GATHERING

[[R] a v e n]

((I need everyone, who was wanting this to start earlier. Calm down, please? Thanks. Cause I've been busy, and as some of you know, Sat. I was getting shots. I got three instead of one. I didn't feel like posting but I don't want to see people complaining and being angry/upset it hasen't been started. So congratz.))

---also no WC or Bobcats at this gathering---

The night was clear, one of the first clear nights in a long while. Life had been complicated recently, Windclan had dissapeared, no way they would be at this gathering. But of course, life had to move on, didn't it? With swift paw stepps a pitch black tom made his way through Thunderclan territory, brushing past ferns and brambles as he went. Like a flood he, and the cats following him, made their ways through the forest, jumping over fallen logs and swirving around trees. His silver eyes flicked to the side towards his clan, the deputy was absent from his side, but at least he had Leopardfire.

Turning he looked back and forth at the Windclan border, a strange smell drifted across the border, his fur stood on end. "Swiftly now, stay near the lake" his voice was quiet, but demanding. Turning he leaped cleanly over the Moonpool creek and onto the other side, keeping his center of gravity low he streaked across the ground, ears perked forward listening for any noises. But none came, just the quiet noise of the cats flooding behind him. He looked up and towards the island, he didn't see any other clans around or on the island. So he continued forward silently, the ground flying by under him.

They got to the log, he looked up, at least it haden't rained on the log. "Alright, apprentice's stay with the warriors, Leopardfire, would you go last please?" He looked to the medicine cat, she was the next highest ranking cat in the group, not to mention one of his favorite cats out of the clan. "To help with the younger ones". Turning he jumped onto the log, claws unsheathed to hold onto the log safely. His tail waved, keeping his balance. Jumping down on the other side he turned and faced the rest of his clan, he nodded to them, it was their turn.[/color]
_{I apoligize for my mood}

[Sasha]

Stargazer hurried to catch up with the group, giving one last lecture to Silversun before she was on her way. She placed herself comfortably in the midle of the group, glancing back at Dartpaw. Is Darkpaw coming, too? She wondered, her eyes wandering about to look for him.
Ravenstar had t have been the most understanding leader she'd ever followed -- it was such a last minute change with Silversun and Stargazer, but he'd said he had understood completely. Stargazer was grateful, Silversun was still calming down. She had been so surprised and frightened, it was only that night that she'd finally been convinced no one was there to hurt her. None at all.

Her body was thin and lithe, crossing the log was no chore. She glanced back at the two apprentices she was most familiar with, smiling slightly. She was going to a Gathering! Quietly, she apologized to Starclan for being happy with Silversun's sudden turn of events, shameful.
Completely across the log now, she leaped to the damp ground, taking a deep breath. The foreign stench seemed to be stuck in her throat and she leaned forward, cleaning her legs. Not too long now, she thought.


Riverclan was not far behind by now, catching up to the log just as the last Thunderclan cat had crossed the log.
"Follow the Thunderclanners," Maplestar instructed. "Redpaw, keep close behind the warriors as you cross," she added. "Just to...be careful."
Before crossing first across the log, she looked over her shoulder, heaving a breath. Shadowclan, she wondered darkly, who will you bring?

As she landed on the ground, Maplestar turned toward the Thunderclan cats, eying each one in turn. I've heard Rumors, she thought, those blasted loner-cats from my past settled here.
She met the eyes of a sleek gray she-cat, but the Thunderclan warrior ducked her head and hurried further into the crowd, shaking her head as if she knew what was on the leader's mind.
She's right, Maplestar thought, there's no need for that here.
She turned to her clan again, grinning.

[**Liz**]

The large tom tensed and pounced onto the slippery log, before pausing a second to look around him. The rest of his Thunderclan cats were there. He looked only a moment for Foxtail, but his mentor was a little far away for him to say anything, so he just nodded and walked on. He saw Stargazer, his friend. His spirit was lifted when he saw her, but he didn't let it show as he moved forward on the log, reaching near the shore.
Darkpaw was suddenly starting to become very nervous.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Runningfern turned to his leader. She was eying that Thunderclanner, the nervous looking one...
Odd, he thought. Oh well, it wasn't his problem. Just as Eclipsemoon's little tiff with Silvertongue was even less of his problem. What a stupid thing to fight about...
He looked around for Spottedfrost, but was unsuccessful in finding her so he turned to find Sunmist-

Sunmist turned to Redpaw.
" Stick with me dear and you'll be fine." She flicked his shoulder with the tip of her tail for support, and smiled warmly. " Are you excited to see the other medicine cats? Soon you'll be at a medicine cat gathering at the moonpool."
She looked toward Maplestar, who she noticed was eying that she-cat... she hadn't met before. She watched the other cats. Hopefully Redbreast and the other Windclanners would be there... Her heart almost stopped as she noticed a conspicuous lack of Windclan scent.
Redbreast, she thought, I told you to come find me...
Maybe she'd get a sign from Starclan at the next medicine cat gathering.
She counted on it. Her faith in Starclan was still strong, but her exhaustion was stronger still. They were trying her patience, to say the least.

[~Creamy~]

Creampelt made sure to stick close to her Clanmates when she noticed the strange smell drifting across WindClan territory. She didn't know what it was, but it made her uncomfortable and she was glad when they finally made it to the island. She paused, allowing Stargazer to go across first and then jumped up herself. She had misjudged slightly and had a little trouble hauling herself onto the log, but once she was up, she had no problems.

Redpaw stopped with his clan once they reached the log and kneaded the ground. This was his first gathering and, like any apprentice, he was excited to be able to be in a clearing with so many cats at once. And the great thing was that, as a medicine cat apprentice, he would be able to go to every gathering unless there were sick cats back at camp to take care of. When he head Maplestar's instruction he nodded and glanced over to Sunmist when she spoke to him. "Okay," he meowed. "And I really am!" he was unable to suppress a small purr at the thought of being able to go to meet with the other medicine cats as well.

Crowclaw waited patiently until there was no other cat on the log before making his graceful jump up. He unsheathed his claws so he could keep a grip on the log and carefully made his way across. At the end, he paused for a moment, surveying the island before leaping down onto the sand and making his way into the clearing. He glanced over at the ThunderClanners that had already come across, but felt that there was no one there he needed to greet and so he took a seat where RiverClan normally was at these events.

[twilight]

Leopardfire had stayed at her leaders side the whole way, knowing she was second in charge with the deputy gone. She sighed, thoughts racing through her head. Every time she went by Windclan border she came across a strange scent, and her dreams from the moonpool came rushing back to her. She shook her head to clear it when the approached the tree bridge.

She nodded to Ravenstar and fell to the back, watching the apprentices and elders as they crossed. She could scent Riverclan coming down and hurried them along, not wanting to keep anyone waiting. She then followed next, landing softly on the other side. She took in a deep breath and looked to the stars, are you here tonight Starclan?

Leopardfire walked through the bushes and checked to make sure everyone had made it into the clearing. She then headed over to where the other medicine cats always met. She then looked around for her own apprentice Stealthpaw, wanting to introduce him to the others. She searched the crowd for him calling out, "Stealthpaw!" She called out for him to come.

[[R] a v e n]

Raven's clear crystal eyes glinted as each cat crossed the slippery log. The water lapped that the logs bottom, the waves occasionaly washing over the top. He flicked his ears back nervously and lifted his maw, scenting the air. Riverclan turning his gaze he watched as the young Maplestar moved gracefuly along the bank. He smiled a small smile. He may not know her that well, but hopefully they could become close friends. Turning as Leopardfire jumped down from the log he nodded and moved into the clearing, towards the large tree. He flicked his tail, motioning for his clan to follow.

Icy blue eyes scanned the shoreline, tail touching the water every now and then. Silentstep ran with Riverclan, only she was closer to the water than the others were. Her paws sloshed as she trotted through the water, only leaving it when she reached the log. Jumping up nimbly she crossed the log and leaped over to land near Sunmist and Redpaw. She smiled at the two, she has always respected the medicine cats since they saved her leg as a young warrior. "First Gathering Redpaw?" She purred and moved forward to stand next to the apprentice, her scarred left leg limping slightly. She had a large gash down the length of her leg, and of course a few other markings from a dog attack when she was a young warrior. The scars would never leave, but she was thankful to have her life.

[~Creamy~]

Redpaw had managed to stop kneading at the ground by the time Silentstep approached him and his mentor. He gave a friendly and excited smile and nodded. "Yeah, this is my first one," he meowed, looking around with his ears and whiskers angled forward curiously. Using his nose, he could tell that the Clan already here was ThunderClan, which meant they just had to wait for WindClan and ShadowClan.

But something made him wonder if WindClan was even going to come to the gathering. Perhaps it was the strange scent drifting across the border that he'd noticed while out gathering herbs. But he shrugged the feeling off and looked to Sunmist like a lost kit as if waiting to be told where to go.[/color]

[windrunner]

(I know what it feels like to get 3 shots and bloodl pulled all in the same day it's murderous.Sorry Raven Im very impatient I'll try harder to be a bit more patient.*Smiles evil Grin*)

[red]Eclipsemoon walked in nervously.This was his first gathering so he was nervous.He saw Fern and Sunmist but he didn't care if he saw Silver. Eclipsemoon found somewhere to sit and sat down. He looked at his paws.Why did I come?I must not have been thinking straight.Oh well I haven't been thinking straight lately at all.[/red]

[blue]Dartpaw walked into the clearing excitedly consodering it was her first gathering.She saw a few apprentices from other clans and walked toward them.She didn't know them but she wanted to make friends.Hi.She said as she sat down.She looked around and immedietly saw a nervous lookin young warrior lokking at his paw.It wasn't long till she found the moon near his tail.Poor cat.Maybe I could go cheer him up.Yeah Thats what'll I'll do.She stod up and walked over to him and sat down.Hi whats your name.Mines Dartpaw.She caught his scent and got Riverclan.Who cares it's a gathering.[/blue]

[red]When Eclipsemoon heard Dartpaws voice he looked up.Hi.My names Eclipsemoon.It's nice to meet you Dartpaw.He figured she was Thunderclan before he got her scent.Where is Windclan and Shadowclan.But Especially Windclan.What happened and where are they.Do you know anything about Windclan.[/red]

[blue]No I'm sorry I don't.If I did then I'd tell you.Wanna be friends.She looked at her paws.Ha me friends with a warrior from another clan what are the chances of that.She was surprisedwhen her thoughts were interrupted.[/blue]

[red]I'd love that Dartpaw.Considering I hve hardly any friends and considering one is practically ignoring me.I feel lost in this world and I don't know why.I feel like a stranger.[/red]

[blue]Dartpaw smiled She had a friend.Not to be rude.She said examing him. You look like an outsider.[/blue]

[Sasha]

Maplestar nudged Sunmist's shoulder. "I'm going to go on ahead. If anyone wanders off, yell at them for me?" She grinned, chuckling as she turned on her heel and followed the last few Thunderclanners at a brisk walk, catching up with their leader rather quickly.

She wasn't all that familiar with the Thunderclan leader, she'd never even spoken to him longer than a quick 'hello' or respectful nod of her head. "It's funny," she meowed to him, a mouselength behind the dark-furred cat. "I'd have never thought of joining you on that log, Ravenstar.
"How have you been?"


Stargazer looked back again, catching sight of Darkpaw. She paused in her walk until he was beside her.
"How are you this evening, Darkpaw?" She purred, now content. She was still nervous, to be sure, as she didn't have nerves of steel. Stargazer had forced herself to calm down somewhat -- nothing bad could happen on this night, in this place. She believed in it.

[[R] a v e n]

Ravenstar bushed by a small group of brush, his black ears flicked down as one of the leaves caught his ear. I hope Windclan show, but by the scent of passing throug their territory I'd say they won't show. Ravenstar wasn't old, but he wasn't young either, so he knew when there was trouble on the horizon. He perked his ears as they entered the large clearing, then paused to let Maplestar catch up before he smiled and nodded to her. "Well I'm sure you'll make a nice fit" he smiled before continuing to walk with Maplestar. "I'm fine, 'bout you Maplestar? Settling nicely into the leader roll?"

Silentstep smiled and nodded to Redpaw, the first gathering was always exciting. Turning she stepped with her scared leg, wincing slightly as she streigned the muscle. She padded towards a Thunderclan warrior and apprentice, she haden't been much of a talker but she had opened up a lot since her attack. "Hello" she smiled at Stargazer, her eyes bright and kind. "The name's Silentstep.

[windrunner]

[red]Eclipsemoon smiled.Thanks for the support Dartpaw.He said jokingly.[/red][teal] I'm sorry I shouldn't of said that especially to a warrior.[/teal][red]Nonsense Dartpaw.I don't mind anyway.So who's your mentor.He flicked his tail.I probably won't know the cat but still.[/red][teal]Silversun.She replied softly.[/teal]

[D.e.a.t.h]

-er Eclipse might want to go over that post up there


A small black she-cat lead cats carefully towards the gathering point. It was annoying really to have the Riverclan so close to it.Her dark blue eyes glittered as she walked on glancing back. There had been no sighting of the Windclan. She grumbled and went on wards tell she saw what was the gathering place. Yawning she stopped at the bridge . Sniffing the ground she sighed. Great where last. She turned back to face her clan Apprentices guard your tung information is valuable so do not let it slip from your mouth".

With that she turned and crossed the log almost effortlessly she then called back "Be careful". She walked into the clearing and headed towards the other leaders there was no one she knew to talk to. She joined the leaders and dipped her head in greeting.

"Hey there"Seastorm now walked up to Eclipsemoon and the apprentice near him "Am Seastorm whats your name?" she haddent heard any of the conversation. Flashing a smile she sat beside them.
[/size]

[**Liz**]

(whew...)

Sunmist looked on ahead, almost dazed. She was exhausted. Her nights have been, as of late, interrupted with her worrisome mind set. She'd doze, then jolt back into wakefulness, without any leeway for slumber. The journey, although fairly short, proved a little hard for the poor she-cat. It didn't help that she was wondering where in the name of Starclan Redbreast and Windclan were. She winced as Maplestar came up to her. She was just a bit jumpy tonight.
" Yes, Maplestar, I will. No worries."

Darkpaw carefully placed each paw in front of one another, watching his step. He couldn't let himself fall into the waters, or he might never come out of it again. He couldn't swim, hardly enough to save his own life. At least there are Riverclan cats here, he thought.
His dark eyes watched as another cat came to greet Ravenstar. Who was that? he wondered.
" Hello Stargazer," He didn't look up at her or bother to make eye contact, although his tail lifted slightly as she came near. He liked her company. " I'm doing good, I guess... how are you?" He looked up to her now, meeting her eyes for only a moment before looking back away. After that day by the twoleg paths... well, not only was her embarrassed but he was scared that Stargazer wouldn't like him again. That she'd think he was a nut and wouldn't want to be around him anymore worried him. He didn't have many friends, to begin with, and as things were going in the forest he figured he'd need a chum or two.

Runningfern took a seat near the back of the gathering place, taking a few moments to sharpen his claws on the bark of a tree.
He took a moment to gaze around him at the other cats, and found Sunmist in the midst of the fray. He was about to call her over, but she turned abruptly away and went to sit with the other medicine cats. Oh well, he thought, I guess she doesn't want to sit with me...


Dreamchaser looked onward at his leader with dull eyes. He wasn't too excited about going to the meeting but, then again, he wasn't the kind of cat to really get excited about anything.
He padded up so as he could speak within ear shot of the she-cat leader.
" Deathstar," He mrrowed in a deep, calm voice. " Are we going to say anything about that odd scent we caught by the Windclan territory?" He looked around and scented the air.
" Where are they, anyway?"

[windrunner]

(er right sorry All fixed.)

[red]Eclipsemoon looked up at Seastorm's voice.Hi Seastorm.This is..He was about ot finish the sentence but Dartpaw cut him off.[/red][teal]My name is Dartpaw.She cast a quick glance at Eclipsemoon.It's nice to meet you Seastorm.She smiled[/teal][red]So if you don't have anywhere to sit you can sit here if you want.[/b]He looked at his paws and then looked at Dartpaw.She nodded her head.[/red]

[pink]Arrowpaw and Runningpaw came walking in.They saw an apprentice and two warriors and walked over.Whats up people we don't know.They smiled.I'm Arrowpaw and This is Runningpaw.Well as Arrowpaw said yeah I'm Runningpaw is it okay if we sit here.[teal]It's okay with me is it okay with you Eclipsemoon.He nodded.Oh I'm Dartpaw and this is Eclipsemoon and this is Seastorm. Umm sit next to me guys.[pink]They smiled again SureThey sat down.[/pink]

[Sasha]

"I have been better, I must admit that. Silversun is doing well, too. She told we, wouldn't you know it, she was nearly dissapointed she hadn't gotten you for an apprentice. She got in a bit of a fit, really, at least until she met the young thing. Seems to be sleeping better." She added, gently nudging his shoulder. "You know, I don't believe it was entirely your fault for her outburst, comrade. I told Silversun about a paticularly strange dream I had, where -- oh!" She exclaimed, turning to the Riverclan warrior in surprise. "Good evening!" Stargazer said, nodding her head slightly. "Pleasure to meet you, Silentstep. I'm Stargazer. My young friend, over here, is Darkpaw." She added, though her ears lowered slightly. Perhaps he would feel outspoken, now? She hoped not, and quickly apologized with her gazing eyes.


Maplestar slowed slightly, glancing back at the group of her clan. "You could say that. I've been doing well, thank you, but I'm not used to it yet. I was never the leaderly sort, it's all fairly strange and foreign to me." She shrugged. "But I enjoy it, I've made many more friends within the clan. Can't imagine why," Maplestar laughed, feeling slightly less timid than before.
Slightly.
Suddenly, she paused in her step, glancing back as the Shadowclan cats arrived. Slip and fall in, Ivymoon, she thought with a slight chuckle.


And yet, with long claws digging into the wood, Ivymoon did not slip. She listened to her leader's order with a near scoff.
Information, she thought. What information? There is no cult we need to protect. Her eyelids lowered with a bored look as she stood on the other side of the log, looking out at the clans until a cat behind her meowed irritably to move foreward.
Keep your tongue, Ivymoon, she thought bitterly. With an angry flick of her tail, she leaped off the log. As she landed, she caught sight of Maplestar up ahead; soon as she hit the ground, the sight dissapeared.
She was almost thankful for that. A meeting here with Maplestar might end up to be a peaceful exchange of harsh words [it would be, anyway] though just seeing the Shadowclan warrior just seemed to make Maplestar's blood boil, and Ivymoon could hardly figure it out.
Let it go, she'd said once. Just let it go.