contemplated. She hoped that she was not bothering Drizzlepaw too much by continuing to engage her, but she really was only trying to be friendly. "So Drizzlepaw..." she began, trying to think of a subject that would interest the other cat. She decided to go with the topic of universal interest to all apprentices: training. "How do you like training in WindClan? Do you think you'll be a warrior soon?" Otterpaw frequently dreams of her own warrior ceremony, playing it over and over again in her mind. She wonders if Drizzlepaw does the same.


***

Mottledface smiled politely at Dawnfur's words. Though they were of different Clans, medicine cats weren't as bound by Clan rivalries, and she had always admired Dawnfur's status as one of the most experienced warriors in the forest, as well as her added knowledge of herbs. "I'm fine, thank you. The weather has damaged some of my supply, but there seems to be plenty to replenish it growing in ShadowClan's marshes." Though the boggy part of ShadowClan's territory was often regarded as undesirable, Mottledface found it extremely useful during the colder, harsher seasons. The air in the marsh was misty and humid, and the soil nearby was rich. The herbs that grew there were very rarely effected by cold weather.

But, Mottledface also reflected that she was, at the moment, the only medicine cat in the forest. She realized that the other Clans might not be as lucky, especially with Leaf-Bare approaching. Choosing her words carefully so that she wouldn't offend ThunderClan's pride, Mottledface added: "Actually, we're a bit overrun with goldenrod and feverfew at the moment. If ThunderClan wouldn't mind taking some of it off our paws, I could bring some of it to your camp sometime?"

[le Dawnz]

As Badgerstar replied, Hawkstar furrowed his brow in thought. He made a mental note to increase the border patrols along the border WindClan shared with RiverClan. Not only that, but he would send out at least four cats at a time, and at least three of them warriors. He wasn’t going to let stray rogues surprise them, or get an upper paw over them. The tom nodded and glanced up at the moon, which had traveled a fair distance across the sky since they’d arrived. “Perhaps we should begin. It’s getting rather late.” he commented, not wanting to sound bossy, seeing as although the four of them were equals now, Badgerstar and Mistystar, at least, were far more experienced. But his statement rang true, and he was sure the others knew that as well. “But I would still like to hear more about the two-leg tracks before the night is through, if you don’t mind sharing, Mistystar.” Hawkstar added, tearing his gaze from the full moon to rest on ShadowClan’s leader.



Rosebloom could feel her body relax as relief swept through her. Foxtail wasn’t angry about the battle. He didn’t blame her, and that was all that mattered. She was glad to know that Foxtail felt the same way she did: she loved him, but she would defend her clan with her life, and Foxtail would do the same. And that is exactly what she chose to focus on. The she-cat didn’t want to think about what would happen if they ever came to a cross-roads and had to choose love or loyalty. She obviously still felt guilty, but she also knew it had more to do with the fact that ThunderClan looked like their loss was causing them to suffer than anything else. Had they taken Sunningrocks several moons ago, she might have felt otherwise. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case now.

The relief she felt from realizing her mate didn’t resent her participation in a battle against his Clan was washed away by her mate’s sudden tension. “I… it’s…” Concern shone in Rosebloom’s pink eyes. What could have Foxtail, one of the strongest warriors she knew, squirming this way? She couldn’t help taking an involuntary step forward as if to console or encourage him. Foxtail lowered his eyes and continued. “ThuderClan isn’t doing… their best right now…” he finally meowed.

Rosebloom flattened her ears against her head, her eyes narrowing. I knew something was wrong, she thought. She took another step toward him, no longer caring about being inconspicuous. “Foxtail, what’s going on?” she asked, keeping her voice low so no one around them would hear. “Please, tell me. Is there…” She paused. The RiverClan deputy was almost afraid to offer her help. If she did, would it imply that she thought ThunderClan couldn’t take care of themselves? That they had to get outside help from another Clan? She tried to approach it another way. “You know that… you know that if you ever…“ She chose her words carefully here. “… want… help, that I’d be more than willing. Don’t you?”



For a second, just one second, Honeypaw’s control faltered. The fur along her scruff bristled. Pick a fight?! she thought outrageously. Protect me?! The golden apprentice felt a snarl rising from her chest, but she shoved it away before it could escape. She took a deep breath through her nose and let it out slowly, her fur lying flat again, her face returning to its unmoved expression. All except for her eyes, which were glowing with unadulterated hatred. She took comfort in how quickly she’d regained control of herself, making her feel superior. She would not let this haughty ThunderClanner get under her skin.

“Oh? That’s what you think of me, is it?” she replied coolly. The she-cat was aware of her sister and the other ThunderClan apprentice – Rabbitpaw, wasn’t it? – watching them warily, but she took no notice of them. Let them enjoy the show. Things were about to get ugly. She almost couldn’t help smiling smugly, but she restrained herself, knowing her next line would be better delivered devoid of conflicting emotion. Honeypaw was sure neither Jitterpaw nor Rabbitpaw knew about this little fun fact. “Is that why you snuck into RiverClan territory to spy on me?”



Rabbitpaw nodded, leaning toward the RiverClan apprentice conspiratorially without taking his eyes off his agitated friend. “Yeah, you’re probably – “ The tabby stopped short at Honeypaw’s next remark. His jaw dropped in shock… and disbelief. He was frozen for several moments before he could swivel his head to look curiously at Smokepaw. Was it true? Rabbitpaw supposed he wouldn’t put something extreme like this past his denmate. But crossing into another Clan’s territory? Smokepaw what were you thinking?



Of course I’ve been beating myself up about this! Hazelstripe thought, rolling her eyes. But she bit her tongue, knowing that Brighteyes was just concerned. And she supposed he had every right to be. The situation had Hazelstripe so freaked that she was sure she looked even more disheveled than usual. If anybody else had seen… But they hadn’t. Hazelstripe let out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes momentarily. Brighteyes was right. No one else had seen what she’d done. And for whatever reason Badgerstar was keeping the ordeal to herself. What’s more, she didn’t know how to control this! The brown tabby knew she shouldn’t blame herself for what she couldn’t control. But she did.

The she-cat glanced up when her friend nudged her. Confused, she followed his gaze to where a large tabby tom was sitting across the clearing. A smile spread slowly across her face, easily recognizing her brother, Buckthorn. She hadn’t seen him in moons. Because they were raised in separate clans due to an accident during their kithood, their mother and father having been from separate clans, no one knew they were siblings. The only time they spoke were the rare occasions when they met at Gatherings. She flashed Brighteyes a grateful smile, her eyes warm. Hazeltail glanced up at the moon, then toward the Great Rock where the four leaders sat close together. Did she have enough time to speak with Buckthorn before the meeting began?



Frecklenose nodded, satisfied with the apprentice’s eager agreement. She focused her gaze on Brindlepaw now. “Because I’m sure you’ll be exhausted tomorrow, we won’t do any battle training. You can sleep in, but when you wake up we’ll join a hunting patrol, so remember to get some rest.” With that said, she smiled and nodded toward the other apprentices gathered on the far side of the clearing. “Now go on. It won’t be long before the leaders begin.” Leaving the three apprentices to it, the orange-and-white she-cat turned and padded toward the other warriors clumped together near the Great Rock.



Dawnfur smiled knowingly at Mottledface. She knew what the medicine cat was trying to do. And while her pride baulked at the idea, her head knew that it wouldn’t be smart to refuse an offer like this. “Well, I suppose it’s the least ThunderClan could do to help.” she replied, a teasing lilt in her voice. But she continued to smile genuinely so Mottledface would know she was only kidding. “Our feverfew stock has been looking a little meager lately, anyway. Thank you. Perhaps we could trade you with burdock root. We’re absolutely bursting with it.” Burdock root were good for rat bites, which the tortoiseshell knew ShadowClan came into contact with far more than ThunderClan did. She paused, thinking about the state of the camp and its warriors. “We could meet at the border tomorrow. Is sunhigh to early?”


OOC// Bandedtail, you’re up to bat!

[Roxie !]

OOC// Okay, a few things. Im totally gonna have waaay too much fun with the Bandedtail thing. And Buckthorn needs to get his tail over to this scene. xD Annndd I decided to be extra evil with Smokepaw today. I think he went waaay too far, even though he doesn't realize why. Low blow, Smokey, loooow blow.



The RiverClan leader's glittering dark blue eyes flitted up to the clear night sky, scanning the expanse starlight that cast a glow of illumination upon the clearing. Her gaze came to settle upon the shape of the full moon, reassuringly bright and unclouded as it had been when the night had began. But the moon was already high in the sky, indicating exactly how much time had passed since the start of the gathering. Hawkstar was right, she realized. It was getting late. Time seemed to pass so quickly on the one night that the four Clans shared in peace. Idle chatter was fine, but they could not forget the real purpose for these gatherings. It was time for the meeting to begin. The black-and-white she-cat rose to her paws, the tip of her tail twitching in anticipation as she waited for the other leaders to concur with Hawkstar's statement.


Foxtail lifted his amber gaze to meet his mate's again, and paused when he saw the depth of concern and affection in her expression. Rosebloom never ceased to amaze him. With all the difficulty ThunderClan had to endure, it sometimes felt as if the weight of the world rested upon the his shoulders. And yet, one look into the RiverClan deputy's rose-petal gaze and he all but drifted away. It was as if...as if nothing else mattered but the two of them. Of course, the ThunderClan tom would only allow himself such an escape from reality for a brief moment, before he forced himself to stir. Rosebloom's words had sent him hurtling back to earth. Once again, he hesitated.

He knew very well that his mate's question had only been voiced with the best of intentions, but now the tawny tom's affection for her battled with his own sense of pride. Even if ThunderClan were desperate--and, admittedly, they were--Foxtail wasn't sure how he could ever bring himself to admit that he needed any sort of help. It just wasn't in his independent nature. But then, if there was any cat he could trust with something like this, it was Rosebloom. The warrior studied the she-cat before him, frowning stubbornly, and then sighed. No. He knew that there were a million reasons he could never take Rosebloom up on her offer, even if his pride would allow it.

The foremost of these reasons, in Foxtail's mind, was his mate's wellbeing. After all, he could not allow himself to forget that their Clans were enemies. Asking Rosebloom for help would be asking her to go behind the whole of RiverClan's back. Foxtail would not put her in that position. What if this got her into trouble? It wasn't worth risking it. He forced a calmer expression onto his face, and then shook his head slightly.

"I know, Rosebloom. But there's no need." He murmured gently, glancing briefly over his shoulder at his clanmates. "And--it's not as bad as it looks. We're just a bit stressed right now. I'm sorry if I worried you." Foxtail shifted uneasily, but said no more. He didn't want to push Rosebloom's concern any further. And at any rate, this wasn't the place to discuss ThunderClan's problems. They had to remember to be inconspicuous, and this was a place where they could easily be overheard.


The slow beginnings of a grin inched across Smokepaw's features as Honeypaw bristled for an instant. He watched with a mixture of satisfaction and anticipation as her controlled facade slipped for an instant--and for a second, he was almost sure that she was going to lunge at him. His claws flexed at the thought, his eyes glittering maliciously as he started at her in contempt. Go on. I dare you. But then, just as quickly as her outrage had came, it was gone again, and the RiverClan apprentice was staring at him coolly as before. Smokepaw scowled at her irritably.

And then he froze completely upon hearing her next words. He was distinctly aware of Rabbitpaw staring at him incredulously, but his eyes did not flicker towards his friend even for an instant. He was too busy staring at Honeypaw in shock and fury. The memory of their previous encounter was still fresh in his mind, and judging from the air of smugness eminating from the RiverClan apprentice, she was fully aware of what she was doing by bringing it up here. Smokepaw spat out a hiss of loathing as he glared at his enemy, his fluffy gray tail lashing behind them. For a long moment, he bristled silently, and then spitefully lifted his chin. If she thought he was going to splutter and try to deny what had happened, she was dead wrong.

"Spying on you? Hah!" The tom barked out a disdainful, humorless laugh. "Sorry to burst your bubble, princess, but the world doesn't revolve around you. I was only there to take back some of the prey that RiverClan steals from us on a regular basis!" He spat coldly. His eyes narrowed into slits, Smokepaw leaned close and thrust his muzzle aggressively close to Honeypaw's. "I'm surprised you even knew I was on your territory. Since when do you RiverClan thieves respect boundaries? Or was that cowardly ambush at Sunningrocks your idea of honorable? You know what--don't answer that. You don't even know what you're talking about. So why don't you just run back to your precious territory and hide behind your kittypet mother."


Jitterpaw could only gape at the scene unfolding before her. Her wide brown eyes darted quickly between her sister and the ThunderClan tom, every muscle in her body suddenly tense. Had she heard correctly? Had Honeypaw just accused the other apprentice of invading their territory? Her ginger fur fluffed indignantly at the thought, but her sudden confusion tempered her anger. What had happened to make these two cats hate each other so vehemently? It seemed as if right from the start, they had harbored an intense loathing for one another. And why hadn't Honeypaw told her about Smokepaw intruding before? Why hadn't she reported it to Badgerstar? Why had Smokepaw been spying on her sister? Had he hurt her? Was ThunderClan up to something?

Jitterpaw's mind spun with questions, but she found herself frozen to the spot and unable to voice any of them aloud. Her gaze darted to Rabbitpaw. Had he known about any of this? Judging from the tom's expression, he was just as befuddled as she was. So if Honeypaw hadn't told her about this, and Smokepaw hadn't told even his closest friend, what did that mean? Exactly how serious was this personal war that seemed to be going on between the two cats? And how far were they going to take it?

And then, before she knew what was happening, Smokepaw was lunging forward, his muzzle inches away from Honeypaw's. The aggressive action was enough to make the jumpy she-cat leap to her paws, her flame-colored tail sticking straight up in the air and quivering slightly as she worriedly watched the scene play out. And then, at Smokepaw's next words, Jitterpaw felt her heart skip a beat. No sooner was she beginning to process the tom's insults towards RiverClan, than his next words hit her like an ocean's wave. Insulting their dead mother was not a smart thing to do around Honeypaw--to put it lightly. In fact, Jitterpaw was pretty sure it wasn't something you wanted to do if you wanted to walk away in one piece. And if, somehow, Honepaw managed to keep her cool through this, Jitterpaw knew it wouldn't take much more to push Smokepaw into a fight either.

And so, without waiting for Honeypaw's reaction, Jitterpaw forced her way between the two cats, shouldering Smokepaw back so that she was standing between them. The silver tom let out a vicious snarl at her action, but Jitterpaw was too insensed to care.

"That's enough!" She snarled, the intensity of her tone making her voice nearly unrecognizable. The fiery she-cat was normally friendly, energetic and carefree, and it took quite a lot to provoke her anger. The outburst was so uncharacteristic that Jitterpaw even surprised herself with it, but she took no time to ponder it as she swung around to glare at Smokepaw. She knew he was completely unaware of the line he'd just crossed, but there was no going back now. She glanced at Rabbitpaw. "Please take your friend somewhere else. Now."


Brindlepaw let out a happy purr at her mentor's words, and nodded again. "Thanks, Frecklenose!" She chirped, watching the warrior pad away before turning to her siblings. Alight with excitement, she looked first at Maplepaw, then at Hazelpaw, her head tilted curiously to one side. "So, do you guys wanna go talk to..." She cast a quick glance towards the group of apprentices that Frecklenose had pointed out, and then did a double take. The tension coming off the group was almost tangable; a golden she-cat with an expression of icy hatred painted across her face, with a furious and violent looking silver tom advancing on her. Brindlepaw stared openly as a ginger she-cat stepped between the two, and hissed something that they were too far away to hear. "Oh...oh my..." Brindlepaw turned back to her sisters, her excitement now replaced by wary concern. "That doesn't look good. Um...do you think we should tell someone?"


Well. This was...boring. Bandedtail let out a snort of exasperation as he watched the mundane goings-on of the gathering. Wasn't the meeting ever going to start? What were the leaders doing, taking a nap? Rolling his eyes, the ShadowClan tom stretched and began to pad across the clearing. It looked like he was just going to have to find a way to entertain himself. Which...could potentially be very, very unfortunate for whoever he happened to come across first. Bandedtail tended to become quite destructive when he was bored.

Closest to him were two cats who seemed to be quietly conversing. Searching his mind, he tried to match names to their faces. One of them, a tabby she-cat from ThunderClan, he recognized as Hazelstripe. The other was a RiverClan tom he was less familiar with. Brighteyes, or something like that. Whatever. On closer observation, Bandedtail's interest grew. Well, don't they look cozy? He mused to himself. And much too peaceful. Quickening his pace slightly, he headed towards the pair.

Bandedtail weighed his options as he approached. His flirtatious nature immediately came into as he glanced at the pretty tabby she-cat, but then...hmm. Hazelstripe. Why had he remembered her name so clearly? He could have sworn he'd heard something about her before...

Oh. Right. Well, this would certainly be interesting.

Clearing his throat to announce his presence, he sat down across from the two warriors and offered his trademark rogueish grin. "Hey there! I don't think we've met. My name's Bandedtail." He informed them, his eyes flitting between them before settling on Hazelstripe. "Excuse me for prying, but uh...I couldn't help but notice that you two seem very...familiar. Is there something going on? Or do the other ThunderClan cats just not want to be seen with you in public? 'Cause I hear you're their resident freak." He rambled innocently, although the devious glint in his eyes gave away the hostility behind his words.

Beside Hazelstripe, the RiverClan tom's orange eyes narrowed. "This is a Gathering. She doesn't have to stay with the ThunderClan cats." Brighteyes growled testily, unsure of what, exactly, the ShadowClan cat's problem was.

Bandedtail glanced disinterestedly in his direction. "What? Can't she speak for herself?" He asked a bit waspishly, taking the other tom's annoyance in stride.

[{ tessa }]

Mistystar looks up at the night sky, analyzing the position of the full moon. Hawkstar is right. It's getting late, and the other cats are probably getting restless. She flicks her tail in agreement and stands up. A cool breeze ruffles her tortoiseshell fur, as if it's urging the leaders to hurry on with the meeting. "Certainly." She promises the WindClan leader when he asks for more information on the two-leg tracks. "Hawkstar, would you like to go first?" Mistystar adds questioningly. When there's a new leader, it's usually customary for them to have the first turn in addressing the Clans with their news. Mistystar glances at Badgerstar and Rimestar to make sure that they don't have any objections to this. Badgerstar seems more than ready to begin, but she hopes that the irritable ThunderClan leader won't have any protests.

Shadewhisker shakes his head. "I don't have one yet either." He replies a little wistfully. Right now there are three apprentices in ThunderClan: Smokepaw, Rabbitpaw, and Otterpaw. But they're all older and have had their mentors for awhile. Perhaps he will be chosen to train one of the ThunderClan's younger kits when they are apprenticed. He certainly hopes so. "It must be great, though. I remember how much I loved training when I was an apprentice. I imagine it's even more rewarding being a mentor!" He says to Lakebreeze. Being entrusted with your Clan's future. Working so hard, watching an apprentice grow from kit to warrior. Watching that warrior go on to achieve greatness. Shadewhisker has always thought it must be one of the best parts of Clan life.

Maplepaw doesn't catch what Frecklenose tells them, she's too busy watching the four Clan leaders who are grouped across the clearing. *What could they be talking about? I bet it's super secret Clan business! It would be so awesome to be the leader of ShadowClan one day...* She turns to her sisters to voice this thought outloud, but both of their attentions are fixed on Frecklenose. Maplepaw realizes that she was supposed to be listening to the warrior, and twitches her whiskers guiltily. She tries to pretend she knows what's going on, and nods absently as Frecklenose walks away from them. ""Okay, anyway..." But Brindlepaw interrupts her, sounding alarmed by something that is happening across the clearing. Maplepaw is immediately curious, and turns to see what is going on. A group of four apprentices is what has caught her sister's attention. The hostility that the group is giving off can be felt from all the way over here. Two of the apprentices look furious, one golden, and one gray, and the only thing that seems to be stopping them from leaping at each other is the little ginger she-cat standing between them. "Hey, what do they think they're doing? They can't fight here! It's not allowed!" Maplepaw squeaks bossily. She takes a step towards the cats, but frowns at Brindlepaw. "No. Let's go over and tell them to knock it off ourselves! We can show them that ShadowClan apprentices don't tolerate that kind of...nonsense!" Maplepaw puffs out her chest importantly.

Meanwhile, Buckthorn is getting restless as more and more cats crowd Four Trees. The big tabby tom cranes his neck to see over the mass of cats, trying to spot his sister through all the commotion. And then he feels himself being watched, and he instinctively turns to see two cats looking in his direction. He recognizes them both. One is his sister's best friend Brighteyes, and one is Hazelstripe herself. Buckthorn grins cheerfully as he meets his sister's gaze. He is already looking forward to catching up with her, and thoughts of WindClan and Juliet leave his mind for now. Buckthorn gets up and pads over to where Hazelstripe and Brighteyes are sitting, his tail raised in greeting. But before he can reach them, another cats prowls over to them and sits down. It's a silver tabby tom from ShadowClan, Buckthorn thinks his name is Bandedtail but he isn't certain. He pricks his ears curiously to hear what they're saying. Bandedtail has his back turned to him, so he can't hear the words that the ShadowClan cat says. But suddenly Brighteyes' expression sours. The RiverClan warrior doesn't look too happy about whatever Bandedtail said. Buckthorn wonders what's happening, but he keeps his demeanor friendly as he reaches the group of cats and sits down on Hazelstripe's other side.

"Hazelstripe! How are you?" He purrs, but he doesn't make his greeting much more personal than that because of Bandedtail's presence. There aren't many who know that he and Hazelstripe are related. He looks curiously around the group of cats, wondering why Brighteyes looks agitated. Buckthorn glances at Bandedtail and decides that he doesn't like the smirk on the other tom's face, but he keeps his tone amicable as he asks, "What's going on?"