[HIGHRANK ADOPT] MEADOWCLAN’S DEPUTY
─── ⋆⋅ ♰ ⋅⋆ ───
A tall, lithe, ticked tabby cat with soft yet untamed fur like rolling waves and piercing ice-blue eyes // Between 88-96 moons old // Name, gender, and personality up to adopter.
[BACKSTORY]
Born a loner from distant territories, [NAME] knew nothing but the small family which served as their first guidance in this unsteady world. Their mother alongside their sibling, Fortune, comprised the focal point of day-to-day life as they learned how to survive with the precious little they possessed. Tensions between the siblings and their mother were always somewhat strained— while such doubts were never voiced aloud, they both were well aware she only cared for them out of obligation— however [NAME] and Fortune held a nearly inseparable bond. No matter how difficult things got, [NAME] at least had one ally to rely on. Yet such fragile peace is not one destined to last. When a particularly vicious argument broke out between Fortune and their mother, [NAME] found themself stuck in the middle as all those little grievances roiled painfully to the surface. Their dispute peaked with Fortune turning his back on them both, striking out alone down the winding alleyways of their dusty little twolegplace. [NAME] attempted to follow, but was stopped in their tracks by Fortune himself. With the tang of bitter conviction on his tongue Fortune explained that he needed time to figure himself out, parting from his sibling with a sentiment which would linger in [NAME]’s ears for moons to come— “She’s right. A stray’s path is one meant to be walked alone, not dictated by someone else. We won’t ever know the depths of our strength until we find it for ourselves.”
Now alone, [NAME] couldn’t bring themself to return to their mother after what had transpired. Left with no other option they began wandering aimlessly— now a true loner— seeking out some semblance of meaning wherever they could find it. (What transpires in this time period and how it shaped the character is left entirely up to the adopter)
It is in the most unexpected of circumstances that [NAME] finds their eventual answer. Their paws managed to find footing in the groves of MeadowClan (the specifics of how and why left up to adopter). They decide to join this community of clever, closely interlinked cats which so deeply valued devotion. While it took effort to prove themself worthy of a place within the clowder especially when placed under the scrutiny of MeadowClan’s most shrewdly pious members, [NAME] committed themself to this goal and eventually earned the trust of the community— even going on to be selected as deputy by Heronstar.
Having accumulated such newfound purpose and honor over the past several seasons was enough for [NAME] to begin settling into relative contentedness, though it something still felt as if it was missing. A blurred void in their chest, fuzzy around the edges, easy to ignore yet made visible upon facing an unexpected reminder. They would only know what shape this gap encompassed when one gathering under the full moon’s illuminating glow they saw a cat they never thought they’d see ever again. Suddenly all the time which had passed didn’t matter as they reunited— now with different names, and belonging to different Clans— but feeling just as relieved to see the other alive. It’s from here that [NAME] of MeadowClan and Fortunebane of RubbleClan began to reconnect, their paths realigning once again.
[PLOT]
Heronstar will make a decisive and bold announcement at an upcoming gathering, informing the other two Clans that MeadowClan will be raising their trade requirements for herbs and requiring more resources in exchange for them. Of course this news isn’t taken well by DawnClan or RubbleClan, particularly considering each clowder had been wracked by a grueling sickness which had consumed most of their stores only a few moons before. Fortunebane, the RubbleClan treasurer knows that RubbleClan desperately needs those herbs, and so he formulates a duplicitous plot to get them.
It’s straightforward, [NAME] will lure Heronstar out to a previously agreed upon location away from any prying eyes, and Fortunebane will ‘take care’ of the leader’s one remaining life, making way for [NAME] to take his place. Fortunebane convinces them that this will be best for both of their Clans, as Heronstar is jeopardizing MeadowClan’s standing with the other groups by enacting this controversial decision, and if he and [NAME] work together as cats in optimal positions of power they can ensure that MeadowClan and RubbleClan can have a prosperous future as allies. [NAME] agrees (their exact thoughts/feelings are up to adopter) and the two siblings begin executing the plan.
Things go smoothly until Heronstar is actually cornered, and (for reasons/means up to the adopter) [NAME] wants to back out of the plan— but it’s too late. Fortunebane swiftly rips Heronstar’s life away from him, and turns claws on [NAME] should they attempt to fight back. The skirmish is so intense that [NAME] nearly dies, running away (for exact reasons/emotions up to adopter) to the twolegplace in self-imposed exile.
However [NAME] cannot tear away from their deeply enlaced ties so easily, as some weeks later their path crosses that of MeadowClan’s healer, Crowstone, who informs them of Heronstar’s recent, permanent passing— unknown to all the Clan other than the healers— alongside a prophecy which would allow them back into the Clan, with their previous rank maintained— at a price. “One will betray their leader for a noble cause, and the stains on their paws will leave laurels blooming in their wake.”
Crowstone will bring them to the good graces of his Clan and do good in StarClan’s name by continuing to adhere to their prophecy, but only if they follow his lead and heed his every word in order to keep this position. [NAME] (whose thought process and feelings are up to the adopter) begins believing that maybe this was all meant to happen, and they could be absolved of their actions yet upon Crowstone’s insistence that they were always meant to be leader. So [NAME] returns to MeadowClan, unaware that Crowstone’s motives are far more personal than mere piety.
─── ⋆⋅ ♰ ⋅⋆ ───
This character will remain open for applications until the end of this month. If you are interested in applying for this role or one of our other high ranks, you can apply to join our server here. A link to our adoption form is provided within the adoptable channel that you can fill out and complete for your application to be considered. Thank you for all your interest, we hope to see your applications soon!
((ac: @scourgebff ))