Gathering Here

[D a R K - R a H]

All clanners are welcome at this Gathering.
We're going to set it after all of the current threads, so Brackenwing's kits will be apprentices and Gryffinwing shall have only just had her kits.

Phantomsun will lead RavineClan, saying only that Rainstar is "feeling under the weather." Truthfully, the tabby leader is horribly ill.

His long legs drummed forward ahead of his clanmates. A deep feeling of excitement ran through his very veigns. He felt like a kit again, filled to the brim with an overwhelming happiness. While only a few days before he'd been weighed down by a strange sense of sorrow, the silver tabby tom was now lifted up by a lovely feeling of hope. As he skipped between the now-spaced pine trees, he grinned. It was the first time he'd felt like this since he had become RavineClan's medicine cat. Perhaps even since his father had died. Beautiful, powerful joy filled his every movement. He slipped through the tall, golden grass with gentle and graceful gestures similar to what twolegs called dancing. It was a Gathering night, and he was ready to go declare his pride to any cat willing to listen.

Gryffinwing had kitted. And Silverhawk had been there at her side throughout the entire thing, gently encouraging her and helping her through it. It had been a long kitting, but a safe, healthy one. Five kits. Five. All well and sound. A rumbling purr ran up the silver tom's throat. They were all so beautiful, too! Some looked more like their mother, others more like their father, and several yet like their grandparents. They were still too tiny to have been given names just yet, but Silverhawk had no doubt that several had already made their way into his brother's head. Brownspot had scarcely left his mate's side since the kitting had begun. He was back in their camp just then, "keeping guard" and staring down at his young kits with a look of immense pride.

Silverhawk paused in his quick strides, slowing to a stop and panting for breath. He clung to the enveloping ectasy. It was the only truely happy thing he'd had in a long time. Rainstar was badly ill, and Tawnystone had recently died. There had been nothing he could have done for his fellow medicine cat, but that didn't stop the horrid sensation of failure and sadness from clinging to his fur. And Rainstar... It made Silverhawk ache just to think about it. RavineClan had lost so many leaders already. What could they possibly do without Rainstar? The silver tom let his head slowly sink, light amber eyes clamped tightly shut. He didn't even know what was wrong with his beloved leader; how could he possibly cure him? And, with Tawnystone dead, there were no longer any of the older medicine cats left to ask. In fact, Silverhawk was suddenly the oldest medicine cat. Littlefeather and Firestone were both younger than him. Grinding his teeth together, he pessemistically doubted that either of them would have any idea what to do about the unknown disease. If Silverhawk could even reveal any of it to them. The other clans really didn't need to know how terribly sick Rainstar was. Although he knew they wouldn't do it spitefully, he had a feeling both other medicine cats would alert their own leaders. Silverhawk knew he would tell if he found out Loststar or Redstar were deathly ill. Shaking his head roughly from side to side, the tom tried to shake off his dark thoughts. Attempting in vain to pull backthe light feelings of hope and joy, Silverhawk shook his head sadly. There was nothing for it. His delight at becoming an uncle was now miniscule next to his terrifying feelings of pain.

Letting out a soft sigh, he started stepping forward once more. The Great Tree wasn't too far ahead and all of the other clan cats would probably be there by the time he finally pulled himself from the tall wheat grass.

[Wazo]

StarClan help me!. Heavy ebony paws thudded against the green grass, shoulders arched back and forth in a powerful stride, as the dark leader of TealClan made his way to the Gathering clearing. He paused, throwing a glance over his shoulder to make sure his clan was with him. Hopefully Crowflight was in back making sure everyone was accounted for.

Never before had the clearing seemed so huge. Loststar's paws tingled as he stood there, head of his clan. The place where TealClan leader always stood, how many times had he glanced up to his leader as a mere warrior. Now that would be him. Never had such a burden felt so heavy or so impowering.

But Loststar couldn't let himself be overly impressed now. It wouldn't do for his clan to see him spell-bound, much less the other clans view him as being anything but a strong capable leader. He took a deep breath and stepped towards the Great Tree where the gathering would take place. With a quick glance, he realized he was the first one there, a black figure against a background of silence. He sat down, tail curled around large paws, and waited patiently for the rest of his clan to join him.

He sat there, basking in the moonlight that left neither a glow to his pelt, nor a trace that it had ever danced upon it. His coat was as black as ever, an inky darkness that absorbed the light in its grasps. Only his eyes shone vividly, a medely of rich brown and glimmering silver, rimmed with curiosity. This gathering would prove interesting indeed, the first since the long journey. He closed his eyes tight in contemplation. Everyone would look different...Beepaw would look different, maybe even a warrior now. He opened his eyes once more. Hopefully StarClan would never make him fight his own brother. His loyalty was with TealClan, but even quiet Loststar couldn't ignore the bond of brotherly love. He shook his head to himself, trying to convince him otherwise. That would never happen and he couldn't waste the time to think of such things. He had to be focused on this gathering.


Thud, thud, thud. The unmistakeable sound of one of RavineClan's newest warriors was making his way to the gathering, just behind Silverhawk, but rapidly catching up. A grin flashed in the dark and he winked playfully at the silver-furred medicine cat, as lanky legs overtook him, and soon surpassed him. That was Beestripe for you.

Chest expanding and contracting lightly from the journey to the Great Tree, it would be no surprise to the rest of his clan that Beestripe ran here. After all, why walk when you could run? Especially to a gathering, the first in many moons. To him, everything seemed like it had shrunk to the growing warrior.

And how he had grown. No longer was he Beepaw, stumbling over his two sizes two big paws and legs. The rest of him had grown to fit his akward body, and into a handsome warrior at that. Thick black stripes streaked his sandy-coat against broad shoulders. His mouth was permanantly curved in an easy smile. His eyes, rich amber browns flecked with forest green, twinkled with a rougish and carefree quality. He held himself confidently without a trace of arrogance, and with a strong dose of curiosity and love for his life.

His hazel eyes glanced around the clearing and finally settled on Loststar and he raised his paw in a silent wave. He had not seen his friend for many moons, ever since the journey, and it would be nice to catch up with him. But even Beestripe skipped over the fact at just how similar they had become. Coat and eyes aside, the similarity was astonding. The same hulking statue, firm jaw, and broad shoulders matched with round kit-like eyes. They were now the same size, even if Beestripe was moons younger. Beestripe smiled briefly and turned to watch for the rest of his clan.

The blow of Rainstar's absense had hit him particularly hard. He was his former mentor and friend, and the thought of the clan without him was horrible. No doubt Phantomsun could take over if the need arose, but it would be hard to forget him all the same. Beestripe would never betray Rainstar's trust and betray how poorly he was doing, but he couldn't prevent that glimmering ray of optimism that he would get better.

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[Diamond]

'Urgh. Going to the gathering isn't exactly my idea of a good time...' was the first thought of young black short-haired she-cat. It was well into the night now, and Hexspell's deep, dark orange eyes glowed in the darkness. It gave her a bit of a sinister look, to match with her normal cranky mood. Hexspell sighed, as she continued to think while walking more or less between Loststar and Crowflight. 'However, I suppose maybe now I'll learn which medicine cat from CherryClan died...and why.' She added as an after thought.

Hexspell was the only TealClanner to stumble upon that scene not so long ago. Two CherryClan medicine cats and three RavineClan Warriors, all by the boarders. One of the CherryClan medicine cats had died there. Hexspell hadn't found out why or what had happened, or even what was said and therefor failed to report it to Loststar.

She knew she should have mentioned it to Loststar. Hexspell felt guilty that she had not. But was there a point in mentioning it? Was there a point in saying 'Uh, hey, I was by the boarders and one of Cherryclan's medicine cats died but I don't know why or which one or how or anything.' Plus Loststar would have asked why she was hunting and not Jinxcharm, and she did not want to get her sister in trouble.

Hexspell would stand by her decision if confronted, even if she was confronted with Loststar himself. Besides, maybe it was for the best. Hopefully now Cherryclan would report the medicine cat's death and reason for it. Of course, if they didn't say anything about it...Hexspell knew she may find that she'd have to tell Loststar anyway.

Excitement danced around in the air. This was it! This was finally it! The gathering! Petaldance had been waiting to go to one since she was an apprentice and now here it was. Her first gathering ever.

Petaldance smiled as she trotted along, still a bit aways from Redstar. Her cream colored fur was a bit fluffed up and her bright, light blue eyes shone with excitement. There were times in her apprentice hood she thought she may never become a warrior, much less go to a gathering. When she learned that Hazefur, her mentor, had died she was beside herself. When the leader had seemed to forget her and didn't assign her a new mentor, she took manner's into her own hands.

Determined not to fall behind her brothers, Petaldance had trained by herself for more then half her apprentice hood. She used everything Hazefur had taught her and watched the other warriors to learn more. It had finally paid off, when one day the leader had finally noticed her and made her a warrior. She wasn't about to disappoint him. Petaldance may be young, but she works hard at being a warrior. Being able to go to a gathering this soon...things had started to look up. Petaldance was doing better then she had thought she ever would.

[Stormeh]

[So no list about which cats are coming? o.o Weird. Ohh, well. xD]

The black CherryClanner stood fairly close to the Great Tree.
He wasn't in much of a mood to make any contact with the
neighboring Clans after he had learned of what happened but a
mere four nights ago. This was torture to have to be here with
them. Absolute torture.

But it was his task as deputy to attend every Gathering, no if's,
and's, or but's unless he was sick physically, which he wasn't,
much to his disappointment. Ravenflight still couldn't believe what
had happened with Tawnystone. Things were too surreal at the
moment, and he couldn't push the feeling away that she would be
waiting for him in her den, just like normal. And the fact that his best
friend had been the father of her kits and he hadn't even known....
That sent a shudder through his body.

Oh, well. As long as none of the other Clans knew [besides the cats
who were involved with Tawnystone's finding], then everything
would be okay.

Redstar could simply announce the fact that Tawnystone was dead;
he didn't have to give reasons. She would be revered as always.

The ebony tom gazed across the clearing and his eyes locked on a
single she-cat. Goldenwing. His niece. Her eyes locked his for a
moment, even, and she finally turned away. She was probably
embarrassed or else still far too fearful of the deputy. Things hadn't
gone over so well in CherryClan's camp.

Ravenflight sighed.

This would be the most difficult Gathering yet.



She knew that she was going to feel uncomfortable at this
Gathering, but she hadn't asked to stay. What was that saying? The
tortoiseshell shook her head. Why did things have to be this
difficult?

Not long after she had situated herself near an edge of the clearing,
her eyes had met Ravenflight's. They were cold and hard as flint,
which made her turn away after just a moment. He was furious with
her, and she knew it. Why did the tom have to hate her,
though? She was his niece, for StarClan's sake! Things didn't have
to be this complicated. Not at all.

What had happened had happened.

There was no changing the past.

Goldenwing let her gaze meet the ground. She studied a paw print
that was directly in front of her as she waited for all of the other
Clans to arrive, hoping to strike up a conversation with some other
she-cat or tom that would help her get through the haze in her
mind...


Since Inkpool was to have her kits fairly soon, Eveningrain had
asked for Eclipsedmoon to take his place at the Gathering. The
young warrior had found this to be such an honor that she vowed to
represent her father and Clan well.

And she would be...if a sudden bout of nervousness hadn't taken
over her body. She felt smaller than ever as she stared at some of
the muscled warriors from RavineClan and CherryClan. This was
amazing! She had never been to a Gathering before, amazingly.
Most apprentices were able to go to one, but she never had been
because she had been a kit of the Journey, practically.

The black she-cat tried to smile as she thought of speaking to some
cats who she hadn't been able to speak to before tonight. She
watched the RavineClanners enter the clearing and her eyes flitted
to one cat...Beepaw? No, he had certainly acquired his warrior name
by now, but what was it...?

She shut her eyes tight for a moment before finally opening them
again. She couldn't remember ever hearing it. Maybe this would be a
good time to ask? She didn't have anyone else to discuss things
with, so why not?

The she-cat took a deep breath and approached Beestripe with a
smile. "Hello," she mewed almost shyly. "Excuse my
intrusion, but what's your name? I'm just trying to make some new
friends with the other Clanners..."

The she-cat hit herself in her head mentally. This was crazy!
Certainly he wouldn't take well to this.

Despite the way that they treated each other, she couldn't help but
to want Crowflight by her side.

But why that tom?

She sighed mentally as she held her smile.

She felt like she needed him, and she wanted him here now,
with her, more than ever.

[__ S K Y E]

-››

[/b] Cгοшƒɬıgɦτ [/size][/blockquote][/b]

[/u]

✫☆ -- And he was suddenly there, by her side. Moon-washed rays glowed in the mysterious of blanket of midnight skies, illuminated by single stars that were lit up in a gorgeous pattern of whites and blues, as the pale luminescent hues showered the ground in shades that varied from the darkest ebony to the palest ivory. The small, tiny lights in the sky - known as stars - twinkled lightly beneath the darkness of the night as the ancestors watched their sons and daughters prance upon the world below; they were smiling.

Crowflight was not because although he portrayed the outward look of someone calm and serious - someone who knew exactly what he was doing - inside his nerves bounced unexpectedly with every new pawstep as the rest of him was filled with a tingled anticipation that even danced through the deepest caverns of his chest. StarClan, help him, he was nervous.

And he never wanted Eclipsedmoon - uh, Oceansong by his side so badly. She would be able to calm his nerves - tell him that everything would be alright - and he would have been able to stroll into the gathering with a peace of mind -- though, as he knew too well, she wouldn't have done such a thing know, not when he had been so stupid enough to ignore her affections as an apprentice and promptly confess his when she had finally decided to let him go. Blue gaze lifted up the sky, an odd smile quirking the edge of his lips, and his eyes clouded as he wondered if she was still watching him, this very night, as he made his way up to the fame that he so deserved but never really wanted.

The feline quickly turned away from the sky, only omitting a deep sigh as he did so, before following the rest of his clan and began delving himself into the deeper folds of his mind as he counted each an ever clan cat to make sure they were present. His eyes lingered on a certain she-cat, his sapphire gaze smouldering as he stared at her for a few fleeting moments, before turning away. Crowflight was well aware of Oceansong's death - one that was much too unfair, too quick - and how he should have moved on - also because, as most saw it, never seemed to accept his love - after it, but it was easy to see how much he loved her, even after death, as he watched the gray she-cat in front of him. His attention had even been diverted to a she-cat who looked so much like her, so exactly like her. Was he betraying Oceansong by doing this?

Suddenly his paws felt a dip in the ground and he quickly, yet somehow gracefully, loped over the rabbit hole before turning his frosty gaze to the clearing below him. Turning his facade back on, the young tom absconded into the still fog of the obsidian sea, paws sliding across the floor below in such an incredibly graceful movement as if he were dancing. His cobalt pools were unfeeling, seemingly nonplussed and certainly nonchalant, as he watched the faint figures below, who he assumed were the other clans. A quiet, calculating look triggered his face and his eyes suddenly became nervous, still not knowing the outcome of this situation and if he would be accepted as TealClan's new deputy, as he watched the clearing below him, the reflection glinting in his shadowed orbs. The quiet hue of the moon illuminated his entire frame as he stood, almost basking it it's pale glow as he paused in his journey to contemplate his thoughts again. Dark eyes flickered over the cats line up in front of him, mentally counting the cats to make sure he had done no mistake, before he stared - not really, but he wasn't gaping either - at Eclipsedmoon again, the guilt tugging at his heart. Was he betraying his love? Should he really be staring at the younger warrior - the live one - in a way that, only a few mooons past, he would've stared at her? Suddenly a sleek silver she-cat appeared right next to Eclipsedmoon, her deep, penetrating green gaze and slender, though rippling, frame unmistakable. Oceansong?' he mouthed in confusion and as a sudden feeling engulfed him, one that he almost recognized as relief, before another stronger one quickly swallowed it -- fear. Did she know? Suddenly the StarClan femme turned, her eyes staring right at him, and he suddenly felt lost, limbs shaking, in her deep, ivy-green stare. She threw him a wry smile that simply said, 'I told you so.' Then she was gone, only leaving a deeply guilty tom in her wake; he shuddered, closing his eyes. Did it have to be like that?

The beautiful feline stood straight then with paws that were dipped in the purest of whites, his jaw tight and eyes determined, as he quickly followed his clanmates into the clearing, his steps made of nothing but pure grace and beauty. Looking as if he was nothing but a picture to be taken, the stars own radiance appearing to glitter like diamonds against his moon-washed fur, he quickly hid his private thoughts back into the deeper fold of his mind before concentrating on the scenery once more, eyes flickering with an unseen emotion as they - for one liquid moment - focused back on her.

With one fluid motion, he ducked his head quickly and for a fleeting second a cat may have been able to see her darkening eyes - which had been not a careful veil of a motions that hid behind a burning quartz gaze, but an open door to the heart behind a fog of soft, cloudy cerulean hues. But as soon as it had come, it was gone. She was Crowflight, deputy of TealClan, who was well known for his hardened soul.

He slipped into the darkness of the clearing, his silver paws careful as he followed Loststar and the rest of the TealClanners. His ears twitched, and he had paused for not but a moments notice before he slid forward on the grassy floor, the texture soft beneath his pawpads. He danced across the clearing with paws of soundless mice, his blue gaze flickering for a notice of someone familiar, and no cat would've been able to foresee the thoughts that scattered through his mind like a bird in flight.

Without thinking - for the nervousness was back, coupled by the hidden emotions fluttering like a butterfly in his chest - he padded up to a sandy tom with thick black stripes and a pretty gray she-cat with darker lines of ebony surrounding her sleek frame. He had not noticed that it was that she-cat until he came to stand beside her, the same intoxicating scent that was purely Eclipsedmoon blasting him like a flush of fresh air. His cobalt pools flickered for a moment, turning on her, before smiling brilliantly at Beestripe. " Hey, Beestripe, " he meowed quickly, his words formal enough but not cold. He hadn't heard the question given by the she-cat, but as he had strolled across the clearing, he had heard flitted conversations including some new warriors and had happened to catch the sandy tom's new name; it certainly fit him well enough. " I'm Crowflight, how's the prey coming in RavineClan?", he smiled.

His heart still fluttered with nervousness, but he suddenly found himself more at ease the longer he stood next to the pretty she-cat at his side. She had seemed to swallowed up his nervousness, only keeping a calm and composed warrior in his wake, just like Oceansong would do and he couldn't help but love her for that. He wasn't talking to her but just having her there, unknowing that his pelt barely brushed hers, was better.

'Thanks,' he thought, smiling and eyes warm, before turning back to the Ravineclanner.

_{Silence is the universal refuge,
the sequel to all dull discourses
and all foolish acts,
a balm to our every chagrin,
as welcome after satiety
as after disappointment.}

[/color]

notes;; fwee. my first gathering on Taragoff! x]] just curious, are apprentices no allowed to go to gatherings? i don't see any.
status;; finished
word count;; 1334
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[Wazo]

Beestripe was about to reply confidently to Eclipsedmoon when he was all of the sudden approuched by the deputy of TealClan. Crowflight...he must be new, but then again, someone had to take over for Lostmoon..err...Loststar when he became leader. Ears twitched in surprise at the two cats who seemingly wanted to talk to him, a new warrior of RavineClan, but like always, Beestripe took it in stride.

"Evening Crowflight, " he grinned, his striped tail swishing back and forth. "I'm happy to report that the prey has never been better. Although just recently, I finally caught the attention of a pretty she-cat and you just stole my answer," he commented with a good natured wink towards Eclipsedmoon. "But I don't believe I know her name," he added, hazel eyes shifting to her direction, flecked with curious greens and warm browns.
He seemed to faintly recall her, perhaps on the Journey, but she must have still just barely been out of kithood. And if she wanted to be friends, Beestripe was fine with it. He liked nothing better then a friend. Still, this good-natured tom was quite oblivious to the tension between Crowflight and Eclipsedmoon, and perhaps what jealous sparks his response may have caused. But that was also Beestripe. He was not a flatterer, he simply spoke the truth how he saw it, never wanting to hurt another.

While waiting for her response, his eyes glanced around the clearing at the multitude of warriors pouring in, his ears twitched at the mews of reconciliation and friendly, even between different clans. His eyes paused on a golden furred she-cat, a Ravineclanner like himself, and he fumbled for her name. Golden...wing! That was it. "Goldenwing!" he called out, his voice confident and strong. "Come join us," he said, although it wasn't a command. More like a question without the question mark. He just didn't like to see anyone sitting alone, especially not a pretty she-cat. There was some things floating around about her...her and Tawnystone, but rumours were not of any importance to Beestripe.

He turned back to the TealClanners, hoping that Goldenwing would come join them. His eyes were bright with enthusiasm and a constant smile adorned his features. His smile. A mix of joy, mischief, and a good dose of curiosity that always shaped his face. This would be a gathering to remember.

And there he was. His smile, shining even through the many cats dotting the clearing, the joy rippling off his sandy coat, and his paws light with happiness. Loststar reflected, that Beestripe looked just like their mother, while he himself was a shadow of his father. His voice echoing across the clearing, asking for the attention of a golden-hued she-cat of his own clan. He saw how easily Beestripe was approuched, by Eclipsedmoon and Crowflight, and how smoothly friendly words rolled off his tongue. It was Beestripe now, the able warrior of RavineClan, and no longer his miniscule Beekit that he stole from his former clan and took away to live a better life. He was everything Loststar had dreamed for him. Someday, the hulking ebony tom thought, he would tell him. But not today.

Loststar moved from his solitary position, walking past the trio, and while catching Beestripe's eye, nodded slightly. The resemblance was evident, the same way their muscles shifted as they walked, the same strong posture, and the way they held themselves as they moved. He would talk to Beestripe later, ask him how he was doing, but for now, he would let him get to know the others.

Mismatched eyes scanned the clearing and finally settled on Hexspell. He knew he should be also getting to the know the other clanners, but how weird was it to not even know your own clan. No longer did Loststar want to be that solitary leader. And he couldn't afford to mind his own business, at the cost of his clan.

"Evening Hexspell," he said, facing the black pelted she-cat. "How have you been doing?" he asked, his ears twitched curiously. And to his surprise, he was curious, curious to know how his clanmates were doing. And it pleased him.

[Raven-chan]

Her paws were padding steadily over the ground, one after the other, in a set rhythm that was second-nature to the silver she-cat. The tabby slowed as she neared the clearing, looking back to make sure that all of her RavineClanners were there, before padding into the clearing, head high and sun-yellow eyes bright.

Phantomsun, deputy of RavineClan, leading the Clan into the Gathering. She wove her way in between the cats, graceful and hauntingly beautiful, her eyes dancing merrily. She approached the leader's branches, stout and strong, rather low to the ground, but still visibly above the Clanners. Nodding to Loststar, she settled on one of the branches, claws loosely unsheathed to help keep her balance, tail wrapped around the branch as well.

It's not supposed to be this way! I'm supposed to be down there, representing my leader! Not this way, not up here! Fear raged in her, nearly consumed her. Looking skyward, she sent a prayer to StarClan, her heart pounding in her chest as she whispered inaudibly, "Let me do your will, StarClan. Let me do well by my Clan..."

{xx}

He was trotting after CherryClan at a rather slower pace. He didn't want to be there when he was not prepared, when his mind was in a turmoil, when his heart was so shaken. This...this would be his first Gathering as the Medicine Cat of CherryClan.

Pride begged to be let out of his heart, begged to course through his vein, but he didn't let it. It should be Tawnystone, not him! Tawnystone was dead! How...how could this have happened? He breathed deeply, closed his eyes, praying.

Then he opened them and entered the clearing, his flame-colored pelt gliding through the cats. He could tell Silverhawk was not far off, and looked in that direction, looking forward to the silver tom's presence. Thoughts that he forced to the side of his focus whispered to him, saying softly,

Now you know, wretched tom, now you know...

Do you wish that it wasn't true? That you were the child of her heart, not Goldenwing? Do you regret your life?

Do you wish that she loved you? Of course you do...too bad she didn't! They were mocking, cruel thoughts, but they were so fuzzy and blurred that he ignored him, keeping his attention and wits focused on the gathering around him. To his surprise, Rainstar was not the one sitting on the branches, but the silver-pelted Phantomsun. He wondered what that meant. Surely Silverhawk would know...once again, he gazed towards the direction that the other Medicine Cat was coming from, patiently waiting.

[D a R K - R a H]

<sup>He stepped from the long grass, eyes widening at the sight of all three clans gathered together. It wasn't what he'd expected. Somehow, Silverhawk had expected the clans' first Gathering in their new home to be a joyous, happy thing. Instead, he saw many'a cats with their eyes darkened in what he assumed was saddened thought. Phantomsun, the usually-cheery deputy of RavineClan, arrived looking rather glum. [At least he knew her reasons.] A young, dark TealClan warrior looked as if a Gathering was the last place she wanted to be. Firestone, Silverhawk's fellow medicine cat, was also looking pretty sorrowful. There was a strange expression on the face of Ravenflight, CherryClan's deputy. Shaking his head softly, the silver-striped tom took a few steps forward into the clearing. His paws carried him towards Firestone without even thinking. For once, he had no desire to meet new people.

Eyes softened and nearly-blank, he walked up to the bright tom without a word. His thin shoulder brushed against Firestone's in a brotherly greeting. Then he sat next to him, his pale amber gaze sweeping over the gathering cats. Young tabby Beestripe was already chatting up two TealClan warriors. Loststar was making conversation with one of his own young warriors, the black she-cat who appeared to be wishing she was somewhere else. A pale CherryClan she-cat had joined the Gathering looking excited. With a small sigh, the silver tom let his head sink down, an open display of how difficult the last few weeks had been.

Brackenwing was not so weighed down as other cats at the Gathering. Her mood was light and as energetic as a young warrior. Even with the death of Tawnystone, the tabby queen lived on the hope of Ashenwind's coming kits. Just the mere thought of newborn kits still sent a surge of joy and excitement surging through her heart. She padded along with her clanmates feeling happier than most of them appeared. Her tail flicked lightly back and forth.The Great Tree rose up above them, a huge tree with large branches that reached high up into the air. This was her first Gathering since she'd been an apprentice.

Her tail in the air, she padded amongst the other clans, amber eyes peering about for someone to talk to. Her gaze caught on her brother, sitting all alone. Her heart ached briefly, and she was about to walk over and sit next to him when the RavineClan medicine cat joined him. For a second, Brackenwing still wanted to join them, to tell Silverhawk that her kits had become apprentice at last. But she sensed they had things to discuss, so she turned away. Her eyes next landed on pale Petaldance, her eyes wide with excitement. "Lovely, isn't it?" the queen purred as she padded over to the young warrior's side.

[short, but it'll do]</sup>

[Diamond]

The pitch black she-cat watched as all the cats eventually formed into their little chatting groups. Just like she knew they would. A cat from RavineClan was talking to two cats, Crowflight and Eclipsedmoon, with ease. Hexspell could also see a CherryClan medicine cat, the same one she saw by the boarders not so far away, but ignored him, pretending not to know anything. She still had no desire what so ever to meet anyone new. You would think that the fact that she doesn't even know Cherryclan or any clan's medicine cats would teach her to do otherwise, but no. Of course not.

Then she heard someone's voice. 'Evening Hexspell.' With seemingly angry, blazing orange eyes, she turned her sinister gaze on whoever dared talk to her. Only to realize that it was Loststar. Her clan leader. 'Oh mousebile...' Hexspell spat in her mind. She softened her gaze as much as she could and dipped in her head slightly in respect.

"Good evening Loststar..." Hexspell said in an steady, even voice. It was ironic how she was talking to the leader now, at the gathering. But she wasn't about to say anything about what took place at the boarders. Not if she didn't have to. Instead, she figured she should focus on making conversation.

'...Yeah, I guess I should at least know my own leader. I didn't even recognize his voice.' She thought to herself. "...Erm...nice night, isn't it?" She asked, a bit bluntly. That was Hexspell's style...stright to the point.

'Hmmm...everyone gets to be in their own group at the gatherings? I guess that makes sense...where's my group?' Petaldance thought a bit naively. 'Then again, why should I care? I'm here and thats all that matters!' She added with a thought. She not nearly as gloomy as some of the cats around here. As a matter of fact, at the end of her happy thoughts, she flashed a huge smile to no one particular.

Petaldance laughed to herself after she smiled. Let the gathering and it's news come! She was ready for anything now, good or bad! "This is gonna be great, I just know it!" Petaldance exclaimed quietly to herself, though she was shaking slightly from excitement.

Then, just to top things off, Petaldance heard Brackenwing's voice. "Oh my gosh, yes, isn't it?" She practically spun around to face Brackenwing. "Beautiful night...good weather...a gathering...I never thought I'd even get this far. Just because...well, ever since Hazefur died...oh, well I'm sure you know the whole story. " Petaldance added with a nod, now trying to calm down. "Have you ever been to a gathering before Brackenwing?" She asked the older warrior.

[Stormeh]

Eclipsedmoon felt like her heart skipped a beat as she inhaled
Crowflight's sweet scent. How she longed to catch his distinctive
smell, to see his beautiful pelt...

She shook her head. No use in getting too caught up right now!
Besides, they hadn't really even spoken about a...er...them yet.

Not that he would want that, of course, Eclipsedmoon
reasoned silently and sternly. A reprimanding tone was to be used in her
head every time she thought of him.

So why had she wanted him to be near her so badly
in the first place?

Every minuscule touch felt like hot pricks of fire with his pelt against
hers and his eyes made her feel like she was melting into a striped
puddle where she stood. The young tabby she-cat couldn't help but
to feel more tension tonight than she ever had with him before.
Eclipsedmoon smiled at Beestripe as she tried to ignore the
impending feeling of love...no, certainly lust that was so near
the two cats at the moment. "I'm Eclipsedmoon," the
black-striped tabby cat mewed fairly quietly, her ability
to speak having left her with Crowflight's arrival. "And you've
met Crowflight now. I'm sure that there aren't too many
TealClanners that you haven't met currently," she joked,
"especially since we all just come running up to you,
wanting to make friends. After all, I think you and I should be about
the same age, if you're the same Beepaw that I remember."

Her father had, surprisingly, spoken to her about love time and time
again. He had confessed that he adored Inkpool profusely, and their
love seemed to grow with every kit that they had together.
Eclipsedmoon could never ignore the glow that her father's deep
golden eyes took on when he sighted his mate or any one of his
kits, whether it be herself, the flamboyant Eclipsedmoon, the joyful
Whiteshadow, or the seemingly-shy Wolfstep, his gaze was hardly
ever stern or unhappy. With this father, Eclipsedmoon had
flourished. Many cats who merely sired a litter didn't have as much
of a connection with his kits, while on Eveningrain's paw, he adored
all three of them more than he did his Clan, and no cat could say
that Eveningrain wasn't loyal. With this, of course, every cat should
expect the same out of his kits, and Eclipsedmoon wasn't one to
argue with loyalty. But was this what he felt, though unconcealed?
She halfway wanted to tell Crowflight about how she felt...but what
if he didn't feel the same? What if he got angry or stopped speaking
to her? And they hadn't had any time apart, anyway. She felt in her
heart like she would tell him if they did, though....

Half-jokingly, she began to pray to StarClan that that time wouldn't
happen.

She tried her best to be the warrior that TealClan needed; this felt
like a nuisance, all of this...this...timidity with Crowflight. All of the
she-cat's insecurities seemed to flow into her mind when she
thought of the stunning tom who stood at her side, the one with the
StarClan-graced pelt and white-tinged paws. His lithe body was all
that she could concentrate on after she had shut her eyes and it
was the only image that appeared when she tried to force sleep
upon herself.

The tabby watched as the she-cat named Goldenwing's ears perked
up as Beestripe's words met her ears. She turned her head and
looked towards them. The faintest of smiles crossed her beautiful
face before she stood and made her way towards the three cats.
She stopped midway, however, and seemed to flinch as a cat
passed her. Eclipsedmoon watched with her head tilted slightly, and
then placed the face with another. The she-cat...she looked
like...like...another Clanner... Tawnystone? Tawnystone! The
CherryClan medicine cat! The TealClanner looked around the
clearing. Where was the medicine cat, anyway? Surely CherryClan
wasn't so stupid as to not let a medicine cat attend the Gathering.
They needed to be there to speak to the other medicine cats and
hear of all of the news. A prickle of fear ran down Eclipsedmoon's
spine as she realized who the cat was that Goldenwing was
watching: Firestone, the CherryClan medicine cat apprentice. Where
was his mentor?

Goldenwing stared at Firestone, hear heart heavy. She sighed as
quietly as possible as she stood where she was. Her eyes held the
ginger pelt in them until she felt compelled to stare at the ground.
The tom would never forgive her, and, honestly, she couldn't blame
him. Tawnystone had been there all of his life. She was there at his
kitting, she watched him grow from a kit to a six-moon-old, and then
she watched him progress until she gave him his full name. How
could she, a RavineClan warrior, have taken away such a gift from
the tom?

After she recovered quickly from her cringe [which took actually only
a couple of moments; it merely felt like an eternity to her], she
trotted briskly over to her Clanmate and the two TealClanners.

With a small dip of her head, the tortoiseshell murmured, "Good evening."
She turned to look at Crowflight and Eclipsedmoon. Their
expressions didn't escape the she-cat's golden scrutinizing gaze,
though she felt that it would be better to leave them alone. She did
wonder, however, what they actually had running through their
heads... "I'm Goldenwing. Pleased to make your
acquaintance. I hope all is well in TealClan?" The warrior
could tell from their scents what Clan they were from, of course,
though she didn't think she exactly knew their names. She knew
she could take a couple of guesses, but the possibility was low of
her getting them right, so she decided to keep her mouth closed.

[Raven-chan]

Firestone felt rather than saw Silverhawk brush up against him, and sit down, hanging his head. The bright tom let out a sigh, before lifting his amber gaze to Silverhawk, meowing softly to his fellow medicine cat,

"Hullo, Silverhawk." He didn't add much else, his eye having caught sight of Goldenwing, and a jealous rage burned through him. It wasn't fair! None of it was fair! Tawnystone loved that she-cat more than him, and he had been there, needed her, wanted her! Goldenwing hadn't even known! Then again, he felt bad for Goldenwing. She should have had her mother there with her, her entire life, but instead she hadn't even known who it was...

He shook these thoughts away, before looking to Silverhawk again, meowing quietly, in a more normal, calm tone,

"How goes RavineClan? Where is Rainstar?" He tilted his head, his bright eyes shining once more. He was a very bright tom, not only in appearance, but also in personality, and this was the most subdued he had been in...forever! He thought back to Ashenwind and hoped that nothing was going wrong, or she wasn't having the kits. Well, if she was, he would soon learn about it from the way Pantherstorm was watching her. He chuckled inwardly at the thought, but kept his focus on his fellow medicine cat, tail flicking absently behind him.

ooc: I just realized that they are the only two Medicine Cats left in the forest...TealClan doesn't even have one anymore!

[__ S K Y E]

-››

[/b] Cгοшƒɬıgɦτ [/size][/blockquote][/b]

[/u]

sometimes the past seems like an anchor holding us back, but...
                                                                         

[/u][/color]

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍
                                                                         

... you still have to let go of who you are to become who you will be .[/center][/i][/color]

✫☆ -- His jaw clenched. This time around, Crowflight did something, his dark blue orbs swiveling around to stare at - or perhaps through - the much younger tom in front of him, those deep, usually emotionless pools of sapphire flashing briefly in what he assumed was anger at having a new warrior of RavineClan flirt with a "clan-mate" of his, though he would soon recognize it as jealous; as for now, though, the emotion that fluttered through him was something unrecognizable, undefinable by himself, let alone the cats around him. His lips pursed, and his dark gaze smoldering as he watched the sandy tom, Crowflight visible tensed - cobalt optics flickering towards the pretty she-cat at his side before relaxing slightly. Compared to his reaction before when she showed an interest in another tom, this one should be able to please her more - maybe show her, against his own thoughts, that he did feel more than an ounce of affection for her.

The moon spilled through the clearing, bathing the clearing in its silvery warmth and his washed in it's milky glow, cerulean optics glittering in the shrouding darkness, Crowflight finally turned away once remembering the oath that he had told himself long ago, that he loved Oceansong and would not love, even after death, anyone but her. The moon-washed tabby couldn't help, however, casting his smoldering gaze upon the she-cat at his side though, still at odds. He didn't like her, but did that mean he wasn't allowed to look at her? Yes, he nearly murmured out loud even if something inside him was chiding him otherwise.

Sapphire orbs, which had been closed as he tried to control the feelings that had quickly overtaken his composed self, suddenly fluttered open and sable ears swiveled to listen to her words, that sweet voice unfailingly making his heart flutter uncontrollably again. He followed her gaze and they watched together as Goldenwing's ears perked up, which eventually ended in the RavineClan she-cat strolling over to them. "I'm Crowflight; nice to meet you Goldenwing, " he murmured back to the pretty she-cat - although she was no where near as beautiful as her or Eclipsedmoon - with a polite dip of his head. Blue pools flickered across the clearing to the cat that caused Goldenwing to flinch - no one was able to escape his observant gaze and he raised an eyebrow, confused. What was going on between the two? And, aside from that, where was the CherryClan Medicine Cat?

" Yes, yes, " he agreed, his voice holding the confident air of a deputy - though not arrogant - and yet still soft, but holding a certain warmth that was surprising for such a cat with a cold exterior. Smiling beautifully at the cat, his dark eyes suddenly grew calculating as he added, " The prey couldn't run better." He paused, his eyes flickering over to Beestripe and Eclipsedmoon before staring up at the spot where some of the leaders seemed to have gathered. Loststar, he knew, had been watching the sandy tom at his side for quite some time; what was their connection? Instead of voicing his concerns, the young tom laughed - a beautiful, catching sound - and meowed, " Your clan-mate seems to think Eclipsedmoon is beautiful and I couldn't argue, but speaking of pretty she-cats do you know where your m- ah, Tawnystone is?" The deputy had suspected something long ago and it was only up to this particular RavineClan warrior to catch his mistake and prove him right. That was the only plausible explanation for the tension between Firestone and her, anyway.

His eyes twinkled and for a brief second, a foreign emotion flickering across his eyes, he watched Eclipsedmoon from the corner of his eyes. What would she say to that?

_{Can't waste time over missing something in the past.
Life changes, people grow up and grow apart, and you accept that.
Yet you still can't stop thinking of how good it used to be.
Afraid you'll never experience something like it again;
Afraid you've already lived it and already lost it.}

[/color]

notes;; eeew. it sucks. DD;
status;; finished
word count;; 637[/color]
[/size][/blockquote]

[Wazo]

Beestripe smiled cheerfully as Goldenwing made her way over to the small gathering that had accumulated. She indeed was very pretty with bright golden eyes and a lovely coat. He didn't think he had noticed it before, so caught up in his training and warrior assessments, Beestripe hardly had time to think of she-cats. He shifted slightly to make some room for her and turned his hazel gaze back at Eclipsedmoon.

"Yes, I'm the same Beepaw," he said with a warm smile. You must be one of Eveningrain's kits if we are the same age. I remember you and your family from the Journey. So strange that we are all grown up now in a totally different setting," he mewed. He grinned at her comment. "I like to make friends, my own clan or others. I came from a different clan myself, although I don't know much about my background," he commented. Beestripe was friendly to just about everybody, but it would never hinder his loyalty to his clan or his ability to fight for them.

Beestripe smiled at Loststar as he passed, before turning back to his deputy. He was taken aback by his comment to Goldenwing and he arched an eyebrow in surprise. Beestripe himself had heard some rumors, after all, Goldenwing was of his clan. Still for Crowflight to make that statement...

"Perhaps Firestone would be better able to answer that," Beestripe pointed out, nodding his head towards the ginger tom talking to Silverhawk. He snuck a glance at Goldenwing, not knowing whether his comment would be welcomed or detested, but he didn't like to see a clan-mate put on the spot like that. For a second his hazel eyes were worried, but it disapeared as quickly as it came and he turned back to the TealClanners. "No doubt it will be addressed at the Gathering," he finished, his striped body breathing steadily.


She seemed surprised to find him talking to her. And usually Loststar wouldn't go out of his way to make conversation. But it was time he met his clan. He knew their names, their faces, but not them. He didn't know what made his clanmates' faces distort with anger or beam with joy. He wanted to change that.

"It is a nice night," he agreed, his large black head nodding slightly. "And its high time for a gathering. I'm sure the other clans have alot of news to share. I for one, am interested to know what has been going on. I see many faces her, some new, some old, and some missing. Tawnystone...and Rainstar too. I'm curious to know what happened." he added, his tail swishing back and forth behind him as he scanned the clearing. Beestripe was talking away and Silverhawk was chatting with Firestone. He was initially very surprised to see Phantomsun taking the position instead of Rainstar. Perhaps after he talked to Hexspell he would ask her.

He turned his gaze back to the black cat sitting in front of him. She seemed somewhat angry to be talking to him and he hoped he hadn't said anything wrong. Or perhaps that was just how she was.

[Stormeh]

Eclipsedmoon felt her skin under her fur grow hot at Crowflight's
compliment. Certainly he didn't mean what he said, though. Surely
not.. Why would he, after all? He had made no advancements, given
no comments such as that one before. The tabby was positive that
he had only made the statement to be polite, or perhaps to
embarrass Beestripe.

"I'm indeed one of Eveningrain's kits,"
Eclipsedmoon purred, thoughts of Crowflight's words making their
way to the back of her mind. If there was any subject that she could
speak forever on, it was this one. "I thought it was
you. I just haven't seen you in what feels like ages. You've most
certainly grown, as have I though, I'm sure to you." She let
out a little mrrow of amusement.

The she-cat silenced herself and listened to Crowflight's words with
a twitch of irritation. What was he thinking that the warrior would
have to do with Tawnystone?

The tortoiseshell opened her mouth to speak, but stopped
immediately after Beestripe spoke for her. A wave of relief washed
over her as she nodded. "I think that is better left
up to Firestone to answer. I'm not exactly a CherryClanner,"
she mewed quietly. She still wasn't positive that it would be best
that her secret was released among all of the cats. Some
would judge Tawnystone horribly for this. The she-cat wasn't
worried about herself as she didn't have many friends as it was, but
she truly wanted for her mother to keep on being revered by the
Clans like she was when she was alive. She had done many good
things for the Clanners, and Goldenwing wanted for them to
remember her by those deeds. "I'm sure Firestone
will have something to say about her," she added.
"He was her apprentice, after all."

With that, the RavineClanner stopped speaking, as if this had upset
her greatly. Eclipsedmoon couldn't help but to reach her muzzle over
and give her a small lick on the head. What did these other cats
know that she didn't? It would make sense, she supposed, that
Crowflight would know, since he was the deputy, but for even
Beestripe to know seemed...odd. Something was definitely
wrong.

[Sorry for the icky-ness. =/]