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Post by adrian on Dec 9, 2023 15:39:23 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/Wpwx12x/frost~png Frostfeather wasn't among those who attended the last Gathering. She did not see for herself how it played out when Laurelfern announced that she would separate from her clan, taking several other clan cats with her. She did not see the look on any of the other warrior's faces when she hopped up before the leaders to make her statement. She did not know what occurred after, really. And many she spoke to since seemed to believe this was a problem unique to RidgeClan, even if some of their own trickled out, too. She wasn't sure what she thought. After spending so long trying to feel accepted and normal in her own clan again, she wasn't sure she could imagine leaving. Maybe if she were born to RidgeClan, though, she would desire moving elsewhere. It was nice to acknowledge there were sensible warriors - not warriors now, she supposed - who knew their clan was in the wrong and no longer wished to support their old clan. Oddly, though, she hadn't had a chance to speak to Hailstar about it since the Gathering. It was a shame she missed it, but the cold she had, creeping up as a small cough at first, threatened to become something worse, and in the end the rest did wind up being the cure she needed. And, perhaps even more odd, her brother hadn't made an official statement on the Kingdom, yet. If he was biding his time, that was wise, but she wanted to know his thoughts, still. So when she was finally recovered and he was finally alone, she took a seat beside him, enjoying the cool evening air more than she might have if her coat was a little less thick. "Good evening, Hailstar," she said, tone warmer than the words themselves. He was her brother, but also the leader - she could afford him some respect. "How have you been fairing, since the Gathering?" |
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Post by shy on Dec 13, 2023 17:30:20 GMT -6
#s://i~pinimg~com/564x/28/06/a4/2806a44c062e380780351db734b7e242~jpg Hailstar, All Hailstar had wanted was a quiet leafbare. Just a calm, cold season where tensions could slowly die as everyone was too busy worried about feeding themselves to bother with politics and invasions. Just a quiet few moons where the anniversary of the battle could pass unannounced and unrepeated. That did not happen. The Kingdom, as they were called, was entirely unexpected. A whole new group splintering off, taking clan cats and loners alike into its ilk. Ridgeclan was splintering. How many members had taken off? How many of those members were the calm ones keeping Ridgeclan in check? How many left were the type who'd supported Wolfstar, and maybe still did? But as worrying as that entire situation was, there was little he could do. Nothing but think, plan, prepare for the worst. It was in the middle of such musings that Frostfeather approached. " Evening." He gave his sister a small smile, glad to see her. If there was anyone he could talk about this freely with, it was her. " Oh... it's been a lot. I don't think any of us outside Ridgeclan saw that coming. And based on the reactions we saw, it doesn't seem many of them saw it either." " The thought that so many cats could secretly decide to leave, form a new group, and in leafbare no less. It is worrying. A whole new group who could threaten our borders, who may not follow our code any longer." He sighed, Mistclan was his to lead and protect. The fact that such a threat could appear, and he could be none the wiser, it weighed on his mind. |
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Post by adrian on Dec 13, 2023 21:02:29 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/Wpwx12x/frost~png A lot seemed a small understatement, but Frostfeather wasn't going to say so, instead her mouth curved into a fond, not-quite-smile. It wasn't really a smile worthy conversation, after all. But she did like to hear his perspective, and she wanted to be supportive. It couldn't be easy to have the entire clan's wellbeing on his shoulders, and the Kingdom was such a surprise. So many unknowns to contend with. So few certainties. "I understand they went to the mountains," she said. "I wonder... will they be able to support themselves up there? Prey is scarce here, to be even further in altitude..." she trailed off, knowing her point was made. "I imagine we'll have more patrols, in the mean time."
PrairieClan would have it easy. They shared no border with the Kingdom. There would be no danger of territory disputes when the ex-clan cats grew hungry. There was no getting around the real question: were these cats going to be friendly to them, or were they a threat? Her first thought was that it only weakened RidgeClan, but they lost a few of their own, too, and if the majority of Kingdom cats were once RidgeClan cats, they might still have some attachment to their old home. And if that was the case... MistClan's borders would be the ones in the most danger. Then again, it sounded like Laurelfern was cutting ties with her old clan entirely, from what she heard. Curiously, she said, "I wonder if they'll regret it. Laurelfern is not the first to leave RidgeClan - that part is understandable. But to abandon the code entirely can't have been an easy decision to make." |
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Post by shy on Dec 18, 2023 16:57:47 GMT -6
#s://i~pinimg~com/564x/28/06/a4/2806a44c062e380780351db734b7e242~jpg Hailstar, Hailstar nodded along as his sister spoke. There would indeed be many more patrols for Mistclan now. Thought how long would this last? Would the Kingdom be permanent? Or would it shatter apart against the cruelty of the mountains? " If they can't keep fed and they fall apart, that'll cause a whole new issue. The clans will have to decide if we'd let them back in." " But if we're lucky they'll survive and keep parts of the code. At least the parts about not killing unnecessarily and respecting borders. Even if they don't call it the code, if they honor that much perhaps we can maintain peace." The last thing they needed were neighbors who crossed borders or started fights. His clan was still recovering from Ridgeclan's attack a turn of a seasons ago. " And if we're even luckier, they'll keep Ridgeclan distracted and weakened. Maybe this will keep their eyes away from our borders and the moonpool and up on those mountains." How wonderful it would be to not worry about Ridgeclan attacking. " But then again, how often do we luck like that?" |
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Post by adrian on Dec 28, 2023 11:01:08 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/Wpwx12x/frost~png The idea of letting them back in gave her pause. On the one hand, she was brought back into her clan when she managed to find her way home. But on the other hand, she hadn't intended on leaving her home in the first place. These cats chose to leave. But, somehow, the idea of letting them starve on some great mountain was a little unpleasant. Maybe they could earn their places back among the clans, if it came to that. It would be nice to not worry about RidgeClan threatening them again, but she found it difficult to trust they'd be that lucky, too. The chaos and pain that clan had caused still haunted her at times. Even if RidgeClan kept away from them, could they really forgive the carnage they'd left? "On the one hand, losing so many cats to the Kingdom may have weakened RidgeClan," she agreed. "Maybe they will be more concerned with securing the border between themselves and the Kingdom than looking our way." Still, she didn't doubt their ability to surprise them with violence. Perhaps it would be directed at the Kingdom instead, she pondered. After a moment, she continued, "But on the other side... if the Kingdom is full of cats from RidgeClan, perhaps they will be sympathetic to their previous loyalties, making them a bigger threat than they were before." With PrairieClan potentially remaining their allies, she'd felt a little more confident knowing they outnumbered RidgeClan. Now she was less sure. |
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Post by shy on Dec 30, 2023 9:37:35 GMT -6
#s://i~pinimg~com/564x/28/06/a4/2806a44c062e380780351db734b7e242~jpg hailstar, The best case scenario was a weakened Ridgeclan focused on another border. Frostfeather agreed with the assessment, though it didn't seem all that likely to Hailstar that they'd get such luck. " Hmmm.... that is a risk." The numbers of the Kingdom were hard to estimate. Their ranks were filled with clan cats, yes, but also loners. How many had boosted their ranks? Were they a threat? " If it comes to the Kingdom making an alliance with Ridgeclan, enough of their ranks are outsiders and non-Ridgeclan clan cats that there will be some who oppose the idea. If their blood is diverse enough, there might be sufficient pushback to an alliance." " At least some of them have been personally wronged by Ridgeclan, the ones from us and Prairieclan. Let's hope they're vocal, that even if they abandoned us they don't abandon old wounds." Ridgeclan's actions were surely squarely at fault for the Kingdom's appearance. They started the war. They broke the trust the clans had in each other. Some things were sacred, the moon cave wasn't territory to squabble over. Yet they treated it as such, and sent so many cats to Starclan in the attempt. |
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Post by adrian on Jan 4, 2024 17:54:38 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/Wpwx12x/frost~png Frostfeather found comfort in her brother's perspective, feeling tension she didn't realize she was holding onto dissipate. Of course the warriors who were once of MistClan and PrairieClan would not allow the Kingdom to side with RidgeClan against them. Perhaps there wouldn't be enough of them to make them reasonable allies, but surely enough voices would sway against the Kingdom becoming their enemies. At least for the moons to come. With a purr, she said, "I believe you're right. The wounds RidgeClan left are hard to move past. Thank you, you've actually made me feel a lot better about this." Perhaps they could put recent news aside for the moment, then. If the Kingdom became a problem, it wouldn't be overnight, and there were more joyful things for them to be discussing. "It won't be long now before your kits are named apprentices," she said, pleased for him. And for herself, really. Those kits were her family, too, and she liked to look out for them. "They grow up so quickly. Have you considered who will mentor them?"He must have some ideas, she thought. All parents wanted the best for their offspring. She considered offering herself as an option, but she didn't want to push, either. There were many great warriors in MistClan who would make fine mentors for Hailstar's children. |
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Post by shy on Jan 5, 2024 19:15:48 GMT -6
#s://i~pinimg~com/564x/28/06/a4/2806a44c062e380780351db734b7e242~jpg hailstar, Hailstar gave a light smile as Frostfeather spoke. It was nice to hear that he'd helped relieve her concerns. While the burden of keeping Mistclan safe largely rested on his shoulders, he knew it weighed on his warriors as well. " Of course, and you're always free to speak to me about such concerns." The conversation moved on to what should have been a far happier topic. The kits. His kits, as far as the clan knew. And as far as his sister knew. " Ah, I've been considering mentors since the day they were born." A wad of guilt lodged itself in his throat as he spoke. It wasn't his secret to tell, but the burden of their true parentage was partly his to carry. " Would you be interested? It's not a promise, or for certain, but I think you'd make a good mentor." He wanted to keep the kits somewhat close, entrusted to those he truly trusted. They weren't his, but he had helped Riversong raise them. And if his friends were mentoring, maybe he'd be able to help, just a little. Pretend for a few heartbeats that they were Riversong and some Mistclan tom's children, kits he could've mentored himself. " Of course if you have any suggestions, outside of yourself, I'd be glad to hear." |
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Post by adrian on Feb 25, 2024 17:07:15 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/Wpwx12x/frost~png "Ah, I've been considering mentors since the day they were born," her brother said, to which she couldn't help but respond, "Of course you've been." It was like him to think these things through, as he should. His kits should be mentored by the best the clan had to offer. They weren't just his legacy. They were her kin. She watched them grow, too, and wanted to see them well placed in the clan. "Would you be interested? It's not a promise, or for certain, but I think you'd make a good mentor."
"Nothing would make me prouder," she said, with honesty. There was much she hoped to impart on potential apprentices. The skills to be a warrior, of course, and the code, but beyond that: wisdom. Purpose. The ability to carry themselves proudly, no matter what life put them through. "Of course if you have any suggestions, outside of yourself, I'd be glad to hear."Did she... She considered her clan mates for a moment, and then said, "Alderbranch was your apprentice. I trust he would be capable. Moosespring is good natured, but I wonder if he would be able to handle the pressure." She paused. "Wrensong did well with Cloverbelly, too." The warriors she mentioned had to be responsible enough to be good mentors. "Spiderleap hasn't had an apprentice in awhile. I don't think he's an obvious choice, but I don't believe he would fail you, either."ooc: this post really hinges on tor finishing spiderleap lol |
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Post by shy on Feb 27, 2024 11:29:12 GMT -6
#s://i~pinimg~com/564x/28/06/a4/2806a44c062e380780351db734b7e242~jpg hailstar, " Nothing would make me prouder." Those words provided Hailstar with a small piece of relief. He'd have to decide which kit would be the best fit for his sister, but there was still time for that. Her suggestions provided even more relief. Hailstar had been considering Alderbranch, of course. The tom was skilled and a close friend. Which for these kits were some of his top criteria. Not that he wanted to be biased or swayed in their favor over their peers. But their futures were important, especially given their true and supposed heritage. " I agree, Alderbranch seems ready for his first apprentice. He'd do well as a mentor. As would you." Of course he only had so many sisters and former apprentices to mentor the kits. Others outside his close circle needed to be considered. Moosespring didn't strike him as the best option, personally he'd prefer cats who'd mentored others before if they weren't cats he knew well. But that would leave him with quite the small list. He quieted for a second before looking back to Frostfeather. " Thank you for your council. You've given me much to think on, both for the Kingdom and the kits." Cats who he could speak to freely were in short supply, which made Frostfeather all the more important. |
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