Four different clangen files are being used for this project. While mostly following SeedClan, the activities of SorrelClan, CoyoteClan, and CherryClan may also be featured at times.
The following rules are in place for these files:
No restarting the file. Save file manipulation will only occur to move exiled cats back in for story, add an adopted parent to an orphaned kit, or remove a leader’s life due to war.
Decision to proceed, do not proceed, or antagonize during events is decided by the cat’s personality type.
As is tradition in these clans, apprentices must pass a trial before they receive their name. An apprentice must survive a solo border, hunting, and training trip (w/ proceed option chosen), as well as assist the medicine cat with their duties to earn their warrior name.
Allow mass extinction events.
Allow leaders to automatically choose a new deputy. This decision will not be manipulated by the player.
Cats choose their own path of life. Allow apprentices, warriors and elders to choose to become mediators/medicine cats. Cats can choose to retire. Cats choose their own mates. Allow affairs and mate switches.
Experienced based apprentice graduation is turned on.
Patrolling is based on Moon Events. Cats who “wish to be alone” will do a solo trip. If the relationship event describes hunting, or desiring to hunt in the cat’s profile, then they will have those respective duties. The exception to this is apprentices for their choice of trial completion.
Same sex cats cannot have kits, but may adopt or get a surrogate (happens if kits are found w/o a mother).
Disabled romantic interactions with former mentors and first cousins.
SeedClan
Leader:
Kestrelstar - dark gray tabby she-cat with dark amber eyes
Apprentice: Howlpaw
Deputy:
Honeyeagle - bright ginger tabby tom with amber eyes
Healer:
Fallendapple - long furred speckled light brown she-cat with bright blue eyes
Mediator:
None
Warriors:
Goldeniris: black and dark ginger tortoiseshell she-cat with one gold and one blue eye
Apprentice: Softpaw
Quillbeak: long furred pale tabby and white tom with dark amber eyes
Apprentices:
Softpaw: white and golden speckled tom with silver eyes
Howlpaw: black speckled tom with hazel eyes
Queens:
Maplefern - black and white she-cat with yellow eyes. Former CherryClan Medicine Cat. Mother of Bluekit, Hollowkit, and Slatekit.
Kits:
Bluekit - marbled black tabby tom with bright blue eyes.
Slatekit - dark gray spotted tabby tom with yellow eyes
Hollowkit - dark brown and white tom with yellow eyes
Elders:
None
SorrelClan
Leader:
Chivestar - gray tabby tom with hazel eyes
Deputy:
Ochreclaw - pale and brown mottled tortoiseshell she-cat with yellow eyes
Healer:
Icywish: unusually spotted dark brown and white she-cat with pale blue eyes
Mediator:
None
Warriors:
Floodthrift: pale gray tabby and white tom with gray eyes
Cranefang: white she-cat with black patches on her face and dark blue eyes
Apprentice: Bumblepaw
Apprentices:
Bumblepaw: light brown and white tom with dark green eyes
Queens:
None
Kits:
None
Elders:
None
CoyoteClan
Leader:
Ryestar: spotted dark gray tom with dark blue eyes
Deputy:
Plummoon: pale gray ticked tabby tom with blue eyes
Apprentice: Rainpaw
Healer:
Lakeburn - long furred dark brown tabby tom with blue eyes
Mediator:
Havenbramble: golden and white tom with blue eyes
Warriors:
Aphidsun: beautiful long furred ginger she-cat with a darker colored stripe and blue eyes
Apprentices:
Rainpaw: long furred dark gray tabby she-cat with silver eyes
Queens:
None
Kits:
None
Elders:
None
CherryClan
Leader:
Whisperstar: white she-cat with silver eyes
Deputy:
Quiverwatcher - black, gray, and white cat with silver eyes
Apprentice: Icepaw
Healer:
Moonbumble - long furred black, gray, and white she-cat with gray eyes
Mediator:
None
Warriors:
Churro: long furred pale ginger smoke tom with amber eyes
Apprentices:
Icepaw: white tom with icy blue eyes
Queens:
Apricotfeather: long furred dark gray tabby she-cat with green eye. Expecting Churro’s kits.
Kits:
None
Elders:
None
Cats Outside the Clan
Sekhmet: fluffy speckled ginger tom with blue eyes and a red bow collar
Tantomile: silver tabby tom with blue eyes
Tadpolefern: silver tabby tom with hazel eyes. Lost.
I did, but I wouldn’t be surprised if other challenges have it in place to spice up the game. I just know solo patrols are more dangerous, especially so for less experienced cats. This was my way of keeping my clan from growing too big is all :)
Howlpaw's tail was held high as he followed after his clanmates through the grotto and to the beautiful flower field. He craned his neck, wide green eyes looking for a particular spotted tom. As he caught sight of his target, Howlpaw quickened his pace, falling in line beside his fellow apprentice.
"Softpaw! Hey, you didn't introduce me to the other apprentices at the last Gathering. Can I tail you when you go to say hi?" he asked earnestly.
Softpaw's ear twitched, the older apprentice looking incredulously at Howlpaw. "When I say hi? Howlpaw, I don't say hi. The Gathering is a formality, but there's no point making friends with cats you may have to fight."
"That's not what Kestrelstar said," Howlpaw argued, frowning as he flicked his gaze ahead. "Well fine, if you're going to be like that. I'll just introduce myself without your help."
A mrow of laughter caught Howlpaw off guard, Softpaw not even attempting to muffle his snickering as he rolled his eyes. "Ok Howlpaw. I'll see you at Dandelion Memorial. Good luck." Softpaw trotted ahead after Goldeniris and Honeyeagle, his tail tip flicking to hit Howlpaw's nose.
The gray apprentice jumped, swatting at the air where the tail once was, before huffing. As his fur began to lie flat, he gave himself a few quick licks before eyeing the gathered cats. He eventually noticed a smaller, younger looking tom. He was white and spotted with pale brown patches, standing alone.
Maybe he's nervous to meet other apprentices, just like me!
With a steady breath, Howlpaw trotted over with his head raised high, flicking his tail in greeting. "Hello there! I'm Howlpaw of SeedClan. Are you..." He paused only a moment, scenting the air. "...a SorrelClan apprentice?"
"I am." The tom's smile was small. He dipped his head in greeting to Howlpaw. "My name is Bumblepaw. I've been training for 4 moons now under Cranefang. You train under Kestrelstar, don't you?"
Howlpaw's eyes widened. "Wow, you know a lot!"
Bumblepaw purred with a small laugh. "Word gets around, especially when a leader trains an apprentice."
Pride swelled within him, Howlpaw unable to keep from flattening his ears with a show of embarrassment. He opened his mouth to speak further, but was interrupted by a flash of gray nudging her way between them, a bright smile on her face.
"Hi there! Socializing today, huh? Ooh, I'm glad there's a SeedClan cat willing to chat. That Softpaw is always telling me to bug off." She laughed loud enough to make Howlpaw duck his head, wary of others around them who glanced over with somewhat annoyed glances.
The dark gray tabby waved her plume-like tail. "I'm Rainpaw - CoyoteClan apprentice. I see you've met Bumblepaw. Got any scoop for me before the Gathering starts?"
Blinking at her in shock, Howlpaw stuttered. "I don't think uh- I mean I think that's Kestrelstar's job, not mine. That is uh..." He glanced away. While he was glad they were friendly, he hadn't exactly expected this.
"Rainpaw, quiet down," Bumblepaw whispered calmly. He nodded ahead to the Leaders, who stood proud as a hushed silence fell over the group. Howlpaw too straightened up, turning to pay attention.
The Gathering was starting.
Ryestar stepped forward, setting a Petunia down before his paws. "CoyoteClan is steadily recovering from the flood. Plummoon has taken up his deputy duties, but unfortunately we ran into a nasty fox that managed to mangle his leg. Lakeburn says he will make a full recovery." Murmurs of well wishes were exchanged, a few glances being cast towards Rainpaw, causing Howlpaw to glance at her as well.
Ryestar continued. "Rainpaw bravely finished chasing the fox off, and helped her mentor back to camp. I would like to acknowledge her tonight and thank her for protecting our new deputy."
Wow! Howlpaw gazed at Rainpaw with admiration. He couldn't imagine chasing off a fox and taking care of Kestrelstar like that. And her mentor was a deputy! Rainpaw was pretty amazing!
The she-cat noticed his look, puffing out her chest with a smile of delight. "You should've seen the way it yipped when it turned tail and ran. It won't mess with CoyoteClan again, that's for sure!"
As Ryestar stepped back, Whisperstar went next, the CherryClan leader dropping her pinkish colored flower to the ground. "For this Gathering, I bring Gladiolus. It represents strength and growth, which I believe CherryClan has been experiencing. We will not let hardships keep us down." Her voice sounded more powerful, making the raspy tone that betrayed her age. "CherryClan welcomes a new apprentice. Icepaw has been apprenticed to my deputy, Quiverwatcher, and we believe he will continue to uphold CherryClan's values."
Icepaw?
There was a new apprentice in CherryClan? That meant he was just a moon younger than Howlpaw! He'd have to say hi and congratulate him before they left.
"Icepaw! Icepaw! Icepaw!" the gathering cheered, Howlpaw raising his voice as he craned his neck and looked around for the apprentice.
He finally spotted him. A spiky white tom stood fierce and proud, a smile not even cracking his features. Howlpaw could see why he was named Icepaw. His eyes were like sunlit ice, and his cold exterior and white pelt made him fit for the chills of leafbare.
"We also have a new member of our clan. Apricotfeather has moved to the nursery with kits, but we have learned her mate is an outsider. As the code is to protect kits, we have taken him in to strengthen our ranks, as will the kits when they are born."
Chivestar's lips curled back in a snarl, and Ryestar even seemed surprised. "You took in an outsider, even after Bushclaw's death?" he asked warily.
"Churro has already proven his innocence," hissed Whisperstar, not explaining herself further. "Apricotfeather has suffered enough this past moon." Her fur bristled, before she stiffened and straightened herself. "And unfortunately, so have we. The truth is that twolegs came into our territory... and they managed to capture Tadpolefern. He was taken."
Everyone gasped, fur bristling as panic seemed to rise from the crowd.
"T-Taken?" a white SorrelClan she-cat timidly cried out
"Does CherryClan not protect their own?!" snarled Quillbeak.
"Silence!" Whisperstar cried, lashing her tail as her silver eyes betrayed the pain she felt. "CherryClan is feeling great shame. We loved Tadpolefern, and we have sent countless patrols out in search of Twolegs. But alas it hasn't led to any success..." She trailed off, sighing. "CherryClan is rebuilding, but with what is sounding like a large litter, we will be stronger than ever," she insisted, admittedly rather defensive.
"I also have a warning to my fellow clan cats." Whisperstar's voice was stern and serious. "As you may have noticed, our medicine cat Maplefern has been absent two Gatherings now. I'm informing you all now that she has been exiled from CherryClan."
Howlpaw's ears flattened as shocked whispers flooded the clearing. His pelt felt hot, knowing well where Maplefern was. He lowered his head, yet kept his eyes looking at Whisperstar as she continued to speak.
"As is the code of Healers, they must not take mates, nor carry kits, as it impedes upon their relationship with StarClan. When we learned she had been seeing a loner, she lost her rights to our support."
Kestrelstar eyed the white she-cat, frowning. Her demeanor did not go unnoticed, as Whisperstar glared back. "Do you have something to say, Kestrelstar?"
"Only if you're finished," Kestrelstar replied coolly, voice muffled by the large yellow flower she carried.
Whisperstar huffed and stepped back, eyeing the SeedClan leader with her silver eyes as they traded places. Kestrelstar set her offering down, raising her tail as she gazed upon the gathered cats.
"I have brought a Sunflower because SeedClan has unwavering faith, and are looking towards the light that is the sun. This past moon has brought change, but we are strong and certain in our actions." She took a soft breath, puffing out her chest as she spoke. "The truth is that SeedClan has taken in Maplefern."
"You what?!" Whisperstar bared her fangs, silver eyes blazing with fury. "Does SeedClan spat in the face of StarClan's word?"
"I should be asking CherryClan that," Kestrelstar hissed back without hesitation. "Does CherryClan leave kits to die and fend for themselves?"
Whisperstar sat upright in shock. "Kits? What do you mean?"
"Maplefern had kits with her. They appeared to be almost 2 moons old. She most certainly had to have been pregnant when you cast her out." Kestrelstar's amber eyes hardened. "Maplefern may have broken the healer code, but she is still a queen, and the code says to never neglect the innocent."
CherryClan cats spoke up, eyes wide with horror.
"We didn't know!" Icepaw declared, catching Howlpaw's attention. He was surprised a new apprentice would speak out so loudly. But the white tom stood tall, not even flinching as the other cats gazed at him. "CherryClan would never harm innocent kits!"
Kestrelstar waved her tail for silence. "We have been taking care of Maplefern and her kits. While it is Maplefern's decision, we believe the kits will grow into fine warriors of SeedClan, unless CherryClan wants to change their mind?"
A hushed silence fell through the air. A look of shame was plastered on Whisperstar's face. She lowered her head before shaking it. "We will start no conflict over the kits. I admit the wrong I have done to Maplefern." Her voice hardened as she met Kestrelstar's gaze though. "However, she is not welcomed back in CherryClan. While she should've been taken care of as a mother, she has chosen to flee rather than use the code that would've saved her. CherryClan wants no part of her, nor her kits after her banishment."
"I want to apologize too," Ryestar spoke up. The elderly tom would stand as she looked to Kestrelstar. "Maplefern came to CoyoteClan asking for herbs, but we did not give them to her. Her kits were no where in sight when she came, and she didn't speak of them to us. Had we known, we would've provided her the care she needed."
Kestrelstar appeared unimpressed, glaring at both of them. "She was injured. Did you not know that either?"
To her surprise, Ryestar shook his head. "She smelled like garlic actually when she came. She looked to be in fine condition, and merely left when we explained we didn't have herbs to spare. We weren't even aware of her banishment at that point in time."
Howlpaw tilted his head in confusion. Why would Maplefern not tell those around her the full story? She could've gotten help so easily it sounded like, and yet she hid her kits and what happened. It was like Softpaw had caught her or something.
Kestrelstar dipped her head, accepting Ryestar's answer, albeit with a still displeased expression. With a soft sigh, she continued to speak. "Softpaw completed his Border Trial, bringing him closer to becoming a warrior of our clan. This is where he found Maplefern, escorting her back to camp without conflict. With her came her three kits - Slatekit, Bluekit, and Hollowkit."
The gathered cats seemed restless, surprised still with all they had heard so far. However, as Chivestar stood up for his turn, his uncharacteristically hostile expression caused near everyone to hush up. As he set down the Forget-Me-Not, everyone seemed to stiffen.
"SorrelClan is in mourning. While our apprentice Bumblepaw completed his Training Trial, we bring unfortunate news of the death of our sole Healer, Fireleopard."
Most seemed to murmur condolences. The tom was rather old after all, but with no apprentice to follow in his pawsteps, what would SorrelClan do?
Chivestar continued. "We are not without a Healer though. Icywish has stepped forward, volunteering to become a Healer after Fireleopard's passing. She has already begun receiving additional training from Lakeburn of CoyoteClan, however Icywish has impressed us with her knowledge of healing and herbs she already knew."
Kestrelstar spoke up. "Chivestar, know if Icywish needs any further training, Fallendapple is very able."
"I'm afraid I'll have to pass, but thank you, Kestrelstar." Chivestar's voice was short and curt. Howlpaw noticed the way Kestrelstar's pelt prickled in surprise, before she dipped her head with a nod.
"But while Fireleopard was old, it was not StarClan who came for him," he declared, green eyes looking to Whisperstar. "We found Fireleopard on the CherryClan border. Do you care to explain yourself, Whisperstar?"
It was one surprise after the other, the cats bristling in shock as they begun to turn on each other. Bumblepaw remained calm as he sat with the other apprentices, but his green eyes shifted to look over at Icepaw, who was lashing his tail in fury.
"Are you accusing CherryClan of killing a Healer?!" Whisperstar spat.
"Well you're willing to cast out kits. What other rules of the code are you breaking?" Chivestar snarled back, lashing his tail as he approached the CherryClan leader.
"Chivestar!" "Whisperstar!"
Kestrelstar pushed herself against Chivestar, nudging him back with a growl. Ryestar's form towered over Whisperstar, pleading for the she-cat to not launch herself at the SorrelClan leader.
Whisperstar huffed. "I'm sorry for your loss. You have my condolences, really. But CherryClan had no part of it. Though perhaps if SorrelClan cats are such fox-hearts, they deserve to lose a life to even the score."
"Why you-!" Chivestar raised his haunches, but Kestrelstar blocked him, giving him a pleading gaze. The gray tom seemed to stare at her, before flattening his ears and looking to his clan.
"SorrelClan, we're leaving!" he called, trudging ahead and smacking his tail against Kestrelstar as he left. The SeedClan leader flinched, amber eyes wide.
Howlpaw shifted uncomfortably. He and Rainpaw both glanced over at Bumblepaw, who stood up without a word.
"Yeah, turn tail and run back to your camp!"
Looking up with a shocked gaze, Howlpaw saw the spiky white form of Icepaw pushing his way through the crowd. He bared his fangs, snarling at Bumblepaw, who was far bigger than the new apprentice. "Your leader is a liar. Fight me here and now and we'll settle this!"
Bumblepaw's expression barely shifted. It was only now that Howlpaw noticed his smile didn't reach his eyes, and that his green gaze was cold and lifeless.
"I wouldn't waste my time on a scrap of fur like you," he murmured, voice velvety smooth. He dipped his head to Howlpaw and Rainpaw, before turning to leave.
Rainpaw look stunned, mouth agape in a grin. Despite the terror sweeping through Howlpaw, Rainpaw seemed to be relishing in this animosity.
Maybe because it's not her clan...
Icepaw snarled, glancing at Howlpaw and Rainpaw before puffing himself up to look bigger. Even when he did though, he was easily the smallest still.
"Ah um, hi!" Howlpaw greeted, offering a nervous but friendly smile. Icepaw looked ready to claw his fur off, but Howlpaw wasn't sure what else to do. The white tom would glare before turning around and sauntering off, lashing his tail in annoyance.
Rainpaw craned her neck to watch him go, before snickering. "Wow, now that was a dramatic gathering. Phew, I'll have a lot to tell Plummoon about."
"Are you not scared? Or feeling um... bad for everyone?" Howlpaw asked, astonished at first before trailing off into a more meek and nervous tone.
"Well it doesn't affect my clan," she spoke simply. Rainpaw flicked her ear before nudging Howlpaw with a smile. "Yours just grazed some trouble though. Congrats on your new Healer and kit combo though. And hey, let's chat more next time." The dark gray tabby would perk up as a ginger she cat raised her tail to follow. "I gotta go, but see ya around, Howlpaw."
And just like that, he was alone. He saw the rest of his clan leaving, Kestrelstar at the helm. Her eyes looked troubled, trained ahead as her tail lashed with irritation. Howlpaw felt a knot within his stomach, tightening with every pawstep. He gulped, uncertainty clear in his dark colored gaze.
Havenbramble travels to SeedClan to solve some personal disputes.
It had been some time since Havenbramble had come to visit. As the only Mediator there was, he usually had a lot to talk about when he stopped in. The golden and white tom was capable of chattering faster than a beaver's teeth, and yet Kestrelstar always had a patient ear for him.
"...and so that's why Plummoon is having a tough time adjusting. He's a hard worker, but Ryestar and him don't see eye to eye. Barleytail was always good at keeping up with the ol' guy, not to mention willing to speak a bit louder so he could hear."
"Havenbramble, please tell me you are not telling every clan leader this," Kestrelstar grumbled, eyeing the CoyoteClan cat with a dismayed expression.
He waved a paw and chuckled. "Nah, just you. I know you wouldn't prey on Ryestar's weaknesses like that. Not like Whisperstar. Oh, but I could tell Chivele- I mean star that you know too so we can all chat again and-"
"No, no, no! Don't. Havenbramble, we've talked about this. Our clans have recovered from the war, and that means we cannot talk and be as close as we used to be. Now did you have anything important to talk about, or not?"
Flattening his ears for but a moment, Havenbramble would slowly smile, flicking his tail as he leaned in closer. "Fine. I was hoping to lighten the mood with some good news first," he whispered.
Her pelt bristled just faintly, narrowing her eyes with intrigue.
"You see," Havenbramble started. "I could smell Maplefern in your camp. If she's here, Whisperstar isn't going to like that, Kestrelstar. You're aiding a code-breaker, and we all agreed to stay out of trouble as we rebuild. You don't want to get pulled into another war," he warned. His blue eyes shone true with concern, pelt brushing against hers as he gave the gray she-cat a small nudge. "Ryestar turned her away when she came asking for herbs, because despite being old, he knows having Whisperstar's eyes on his clan is bad news."
Kestrelstar couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her lips curled back as she glared at the golden tom. "Am I hearing right? Havenbramble is telling me to give up on another cat? If it weren't for you then Chivestar wouldn't even be alive to lick his wounds," she hissed. "Havenbramble she has kits."
Blue eyes brightened as the Mediator straightened up. "Kits? She didn't even tell us that," he murmured in alarm. "The code says to protect kits, so that certainly helps. But Kestreltail, I just don't want to see anything bad happen to you."
"That isn't my name, Havenbramble." Kestrelestar's voice was cold. "Chiveleaf is leader now. I am leader now."
"And I'm a Mediator," Havenbramble argued, frowning at the gray she-cat. "And if you're not going to let me mediate, then I might as well have been killed along with the others that day."
"Don't ever say that!"
Kestrelstar quickly interrupted, turning on the tom with wide eyes. "Don't... Don't say that..." she murmured, voice softening as she lowered her head, pressing it against his side. Havenbramble's stiffened body seemed to relax, lowering his head to nudge hers back up.
"C'mon, don't do that. It's not your look," he murmured reassuringly. As the gray tabby looked to him with wet eyes, Havenbramble softly sighed and nodded. "...Look it was the right thing to do. And you know what, as Mediator, it's my job to prevent conflict. I'll keep things smooth with Whisperstar. Ok, I promise."
Kestrelstar sniffed, sighing as she quickly pawed at her face. "Thank you Havenbramble. But you are CoyoteClan's Mediator, not ours. Though we do need one... All of us do."
"Well until then, everyone has got me. And they need it. The Gathering is going to be... tough, Kestrelstar."
Just when she thought things seemed to lighten up, another stone fell to rest at the bottom of her chest. She pricked her ears, listening as she nodded for him to go on.
Havenbramble seemed to not be quite as quick to share, as if more conscious now from their initial talk. "...We're all losing cats, Kestrelstar. And you better be careful. If not, then you might be next."
Wanted to start doing stuff for my fellow Clangen blogs because I love so many of them. So here we have likely the first of many - but this is Newtscar from @fallenclan. Congrats to this lesbian for finding another lesbian.
A Mediator has come to visit! It's Havenbramble from CoyoteClan!
Havenbramble -- (65 moons)
While a bit of a tease, Havenbramble is as caring as they come. While his loyalty is to CoyoteClan, he has taken up the mantle as the sole Mediator amongst all the clans and works doubly hard to keep peace. He has a tendency to overwork himself, but never seems to let that smile of his falter. While much of SeedClan is apprehensive whenever he visits, he is welcomed by Kestrelstar an provided safe passage through their territory whenever it is needed.
However, it seems he's here on a visit relating to SeedClan's newest members...
Howlpaw's training with Kestrelstar goes poorly as her mind seems somewhere else.
"Kestrelstar, is something wrong?"
"Why do you ask, Howlpaw?"
"Well... I normally can't knock you off your paws that fast."
There was no response from the leader, only a faint twitch of her tail indicating her annoyance.
"And normally you'd tell me off for even asking you something like this."
"Then why are you asking?" Kestrelstar muttered with a growl.
Howlpaw tilted his head, frowning in thought before looking back down at his mentor. "Are you thinking about Maplefern and her kits?"
With a sudden push being felt under his paws, Howlpaw yelped as he tumbled back, Kestrelstar stretching herself out with a huff. The SeedClan leader eyed her apprentice, ears flattening before she glanced away.
"...How'd you know?"
The fluffy gray tom lowered his gaze nervously, tail wrapping around his paws. "You just seemed a little out of it ever since you and Fallendapple spoke," he admitted. His gaze shifted uncomfortably as he finally met Kestrelstar's gaze. "It's no secret she's not very happy about Maplefern being here."
"Well, she needs to get used to it," Kestrelstar growled, licking her paws before brushing it over her ear, frowning slightly as she caught Howlpaw's worried gaze. "Look Howlpaw, it's a bit complicated to explain. You're young so-"
"I wasn't around for The Great Division, I know..." Howlpaw's ears flattened with a solemn gaze. His dull expression flicked to the side, paws kneading the ground as he resisted speaking further.
Kestrelstar paused. "...We haven't told you stories, have we?"
The apprentice seemed to stiffen a bit before giving a small nod. "No one likes to talk about it..."
A pang of guilt clawed at her chest, Kestrelstar dipping her head with an apologetic gaze. "I'm sorry... When we found you... well you were so full of life. You came to SeedClan without any of the burdens we carried. None of us felt prepared to tell you what happened... Not the full tale that is."
Howlpaw's gaze widened, a mixture of fear and intrigue present in his wide hazel eyes. However, very quickly did he seem to feel guilty for wanting to know more, lowering his head.
"I know about Serpentpelt..." he slowly admitted. "He was Quillbeak's father... and the former Mediator?"
"That is right." Kestrelstar would take a seat next to her apprentice, her fur brushing against is as her voice remained low and calm. "He was a quiet, but very kind cat. He swore his life to keeping SeedClan at peace, always doing everything in his power to avoid war."
Howlpaw tilted his head slightly. "But Quillbeak seemed to always want a war. Why would he if his father was so against it?"
"Well..." Kestrelstar held her breath, flicking her ear in thought as to how to put this. "Serpentpelt wasn't a fighter - not like Quillbeak that is. He tried to prevent war... but war was ultimately what killed him. That was what The Great Division was, Howlpaw. And Quillbeak..." She trailed off, amber eyes seeming to darken. "...Quillbeak has a hard time forgiving those who took his father away. And so do many cats."
"Like Fallendapple?" Howlpaw softly asked.
"...Yes. Like Fallendapple." Kestrelstar's eyes welled with grief as she thought back to the small scrap of light brown fur - the pathetic pile that Fallenkit was when Quillbeak carried her back to camp, covered in blood. She had avoided thinking about that day... about Serpentpelt and the others, about Havenbramble and Chiveleaf - and the dark gaze of Locuststar.
"Kestrelstar?"
Howlpaw's soft mew snapped the she-cat out of it, shaking her head as she gazed at her apprentice. "I'm sorry. I promise I can tell you more. It's just..."
"No, it's ok." Howlpaw offered a small smile, reassuring as he tilted his head. "I think I can understand Quillbeak, Fallendapple, and the others a little better at least so... It's ok. Maybe just... another day."
"You will know... one day," Kestrelstar affirmed. Touching her nose to her apprentice's ear, she flicked her tail, nodding for him to follow.
"Now let's do that again. And this time I won't be distracted, so it won't be as easy, alright?"
"Fallendapple, use whatever herbs you need. Do not be afraid to refer to Maplefern's knowledge when assisting her."
"I am a fully trained medicine cat, Kestrelstar. I may be young, but I can handle this."
The SeedClan leader paused, before nodding, flicking her tail as she left the healer to her task. Fallendapple would feel the fur on her back lie flat, sighing with relief. She didn't need eyes prying over her shoulder.
"Hollowkit, can you please come with me. Fallendapple needs to work," Softpaw pleaded, voice almost whining as he only had Bluekit listening to him. "You too, Slatekit."
"I want to stay with Mama," Hollowkit whimpered, snuggling close to Maplefern.
"Me too!" Slatekit crawled atop Maplefern's back, trying to tuck himself back into the crook of her belly and next to his littermate.
Fallendapple hissed. "Don't do that! Can't you see I'm trying to work here." She sighed with exasperation, looking to Softpaw expectantly. The apprentice could only stare at her, as if asking if she couldn't see his futile attempts.
"Those herbs are cool! What are those?" Bluekit asked eagerly.
----------
Goldeniris watched from the other side of camp, tail twitching angrily. She growled under her breath, shoving a red feather over to the pale colored tom next to her.
"Thanks for the bedding," Quillbeak muttered under his breath. "Does this mean you're not going to pass Softpaw?" he asked, side eyeing his clanmate.
"I wouldn't, but Kestrelstar would have some words for me if I did," she hissed. "I understand avoiding unnecessary conflict, but this will only make more of a mess. Sheltering a code-breaking healer and her three kits? CherryClan kits no less!" Goldeniris kept her voice low, unable to understand why her leader would waste valuable resources like this. Whisperstar was out for blood, and she'd surely create problems for SeedClan if she learned they took in Maplefern!
Quillbeak paused a moment, before looking back towards Fallendapple. He watched the spotted brown she-cat work diligently, even as one of those kits clung onto their mother. For a moment his eyes darkened, and his matted tail would flick in annoyance.
"Avoiding unnecessary conflict? If you ask me, I don't think we create enough conflict. Kestrelstar puts up with too much." He slowly lifted himself to his paws, gaze fixed upon the brown and white kit across the camp.
Hollowkit gave his mother a gentle nuzzle. A chill ran up his spine though, causing his fur to rise. He looked around, still fearful of this new camp - before he locked eyes on the pale tom who stared at him from what felt like so far away for such a little one.
Quillbeak growled. "We should have stayed divided."
CherryClan's Healer has been banished from her home, having broken the code that states someone of her status should never have kits. With her injuries from birth failing to heal properly, Softpaw of SeedClan brings the Queen and her kits back to his home for help!
Maplefern - 82 moons
Loyal, Fantastic Healer
She was very close with her fellow Healer, Moonbumble, having trained together under the same mentor. While Maplefern doesn't seem all too thrilled to be with the clan she was raised to see as the enemy, she seems quite spiteful when anyone mentions CherryClan or Moonbumble in particular...
With Maplefern also come her three kits. The new youngest cats in the clan, Kestrelstar can't lie that their addition is a great omen for SeedClan's strength. But will the clan be so accepting of kits with CherryClan blood?
Bluekit - 2 moons
Polite
A kind, respectful, and eloquent young kit, Bluekit is a perfect child in the eyes of many. Him and his siblings are very close, playing together a lot and making a ruckus around camp. Well, Bluekit is the quickest to help clean up, which counts for something.
Hollowkit - 2 moons
Quiet
Hollowkit is a bit uncertain about being in SeedClan, noticing how apprehensive his mother is about it all. He's more reserved, quickly skittering off when warriors approach him and keeping close to Maplefern. The only one he doesn't seem to mind is Softpaw.
Slatekit - 2 moons
Attention-seeker
A jovial and upbeat tom who loves to play and meet others. He's soft-spoken and a peoplepleaser, always wanting to make others smile. He's easily influenced and will do just about anything to brighten someone's day or get a compliment. He's noticed some of the odd looks he gets in SeedClan, but optimistically believes things will get better!
I'm curious, how do you handle cats "switching" between saves? Was Maplefern as a character created retroactively because of Softpaw's event, or was she actually removed from CherryClan's save to overwrite the random queen the event generated in SeedClan? :O
Maplefern was created retroactively due to her arrival being rather early in Moon 3, so I planned ahead. She never was in the CherryClan file, rather she came as a pregnant medicine cat and I wanted to explore the storyline of that. Softpaw did find her on his trial and brought her and her three kits back to camp.
Churro is another example, as he is a CherryClan file cat, though I simply made him the loner on the patrol with Kestrelstar, Goldeniris, and Howlpaw because it tied into what ends up happening over in CherryClan. As you can see in the allegiances, Churro is now over in CherryClan, and is the father of Apricotfeather’s litter. Can only imagine how Whisperstar is taking that…
But yeah, because I play a year into the future, I just plan out stuff in order for the audience to witness references and the story tying together :)
Softpaw encounters a disgraced Medicine Cat and her kits, bringing them back to camp.
Softpaw completes his Border Trial.
Maplefern and her kits Bluekit, Hollowkit, and Slatekit join SeedClan.
Today was the day of his Border Trial, and he really thought it’d be uneventful. Maybe he’d happen upon some other cats at the border who he could rightfully tell to watch their backs as he proudly made it known that he was a proud member of SeedClan. But this... this was not what he expected.
“You... You’re the CherryClan Healer...” Softpaw whispered in disbelief.
The black and white she-cat hissed, her fur bristling fearfully. Her tail tucked protectively over a bright-eyed young kit, while another hid under her belly. Just when he thought he saw them all, a third gray kit peeked out from behind.
Softpaw didn’t know what to say. There was a CherryClan cat in their territory. It was the Healer from CherryClan. She had three kits.
“Healers can’t have kits and... wait what re you doing out here? And these kits they... they don’t look newly born...”
“Because they’re not,” she quickly hissed back.
Softpaw’s ears fell back. “Your name is... Sorry I’m still an apprentice so um...”
The black she-cat remained rather stiff, bright yellow eyes warily fixed on the SeedClan tom. “...Maplefern. And I’m no Healer, nor CherryClan cat. I’m simply a rogue now, and me and my kits will promptly leave your territory. So please, I-”
Before she could finish, the black she-cat winced. The blue-eyed kitten quickly scrambled away from Maplefern, turning back to look at his mother with wide and concerned eyes.
“Mama, does it still hurt?” he softly asked.
“You said we have to stay out until you’re all healed,” the gray tom kit spoke up as well, nudging his mother worriedly.
The smell of blood suddenly hit Softpaw’s nose. His silver eyes widened, noticing the small drip of blood coming from underneath Maplefern’s flank.
She’s injured...
The kits were young, but not unable to walk. Softpaw guessed they were two moons old or so. These were rival clan cats but... if what Maplefern said was true, then she had no one to help her, nor her kits. If she died... then her kits would surely die too.
Softpaw felt a twinge of guilt. Goldeniris said they couldn’t trust cats from outside the clan, but the code also stated they were to never harm kits, and that Healers were peaceful and kind cats, not to be injured either.
The apprentice sighed, flicking his long tail. “Come on, you need more help. Fallendapple has had good luck with herbs this season and can help you.” He stepped forward, picking up the gray tom kit by the scruff. “And your kits.”
“Put me down!” the gray kit cried, squirming in Softpaw’s mouth. “Mama! I don’t want to leave Mama!”
Maplefern’s ears fell back, lips curling as she readied to hiss and strike the apprentice, but stopped. As she looked down at her two remaining kits, her fur would lie flat.
“...Fine. Do know I can tend to my own wounds though. Me and my kits will be gone once I am healed.” She picked up the brown tom kit underneath her, nodding for the last kit to follow.
The dark tabby tom kit paused, looking warily at Softpaw before ducking behind his mother. He stayed close to her, Softpaw following suit as he carried the timid gray kit back with them.
The full moon shone in the sky, the stars themselves clear as can be as they shimmered against their dark canvas. Another gathering was upon them, and Fallendapple found herself a bit anxious as her and the rest of SeedClan arrived. The half-moon meeting had been rather curt, her and Fireleopard speaking little to each other the entire tom. The ginger tom had been pretty quiet, luckily sparing her from a mocking remark. However, would he be so kind amongst the company of his clanmates?
“Fallendapple, over here,” a tom’s voice called.
The dark brown tabby caught the speckled brown she-cat’s attention. As she padded over, she’d cast a quick look at the ginger tom beside him.
“Lakeburn,” Fallendapple greeted, dipping her head to the brown tom. “Fireleopard. Moonbumble.” Both cats dipped their heads as well, though Fallendapple was quick to notice they were one short amongst their little group here.
“Moonbumble, where is Maplefern tonight?”
The black and white she-cat had a rather glassy expression, not even acknowledging the SeedClan Healer. Lakeburn gave her a small nudge, causing the she-cat to straighten up as her ears pricked to attention.
“Oh umm-umm-umm... She won’t be joining us this evening.” Moonbumble’s voice was quick, if not a bit curt. It was evident enough to the group that pressing further just begged for the soft spoken she-cat to get anxious. Fallendapple would instead dip her head respectfully, taking the she-cat’s words as they were.
Lakeburn offered a smile to the group, waving his tail as if to escape the subject. Alas Fallendapple could see though that his smile never quite reached his eyes. “I see everyone looks quite healthy. We should be grateful the flow of prey has been kind to us.”
It’s Newleaf, Lakeburn. Of course prey is plentiful!
Fallendapple thought said remark, but would never say that. In fact most of her remarks went unsaid because Fireleopard was always willing to say such things. It came as a shock to the brown she-cat when there was not a peep out of the ginger tom. Instead he sighed tiredly, leaning forward as he found it difficult to sit up straight.
“Indeed. I think we best enjoy it while it lasts,” he mumbled in a raspy tone.
Moonbumble remained quiet, only lifting her eyes up as Chivestar’s gray tail was raised to the moonlight.
Cats were settling into their chosen spots, and the leaders had all taken their place at the front. As the murmurings became hushed and quiet, the gathering would officially begin.
This time, it was Chivestar’s turn to go first. The SorrelClan leader padded forward, placing a fresh sprig of green leaves at his paws. “SorrelClan has little to speak about I’m afraid. A pretty boring past moon,” he chuckled, eyeing the cats as if they may just chuckle, but alas no one dared even purr. Chivestar cleared his throat. “Well, this evening I brought Basil. With it I bring good wishes to the others, and good wishes for my clan these next few moons. Bumblepaw has completed his Hunting Trial. He caught a sizable black bird that fed us all well. We especially needed it after the heavy rain.”
Fallendapple noticed Lakeburn’s pelt prickle as Chivestar spoke. His fluffy brown tail twitched slightly, and yet his facial expression itself remained calm, if not happy looking. The she-cat glanced back up at the leaders, blue eyes traveling to the large tom that was Ryestar. The CoyoteClan leader had a rather sorrowful expression, stepping forward as he placed down an ominous pale blue flower that every cat knew. The silence of the gathered cats was chilling, and those of CoyoteClan lowered their heads with somber gazes.
“I have brought the Forget-Me-Not. With great sorrow I must announce that our deputy, Barleytail, has passed on to join our ancestors.”
Fallendapple whipped her head around to look at Lakeburn, who had lowered his head, but his expression was just neutral. It was hard to tell what the medicine cat was thinking, and even his tail had been tucked closely to his side, as if he knew he may have given himself away just mere moments before.
“Our camp’s trenches struggled with the heavy rain. We faced a terrible flood and Barleytail... she bravely saved her apprentice, Rainpaw.” Ryestar attempted to speak clearly, though his elderly voice choked as he tried to take a steady breath. “Rainpaw had been injured during his border trial after a monster caused grave injury to his leg. Barleytail made sure he made it out safe. She always put her clan first, and was the image of a true CoyoteClan warrior. We will never forget her.”
Sympathetic expression crossed many of the gathered cats. Chivestar had flattened his ears, realizing his comment about the rain hit a sore spot for CoyoteClan. Kestrelstar would dip her head in respect, while Whisperstar paused before dipping her head as well. Ryestar’s eyes held little anger, merely sadness as he nodded back to his fellow leaders.
“Plummoon has been made CoyoteClan’s new deputy. StarClan spoke to Lakeburn that very evening, where the was just almost full. Against the starry sky, our ancestors spoke to Lakeburn, giving us guidance when we needed it. I believe Plummoon will be an excellent deputy for CoyoteClan.”
Plummoon...
Fallendapple was surprised. The tom was rather... ordinary, all things considered. He was known for being careful, passive, and not being much of a presence all things considered. He often faded into the background, and never would anyone have expected him to be the right fit for a position as important as deputy.
“Odd choice...”
“It’s as StarClan wills.”
Fallendapple’s pelt grew hot, realizing she had spoken aloud. She slowly turned to meet Lakeburn’s calm expression. Despite no anger being evident on his face, his eyes were deep blue pools of hollowness. It was almost scarier than Lakeburn actually being aggressive towards her.
“It’s an odd choice, Lakeburn,” Fireleopard spoke up.
Both medicine cats turned to look at the smaller ginger tom, who sighed. “But everything is odd now, isn’t it? Please remember Fallendapple is young, and have some understanding.”
“... Yes, Fireleopard.” Lakeburn would dip his head in acknowledgement to the older medicine cat. respect glimmering in his gaze as his dark blue gaze looked away from Fallendapple’s.
“And Fallendapple, do remember we aren’t exactly working with much. You have a lot to learn, and you should mind your tongue.” Rather than being a stern scolding, Fireleopard’s voice was low. Fallendapple couldn’t deny he was right. After all, it was either Plummoon or Aphidsun, and the young ginger she-cat was a very new warrior. Many might say StarClan wasn’t even needed to make this choice.
Ryestar would finally step back, giving Whisperstar her turn. The small white she-cat would place down a purple flower with long, curled petals, raising her head high. “For this gathering I have brought an Iris. The iris means many things - things that CherryClan needs right now. Faith, wisdom, valor...” The older she-cat sighs as she continues. “Apricotfeather has announced she is expecting kits. We look forward to new additions to our clan.”
Murmurs of congratulations traveled through the gathered cats. Fallendapple tilted her head to get a better look at the gray tabby she-cat, her belly beginning to get plump. Sitting at her side was a silver tabby tom, who grinned sheepishly as other cats came up to him to wish congratulations.
They must be mates then.
“Umm-umm-umm-umm...” Moonbumble stuttered.
Fireleopard’s ears curled back slightly at the sound. Lakeburn would whisk his tail over the she-cat’s back, rubbing it gently to assure her. Fallendapple had come to know Moonbumble well enough, her fellow medicine cat Maplefern having done well to educate her on the white and black she-cat’s tics. Eventually though, Moonbumble stopped, dipping her head as she acknowledged the blessing that were new kits, especially in these times.
Whisperstar would continue. “We are patrolling our borders carefully. Do not think we have forgotten about Bushclaw’s murder. Whoever it was will see justice.” The white she-cat stepped back with a pointed gaze, before turning to Kestrelstar with a content expression.
Finally, the dark gray tabby took her place, dipping her head to Whisperstar before setting her rather bushy purple plant down. “This evening I’ve brought Thyme, a plant representing courage and strength. This moon I have focused on keeping my clan unified. Just as we take care of ourselves, I believe we also need to take care of each other.” Kestrelstar eyed Whisperstar, who glared back at her with a narrowed gaze.
“For instance,” Kestrelstar spoke. “Whisperstar, not too long ago, my patrol encountered what we believe is a loner lurking on your territory. He smelled distinctly of CherryClan, as if he was part of your clan, and yet I’m fairly certain he is not one of your cats.”
Whisperstar’s eyes widened, blinking incredulously. “Impossible! There’s no way some loner could go undetected.”
“I promise you, it’s true,” Kestrelstar spoke firmly. “He was a pale ginger tom, with dark her markings. He had an odd name. Churro.”
“Umm-umm...”
Whisperstar would scoff. “Well... we’ll keep our eyes out then. If this is your attempt at looking out for one another, then so be it, Kestrelstar. If this does prove to be true, then you will have my gratitude.”
Fallendapple had heard a bit about the strange loner Kestrelstar’s patrol had encountered. Howlpaw had babbled about it to her while Goldeniris insisted they too should check their own borders more. Outsiders weren’t uncommon, but cats were wary of them after The Great Division. Who willingly wanted to throw themselves into the broken up fragments that were their once single territory. Fallendapple loved her clan, but she couldn’t imagine outsiders finding clanlife appealing in its current state.
Kestrelstar would continue. “Softpaw has completed his Hunting Trial, bringing him one step closer on his path to becoming a warrior. We also have a new apprentice - Howlpaw. It is my honor to be training him myself.”
“Howlpaw! Howlpaw! Howlpaw!” the gathering cheered.
The fluffy gray apprentice straightened up with a sheepish smile.
“Ryestar, I truly am sorry for your loss. Know that if you need extra herbs, Fallendapple can provide some to your clan.” Kestrelstar flicked her tail towards the speckled brown she-cat, eyes turning to her.
Fallendapple would tense for a moment before nodding. “Of course, Kestrelstar.” In truth, she had mixed feelings herself on her current herb supply, nevermind handing it over to another clan. Fallendapple glanced away, catching a familiar gaze across the clearing. Quillbeak nodded to her, understanding in his wary gaze, before the two cats turned to look back to the gathered leaders.
Ryestar would simply dip his head graciously to Kestrelstar. With nothing left to share though, the gathering was commenced. Havenbramble padded over to Apricotfeather, congratulating her personally on the little bundles that would be coming. Fallendapple would watch as Lakeburn went to congratulate her as well, and she’d debate following him herself.
“Do you know how many you’ll be having yet?” Havenbramble asked cheerfully.
“Um, I believe Moonbumble thinks it’ll be a larger litter,” Apricotfeather replied, lowering head with a hit of embarrassment.
Moonbumble had padded over with Lakeburn, nodding as she offered a soft smile to Havenbramble. “She’s already showing and there’s still much time before she’ll actually have her kits. It’ll be umm-umm-umm great life for CherryClan, as Whisperstar said.”
“I’m sure you’re very proud, Tadpolefern,” Lakeburn spoke up, nodding to the silver tom sitting beside Apricotfeather during the gathering.
“Hm?” Tadpolefern blinked, perking up with a slight tilt of his head. “Well yeah, Apricotfeather is going to do great! I’ll make sure to bring her everything she needs, and those kits are going to be strong warriors! Oh, or maybe one will even become a medicine cat. We could use one, right Moonbumble?”
“Umm-umm-umm-!” Moonbumble’s ears fell as she shook her head. “I mean umm-umm-umm yes quite!” She smiled with a soft giggle, scrunching her shoulders up as she rolled her head.
Fallendapple wasn’t one to mingle with the other clans too much. It still felt... odd. Then again she had never known a world where they didn’t live world’s apart. Her instinct was to find Quillbeak, walking alongside him as they returned back to the safety of SeedClan’s camp. As the medicine cat turned to try and find her clanmate, a raspy voice would stop her.
“Do you have a moment, Fallendapple?”
Fallendapple tensed. Seeing Fireleopard, the she-cat lashed her tail slightly with narrowed eyes. “What is it?”
“I wanted to apologize for my behavior last gathering.”
Huh? Fireleopard apologizing? Was she dreaming? This ragged tom never apologized. This kind of tune shocked Fallendapple, the she-cat having to pause as if Fireleopard might pull one over on her. But... he didn’t. Instead the ginger tom apologetically dipped his head.
“I’m a grown tom. I shouldn’t have been acting like a sniveling kit. The Healer Code states we shouldn’t fight under the stars, and for that I’m sorry - to you and your clan.”
“I...” Fallendapple blinked, her fur beginning to lie flat. “...Thank you, Fireleopard. That... That’s kind of you, really.” A genuine smile passed on to Fallendapple’s face, the she-cat whisking her fluffy tail around to cover her paws. “You were right earlier as well though... about me having much to learn.”
A light chuckle escaped the SorrelClan tom, before he coughed. Clearing his throat, Fireleopard sighed and nodded. “As you were, Fallendapple. Do take care of yourself this next moon.”
“And you as well,” Fallendapple called after. She’d watch as Fireleopard sauntered towards a brown and white she-cat, who touched noses with him before following alongside him with the other SorrelClan cats.
“There you are.”
“Eep!” Fallendapple whipped around, tired of these cats spooking her. Maybe she was the problem - too easy to scare.
Quillbeak eyed her, tilting his head. “You should know my paw steps by now, especially with our training.” His tail tip twitched. “What did that old pile of burrs have to say to you?” he asked, lip slightly curled as he watched the other clan cats leave.
Fallendapple would frown, glancing down at her paws. “Nothing really. He actually um... and you might find this kinda funny but uh... he apologized to me. For what happened at the last gathering.” She looked up hopefully at Quillbeak, chuckling to herself as if she also found it a bit funny.
“Oh please,” Quillbeak scoffed, waving his tail dismissively. “They probably heard Kestrelstar volunteer us herbs and now want to stay in our good graces. You shouldn’t be so naive, Fallendapple. You know we can’t spare herbs for CoyoteClan, much less SorrelClan.”
She thought of their brief moment of eye contact, agreement on their current supply. What Quillbeak said was true but... was that really why Fireleopard apologized? Was she naive to think he actually meant it...
As cats made their way back to their clans, Fallendapple would cast a final gaze up at the stars. She was still so young, and still had much to learn. Whether Fireleopard meant it or not, that she could agree with...
Fireleopard informs Icywish that she is a prophecy cat.
Icywish sat alone, the stars glimmering brighter than she ever realized. What used to be such comforting eyes upon her now felt like heated stares that made her pelt feel hot. She looked out from her perch, attempting to admire the view as she often did, but alas her mind was clouded with Fireleopard's words.
---
"I'm what?"
"A prophecy cat."
"And that means?"
"It's not so simple as that, Icywish. Prophecies are fragile things that are meant to guide us and help us understand," Fireleopard explained, his voice raspy with age.
"Then why don't they just tell you? Wouldn't that make their guidance far more effective? If they're talking about me, I want to know what they're saying," Icywish insisted, tapping at the elderly ginger tom's flank, her voice laced with a whining tone.
Fireleopard would normally growl at her, lash his tail, and give her a snappy remark. Instead he simply let her jab at his pelt, his body moving with the force of her paw with an almost sorrowful gaze. The contrast made Icywish tense up, pausing before lowering her paw and eyeing the medicine cat with narrowed blue eyes.
"Fireleopard, what did they say?"
"StarClan spoke of YOU, Icywish. And in time, you will simply know. I'm afraid your fate lies with the stars, and so too is mine."
Icywish's eyes widened with worry, though she rather quickly scoffed. "Well yeah, you're how old? You've been a medicine cat for forever. Of course your fate lies with the stars. And I think there's no better cat to do the job. You're always telling them just what you think."
Fireleopard was silent.
"And that's why," Icywish went on, nudging the ginger tom. "You're the best medicine cat. So I know that whatever it is they said, you'll have the answers soon enough." The brown and white she-cat purred, smiling earnestly at the tom who was always threatening to bite her ear off.
A gentle smile would appear on Fireleopard's face, a rare sight at that. He sighed, his breath cracking as he heaved himself to his paws. "You're one stubborn cat, you know that? Fine, I'm certain I'll be able to lead you ahead, and make sure those stars don't let you down.
"See? I knew I could count on you!" Icywish laughed.
---
It had been some nights now since that day. Everything had been normal for the most part, but Fireleopard had been a lot... gentler, kinder even. He wasn't as snappy, though still his same grumpy self. He'd more simply sigh and nudge someone along, urging them to get some help before they got into another stupid situation. His snippy tone was tired, and an aching dull pain gnawed at Icywish's chest.
Fireleopard... you'll lead me ahead to face the stars, won't you?
“Icywish! Sorry I’m late! Did anyone see you?”
She perked up, quickly turning as her blue eyes brightened with fondness. “No. Hehe, but I’m happy to see you.”
Do you change the names of the cats for any reason, like to be more fitting? Or do you leave them?
I don’t. Nothing against those who do of course. Play the game how you wanna! I just really like seeing what the game gives me, unless it’s like particularly bad and I don’t want to put up with it.
All of the cats in SeedClan are their original names as made by the generator. I think Quillbeak makes that evident enough lol
Kestrelstar, Howlpaw, and Goldeniris handle border patrol and encounter a Rogue.
As Kestrelstar led the border patrol, Goldeniris and Howlpaw followed after. The new apprentice quickened his pace to catch up with the black and ginger she-cat, falling in line beside her with a huff. "Why didn't Softpaw come with us? Isn't he your apprentice?"
"He is, but he's cleaning the Warriors Den today. Clan chores are still clan duties, and you'll learn that for yourself soon, Howlpaw."
"Not too soon I hope?" Howlpaw nervously coughed back.
"Can we focus on our duties, Goldeniris?"
The warrior straightened up, looking ahead to meet the gaze of her leader. Kestrelstar flashed her a sharp look before sauntering on further into the woods. Goldeniris felt her pelt prickle with annoyance, tail lashing.
"I'm sure it's nothing, Goldeniris," Howlpaw quickly spoke up, looking up at her with a nervous smile.
Dead giveaway. The warrior narrowed her eyes. "Of course. Why would it be something?"
Howlpaw's fluffy gray fur began to rise, looking down as he padded along with a sheepish stutter to his voice. "Well um- I didn't mean it like that so... I-I don't know why anything would-"
A long and annoyed sigh escaped Kestrelstar, causing both of the cats behind her to tense as she slowly looked back at them. Her tail tip twitched, the annoyance in her gaze clear as day. "Howlpaw, can you go up ahead and scent the air. Identify what has passed in the last sun-walk, alright?"
"Yes, Kestrelstar!" Howlpaw squeaked as he bounded past the two she-cats. The tension in the air practically broiled, Kestrelstar and Goldeniris eyeing each other as Howlpaw left them be.
"... Howlpaw told me you also think it was wrong of me to punish Honeyeagle," Kestrelstar admitted softly.
Goldeniris' ears flattened. "That little snake should mind his own business. He'd be wise to keep out of things that don't concern him."
"It concerns our clan!" Kestrelstar hissed back sharply. She paused. Taking a steady breath as she backed off, the gray tabby flicked an ear at her clanmate. "You and I can agree that we need to stick together during these times. The Great Division has been hard on every cat in the forest."
"Which is why we can't let our clan be divided then too. All we have is each other, and we can't trust the others." Goldeniris glared daggers at her leader pointedly. "Not even Chivestar," she'd spat, venom on her tongue.
Kestrelstar snarled. "Any reason you're mentioning him?" she challenged, daring the black and ginger she-cat to make her case.
Instead the warrior spit on the ground with a hiss. She didn't look away from her leader, pelt beginning to lie flat as she remained pointedly silent.
"...Not him. Not Ryestar. And not Whisperstar. You should be putting our clan first," Goldeniris finally spoke.
"You think I'm not?"
"You punished Honeyeagle for doing just that. You tell me."
"I punished Honeyeagle for making things unnecessarily worse. The Great Division was no doubt the hardest thing we have ever been through, and you want to only drag us down further and further? Under StarClan's eyes we are all one, and just as we curse that very day, we should curse further trials of divide. Who are you and the others to tear down the progress we have made, that we can now sit in front of each other in a solemn vow of peace without ripping each other apart?!" Kestrelstar snarled, her pelt bristling as she spat in Goldeniris' face. The black and ginger she-cat would back up as her leader approached her, flattening her ears and looking down as her leader scolded her like a kit. Kestrelstar's voice felt hoarse, the gray tabby taking a few breaths as she finally backed off and sat back down.
"...If we let ourselves be absorbed by anger... like what's happening to Whisperstar... like what happened to Driftsight..." Kestrelstar spoke in a hushed murmur.
"Havenbramble was the only mediator to survive..." Goldeniris murmured back.
"And no cat has been brave enough to step forward since. We need to train a new mediator, Goldeniris."
"Don't look at me," Goldeniris scoffed, chuckling under her breath as a moment of softness flashed in her bright eyes.
Kestrelstar chuckled. "I know. It doesn't suit you."
The two she-cats sat quietly, the tension and aggression having faded. As Goldeniris turned to look at her leader, she opened her mouth to speak when-
"Kestrelstar! Goldeniris! Um- can you come quick now?!"
Howlpaw... Kestrelstar realized they had left him alone far too long. Growling to herself in frustration, the SeedClan leader quickly stood up to jog past Goldeniris to find her apprentice. The warrior would close her mouth, shaking her head before following after. As the two she-cats followed Howlpaw's scent, they'd find the fluffy gray tom standing before someone... unfamiliar to them.
"Howlpaw, get back!" Kestrelstar snarled, using her tail to herd the new apprentice away from the stranger. "Why didn't you speak up sooner? You found an outsider?"
"I-I didn't want to interrupt you both..." the apprentice mumbled.
Ok, she'd deal with that later. Kestrelstar turned to eye the cat in front of him. A pale ginger tom with long and soft-looking fur stood in front of them. Since Howlpaw found him he seemed to have flopped over to relax atop the soil, not minding the dirt that got tangled in his mane. Goldeniris' nose scrunched up when she caught his scent.
"I don't recognize you as a CherryClan cat."
"Oh, that's because I'm not," the tom replied simply.
Kestrelstar raised an eyebrow then. "Who are you then? You're very close to SeedClan territory. If you cross our borders without good reason, we will only give you a single warning before we chase you off."
The ginger tom's tail swished back and forth, amusement in his gaze. It agitated Kestrelstar, and the same energy could be felt from Goldeniris. Who was this tom to practically laugh in their face when they could rip his pelt off him in a few seconds?
"My name is Churro. Don't worry, I'm just keeping an eye on things around here, but not on your territory. If I understand your customs correctly, it's not your problem so long as it doesn't affect you, right? You know I'm the lonesome type myself, but you as a group take it to a whole new extreme. Pretty impressive."
"Watch it, Chewy," Goldeniris hissed.
"Churro."
"What's a Churro?" Howlpaw asked.
"Oh, it's a very sweet piece of two-leg food that's-"
"Enough! You'd be wise to get out of here. I can't imagine Whisperstar will be pleased learning an outsider is lurking on her territory after-" Kestrelstar paused, trailing off as a thought crossed her mind - a thought that made her fur rise.
Could this be... the one who killed Bushclaw?
Kestrelstar debated saying something, but caught the gaze of Goldeniris. The black and ginger she-cat gave a small shake of her head, reminding Kestrelstar of the times they were living in.
The clan has to come first...
There was no evidence to hurl such accusations at Churro, furthermore they were in no position to insert themselves into CherryClan politics. The next time they happened upon a patrol, they could mention Churro, simply give CherryClan a word of caution. But to act now and not only risk more trouble for her clan, but the other clans as well... it was simply unwise.
"...Move along then. Our borders are fresh, so even you should know not to cross them."
"And I didn't, and I won't." Churro smiled and gave a flick of his ear. "It was nice to meet you all, even if you never said your names while I said mine. Kinda unfair, but that's ok. Either way, bye-bye now." The ginger tom gave a wave of his fluffy tail, before trotting off back into CherryClan's territory. He'd push his way into a nearby bush, disappearing out of sight with the rustling of leaves.
"Odd."
"Hm? Yeah he did act kind of funny, didn't he Goldeniris?" Howlpaw chimed.
"No. I mean yes, he did, but I'm talking about his scent. It's strong with CherryClan. He has to have been dwelling in their territory for some time now, Kestrelstar."
The leader nodded in agreement. "But he says he's not with them either. To simply exist all that time and not have anyone catch you is rather impressive. We should strengthen our borders here and be mindful. If he can blend in with their territory, it'd be foolish to think he couldn't do the same to ours."
"I agree."
Goldeniris voice was soft as she dipped her head, her cold eyes from earlier having been replaced with glimmers of respect. Kestrelstar couldn't help but purr, dipping her head in turn to the black and ginger warrior. For all the times they didn't see eye to eye, Goldeniris was a warrior Kestrelstar greatly respected. As the two she-cats looked at each other, Goldeniris paused.
"I was going to say that I'm-"
"It's fine. I know."
Goldeniris blinked, before dipping her head. "So be it, but you can't take that back."
This noisy and troublesome kit has become much quieter since being apprenticed. Being an apprentice to the leader is a big deal, and he’s always wary of messing up. He’s very uncomfortable with much of the infighting that happens in the clan, and has some paranoia about being dragged into conflict as well. He tries to be on his best behavior so no one has things to complain about. Well, hopefully.
Some of the cats we’ve seen so far from SorrelClan.
Chivestar -- (89 moons)
A kind and gentle tom with a charismatic aura. He’s witty and likes to joke around with his clanmates and make them feel like friends. He’s never been big on the whole reverence and respect thing, and treats his clan as equals with him as the helm of command to put reason into motion.
Ochreclaw -- (120 moons)
Incredibly loyal to Chivestar, and the deputy of SorrelClan. She’s exceptionally skilled, but her own social skills could use some work. She greatly admires her leader and is stubborn about retiring, despite the question coming up numerous times.
Fireleopard -- (154 moons)
An elderly medicine cat with a temper. He’s skilled with his paws, his work with braces and the mending of bones having earned him expertise in this area within the territories. Other clans would often bring those with broken bones to Fireleopard to heal, before the Great Division happened. He’s snappy and rather rude, chasing off any apprentice who even slightly showed interest. SorrelClan’s newest warrior, Icywish, is often tasked to lend him a paw as his comments seem to bounce right off of her.
Fireleopard has been more on edge recently after he received a vision from StarClan, Icywish still unsure what exactly he saw...
Icywish -- (13 moons)
A witty young warrior who was trained by Ochreclaw. Despite being the deputy, Ochreclaw’s influence had little affect on Icywish. Icywish often felt let down by the deputy’s more awkward tendencies, easily able to walk over her with her sometimes shock-worthy remarks. Icywish always could keep up with Fireleopard’s sharp words, so she lends the aging tom a hand here and there.
She worries about what he saw in the water’s vision that made him freak out so much, but he won’t talk to her about it...
