July 2016 Gathering

[Sunny]

It is now the 7th month of the year. The moon is shining on Gathering Island tonight, clear and bright - a good sign. As cats file into the clearing, StarClan's presence gathers with them, showing their continuous love and protection for their descendants.

Greenleaf is replenishing much of leaf-bare's losses, but there is certainly plenty of news to be shared at this Gathering! Each Clan has its pros and cons, and many are controversial... How will the leaders handle it tonight?

[you]Highlights of the Clans to be discussed:[/you]

ShadeClan: Foxes and badgers have been spotted - ShadeClan is on the lookout | Prey is everywhere | Clan is well-fed + content

SunClan: Leaf-bare's effects are still upon them - exhausted cats, few cats, skinny prey (leaders may not disclose this info) | The Creeks are low from evaporation - WATER MUST BE BORROWED FROM DAPPLECLAN (leaders are not required to use this prompt, but it will make the Gathering exciting - if you don't use it, SunClan cats will steal water from DappleClan territory)

DappleClan: Greenleaf is doing them good - territory is breezy and cool | Trees full of leaves | Lots of water (if SunClan leader mentioned borrowing water, DappleClan leader may not mention this) | Healthy cats - well-fed + content

ThornClan: Thorns are extra thick and spiky - good for fending off predators | Their fur is becoming thicker from thorns - causing them to be hot/dehydrated | Little water | WATER MUST BE BORROWED FROM DAPPLECLAN (if SunClan leader hasn't requested water from DappleClan, ThornClan leader must)

[Sunny]

Talonstar had reached the end of ShadeClan's territory. She sniffed the water at her feet, and looked ahead of her. Darkness was all around her except for the moon's beautiful rays reflecting on the pond. She flicked her tail for her Clanmates to follow her and, ignoring the stepping stones that StarClan had placed for each of the Clans (four paths were in each territory), she waded into the water. She knew that the elders would use the steps, but otherwise she hoped her warriors and apprentices would practice their swimming skills. The water felt wonderful on her fur. She loved watching her coat flowing in the waves. She started paddling toward the island.

~

Blossomfern, a little farther back in the group of ShadeClan cats, waded into the water behind the other warriors. She, too, loved the feel of the water. The heat from greenleaf was getting to her a little bit, and all of her duties from the day hadn't given her time to go for a swim. She headed toward the Gathering Island, every once and a while dipping her head underwater to cool her ears and muzzle off.

[Winter Sunflower]

With the moonlight shining upon her sleek, silvery fur, the proud but slightly malnourished leader of SunClan, Ashstar, gracefully swept across the open landscape. The light outlined her in glowing white. Her paws barely touched the ground as she sped across the highlands. Even so, her paws launched her into the air with quick and powerful blasts. She covered ground easily because as she floated into the cool, night air, she reached far out with her front paws. The tall, thin grass flew towards her and rubbed against her slim body but they released her gentle grip as she ignored them. Her ears leaned slightly back as the wind rushed around her, enveloping her body, before fleeing away into the distant night. Her tail swished gracefully, long streaks piercing the blowing wind. Grass bowed in fright as her tail brushed past them.

If one was fast enough to catch the serious leader's expression, they would see a relaxed and content expression. Most cats would find this surprising because Ashstar had a reputation for being a very serious cat, famous for her cold stares. Those who were more acquainted with Ashstar would not find it very unusual. Despite possessing a very serious personality, Ashstar's one relief was running. It allowed her to feel free and unrestricted. And so naturally, her expression would loosen and would almost mimic that of a kit's. It would be relaxed and delightful and her mood tended to improve considerably more after running a bit. She would also be slightly less harsh and serious. Her breaks from work were rare but they were welcomed by both her clanmates and herself.

However, today, her expression was only a mask she was putting on for the sake of her clanmates. For today, at the gathering, SunClan in its weakness would be exposed. By coming to the gathering, they were flaunting their current state. But to not come to the gathering would tell the other clans there was something wrong with SunClan. This, Ashstar could not afford. So after much debate with herself, Ashstar had proclaimed that they would go to the gathering. She was still very unsure of her decision, as most likely so were some of her clanmates, but she could not change her mind now. That prove her to be unfit to be a leader. No matter what action she chose, Ashstar was in a bind.

[Sunny]

Gorsefur was right behind his leader, the wind rushing through his fur as he ran. His grumpy mood was at its ultimate height right now. He was really anxious about the Gathering, but instead of acting nervous about it, he was getting more and more irritated with everything. With each paw slapping the grass beneath him he got out a little bit of his rage. He knew that Ashstar was running pretty fast, but he wanted to go faster, and going at this pace was gathering his anger even more-so. He hated being in this mood. He wanted to yowl as loud as he could, but the fact that he couldn't made him even angrier. He huffed over and over again to himself, trying to get it all out. He also didn't want to cross the stepping stones to the island.

~

A few steps away from annoying and grumpy Gorsefur, Morningspirit raced alongside her friends, listening to them chatter away. She was a little nervous about the Gathering (what if the other Clans noticed SunClan's weaknesses?) but she knew that the other Clans were just over recovering from leaf-bare, it's just that SunClan was taking a little longer. As long as SunClan looked confident, Morningspirit didn't think any cat from another Clan would try to take advantage of them. So she ran with her head high, trying to seem proud. She was proud of her Clan, and wanted to look it.

~

Thornscar trailed at the end of the group, his usual solitary self as much of a shadow as always. He didn't necessarily not want to have friends, but no one noticed him, so he didn't want to go out of his way to make them. Like most other cats, he was extremely nervous about the Gathering. He was already embarrassed about his Clan's appearance. Looking ahead of him he saw a noticeable amount of scraggly pelts and dull eyes. He sighed, very expectant about how the Gathering was going to go.

[Tuna]

Adderfang followed Ashstar closely and was next to Gorsefur; his long legs reached out far in front of him and pulled him forward at a quick pace, his paws staying on the ground only momentarily. He too was more relaxed when running which was his favorite thing to do, and he was glad that Ashstar was keeping such a fast pace - running kept his mind clear. Otherwise, he would be worried about how SunClan was going to appear to the other clans at this gathering. He had done enough of that when he was back at camp helping to round up cats that would be attending. Although he loved to run in a big open field by himself, he was thankful that Ashstar was in front of him pushing down the grass and other plants that were in their path so he didn't have to tackle it himself. He looked over to Gorsefur periodically, and for once the deputy didn't feel like the coldest cat in the group. Adderfang decided he would keep an eye on Gorsefur during the gathering to see if his mood would lighten at all.

Looking up at the island ahead, Adderfang felt a surge of excitement and he felt lighter just for a moment. He hadn't thought about it before, but it was nice that Gathering Island was, well..an island. He was eager to jump into the water and swim rather than use the stones, because he hadn't been cooled off by water in a while. The thought of all of it made him want to run faster but he kept his speed parallel to that of his leader so he stayed slightly behind. He couldn't wait to jump in, and soon he and his clan-mates had reached the bank. He didn't care which way Ashstar was going to choose to get to the island; he was swimming. He walked in slowly, relishing the feeling of the water against his short fur. He dipped his head down and let it run down the back of his neck, and then began swimming towards the island. The tom moved slowly, taking his time in this peaceful moment. He didn't have to put too much effort into swimming since the water wasn't incredibly deep - Greenleaf was taking it's toll on lots of places.

Once he reached the island he dragged himself up the bank, shaking out his fur and letting droplets fly from his sides. Small beads of water rested on his whiskers and threatened to drop off, but he ignored them. Now that he wasn't busy moving his mind filled with thoughts again. We have to appear stronger than we are he thought to himself. This was basically what his entire existence was based on - his cold and shielded personality was because he never wanted to appear weak like SunClan was categorized as among the other clans. He was one of the cats that agreed with Ashstar's decision to come to the gathering, because if they didn't then the clans would definitely know they were struggling. He was still unsure of what her solution to their lack of water problem would be, but he had to support her in whatever she chose and enforce her decision. He looked back at the water that he just swam across and cocked his head, thinking that maybe the water surrounding Gathering island could help solve their problem. He watched his clan-mates making their way across by both the stones and by swimming and waited for them all to regroup once everyone reached the island.


He noticed Morningspirit close behind and he flicked his tail nervously but didn't realize he was doing it. His paws idly kneaded at the ground and got slightly muddy but he didn't notice that either. All he was focused on was Morningspirit for the time being and he wanted to walk with her until he had to go sit up near Ashstar. So far she was the only cat that had taken the time to get to know him, even if she didn't get too much conversation out of him at the time. At least she had put up with his slightly antisocial personality. Adderfang stayed standing and straightened himself up, his chest puffing out slightly. He wanted to appear confident for both his new friend and his clan.

[Winter Sunflower]

"My clanmates are first."

~~~

"My pride comes second."

'And so... I won't refuse my clanmates the water they need by not asking for it. I must ask. If we were to be discovered stealing water... That I can not let happen. My clanmates can not fight. If we fight... We will die.'

These were the determined thoughts which had overtaken the leader of SunClan's mind. She had already determined the fate of SunClan's survival. She would suck up her pride and, albeit reluctantly, plead to DappleClan's leader, Dovestar. She had been meaning to speak with Dovestar about it earlier but duties had called her back to camp before she was able to discuss with Dovestar concerning her water shortage problems. Dovestar was a kind she-cat. Ashstar was sure she would want to help SunClan in its dire state. But she would have to be quick about her request. She could not wait much longer to ask. Ashstar suspected Spiderstar would also like to ask the DappleClan leader. She did not think Dovestar would be willing to help both of them. Dovestar had to think about her clanmates first.

Ashstar avoided the tempting water entirely. Being a proud leader, she would not arrive at the gathering soaking wet. She lightly leaped from stone to stone, following the path which their ancestors had made for them. But if her clanmates wanted to swim, she would not stop them. All she asked was that they did not drown. That would be bothersome to drag them out of the water. It would set the time back on their progress and they might end up being the last clan to arrive. Ashstar did not like being the last. Why else did she push her clan? Why else did she ask much of her clanmates? She wanted SunClan to be the very best and she of all people knew that the best came with diligence and hard-work. It was especially advisable to have patience for such endeavors. Nothing good ever cam quickly - it always took time. However, the harder one tried, the faster things tended to be. And since Ashstar did not have the unlimited resource of time, she was forced to push her clanmates far. How else were they to survive, except by going beyond their abilities?

She stepped on the soft ground and her mouth curved into a soft smile, which quickly disappeared. They had arrived. How lovely.

[Sunny]

Dovestar led her Clan to the end of DappleClan territory and threw herself into the water. She was so proud. Her Clan was healthy and well-fed. The water was plentiful. The prey was scurrying everywhere. Their territory was in check. She sighed with relief as her shoulders sank beneath the waves. Looking a little to her left across the water she saw the dark shapes of ShadeClan crossing the water.

She started swimming toward the island. As a DappleClan cat, she was faster than all the other Clans put together. Doverstar looked behind her as her Clan filed into the water, and purred with pride. They were healthy. They were strong. They were happy. And they were swimmers. She smiled to herself and turned back around. Before she knew it she was at the island. Her sleek DappleClan pelt was soaking wet, but it felt really good.  She was a DappleClan cat anyway, so she would dry off quickly. Licking her paw and running it over her whiskers, she stepped into the clearing. SunClan was already there, and ShadeClan was pulling into the clearing. ThornClan was nowhere to be seen. She padded over to Ashstar. "Greetings," she mewed politely, trying not to look at her skinny structure. "How's the prey running in SunClan?" She didn't expect the SunClan leader to admit to their weakness, but she knew what the truth was.

~

Fernstrike padded after her leader, feeling just as proud. She couldn't wait to show off DappleClan's strength to the other Clans. She had never really been this excited for a Gathering! After crossing the water she snuffled under the overhanging branches of trees until she came to the clearing. She chose a spot near the hill where the Clan leaders stood to announce their news, and started cleaning her tail. Water was still dripping off of her, and she knew it would show the other Clans just how wealthy in water DappleClan was. She smugly peered around at SunClan. StarClan, are they weak! Fernstrike raised her eyebrows and continued her washing.

~

Lightbird was right behind Fernstrike, but tried to stay away from her. She knew that Fernstrike had trespassed onto SunClan territory the other day, and although she didn't plan to rat her out, she was very angry. Fernstrike was always smug and ignorant, and didn't care about anyone, especially those of another Clan. She sat down on her own, looking sadly at the SunClan cats, feeling very sympathetic. She tried to imagine considering it an advantage to herself, having other cat weak, but couldn't do it. How could anyone take a chance to take over SunClan when they're at this state? They're already suffering! Whoever would want to make it worse for them? She shook her head, feeling shameful on behalf of all the horrible cats out in the world.

~

Spiderstar knew she was late - ThornClan usually was. She was sweltering hot, and couldn't wait to cool down in the water surrounding the Gathering Island, although she knew that ThornClan cats were simply horrible swimmers and their pelts would look simply terrifying after the dip. Her thick coat was doing her well for protecting her from the thorns in the territory, but capturing lots of heat. Her mouth was parched as well - there were no water sources except for the dew in the morning. She held back a whimper. Her long black legs leaded her skillfully through the thorns, and soon she and her Clan were at the water. Her heart was beating fast with excitement as she waded into the water. It felt freezing cold, but she loved it. She wanted to lay there all day. But she wanted to be professional and leader-like so she tried not to show her relief and stepped back up onto the stepping stones and leaped nimbly from each one to the next. Soon she reached the island, and leaped onto the shore. She padded up to Dovestar and Ashstar and nodded a greeting.

~

Talonstar reached the island, and trotted into the clearing. She waved her tail at her Clan to spread out and make themselves comfortable. She padded to the group of leaders, nodded a hello, and went straight to the hill. She wanted to speak first.

~

Morningspirit looked over at Adderfang and padded toward him. She wanted someone to talk to, and for some reason, he seemed to be the cat to do it with. "Hi," she murmured. "This Gathering's going to be really interesting... Do you know what Ashstar's going to say? I mean.... It's pretty obvious we're weak, so do you think she'll ask another Clan for help?" She really hoped that he knew, although she guessed that her leader wouldn't disclose information like that even to her deputy. She looked nervously at him, wondering what he'd say.

[Tuna]

Maplewing had been smiling the whole way to the gathering, her smooth and small white body gliding over the terrain. The brightness of the moon illuminated everything around her and she watched as SunClan and ShadeClan crossed the water to reach the island. She looked around for ThornClan and didn't see them until moments later, most of them using the stones instead of swimming. She flinched at the thought of having such a thick pelt during greenleaf and was glad she had short fur. The she-cat dipped into the water after her leader, making her way easily across the water and reaching shore in no time. She shook herself off quickly before padding forward, finding a spot in the clearing that was close to the middle. She liked gatherings because she got to see all of the other clan cats and she felt honored to have been chosen to come. She sat down and laid her tail over her dainty white paws, her back curved slightly as she relaxed. Maplewing looked around and saw that Talonstar was already up on the hill ready to speak. She figured she should sit by someone and be more friendly so she padded over to Fernstrike, who looked smug. "Hi" she mewed, smiling. She began to groom herself alongside her clan-mate, waiting for the gathering to start.

~~~

Cedarleaf avoided the water entirely and padded lightly over the stepping stones, her thick multicolored fur flowing around her. Gatherings were not her favorite because she felt like she was being useless just sitting out here and not gathering herbs or doing some other kind of medicine cat work. She looked around somewhat nervously before finding an open little clearing towards the edge of the gathering crowd, and she quickly claimed it as her own. She knew her clan-mates were becoming weak because of lack of water but their thick pelts gave the illusion of strength so she puffed her chest out to appear the same. She began grooming herself, waiting to hear what the leaders had to say. This was the only time she really got to get in the loop; back in camp she kept herself busy with her medicinal duties. She was eager to listen and kept her eyes focused on the hill while she licked her paws and ran them over the top of her head.

~~~

"If she knows what's best for us, she will ask for help" Adderfang said quietly, his deep blue eyes observing the crowd. He knew that Ashstar was a proud cat, like himself, but you could only be so proud for so long. He didn't want other cats to hear him in case he was wrong and their leader wouldn't suck up her pride. He knew he and his clan mates were not in the condition to fight for water. He watched Ashstar as she and the other leaders gathered and he figured he should do the same. "See you after the gathering" he mewed to Morningspirit, padding over to his spot next to the hill.

[Silver]

Silverstripe ran alongside her leader with a smile on her muzzle, though she came to an almost full stop as they neared the water surrounding the gathering island. She was a terrible swimmer, and she knew better than just tempt her luck and jump into the water, regardless of the heat that tried to make her think otherwise. She used the stepping stones instead, trying to not slip and fall inside the water.

The silver tabby warrior had decided to rest and eat the day before the gathering, as well as groom her fur. She really wasn’t happy by forcing herself to take a break, but going to the gathering unrested and dirty…SunClan cats already looked somewhat malnourished even if they tried to look as strong as healthy as they were before leafbare decided to kill off most of the clan, there was no need to make them look any weaker thanks to her. Plus, she didn’t want to incite the other clans to attack the currently vulnerable clan by arriving to the gathering island near to faint from exhaustion.

Shaking those thoughts away she padded towards the hill and sat as near as possible, not wanting to miss a single word from the leaders. She soon noticed that, from all clans, SunClan looked to be the weakest. This made her feel a bit wary, her eyes discreetly scanning the place trying to guess what the other cats were thinking, especially the ones that were looking at her or her clanmates. Hopefully they wouldn’t try to take advantage of their state to teal their territory.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nightdream silently padded behind Shadeclan, his dark fur making him almost completely invisible as the shadows covered him like a thick blanket, the only things that allowed those around him to know that he was with them at all being his green eyes and white tail tip.

He swam after his clanmates, grateful to feel the refreshing water washed away most of the heat that his pitch-black pelt had managed to gather in their way here. He knew he wasn’t the best swimmer in the clan, but the clean water surrounding the gathering island was usually calm enough for him to swim through without any issues.

As soon as he reached the island he padded towards a shady spot that was close enough to hear the leaders, but also far enough to avoid any unnecessary social interaction with other cats, the spot that had been his favorite since he came to this place for the very first time as an apprentice. If anyone needed to talk to the ShadeClan medicine cat they would know where to find him, but if they had come to the gathering before they would know that unnecessary chit-chat would receive no answer from him, even if the mysterious tom politely decided to hear the other cat.

His gaze landed on some SunClan cats as soon as he saw them arriving. He had a hard time during leafbare, fighting to keep his clan alive and healthy…or as healthy as possible with how terrible that specific leafbare was, but apparently SunClan got the short end of the stick. The dark tom couldn’t help but feel some pity for them, he probably would need to share tongues with their medicine cat to know if they needed some herbs.

SunClan wasn’t his clan, that’s true, but medicine cats were supposed to help each other out during times like these.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brightblossom jumped inside the water after her leader, swimming gracefully behind her. If she could she would stay inside the water during the whole gathering, but doing so not only would make it hard to hear the leader’s words thanks to the distance, but it probably would be frowned upon by the rest of the cats attending and would give a wrong bad image of DappleClan, thing that Brightblossom didn’t want to do.

Taking a deep breath and shaking her long soft fur before walking with the rest of her clan to sit near the hill, being as elegant as always. Her gaze first landed on the ShadeClan cats, looking for her former apprentice between them, but had no luck on finding him nor his mate, the she-cat that made him leave the clan. She wasn’t angry at her, but it would be nice to meet her…maybe next time.

Then she looked at SunClan, only to look away soon after to not be caught staring with a pity filled gaze. She never had seen the clan like this, she knew that this particular leafbare had been awful on all clans, but those poor SunClan warriors…it was probably her motherly personality speaking, but she couldn’t help but want to aid these cats, see the clan return to their former glory.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Foxblaze walked behind his leader, his expression neutral as he looked at the cats from the other clans. The tom hadn’t missed a single gathering since he was apprenticed, so any cat that had attended to one before would easily recognize him, and not only because of his almost orange fur, but because of his size. He was big, probably the biggest cat in ThornClan, and he wasn’t going to hide it just to make the cats around him feel comfortable. He stood tall, the scars over his eye and ear as reminders of one of his not few battles with other cats on his past.

He was just as tempted as any cat to jump inside the water and cool down even if just for a second or two, but soon decided against it, not wanting to be soaked during the whole gathering and maybe look ridiculous, though he couldn’t blame his clanmates if they decided to take a dip.

He sat near the hill, his eyes going from the cats around him to the leaders standing on the hill, wondering what new they would have to share.

[Sentinel]

all my friends are heathens

tag: @name // words: 230 // notes: although he's planning mass murder, he just looks annoyed on the outside

Prowling behind his Clan's medicine cat, Hawkshadow looked at the other Clans with contempt and smug approval. They were weaker than him and his Clanmates. Now would be the best time to attack and seize their territory. But, of course, no one else would approve of this idea, stupidly, so Hawkshadow kept his mouth shut and plotted within his own head instead. He waded through the water easily, being a bit taller than most of the cats, but still paddled most of the way, and pulled himself up onto dry land without any hard labor. He didn't fear these waters, since so many cats were around and there was barely even a current through there. He padded away from most of his own Clan and sat off on the opposite side of the island, away from other cats, and sat in the fern bushes, at ease. He did not care to hear the sad excuses the other Clans came up with to try to get help from ShadeClan or DappleClan. Speaking of DappleClan, they seemed to be doing just as well as ShadeClan. He furrowed his brows at this new information. They would be a force to not underestimate if his plans to take over were to take place this greenleaf. He despised them for it, even though they were entirely clueless of what was going on inside his mind.

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[Sunny]

Spiderstar didn't say anything to the other leaders and padded to the hill after Talonstar. The other two leaders were taking a long time to speak to each other. She rolled her eyes and curled her tail over her front paws.

~

Morningspirit nodded at Adderfang, but he was already padding away. She looked down at her paws for a second, took a deep breath, and looked back up at the other Clans with a new strength inside of her. SunClan was weak, but they were still the Clan they always used to be. They could regain their power. Everything would be okay with Ashstar as their leader, and Adderfang as their deputy. Morningspirit proudly walked right into the middle of the clearing and looked around for someone from another Clan to sit next to. She noticed Brightblossom, sitting with DappleClan, and made a beeline for her. "Hi!" she mewed happily, purposefully fluffing up her fur so that her skinny form would be less noticeable.

~

Fernstrike took a look at Maplewing and smirked. "Hi," she mewed quietly. "Look at these SunClan cats..." She suppressed a snicker. "They look totally horrible... I mean, look at them!" This time she did snicker. "No pride left.... nope, nope, nope.... This is just sad." She laughed again, a little too loudly.

~

Blossomfern noticed Hawkshadow enter the clearing. Her heart got a little fluttery at his handsome face, and before she could stop herself, she padded straight toward him. "Hello," she mewed calmly, not really knowing what his attitude would be like towards her this time. She licked her paw and drew it over her ear, trying to seem nonchalant. Her heart always got fluttery when around good-looking males, and she didn't dislike it, but was very embarrassed about it.

[Winter Sunflower]

PRIDE

Pride was our weakness.

Pride is a guard dog who always turns on his master. Pride is a festering black sin that lies within. Pride can be hidden under many layers of sobriety. Pride is a fool's mistake. And those who fall prey to it never realizes their mistakes until it has become too late. Pride is a curse that even the wisest can fall into. That is the nature of Pride: to snatch and slowly kill. Inside then out. And nobody ever notices it... Until it is too late. Too late to change. Too late to go back. That is Pride. What a horrendous fate those who have succumbed to Pride. But what can one do about it? Nothing, shall we say. For Pride can not be erased and it can not be prevented. Pride swallows all and nothing is spared from its terrible grasp.

Soft, silvery fur slithered gently onto the fallen tree. Balancing precariously, pale green eyes flittered confidently around the thin branch. The eyes showed no fear of falling. One might say her assurance was contagious. SunClan's proud leader, despite the many hardships her clan was going through, kept her head high and determined. She did not show any sign of embarrassment for having such a weak looking clan, nor did she show any sign of fear that the other clans might think about taking advantage of SunClan in its weakened state. Ashstar still upheld her pride as SunClan's leader! It was something that could never be broken; her boundless love for her wonderful clan!

Before the skies caught fire

Above the trees, fire still lingers, dancing on the dark river. A bright cylinder rock, large and glowing, rests peacefully in the river, under the fire. The river envelopes a land below, where life springs everywhere. Still, fire burns closely and dangerously at the top. As time passed by, the fire will dim, being destroyed by the powerful river. And the rock will roll higher and higher as the river expands.. So perfect and full and dark, the rock and river. So elegant it will be, if only it would linger forever. But as time would pass by the fire would jump up again and conquer the river once more. And the cycle would occur again.

Ashstar waited somewhat impatiently for the other leaders to hop onto the fallen tree. She wished to speed through the gathering as quickly as the could. She was anxious to leave the gathering and return to the camp. She was slightly worried that the other clans might attack SunClan while most of their stronger Warriors were participating in the gathering. But still, Ashstar kept a calm front and she refused to show any emotions. Those who saw Ashstar would note how serious and stern she appeared to be. Generally, how intimidating the silver leader was, with her sharp, leaf green eyes and her critical stare.

WORDS: 486

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[Sunny]

Dovestar stared after Ashstar, feeling slightly sorry for her. Pity fighting its way into her eyes, she trotted over to the hill where the leaders stood and leaped up beside Ashstar. "This Gathering of our four Clans has begun!" she called out, staring neatly at the cats gathered below the four leaders. She looked at Ashstar, nodding her head. "Ashstar, would you like to start us off?" she asked curtly, trying to seem neutral. She stepped back.

~

Talonstar opened her mouth to object, but quickly closed it. Starting the Gathering had been her wish, but if the weaker Clan wanted to start off she'd have no problem listening to their weak stories of strength... She nodded at Ashstar, her eyes showing her strong dislike for the SunClan leader. Frowning slightly, she backed up exaggeratedly, making a slight, sarcastic bow by inclining her head. She hoped no one saw it, but honestly wouldn't care if they did. She wasn't usually like this - she was normally gentle and caring with all other cats. But tonight.... Something felt different, and it put her in a pretty bad mood.

[Winter Sunflower]

Ashstar

words . Sunny (with Dovestar)

♚ "Courage is resistance to fear. Mastery of fear. Not absence of fear." - Mark Twain.

Certainly, it was something the silver she-cat needed. How else could it be said? Ashstar was fearful. Afraid. Scared. She worried about the welfare of her clan. She worried that her clan would be attacked. She worried that her clan-mates would suffer more than they were already. She worried that they would die because of her failure as a leader. She not only worried about these things, but she feared them. She was scared of them. She was scared they would kill her only family. She was scared they would bring her family to ruins. She was scared that she would do that. Ashstar hated to admit it but the truth was, she wasn't the calm, level-headed cat everyone always thought she was. She had her fears and insecurities just like any other cat. She was not only a leader, but a female she-cat with silver and dappled fur. Truthfully, the leaders of the clans were just like every other cat, but only with more responsibilities.

Ashstar watched patiently as all of the other leaders gathered up onto the tree. Her eyes met Dovestar's for a fraction of a second and she saw the pity in her eyes. It disgusted Ashstar to think that someone might be pitying her - the leader of another clan, no less! But if it increased her chances of getting water for her clan, Ashstar would gladly accept those pitying eyes. Her pride meant nothing when it came to the welfare of her clan. They were more important to the silver she-cat than anything else. After all, she had dedicated her whole life to SunClan - like she was going to waste all that time and effort! Time and effort that ever leader, every deputy, every medicine cat had poured into creating SunClan. Into keeping it living. Ashstar refused to waste the efforts of her own and those who had come before her. If it meant that her clan would live another day, Ashstar would even go as to beg for the health of her clan. Ashstar was proud because of her clan, but where was her pride if her clan died?

She nodded towards Dovestar and thanked her almost inaudibly. She turned her attention back on the multitude of cats. Specifically, she watched her clan. Among the sea of cats, her clan was the easiest to spot, with their unhealthy coats and bodies. She was starting to question what she was doing. She couldn't tell anybody about their problem concerning the water shortage! Other clans would take advantage of that. Especially ShadeClan... She snuck a glance at ShadeClan's leader. No, Ashstar did not trust her. Although, that was most likely because the ShadeClan leader seemed to dislike Ashstar. The silver she-cat could just feel it. Her leaf green eyes flittered to Dovestar, the one she would be having to address. She shot one more wary glance at her clan before making up her mind.

"Prey is abundant in SunClan. Still, I have a request for DappleClan," Ashstar murmured, her silver tail flicking uneasily.

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[Sunny]

Winter Sunflower

Dovestar heard the words that the SunClan leader spoke, but somehow the words slipped right through her brain - she couldn't even process it. So she replayed the request in her mind, and shock drilled through her. She knew that if she spoke, she would simply stutter - and that was not leader-like. She had a slight inkling of a suspicious regarding what Ashstar was going to say. But she couldn't believe that SunClan's prideful leader would dare give into that need and actually ask the question. So she cleared her throat, gave her mind a mental shake to clear her thoughts, and said, "Ashstar," with a hint of surprise. "I'd be happy to hear your request..." She inclined her head ever-so-slightly, her eyes expressionless. She would give no implication that she was hoping to help SunClan, but would show that she cared. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for the question.

[Winter Sunflower]

Ashstar

567 words . Sunny (with Dovestar)

♚ "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take."

Ashstar's tail flicked nervously. She couldn't help but be very nervous. She wondered how the other would react to her question. After all, this was Ashstar, a stern she-cat known for valuing her pride over everything else, requesting something, no less from a rival clanHonestly, she couldn't even comprehend what she was doing! Oh, love truly did make one do crazy things. She would never ask for help unless it was that her watch her clanmates die right before her very eyes. Truthfully, Ashstar expected Dovestar or one of the other leaders to make fun of her. After all, it wasn't like she would have much to protest. Ashstar was currently in her weakest state and it would be a good way to get back at the icy she-cat.

But the reply was kinder than Ashstar had expected from Dovestar.

She couldn't help laugh. It was a dry and empty laugh. There was a sudden cold air from it. A faint, smug look crossed her face.

"Oh, Dovestar. I didn't realize you were so idiotic and so stupid of the things going on in the other clans. You've got a brain, right?" she asked.

Yet her tone was not the venomous condition one would expect to go with such words. Her eyes did not gleam and hate or negative emotion towards Dovestar. Her eyes and words were as empty as her laugh. Even without anyone seeing her empty and almost vacant green eyes, which expressed her true intentions so clearly, anyone could tell her comment did not contain the sort of harshness she was so famous for. Her tone gave way everything. She was a tired leader leading a tired clan. Talonstar might have been an extremely old cat (how she was still up and going was beyond Ashstar) but Ashstar was and had been experiencing far more grief, far more pain, and far more hatred than any of the other leaders. Ashstar was done. She just wanted to die already. But even so, she still hung on to life. For the sake of her clan.

"Leaf bare was very harsh, wasn't it? But DappleClan was able to recover from it easily. Not only is your clan's territory plentiful of prey, but it has an abundant amount of water.

But this greenleaf has been particularly harsh on my clan. I'm not sugar coating this because there really is no way to. Due to lack of water, my clan has become weak. Now, it isn't even our pride or appearing stronger that we're worried about. Now all our concerns are how we are going to last much longer without any supply of water.

So, I'm asking you, the leader of DappleClan, to lend us some of your water. Do not forget that much of your water comes from the creek of SunClan, empty due to having poured all of its resources in DappleClan's territory," Ashstar admitted.

But Ashstar couldn't help but underlay that SunClan was on the verge of dying for the sake of DappleClan. As SunClan thirsted, DappleClan drank to their hearts content, completely unaware that their actions were killing off SunClan, one by one. It was also proof that indeed, SunClan was a noble clan. Though they may thirst, they had no intentions of stealing water from another clan. That was something that ShadeClan might stoop to doing, but not Ashstar.

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[Silver]

Silverstripe couldn’t help but lower her ears as she listened to the talk between the two leaders, her eyes warily landing on the other two and wondering how they would react. She wasn’t as prideful as her leader, but even she could feel a lump on her throat when the request was made…she didn’t said or did anything though, her eyes soon landing on Dovestar and waiting for her answer. This was it…the answer could be SunClan’s salvation or their doom, the only thought of that making her a shiver run down her spine as her eyes reflected some fear, fear of a negative, fear of her clan’s potential demise. She didn’t need to look around to know that she wasn’t the only SunClan cat that was looking at Dovestar, holding their breaths as they fell dead quiet, awaiting for the words from DappleClan’s leader.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Foxblaze’s eyes widened a bit, though out of that he didn’t really reacted at all to the leader’s conversation. He did felt a bit of pity towards the cats of SunClan, but what he really felt was surprise. Of all things he expected from this gathering, having Ashstar actually requesting something from another clan and then making her own clan’s weakness public…did Leafbare had really hit SunClan hard enough to actually make all the cats of the clan swallow their huge pride like this? His eyes then landed on the cats of said ´prideful clan, expecting to see embarrassment or anger in their expressions as a result of the leader’s words…his surprise only becoming even bigger when he didn’t found such reaction. All the cats were just looking at Dovestar without making a sound, mixed emotions in their eyes could be seen. Hope, fear, desperation…but not anger, not embarrassment, not even the dull look of a cat whose pride had been wounded. What…what had happened to the strong and prideful SunClan that he had known since he was a young apprentice?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brightblossom’s stomach did a backflip with Ashstar’s words, not even really picking up what other cats could consider offensive or mockery. The leader’s tone was enough to make clear how desperate she was for her clan, the cats she leaded. Her motherly gaze landed on her own leader, her eyes having clear tints of worry and pity on them thanks to her personality that made her a bit too sensitive to other cat’s troubles, just like a mother with her kits. What was Dovestar going to do now? Would she give the dying clan what they needed to survive? Would she refuse to give them any water? This wasn’t an easy choice, and she knew it perfectly. She just hoped that she would pick the right one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nightdream stood silent, listening and watching from her shady spot. Well, this was unusual, even he wouldn’t had been able to predict Ashstar’s words. He looked at SunClan again…yeah, they obviously looked dehydrated, and though he couldn’t fully believe the abundant prey part as they were also malnourished, even he knew that water always would top food on anyone’s priority list. His eyes then returned to the leaders, wondering what they next words and actions would be, from all of them. This probably would be a gathering that would be worthy or remembering and telling to the next generations. Whether it was to let them know what to do or don’t do, that would be up to the leaders though.

[Sunny]

Once again the words slipped right through Dovestar's mind - and, without quite realizing it, she took a step back. SunClan's pride was washing away right before her eyes! She shook away her shock and straightened up. She put on a cool and calm voice as she replied, with a slight hint of surprise in her voice, "Ashstar. Our water has indeed been fed by your creeks. Our water will dry up without yours, and the drought that you are... dealing with... will catch up with us. Are you sure that you want to dry up both sources of water from two of the Clans? Isn't it better for one Clan to..." she swallowed her guilt and overwhelming compassion as she said the next words, "let's say, dry up than two? Of course, I'd be... happy, I must admit, to help your Clan. I do not know how well our pools will hold up. If I allow you and your Clan to do this, some very direct and precise conditions will be put in place.... and the consequences for bending them will be more severe than you might think." Her words grew a bit harder. "Our Clan is in as much danger as yours is, and thirst will catch up with us. Please understand that our agreement might not hold up very long. And please note that we do reserve the right to drop this agreement anytime we like - but do not be alarmed, we will inform you if we do." She paused to let the words sink in, allowing herself to decide what to say next. "This is an extremely delicate subject. Would you agree to a private meeting between us after this Gathering? I wouldn't want to hold up the other leaders." She shot a glance at Talonstar, who seemed to be seething.

~

Talonstar was indeed seething. She was much relieved when Dovestar noticed her extreme boredom. Maybe the conversation should be viewed as a more interesting subject, but... Something was definitely off tonight. She was usually not this angry. What in the name of StarClan had triggered her nastiness that night? She took a step forward, giving the hint that she was waiting.

[Winter Sunflower]

Ashstar

words . Sunny (Dovestar)

♚ "Silence is the most powerful scream."

Now it was Ashstar's time to be shocked. Not of pure shock, but that of angry shock. The SunClan leader knew full well that DappleClan not only had an abundance supply of water from the creeks of SunClan, but many other sources of water as well! DappleClan was the territory of watery valleys. They were full of pits that could gather water! SunClan's land was flat and water easily escaped it! Any cat could easily figure out that DappleClan was not going to die of lack of water. SunClan, on average, had it worse than DappleClan would ever suffer when it came to water. And any other resource as well! DappleClan was the most prosperous of the clans, while SunClan was dying. But as she was angry, she was somewhat not surprised. Somehow, a feeling told her this would be the answer. So the anger which she felt did not show in her face nor body language nor eyes. She kept a very reason posture and nodded silently.

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[Sunny]

Dovestar was slightly surprised with Ashstar's response, but she couldn't say that she had expected any less. She nodded slowly, her eyes keeping their hold on Ashstar's. And then she looked at all the Gathered cats before her, wanting to continue with the Gathering as if nothing had happened, but also wanted to keep her announcements short and sweet. "DappleClan is flourishing - greenleaf is doing us a tremendous and very generous favor." She paused for a second, and then continued, "The heat is getting to us, but luckily we have enough water to keep us going." She risked a glance at SunClan's leader. She didn't want to seem like she was pressing the point of her strengths, but she didn't want to seem weaker than normal either. Choosing her words carefully, she added, "I'm sure the rest of greenleaf will be survivable, but I have no doubt that there will be twists and turns that all of us have to endure." She let the words sink in, trying to put a special meaning behind her words. "Each Clan will experience something different, and DappleClan are strong enough to brave these changes. I have full confidence in my Clan." Switching to a different tactic, she continued, "The weather is very beautiful, and I'm sure we all will enjoy it until leaf-fall, in different ways with different reasons." She dipped her head, ending on that note, and stepped back, nodding at Talonstar to continue.

~

Spiderstar stared at Ashstar and Dovestar. She hadn't heard one of these conversations for a long time! She tipped her head in wonder as Dovestar stepped back, struck dumb. What had just happened was all a blur. All she knew was that the SunClan and DappleClan leaders were at a very treacherous point in their leadership. One of them would have to let go of their pride completely - and she wasn't even sure that either of them realized it.

~

Gorsefern looked back and forth between Ashstar and Dovestar. His leader looked so defeated, and he was worried about her response when Dovestar requested a private meeting. He wasn't all that surprised with her acceptance, but he wasn't too sure that he was okay with it. He understood that his Clan needed water, but was it necessary to drop their guard for DappleClan to easily pounce? And was it really okay that SunClan could so simply show the rest of the Clans how weak they were? He held his head as high as he could, straining above the swarm of heads around him, trying to show that SunClan was not giving up.

~

Lightbird tipped her head in wonder. Dovestar's request was necessary - to allow the other two Clans to see into SunClan's and DappleClan's private business was unacceptable. But wasn't it easier to just deny SunClan's request? She did feel pity for SunClan, but did a private meeting concerning handing out mouthfuls of water to another whole Clan resolve anything? SunClan's guard was down, their pride was demolished, and DappleClan would be considered overwhelmingly soft. If Dovestar agreed to this, would DappleClan ever be viewed as the strong Clan they were again? Not only that, but DappleClan would be opening themselves up to possible attacks from ShadeClan, or even ThornClan - maybe even SunClan, if the water DappleClan gave them was supporting them enough to return them to full health. But no matter what, she would support her leader's decision - that was the only way to ensure a safe Clan for future DappleClan generations, as well as the warriors and apprentices right now. She would show an example to the younger cats and prove to everyone just how strong DappleClan was.

~

Blossomfern was very impressed with how the Gathering was going. It was rather amusing. As long as ShadeClan was no part of this, it would be a hilarious comic for her Clan to watch. She purred to herself, curling her tail smugly over her paws. Bring it on! she thought.

~

Thornscar ducked his head with shame as his leader showed the world how weak SunClan was. No one would notice him anyway - he was in shadow in the sidelines - but the shame still rested on his shoulders like a huge boulder that could break any minute and crash down on his head.

~

Morningspirit glanced at Adderfang, who was now her best friend, and then at her leader. She would support Ashstar through and through, but.... Was this really worth it? Yes, it is, she told herself. If Ashstar believes it is, then I know when if works out, SunClan will flourish once again. She held her head high, pride coursing through her.

~

Fernstrike sat dumbfounded as her leader actually suggested a meeting between the SunClan leader. What a bunch of rubbish! DappleClan would never again bee viewed as the strong cats that they were, and they would sink as low as SunClan! Yes, each Clan would get their fair share... but not in the way that everyone else would think. She hunched down, hiding her anger. This would never work out. Dovestar was way too soft to get her Clan through this. How would DappleClan keep the same face as they always have if they bowed down to SunClan?