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Post by tor on Mar 3, 2024 13:06:37 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/rc8xfgw/cinder~jpg "Let all cats of PrairieClan old enough to catch their own prey gather under the fallen tree!" It was the unseasonably warm day that led Cinderstar to perch atop the tree and call out for her clan. She held herself perfectly still, a statue of grace under the bright blue sky. The scent of flowers came in on the breeze. They were nothing more than young buds poking out through the rapidly thawing grasslands of PrairieClan's territory, but that thaw was the very problem. What she intended to propose to her clan was not a new thought. Not as new as this thaw, at least. It'd been on her mind since long before Littlestar passed away, back when Cinderstar thought she might have to step up for her addled leader, at least until Littlestar was fit to lead once more. Now, with nine lives bestowed upon her, Cinderstar could delay this no longer. It was her responsibility - no one else's. Despite that, she had ensured her council knew of her decision before now. Their opinions did not matter to her. Moons of stewing on the danger of PrairieClan's tunnels meant she would not be walked back from this decision. Still, it was important to her that they weren't blindsided by the announcement. Earlier this morning, tucked away in the privacy of her den, Cinderstar told her plans to Maplefrost and Lionflower, Nettlefang a reassuring comfort at her side. Now, she would tell the rest of their clan. They gathered before her, curious faces meeting her eyes as she swept her gaze across camp. She could see the questions as they formed. Would this be to name a warrior? An apprentice? Or did she bring darker news - did another death occur? Cinderstar tried to calm her clan with her body language: relaxed, serene, calm. She felt none of these things, only tension, but she refused to let her nerves betray her. "As we all know," she said, confident enough of her clan had gathered, including the sunhigh patrol returned from their work. "New-leaf is coming. Today's weather is a reminder of the approaching thaw." She let a curious hum ripple across her clan before continuing. "Our territory boasts many unique attributes - it sets us apart from our fellow clans to the north." They were warmer, in territory and in disposition. More welcoming. Cleverer. "But the thaw curses us with a weakness the other clans don't have. The thaw makes our land fragile, as dug out as it is." That curious hum grew a sharp edge. "Take it from me, and my lifetime spent in the tunnels." She focused her gaze on the first cat she saw with a harsh expression. "The tunnels are not safe when it thaws." Or ever. But they would take kit-steps, first. "Therefore, I am banning the use of tunnels by all young cats until after the thaw - the second moon of new-leaf. No cat under 21 moons shall use them, regardless of their training schedule, or their duties. And, to preserve the safety of all cats, regardless of age, we will be temporarily abandoning the tunnels most prone to collapse because of the thaw." Already, she had a list in mind. "I will discuss which tunnels exactly with the head tunnelers. This order begins today. No debate." |
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Post by shy on Mar 3, 2024 15:44:20 GMT -6
#s://i~pinimg~com/564x/32/c0/03/32c00329686a303cbb08e3b988607f9d~jpg thistleroot/newtnose, The change of seasons fast approached, warmth filled the air along with the scent of grass and flowers. They had lured Thisteroot from the safety of the tunnels. A fellow tunneler, Newtnose, had guided him to camp. Together they shared prey while the she-cat rattled on about something or another. But silence fell, sudden and still, as Cinderstar spoke. An announcement? Thistleroot rarely attended these. Prairieclan's camp wasn't really his home, so there was little reason for him to spend enough time here to catch these unannounced things. He'd missed the most recent naming, and he'd likely miss many more. Any hopes of this being something as sweet as a naming quickly turned sour as the leader spoke. What did she care of the thaw or its safety? When was the last time she'd even visited the tunnels? And then her orders were spat out, cold and cruel as the season. Thistleroot felt his blood boil. It took a lot to upset him, most events passed him by without so much of a stirring of emotion. But this? The tunnels were his freedom. She might as well have torn off his paws, suggesting such a thing. " Those rules are ridiculous Cinderstar. Didn't your time in the tunnels teach you anything?" He called out, feeling Newtnose flinch as he spoke. How dare she? There was no way he'd ignore any tunnels for so long. He'd never listen to such a rule. " Neglect is no solution. If we ignore those tunnels for two moons they will collapse and they'll weaken the entire structure. Have you no common sense? You'll see the heart of our territory collapse on itself if you follow through with this." He sighed and stood, his head held tall. " We know to to maintain these tunnels. Trust your tunnelers. Keeping the young ones from the tunnels will only put them at risk during the next thaw. They won't know what to do, and we'll all who's at fault then if something happens to them." Next to him Newtnose stayed silent. Though he couldn't see it, she turned to look for her previous apprentice, horrified on his behalf. She'd been so excited to get to see Dustnose grow as a tunneler, see the thaw and learn about the tunnels in warmer moons.
dappledfern, The sun warmed Dappledfern and her growing stomach as she lay inside of the camp. She and Littlewing had timed this pregnancy well. Sparkstorm had been named, and newleaf was near. The kits would be born at an ideal time. When they were small and still nursing prey would begin to return, with it being back at normal levels by the time they were weaned. Prey and plants would be plentiful when they could walk and talk. Warmth and abundance would help them grow. It was perfect. When her sister called the clan for an announcement she pulled herself to a sitting position, struggling a little with the new weight. But she wanted to be respectful of whatever her sister announced. Was it her pregnancy? Doubtful, most the clan knew through either seeing Dappledfern or hearing her and Littlewing mention it. Ah. As Cinderstar spoke Dappledfern quickly picked up what her sister was likely to announce. Something with the tunnels, no doubt. Would they be closed permanently? Sure not, not when her sister had just become leader. A change that drastic needed time. The temporary ban made sense. The tunnels were dangerous in a thaw, and this wasn't anything too drastic. A sensible first move. Though clearly not all agreed. Thistleroot spoke out, and though she was tempted to respond, Dappledfern stayed quiet. She simply looked at her sister and nodded, trying to silently show support. There was no reason for her to get drawn into an argument, Cinderstar could fight her own battles. And she'd need to as leader. |
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Post by absurdjinx on Mar 4, 2024 5:15:15 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/SK5BJHQ/dust~jpg | dustnose, "gonna stand my ground
and i won't back down"
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Dustnose and a fellow tunneler, Shrewtail, were sharing tongues when he heard Cinderstar call for a clan meeting. They’d been working in the tunnels and had returned to camp for a break and a meal. Shrewtail was in the middle of helping him dig the mud out of his ears when Cinderstar’s voice rang across the clearing and Dustnose exchanged a curious look with his peer before they moved to join the growing crowd at the base of the fallen tree. He didn’t bother trying to figure out what Cinderstar wanted to announce and simply patiently waited until the leader was ready to tell them. He certainly didn’t expect Cinderstar to ban young cats from tunneling until the second moon of new-leaf. Dustnose’s eyes widened and his mouth fell agape with shock, and he wondered for a moment if he’d heard her correctly. He’d just become a full tunneler - she’d named him, even! - and now she was taking that away from him? He recovered quickly and his gaze immediately found his former mentor, Newtnose, looking right back at him. She practically lived in the tunnels. How would she cope without complete access to the underground network of pathways? Dustnose’s eyes narrowed as he looked up at Cinderstar, his tail lashing behind him. “ Um, what?” Dustnose growled, rising to his paws. “ You looked me in the eyes last moon and named me, knowing full well you’d be taking away from me the very thing I was trained to do.” He felt betrayed. She’d given him everything he’d ever wanted by granting him his warrior name and now she was taking it all away. Dustnose wasn’t stupid, either. If Cinderstar was willing to ban young cats from the tunnels now for safety reasons, she’d definitely be willing to ban all tunnelers from them later - probably also for safety reasons. “ How long until your temporary ban becomes permanent?”
| minkfrost, "good or bad, it passes
tomorrow's a lifetime of chances"
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Minkfrost was just returning from a patrol when a Cinderstar’s voice flooded her ears. She first made her way toward the fresh-kill pile to deposit the small chipmunk clamped carefully between her jaws and then moved to sit at the foot of the fallen tree Cinderstar made her announcements from. As soon as Cinderstar mentioned the upcoming thaw, Minkfrost knew this clan meeting had something to do with tunneling. What exactly, she couldn’t be sure, but if she had to guess, maybe some kind of prohibition? Why else would Cinderstar mention the thaw and PrairieClan’s unique attributes together? It felt too early for a lasting ban, but as Cinderstar said how unsafe it was in the tunnels when the ground thawed, Minkfrost realized that if she was forbidding access to the tunnels, it would only be for a short period of time. Part of her was disappointed, especially as Cinderstar confirmed her suspicions, but the more rational half of her reminded herself that outlawing a time-honored tradition wasn’t going to be easy or quick, particularly when their tunnelers were so passionate and proud about what they did. Banning young cats from the tunnels, even if temporarily, was still one step in the right direction. As the tunnelers around her broadcasted their disapproval, Minkfrost managed to remain calm and silent. She could understand why the tunnelers were upset. Although it was just for a short time, the very thing they loved to do was being taken from them. What if someone forbade her from her warrior duties for two moons, forcing her to work as a tunneler? Yeah, Minkfrost would be upset, too. But the difference was that being a tunneler was far more dangerous than being a warrior ever would be. Her clanmates would have to come to accept that eventually, wouldn’t they? |
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storms make trees take deeper roots
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Post by cosmic on Mar 17, 2024 15:43:55 GMT -6
#s://i~pinimg~com/564x/b8/48/fd/b848fd15d958a913797a8eb5d33c42b5~jpg
As he heard the leader call for a meeting, he hesitated. His tail brushed against his apprentice as Vulturepaw eagerly went to join his friends. The ginger tom felt bad that he couldn't warn the youngster of what was about to happen, and he hoped that it didn't impact him too much. The apprentice had many friends since arriving, some of them tunneling apprentices.
The medicine cat exited the entrance of the den when Cinderstar began to speak. Even while he could have joined his clanmates, he chose to sit just outside his domain as the crowd of cats looked too intimidating to join them. Ever since Cinderstar returned to camp after receiving her new name, everyone looked at him so differently. Instead of either neutral or positive expressions, maybe some respect despite his attitude, now the looks are sympathetic, like something is wrong with him. It makes him want to throw up.
Maplefrost's train was interrupted when cries of cats could be heard in front of him. Not that he was surprised, he knew that there would be anguish from the tunnelers. He even made a snide comment that Cinderstar and Nettlefang should mentally prepare for any insults that are thrown their way, since he only can cure physical ailments. But he had faith. As much as he loved his mother, she never took a side when she was leader. At least this would mean, hopefully, that less cats would visit his den.
Mousestep was carrying in a piece of fresh prey when the call for a clan meeting bounced off the camp walls. Her eyes trailed as she watched the leader bound up the tree, but it wasn't long before her eyes shot down to the ground. It had been a moon-ish, maybe more, since her argument with the then-deputy, and she didn't have the courage to really speak about it, other than to Barkshade and Hazelstream. She knew she needed to say something, but when she would see the tortoiseshell alone, the words escaped her mind.
It made her happy to see Smallbreeze among the crowd, as she gave a short trill to sit beside her for whatever this announcement could be. There are not any kits to apprentice, or apprentices to become warriors... so what is she... the young molly thought to herself before the leader began to speak. Where was Barkshade? They were... distant now. Sure, they would share meals with small talk, still share a nest, but other than that, they weren't the star-crossed lovers they used to be. It hurt, but it wasn't close to how she felt with the announcement.
Oh, what she would do to be able to not hear this right now.
With the outcries going on around her, her stomach began to twist deep within her. It was exactly the nightmare that she predicted would happen becoming a reality. Hell, she barely made the age cutoff. With the other tunnelers speaking their minds, Mousestep couldn't help but stay silent. The she-cat looked toward her mentor and along her clanmates as her mind began to fill with more thoughts than she could handle. It was her fault, wasn't it? If she hadn't have had that argument, maybe the tunnelers would have had a chance. If it wasn't for her, maybe the tunnels would still be open to everyone. It was her fault.
Silently, and without her even realizing what she had done, the young molly made her way among the crowd to keep her head down to hide what tears were beginning to form and to try to make herself as small as possible. Mousestep then remembered crashing into her nest with the tears no longer holding back, as her thoughts continued to race. It wasn't long before the crowd would simmer, the meeting was over, but she wouldn't leave her nest for the rest of the day and night, too sick to face the reality that she created for everyone.What the actual fuck?
Since when had Cinderstar become such a dick? Wheatpaw was sat along his other tunneler friends, when the gasps and cries began to ring around the camp. Tunneling was all that he knew, it's all he really cared about. It gave him something to do other than thinking about his mom and his half-siblings. It gave him a purpose: to prove to her that she was wrong to abandon him. That he was going to be the best tunneler in the clan to make Creeksong suffer.
The apprentice had a growl escape his maw, with his tail lashing widely behind him when he stood up, hoping to be as tall as the older tunnelers that had been conducting their duties for moons before him. His emerald eyes locked onto the leader, whether she looked at him or not, as he tried to yowl for her attention.
"Hey, Cinderstar, if you actually care about your clan, then what the hell is your plan for the clanless in our territory!? They are much more of a threat than some stinking tunnels, and I know you've heard the same rumors that all of us have heard! Or are you too high and mighty now to share tongues with your clanmates?"
Before he could continue, he felt a harsh thump against his head to see that it was the bushy tail of his father, Sheepfeather, trying to get him to settle down. Wheatpaw let out a huff, before he say again with his close friends, who were pep-talking his outburst toward the leader. The scrawny-pale tom eyes fell. All he wanted to do was to try to become something greater than what he believed he was capable of, what Creeksong thought he was capable of... and it seems like those efforts were now lost. He looked toward the other side of the gathered cats to see his mother sitting along his older kin, her eyes glaring at him with the same intensity as when he was a kit and abandoned. Rage began to fuel in his heart and belly, as his brow furrowed toward the tortoiseshell she-cat.
Fine... if you won't do anything about the clanless, I will. |
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Post by spotted on Mar 21, 2024 16:30:29 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/n1Q2Zdm/smallbreezeava~png | Smallbreeze, We are all brought forth out of darkness into this world, through blood & through pain. Deep in our bones, the old songs are waking. So sing them with voices of thunder & rain. |
When Cinderstar first summoned her and a few of the other senior tunnelers to her den and laid out her decision, she thought she had misheard her, then she thought she might be ill - perhaps that was why Maplefrost was there. Had a rock hit her on the head? Is that where this proposal came from? Spending many moons in the tunnels herself, even before becoming a tunneler, she couldn't with good faith say that Cinderstar was completely wrong, that the tunnels posed no danger at all. Her concerns were creditable, but Smallbreeze still thought the manner in which the new leader was handling it to be a bit jarring. She wasn't the only one, the other tunnelers looked amongst each other, silently formulating their objections and looking to the deputy and medicine cat for their reactions. Smallbreeze had several concerns, and while it was clear Cinderstar could not be persuaded to walk back on her decision, that did not stop the older she-cat from asking good faith questions of her leader, ones she knew the other - especially the younger tunnelers that were affected by the ban - would want to know. Like if this ban would eventually become permanent. The tortoiseshell molly assured her that this was simply a security decision for the thaw, that she would have been more decisive if it were permanent, and Smallbreeze took her at her word. She had witnesses, to what Smallbreeze hailed as a promise. With Littlestar gone and the hostile clanless encroaching on their territory, Prairieclan needed to stand united, not divided. And this would certainly put a large divide between the clan. As much as Smallbreeze disagreed with her decision, it was in Prairieclan’s best interest that she comply. Smallbreeze and the other senior tunnelers in attendance had more, logistical, questions, but those would be discussed more in full after the announcement to the clan as a whole. Her stomach finally dropped as the council meeting was disbanded and Cinderstar summoned the rest of the clan to gather. Exiting the leader’s den, the sun now felt hostile and harsh against her dusty fur whereas before her summons she had been enjoying the abnormal leaf-bare warmth. She settled next to Mousestep as the young tunneler called her over, giving her former apprentice a soft greeting and weak smile before Cinderstar shared her announcement. She didn't have to look over to Mousestep to see the young tortie crumple. Smallbreeze had caught wind of Cinderstar, then deputy, and Mousestep’s argument concerning the tunnels. The young she-cat was probably haunted by that conversation now, and Smallbreeze made a note to check in with her after all this nastiness was over with. Like she predicted, and even Maplefrost warned about, the younger tunnelers were not at all pleased. Thistleroot, sitting next to her granddaughter, spoke up first - saying several of the concerns she had had as well. Newtnose had remained quiet, which was not a large surprise, as her granddaughter was quite the quiet cat, but she knew how much the tunnels meant to her, and she resolved to talk to her later as well. Dustnose then spoke, and Smallbreeze’s heart lurched further. He had just been named a full tunneler, and now he was forbidden from doing his job. Smallbreeze moved to speak herself, but as her jaws parted, Weatpaw spoke up more brashly than the rest of the tunnelers that spoke before the apprentice. Her eyes flew to Sheepfeather who was already on the move to bop his son into settling down. The last thing they needed was a riot. But Smallbreeze knew in her heart that Wheatpaw’s words came from a place of deep grief that many of his contemporaries felt. Calmly, Smallbreeze’s rough voice stretched above the whispers. “Tell them what you told us, Cinderstar.” Her orbs locked onto the new leader, silently pleading with her to make that same declaration of assured temporary to the rest of the clan, so that it might quell the rising tension forming in several others. |
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Post by tor on Mar 23, 2024 11:57:04 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/rc8xfgw/cinder~jpg The response was not good. Cinderstar knew that would be the case. She knew it, because those who agreed with her - those who wanted to see the tunnels limited, or even closed - were a quieter bunch. Much like herself, who'd never really vocalized her concerns outside close friends, most of the cats who wanted an end to the tunnels held their tongue around the clan at large, unwilling to argue with the way tradition gripped most PrairieClanners. She wasn't at all surprised by the reaction. She was annoyed by it. Not a single cat spoke in her favor. And all the cats speaking out - they were young upstarts, foolhardy cats barely out of apprenticeship, or, in Wheatpaw's case, still in it. Idiots, she wanted to call them, feeling the harsh word form at the back of her mouth. She swallowed it down. Had she been in their paws, listening to a former leader to the same thing when she was their age, she would be just as obnoxious in response. To Thistleroot she said, "As I said, I will be meeting with tunnelers to decide which tunnels should be completely off limits. Yourself included. If, as a group, we decide not to neglect-" the word was used intentionally, with only a little spite "-any tunnels, then so be it." She narrowed her eyes, wanting to snap at him for daring to insinuate future deaths would be her fault, but again swallowed that instinct. She would been seen as levelheaded and neutral in this, unlike the angry tunnelers around her. Cinderstar turned to Dustnose and expressed sympathy with a small nod. "I'm sorry, Dustnose," she said, knowing he was right - she had taken his purpose so soon after giving it to him. "But do not jump to conclusions. You will have your time as a tunneler." What the future looked like - ban or no ban, permanent or not - was not for Cinderstar to say now. Luckily, it seemed very few cats agreed with Wheatpaw's outburst. Perhaps cats wanted to know what her plans for the outsiders were, but at least most of her clan seemed put off by how Wheatpaw phrased himself. "Your concerns will be addressed, Wheatpaw," she said coldly. "You and your mentor will come speak to me after this meeting."Last she faced Smallbreeze. "Tell them what you told us, Cinderstar," she said, and Cinderstar narrowed her eyes just slightly. What, exactly, did Smallbreeze mean? She had her guesses. But again, she refused to commit to a future she knew nothing about. "It seems you've all forgotten the many moons I spent in the tunnels," she said, only a little angry at how quickly her clan chose to ignore her experience. "I know what implications my decision has. This is a safety measure, meant to protect our youngest. I don't expect you all to agree with me. But I do expect respect." She shot Wheatpaw a stern look. "I am firm in my decision. I will not be swayed. Two moons: that is all I'm asking for."For now. |
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Post by owl on Mar 23, 2024 14:12:16 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/sjZ15BX/nettleprofile~png | nettlefang sometimes it returns, like rain that you slept through
that washed off the world, the streets looking brand new
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Cinderstar could handle it. The immediate feedback had been that of tunnelers upset with her announcement. No one spoke up in support... but Nettlefang could see the relieved shoulders of some of the gathered cats. She could see them whispering, about how it was a big change, but perhaps a wise one. Of course those who disagree will talk the loudest. Truly, I'm surprised the young tunnelers would speak to one of their seniors like this. She's seen more moons of newleaf then they've been alive for. How do they think they know better than she does? How do they think she doesn't have their best interests at heart?
And of course, the leader handled the dissent with grace and tact, not that Nettlefang was surprised that she could—she was always impressed by the restraint Cinderstar showed. Because she would have had some more colorful words to say. Yeah, I'd wanna speak to Wheatpaw's mentor after this meeting too. Would wanna nip that talking back in the bud. Give him a moon or two of tick duty with the elders. The way they'll shred his ears if he gives that kind of lip to them will make him think twice about disrespectin' authority. "I am firm in my decision. I will not be swayed. Two moons: that is all I'm asking for." That was all Cinderstar should have had to say. End of story. No debate. Her eyes found Minkfrost in the crowd—for however close she was with her mate, she had no clue what the rosetted cat was thinking.
She found herself wondering what Viperstrike would think of this. She'd always clashed against Nettlefang's disdain for the tunnels... but surely even she couldn't deny that this time of year was dangerous, especially for the inexperienced cats? The young ones who had not witnessed how suddenly and unexpectedly the tunnels could collapse in this kind of weather, knew the warning signs, and how to escape? She could sense that cats were still unsatisfied—Cinderstar had sensibly, firmly reiterated what she had said before. But it still wasn't enough for some of them. It made her skin prickle to see them treat their leader, who Starclan chose, Littlestar chose, with such ill respect. I have absolutely no issue being the mean one. I can make Cinderstar look like a fuckin' delight. Nettlefang rose and walked along the log to stand closer to the tortoiseshell leader—she'd had enough of being a solid, silent presence at her side. Time to do her job and back the leader up.
"You who have seen what these heavy rains and warm weather do to the tunnels should know that Cinderstar's request is reasonable. You know there are lives claimed every year. You know the young cats are the most vulnerable. You remember someone whose life was cut short. Cinderstar is trying to prevent that from happening this year." Her eyes fell to Dustnose, and then Wheatpaw. "She is making sure you get to continue working in the tunnels by ensurin' you aren't buried by them this newleaf," she ended harshly. The molly closed her eyes and paused to let her words sink in—not daring to look over at Cinderstar to try to gauge if she had stepped out of line. An image flashed in the darkness of her eyelids. The sleeping visage of her mother, made blurry by time. Her mother who to this day was buried in an abandoned tunnel brought down on her by the spring rains. It happened every year. Always the same. Who would it be this year if Cinderstar hadn't put her foot down? One of the very young cats who spoke up against her?
The blue tabby sighed, and her voice took on a softer tone. "Just for these two moons while the weather is the worst—come greenleaf, the ground will be firm and the tunnels will be safe enough for everyone to return to. We can dig up and repair the damages caused by the thaw then." She sat back down, finally turning her head to meet Cinderstar's eyes. We both know those tunnels are never safe... but it'll be a long road to getting Prairieclan to give 'em up. We'll do our best in the meantime to make sure it claims as few lives as possible.
tags: @ prairieclan
notes: she knows she's the bad cop lol
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Post by robin on Mar 23, 2024 15:50:25 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/Y86p4zP/Vulturepaw~png Vulturepaw mumbled to himself as he sat in the medicine den, a bundle of herbs at his paws as he attempted to commit each of them to memory. Watching Maplefrost work was different than doing things himself, the old medicine cat made everything look so easy. But there was so much to memorize and know, and each plant had a different smell, texture and appearance. Did he need the one with the fuzzy leaves or the one with yellow flowers? Were the edges smooth or ridged? Cinderstar's call brought the young apprentice out of his thoughts and his amber eyes lit up with anticipation. It was exciting, to be among those who were allowed to gather and hear the leader speak, so often was he ushered away to the nursery as a kit, when all he wished to do was listen and learn. Ducking out of the medicine den, his herbs momentarily forgotten, Vulturepaw attempted to find a space among his gathered clanmates, somewhere close to the front - where he could hear clearly. Vulturepaw looked to the tortoiseshell she-cat with admiration as she began to address the clan, his ears twitching as he drank in the information and announced a temporary ban on tunnelling - oh? But so many of the apprentices loved to tunnel, it was sad that they wouldn't be able to do the thing that they loved most, and he could continue with his own role that brought so much joy to his otherwise mundane life. But Cinderstar said that the tunnels were unsafe, surely it was a good thing to ban the younger cats, at least temporarily? If cats got hurt in the tunnels, that would deplete the herb stores and weaken the clan. Vulturepaw's gaze darted uneasily around the gathered cats as tensions began to rise, his ears flattening against his broad head. Tempers flared whenever the tunnels were brought up, and although he didn't like how some of his clanmates were speaking to each other, or to Cinderstar, he was only an apprentice and it really wasn't his place to speak up. Maplefrost might be angry with him if he showed himself up in front of the clan, what if he thought he'd picked the wrong cat for his apprentice? No, Vulturepaw would sit and wait... Sometimes it was better to observe than to run head first into a problem. Buglepaw licked her lips as she paused to savour the mouse beneath her paws, the first indication that New-leaf was on its way was the flavour in the meat. The prey was beginning to fatten up and recover from the long leaf-bare. Gone were the stringy morsels that barely filled her belly, now she could begin to look forward to each meal, instead of forcing down each mouthful with a grimace. The she-cat lifted her head when Cinderstar's voice carried around the clearing, calling all those old enough to gather before her. Buglepaw took a moment to lick the remnants of her mouse from around her lips, and then trotted over to where the rest of the clan were gathering. She didn't anticipate anything too exciting, probably another naming or something equally as routine - oh she hoped it wasn't another apprenticeship, the den was crowded enough already. She couldn't have been more wrong in her assumption. As Cinderstar spoke, Buglepaw felt her hackles begin to raise and her tail lashed as if it had a mind of its own, showcasing her displeasure with the leaders words. Who was she to tell them what they could and couldn't do? Apprentices were going into the tunnels long before she was even born! Tunnelling had been her only goal for as long as she could remember, ever since she was a kitten - it had been her dream to follow in her fathers pawsteps. This ban dishonoured his legacy, and that of all tunnellers of the past. They'd built those tunnels with their own paws, until their pads were cracked and bleeding, and still gone back to do the same the next day. "How are we supposed to continue our training if we can't use the tunnels?" she spoke up, glaring at the leader as if she might be able to change her mind just by the hostility in her eyes. Cinderstar wasn't behaving like a tunneller, more like a kit who was afraid of the dark. Buglepaw's gaze snapped towards Wheatpaw as he spoke up, demanding answers about the clanless. The tuxedo molly almost gasped at the tone he used to speak to the leader, but it wasn't as if what he said was untrue. She agreed with him, why weren't real issues being addressed, instead their tunnels were being targeted, it didn't make any sense. |
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Post by robin on Mar 29, 2024 8:40:19 GMT -6
#s://i~ibb~co/XSZtWPV/Turtlewhisker~jpg The tortoiseshell molly shook out her pelt as she pushed her way into camp, a young rabbit clamped in her jaws. Yellow eyes alighting at the sight of her clanmates gathering by the fallen tree - Cinderstar must've called them together for a clan meeting. Tail flicking inquisitively, Turtlewhisker deposited her catch on the fresh kill pile before sitting at the back of the gathered crowd. Turtlewhisker sat up a little straighter, her tail flicking with intrigue as Cinderstar began to speak. The tension within camp was palpable as a blanket ban was placed on all young cats from the tunnels - predictably, the news didn't go down well with those that had devoted their lives to the act of tunnelling, but Turtlewhisker found that for once she could breathe freely. The tunnels were dangerous. Whether those hare-brains wished to admit it or not, there was no denying their bloodied history. A temporary ban was a good first step to eradicating the practice altogether, which was a day when she would truly rejoice. It was time to abandon outdated traditions that still cost the lives of their clanmates, Prairieclan had to look to the future instead of living in the past. Raised voices. Outrage. Accusations. Turtlewhisker glared at the ones whose voices were loudest. The tortoiseshell let out a low growl at Wheatpaw's insolence, someone ought to teach that kit some manners because apparently his mentor had failed to instil those fundamentals into him. If her apprentice had acted in such a way, she'd be searching the elders for ticks until the end of her apprenticeship. Lashing her tail, Turtlewhisker opened her mouth as if to speak up against what was being said and to support her sister. However, before she had the chance to utter a single word, Nettlefang's voice rang out, beating her to the punch. The tortoiseshell molly bristled listening to the deputy's words. She didn't disagree with what was said, but nobody got under her skin quite like the blue she-cat. |
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