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Post by shadow on Sept 4, 2008 19:50:26 GMT -5
The sun was still working her way toward her sunhigh position as Marblestar slowly trekked into the camp. A night spent at the Crystal Pool receiving painful life after painful life left Marblestar tired, stiff and utterly exhausted. Still, the newly named leader of ShadeClan understood that she had things to do that Jaggedstar had left unattended when he had vanished. Because he had not been at her ceremony Marblestar could not firmly say he was dead though in her mind she considered him as such. He had abandoned the clan. He was dead to them all now, even his close friend Sparrowcall.
Looking worn and battered but still as powerful as a snow leopard, Marblestar leaped onto the Rock Hill where many moons of watching Jaggedstar make clan meetings told Marblestar what to do. Sitting back on her haunches the tired warrior queen let out a summoning yowl to bring the clan to her. Like it or not they were stuck with her as their leader and she knew what she had to do. Some may not know she had gone to the Crystal Pool and others may still have complaints. Best to hash them out before the whole clan rather than allow those fears to fester into mutiny or distrust toward their own leader. They had to know that StarClan had approved her as Jaggedstar's successor.
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting" Marblestar yowled, voice still icily powerful despite her slightly haggard appearance.
A little sunlight snaked through the branches overhead, dappling Marblestar's ivory fur, icy eyes glinting with determination to face her clan as their leader now rather then just a deputy. Also, she had her own deputy to name and there was only one cat she could think of for the job.
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Post by Fadingstar on Sept 4, 2008 20:14:13 GMT -5
Cliffedge's gaze was blank and distant as he lay sprawled out in a corner of the Clearing. His mother's voice was one of familiarity but her call was new, he like any other ShadeClan cat had noticed that Jaggedstar had seemingly disappeared and he couldn't help but notice a shiver run through his pelt. Sparrowcall and Marblepelt had been gone for a while, was he now the son of the leader? Picking his fluffy pelt up he got in a few licks to get a little of the dirt off of it but it was much too thick for this to improve much.
Then naturally as he slowly made his way to the center of the clearing his thoughts wondered to those of deputyship. Who would his mother choose? Perhaps Leopardheart, she had served the clan loyally even if she wasn't native to the Clan and her even-temper was more than he could say for himself or any of his siblings, save one. He could write off Dustwind, he was an outsider and didn't try hard to make the Clan accept him even though his fine warrior skills were present. The cat just wasn't normal, he seemed to be gone for days at a time and always seemed dangerous, but at the same time he brought back loads of prey. That or it could be Foxslash, the she-cat was a wonderful example of a warrior even if she was depressed after her father's death.
His thoughts wandered like this even after he sat down in front of his mother standing upon the meeting rock. This was definetly going to be interesting even if she hadn't been made leader yet, but knowing Marvlepelt she probably hadn't waited. Even though Cliffedge was totally enveloped in his thoughts he would snap out of it as soon as she began to speak again.
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A muscular body of dusty coloration had made his way silently into the camp, his jaw laden with a hefty catch he sat it down upon the freshkill pile and didn't hesitate to continue on towards the Entrance to pick up the rest he had in random spots around the territory. Dustwind had probably been gone for atleast a week but he didn't think much of it, neither would the ShadeClanners especially after he stocked the freshkill pile full of plump, juicy rodents and the likes.
His direction changed though almost immediatly when Marblepelt called out the familiar meeting starter. Dustwind had been gone in and out of camp for too long lately to notice Jaggedstar's disappearance so naturally he thought the deputy beginning a meeting slightly odd and his thoughts never wandered in the way that she had become his new leader. Sitting as far away from everyone else as he could get he awaited impatiently for the she-cat to say what she had to.
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Post by Duskstar on Sept 4, 2008 20:16:01 GMT -5
In the back of the Warrior's Den was a figure, laying in the shadows. She was long and lean, with a ginger pelt and white ears, paws, and underbelly. This is where she spent most of her time, sulking by herself and feeling awful. The feline rested her weight on her haunches, gazing toward nothing in particular, the only thing visible being her light amber eyes. "Oh father, how much I miss you..." A soft sigh escaped the ginger furred warrior as she stood and stretched, suddenly pricking her ears at a call from outside the den. Marblepelt had returned from the Crystal Pool.
Foxslash padded swiftly into the clearing without hesitation. Though not the happiest of cats she was still curious as to what was going on. Jaggedstar had been missing for almost half a moon, and many were thinking it was an ill omen from StarClan. So either there was bad news, their warrior ancestors were angry, or good news, Marblepelt was Marblestar. Either way it was important to be at the meeting, and Foxslash knew that.
Being one of the first few out, the warrior wasn't exactly eager to be in the front row, so she sat just where she was, outside the Warrior's Den as the others slowly began to file out, from the apprentices to the elders, and of course a few over excited kits that attempted to watch the meeting before being rushed inside by a scolding mother.
--
There was one kit, however, that managed to get passed these queens, whom were too worried about their own kits. With a head of calico and a full pelt of ivory, Melodykit lay at the entrance to the nursery, looking the other way but still having her ears perked for information. The she-kit wasn't mousebrained, and knew that there was something going on with the clans leader Jaggedstar. Though Melodykit had never meet him, she was sure he was a very important, large cat in the clan, and wanted to know what was going on.
Her tail waved from one side to another as she hoped her brother wouldn't come out. Being his air headed self he would probably get the two caught and sent back into the nursery.
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A pair of ice blue eyes were seen from the shadow of a tree as Icegaze stood, hearing the familiar voice of her mother. Much thought had gone through the she-cat's mind about the mysterious disappearance of their leader, Jaggedstar, and a cold stone of worry had lay in her chest for the past half a moon. What if he had been taken by one of the other clans? Was this just the start of a war? Forcing herself to push all negative thoughts away the ivory warrior rose and padded toward the now thick crowd of cats.
Once Icegaze broke through to the front her jaw dropped. Marblepelt looked HORRIBLE. Her eyes clearly showed her exhaustion, and her pelt did as well. The warrior could tell that last night had not been fun for her mother. Taking a deep breath, Icegaze pushed back through the crowd until she found Cliffedge, settling down next to her brother and questioning, "What do you think StarClan said to her?" |
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Post by Foxed on Sept 4, 2008 20:53:23 GMT -5
Feline sat, tail flickering in thought and intense mixed gaze distant. Ears twitched back briefly before perking up as she spotted Marblepelt entering the camp. Head tilted to the side slightly, eyes focusing with the usual sharp gaze onto the deputy.
Leopardheart had noticed the lack of leader lately, and had a good guess why Marblepelt.. or maybe Marblestar.. looked so tired. Had the deputy took a trip to visit the Warrior Ancestors and become the leader since the current leader was apparently dead, or else the leader had abandoned Shadeclan.
Leopard-like feline's tawny and black pelt bristled slightly at the thought of a leader abandoning a clan. Eyes narrowed as her gaze flicked upwards. Well, if the leader had abandoned them, then, the clan was better under new leadership, for the previous leader certaintly was not a worthy leader in that case.
Marblestar called a meeting, her yowl shattering the she-cat's thoughts. Swiftly, the feline rose to her paws, claws kneading into the ground a moment for unknown reasons, before the feline began her long-stridded pace towards the center of camp for the meeting.
As Leopardheart reached decent spot to listen, her stride shortened before stopping, hindquarters lowering to rest on the ground and ringed tail slipping around her tawny paws in a snake-like manner. Ears would perk forward, listening curiously, while a green-gold gaze locked upon the possibly leader.
[Ooc: Fail post, sorry.. not enough time to put alot of thought x.x] |
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Post by shadow on Sept 6, 2008 10:41:11 GMT -5
The tired new leader was thankful that her clan gathered below her without much fuss or aggression. It seemed some were wondering if she was their new leader or simply a deputy that had been turned down by StarClan. Marblestar glanced around for Sparrowcall but as she swept the crowd with her Arctic gaze the she-cat was also judging each cat. Leopardheart was a good warrior as far back as Marblestar could remember even if she wasn't clan born. Cliffedge and Icegaze would not make good deputies since even they had a part in their mother's well known temper. Dustwind was recluse and honestly Marblestar didn't know him well. She wouldn't choose a cat she couldn't trust. Foxslash was the daughter of Jaggedstar. Did Jaggedstar's disappearance mean StarClan wanted none of Jaggedstar's kin to serve? Possibly.
Making up her mind the new leader decided to begin the meeting now that everyone that was going to be there had gathered. "Cats of ShadeClan, half a moon ago our leader Jaggedstar disappeared" Marblestar began. "Yesterday Sparrowcall and I went to the Crystal Pool and now I stand before you as Marblestar." She paused, waiting for any protests to her leadership that she would promptly ignore. If they didn't like her as leader they knew where the borders were. "Why Jaggedstar left is not for us to fathom and it's time for ShadeClan to move on."
Marblestar's voice, despite her haggard appearance, was strong and cold like an Arctic wind. It wasn't emotionless, just business-like making it plain that she would not dwell on the disappearance of an old friend and neither should the clan. Jaggedstar chose his fate now he was dead to the clan. The sooner they accepted it the better. ShadeClan could recover from this and they would.
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Post by Duskstar on Sept 6, 2008 12:22:15 GMT -5
Icegaze watched her mother, ears pricked forward for information. When it came the warrior couldn't help it, her eyes flashed with happiness and her tail shot up in the air. She was now the daughter of the clan leader! Then as Marblestar paused, Icegaze yowled her approval and kicked Cliffedge to do the same, even if he didn't need the kick. Soon many cats in the clan had joined in, voicing their happiness at their new leader. Soft blue gaze rested upon the new leader, eyes shining with pride as though Marblestar was her daughter, not her mother. When the clan finally calmed down, the ivory she-cat mentioned a new deputy.
Of course! Icegaze had forgotten about that part. Out of the corner of her eye she stared at Cliffedge. He would be a great deputy other than the temper he shared with herself and Marblestar. Across the clearing, on the very edge was Foxslash, and despite her depressed outer shell she may make a good deputy as well. Then a soft blue gaze rested on a large she-cat. Leopardheart was a well respected warrior, but not coming from the clan may arise some unexpected hostility. Dustwind was defiantly off the list. Eyes narrowed at the thought of the odd tom. He was gone for days at a time and seemed to cover it up with a large amount of prey. She didn't trust him. No other cat seemed to fit for the job so Icegaze concluded it would be either her brother or Leopardheart.
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Foxslash waited in silence for the name of the deputy. Truly she didn't approve of Marblestar, assuming that one day her known temper would get the best of her and end up sending ShadeClan spiraling into a war. Eyes narrowed from the shadows as she heard a few yowls of approval. The she-cat purposely stayed quiet during this time, laying down and tucking her paws under her. It was Icegaze that started the call, a well liked warrior whom Foxslash had known since kithood, and also the daughter of Marblestar. That was the only reason they were cheering.
Ginger head turned away, unable to bear watching the naming of the deputy. The new leader would probably name one of her kin, Cliffedge, Icegaze, or Froststorm, but their tempers were almost as bad as their mother's. A tiny hiss escaped between ivory teeth. Foxslash unsheathed her claws out of frustration, though none of this could be seen or heard unless you were a mouselength away from the warrior. ShadeClan was doomed under her leadership.
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Melodykit couldn't help but turn her head toward the Rock Hill, wide eyed. Their deputy had been named leader! The kit's tiny body began to shake slightly with excitement. After all, this was a once in a life time experience. Leaders had nine lives and were only changed every great while. The she-cat took in every moment, the shrill calls of approval, and the proud gazes of those warriors in ShadeClan. Melodykit scanned the crowd, looking for who might be named deputy though she knew them only by name, not personality. So, being a kit, she found the biggest, toughest looking cat in the crowd and decided on him.
"Cliffedge would be a good deputy." Melodykit concluded, putting together all famous cats in her head and smashing them together, assuming that was the cat's personality. After all, he was big and strong, so that meant he had to be a fabulous cat, right? |
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Post by Foxed on Sept 6, 2008 13:14:05 GMT -5
Leopardheart flicked her ringed tail back and forth in thought, mixed gaze scanning the camp before focusing back on Marblestar. The white she-cat was speaking now. Her ears perked forward, attempting to catch every word; seeking the ones that would confirm her guess on Marblestar as leader. It started off with Jaggedstar having vanished a half moon ago, and then turned to the words the Ashera had expected. Marblestar was the new leader of Shadeclan. Was she going ot be a great leader, or would her temper get in the way? That was a question the answer too would take time to find out. The tawny-spotted-black feline stared at the leader in thought.
My mind was working hard, trying to figure out the answer to the question. Though I know it will take time to answer. It's unfair to judge Marblestar as a bad leader due to her temper, for, as long as she knew how to keep her temper in it's place, she had chances of being a great leader. I have faith she'll be able to do so, Starclan will help her do it, I know they will. If they thought she was going to lead Shadeclan wrong, they would've sent her back without a new name or nine lives, and if they think she is going to and gave her the lives and name anyway, then there is a reason for it.
The leopard-like feline scanned around again, many cats had begun yowling their approvals, not joining in but instead giving a silent nod of her head in her own form of approval. Though, she did notice a few who seemed to have doubts, most of which were yowling anyway but seemed to have the slightest touch of uncertainty flashing in their eyes. Then her intense gaze focused on Foxslash. The feline didn't seem very happy about it, quiet the opposite. Leopardheart glanced around briefly before rising and moving through the crowd of cats towards Foxslash. Once she reached her, she'd sit a short distance away, once more facing the leader but glancing towards the other warrior briefly. "You seem to be having doubts.. Starclan let her become leader for a reason, she may suprise everyone with her ability to lead." the Ashera would comment in a low mew so no one else heard her statement, gaze shifting back to the new leader.
Foxslash definetly seems to have doubts. Though, hopefully she will understand my point and not doubt as much; if a clan doubts it's leader, the clan will slowly fall appart with cats not wanting to follow the new leaders. Maybe overtime Marblestar will show herself to be a good leader, then hopefully everyone will become confident of her. Not that I still don't have abit of doubt, but, even with doubt we have to push it back and try to see the good points of the new leader and hopefully no one will doubt to the point of picking out the smallest mistakes and faults then enlarging them and spreading the mistakes and faults around the camp to stir doubts.
Leopardheart gave a small shake of her head, pushing away her thoughts to listen to Marblestar once more, while making sure to listen for any reply from Foxslash too. If Foxslash even decided to reply. The she-cat had a guess, once more, what was coming next. The deputy. Who would it be? There were so many warriors who would be a good deputy one way or another way. She imagened it was a hard decision. So many cats, all possible canidates for deputy, and probaly all of them wanting to be deputy.
Let's see.. Cliffedge would make a good deputy, except, he also had a temper and the same went for his sister Icegaze, a good option, yet still holding a temper that seemed to gain Marblestar some doubt as deputy. Then there was Dustwind; his loyalty seemed doubted by most, including myself at times, due to his vanishing acts. Foxslash was a good option, abit depressed, but still, a good option in my opinion. Though, hopefully if Foxslash was picked, she wouldn't be so doubtful, a deputy doubting the leader could cause problems.
Once more, the large feline shook her head slightly, clearing her thoughts to focus. Marblestar would be a good leader and she would pick a good deputy. She didn't need to sit here debating, she needed to pay attention, it was disrespectful to not. The Ashera flicked her tail tip repeatedly out of habit, intense gaze of green and gold seeming rather curious as to what Marblestar would say next. |
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Post by shadow on Sept 6, 2008 13:28:40 GMT -5
Marblestar's heart swelled as she heard Icegaze call out her approval at the sound of becoming leader. The ivory leader locked gazes with her daughter for a moment, a very soft purr escaping before she turned to sweep her gaze through the others. She saw flickers of doubt and in Foxslash she found nothing but doubt and dislike. Everyone would be uneasy because Marblestar had become leader without proof of Jaggedstar's death. That troubled many cats and would put ShadeClan at a disadvantage to the other clans with leaders that were rightly chosen. For now however, Marblestar could only assume time would soothe their worries and doubts about her. They knew she had a temper but what they didn't understand about her temper was that it didn't boil and burst to create mayhem. Marblestar's temper was much more subtle; a glare that could freeze your blood, bristling fur, flexing claws and dark thoughts. She vented her temper only when others weren't around and it took a lot to get through the thick layer of ice she made around herself. If a cat could do that than they deserved to feel her wrath because they had it coming. Instead of anger Marblestar radiated cool authority. Tigerstripe used to refer to her as ShadeClan's Wildcat but only when they were alone and only teasingly, even though it fit her quite well.
Locking gazes with Foxslash, Marblestar narrowed her eyes. It was a daring gaze, daring Foxslash to say StarClan was wrong, daring her to challenge Marblestar's authority and ability to lead. She flicked her tail subtly toward the camp entrance, still locking gazes with the ginger warrior. It was plain what it meant if Foxslash noticed. Foxslash knew how to get up and leave if she didn't like it. Turning her gaze to the rest of the clan again, Marblestar focused on each one, debating and judging.
"It is time for ShadeClan to have a deputy" Marblestar announced. "I say this words before StarClan in hopes that they approve my choice." Pausing, Marblestar's gaze settled on Leopardheart. "Leopardheart shall be ShadeClan's deputy."
The clan expected her to choose her kin but Marblestar was no fool. Choosing her own kin would create a divide within ShadeClan. They would say she chose favorites, claim that she simply wanted her kits to be in power. No, Marblestar wasn't so foolish. To do such a thing would break ShadeClan more than she could repair. Marblestar wouldn't tempt fate to frown upon her new leadership, not when it was so young. Besides, something felt right about Leopardheart. Marblestar was sure StarClan approved of her.
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Post by Duskstar on Sept 6, 2008 20:32:12 GMT -5
Icegaze returned Marblestar's friendly purr, even if it couldn't be heard over the chattering of the cats around her. Though she knew her mother had a temper, its not like she couldn't work around it. Marblestar was no mousebrain, and besides, if the leader really got going she and Cliffedge would work their magic and calm her. Wrapping a long ivory tail around her paws, Icegaze patiently awaited the naming of the deputy. The warrior would approve of just about any choice that could possibly be made, other than Dustwind, of course.
"It is time for ShadeClan to have a deputy. I say this words before StarClan in hopes that they approve my choice." Every cat seemed to lean forward in anticipation to the announcement. Would it be Cliffedge, the loyal son of Marblestar, whom also shares her temper? Foxslash, the depressed but trustworthy warrior? Or would it be Leopardheart, the tall and lean she-cat, whose gaze could pierce your very soul?
"Leopardheart shall be ShadeClan's deputy." Icegaze let out yet another cheerful yowl of approval. She didn't care what others thought about the large she-cat's history, but about her personality, and if ShadeClan didn't want to accept her than so be it. The warrior wanted her to know she was on her side.
After leading her second yowl of the meeting, Icegaze joined a few others in crowding around Leopardheart, congratulating her. Before doing so, however, she gave a glare to a group of cats murmuring on the edge of the clump of ShadeClanners, obviously not approving the new high positions of their clan.
"Congratulations, Leopardheart!" Icegaze finally managed to purr over the talking of her clanmates. After Marblestar had announced the deputy the clan had dispersed and re-grouped in small groups around camp, talking endlessly about the decision.
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Foxslash didn't even turn her head at Leopardheart's voice, "I'm entitled to my own opinion," Really the she-cat didn't feel like talking, especially about her disapproval of Marblestar. "And you don't have the right to challenge it." Forest green gaze turned and landed icily on the leopard like she-cat, a mixture between a glare and great sadness. If that was possible. With that Foxslash ended the conversation herself, staring off into the distance with a pained look on her face.
As Marblestar challenged her, the warrior shrunk away, avoiding the leader's gaze and dipping her head. She wasn't disloyal. She didn't want trouble. She just didn't think the previous deputy's leadership would work out. Foxslash only knew the leader by her temper and icy glare, and didn't want to get on anyone's bad side. Wishing everyone would just leave her alone, the ginger she-cat waited for the announcement they had all been waiting for.
When it came, Foxslash was inwardly relieved. Cliffedge or Icegaze would not be good choices for deputy, and this gave the warrior some hope. At least Marblestar had enough common sense to choose a good cat for deputy.
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Melodykit's gaze scanned the clearing as the deputy was named, resting it on Leopardheart. The kit didn't know much about her, but as if part of the meeting she nodded, signaling her approval as so many others did. She stood and backed into the nursery slightly, stopping just as only her two blue eyes were visible. Calico ears pricked forward for information, and when none came the she-kit became bored and headed back into the nursery, eager to inform Harmonykit of her new discovery. |
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Post by Foxed on Sept 6, 2008 21:46:37 GMT -5
Leopardheart's gaze was briefly flickered to Foxslash once more before shifting back to the new leader. "I never said you didn't and I wasn't challenging it, was simply stating she may suprise us all." the leopard-like feline would state simply before allowing a silence to take her over once more. Everyone seemed eager to find out if they were deputy, while she sat silently, tail curled around her tawny paws and ears perked slightly to listen, yet she lacked any signs of being eager to find out if she was deputy; chances were, a ex-kittypet wouldn't be picked, so she was nearly certain her name wouldn't be called out.
I wonder who it'll be. So many options. Everyone looks so eager and hopeful. Guess it's natural to want to have rank; especially for the ambitious cats. Though, I doubt any ex-loners or ex-kittypets have much chance of it. That could cause more doubt within the clan. Hm. Anyway, I need to focus on what's going on again before I miss who it is.
The spotted feline zoned in once more, right in time to hear Marblestar starting to say who was going to be deputy. Ears perked once more and black tail tip began to flicker in curiousity. Leopardheart shall be Shadeclan's deputy. The words took her by suprise, intense gaze flooded with sudden confusion. Maybe she had heard it wrong, but as she shifted her gaze onto the leader, she realised Marblestar had been focusing on her while she said those words. There were some yowls of approval at the leader's decision, and some silent glares towards her from the ones who didn't approve.
Deputy of Shadeclan. Never expected that. Wow.. just.. wow. I was picked out of all the amazing cats this clan is home too. Surely some senior warrior with wisdom and experience would've been better for the rank? Why me? Well.. I guess Marblestar had her reasons. I just hope the fact I was a kittypet doesn't cause problems for the clan. I hope I wasn't the wrong choice..
Leopard-like feline sat silently, still seeming abit confused, before noticing Icegaze had congratulated her. "Thank you," she mewed in reply, excitement and happiness slowly creeping into the feline as the confusion drained from her mixed gaze, being replaced by a hint of joy, through the usual calm-intense gaze. It was hard for the Ashera to grip the fact she had been picked, but, at the same time it made her rather happy to know she had shown herself worthy of the rank. Needless to say, her emotions were abit mixed. |
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Post by shadow on Sept 6, 2008 22:03:47 GMT -5
Marblestar watched her newly named deputy carefully as the spotted feline stared back at her. Approval rose in Marblestar as she assessed her companion's reaction. She was surprised. Good. Confused. Good. Surprised. Very good. Any cat that reacted as though they expected to be deputy was bad news and obviously too big for their pelt. Marblestar remembered she'd been thoroughly shocked at being chosen since she had only just gotten out of the nursery from having her kits and still grieving for Rainkit, Dewkit and Stripedkit. Nodding in approval, Marblestar rose to her paws. Her muscles were stiff and she felt aches from the night before seeping into her bones like some sort of poison.
Leaping from the rock hill with grace, Marblestar ignored the glares and soft hisses of dislike. Let the clan think what they liked. Marblestar would show them soon enough she was more than just a temper and a cold glare. They would learn. Her kits knew better than anything that love and care from Marblestar was tough love. You had to earn her respect and prove yourself. Sure she had a temper like an Antarctic blizzard but she was also cool intelligence. If a cat in her clan called themselves a warrior, they had to act the part. That meant loyalty and acceptance of all, even former kittypets.
"Leopardheart, I'll leave patrols to you" Marblestar meowed, nodding to her new deputy. Glancing around, Marblestar sought out Sparrowcall. "Sparrowcall, could you join me for a moment?"
Now that she stood on the same ground as the clan it became obvious Marblestar was beginning to fade. Her movements were stiffer as she paced toward her den, eyes darkening a bit and a wince flashing across her visage in half a heartbeat. Nine lives, each one more painful than the next. The ultimate test for a clan deputy and the ultimate reward all rolled into one. Marblestar however had a feeling her troubles were only just beginning as she padded toward her den, glancing at Icegaze. Her kin would be a big supporter and a supporter Marblestar very much needed. Before entering her den, Marblestar glanced around for Sparrowcall. She wanted to speak with the medicine cat about a few things and have something to chase away all the aches she felt.
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Post by Duskstar on Sept 7, 2008 10:02:13 GMT -5
Weaving in and out of the dispersing ShadeClan cats came the calico she-cat Sparrowcall, having listened to the ceremony from near the Medicine Cat's Den. She had been heading to congratulate Leopardheart, but changed courses at Marblestar's call, giving the she-cat a nod of approval. Only a fool would think the former kittypet would not be a good deputy. On her way over to the ivory leader, Sparrowcall's joints seemed to be rubbing together like sandpaper, creating a horrible feeling. "I need to get an apprentice." The medicine cat thought, gazing at the nursery.
Upon arriving the calico dipped her head to Marblestar, "You needed me?" She expected the new leader to need something for her pains, so while talking Sparrowcall flicked her tail, inviting her into the Medicne Cat's Den.
Leaving Marblestar in the main section, where the entrance was, the medicine cat padded into the back, searching through her storage of herbs. After some sniffing and poking around, a soft hiss was audible, "Mousedung." There was some more sniffing and poking, when Sparrowcall turned, padding back to Marblestar and setting a leaf with three Poppy Seeds on it at the she-cat's paws. "Sorry, I'm out of Goldenrod, a disappointment to both of us." The calico returned to the herb storage area, passing the strong smells and toward a small stream running in the back of the den. Sparrowcall picked up a ball of moss and soaked it in the water, returning once more and offering Marblestar a drink.
Once finished with her medicine duties, the calico sat back on her haunches and waited patiently for Marblestar to finish. |
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Post by shadow on Sept 7, 2008 10:52:53 GMT -5
Marblestar padded after the medicine cat, waving her tail warily as she waited at the front of the medicine cat's den. Sinking into a stiff crouch, Marblestar curled her tail around her paws, watching the calico. Sparrowcall was older than Marblestar by at least half, may be more or less. It really wasn't much of a surprise to the ivory she-cat that Sparrowcall was starting to feel her age. It happened to every cat after a while and surely a night of crouching near a sleeping leader wasn't that comfortable on older bones. Making a note to speak with Sparrowcall about a possible apprentice, Marblestar took the herbs offered to her. The taste was bitter but Marblestar knew better than to disregard them. Licking some water off of the soaked moss, the ivory she-cat turned back to the calico.
"ShadeClan feels divided" Marblestar meowed warily. "The clan isn't trusting but only time will tell I'm supposing. They think I'll lead them to war, I heard murmurings as I followed you that some think StarClan really didn't accept me. They think I'd lie about such a thing." Marblestar lashed her tail at the thought, frowning at the very idea. Who would lie about a StarClan ceremony? Biting down her anger, Marblestar sighed, curled her tail around her side. "Do you think StarClan doubts me as my own clan does?"
Not usually the type to worry, Marblestar knew better than to think a dividing clan was something she could ignore. Far from it, this needed to be remedied but in her mind Marblestar knew only time would assert her as ShadeClan's leader. StarClan had approved her, she had the nine lives and had been granted her name. Apparently to the clan that wasn't enough proof. Perhaps one of StarClan's messengers, Sparrowcall, could ease her worries.
[perhaps i could make sparrowcall an apprentice?] |
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Post by Duskstar on Sept 7, 2008 14:46:40 GMT -5
[Yeah, good idea;; wait, sparrow's a tortoiseshell, not a calico. Oops xD *did the whole last post with calico* Oh well.]
Tortoiseshell she-cat frowned and sat back on her haunches, wincing as her aching joints screamed in protest. How could the clan think that? They trusted Marblestar as deputy, so why not leader? Sparrowcall nodded, listening intently to the white cat before her. Pale green eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Well, what did StarClan say when you spoke with them?" The old cat asked, tucking her orange paws under her and slowly lowering herself to the ground. "If they gave you your nine lives, they must trust you enough to lead." Sparrowcall was sure that the new leader was just getting nervous from the unsure cats in the clan. She shouldn't blame StarClan for the clan simply needing to adjust.
After speaking the she-cat's thoughts turned to her age. "68 moons..." Sparrowcall thought, "And still no apprentice." It had been odd, that in all her life as a medicine cat, no kit showed any interests in berries or leaves. Not that she could see, anyway. Suppressing a sigh the tortoiseshell started to groom herself, picking off the small burrs that had stuck to her fur on the long trek back to camp.
"I'm sure the clan just needs time to adjust. Its not easy having a new leader." Stated Sparrowcall, finishing her pelt with one last rasp on her paw, "If StarClan didn't trust you they would say, and choosing Leopardheart as deputy will certainly help you. She is a respected warrior, and I didn't see any cats who seemed to disagree" |
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Post by shadow on Sept 7, 2008 14:54:58 GMT -5
Marblestar nodded and sighed heavily, looking around the peaceful den around them. "You're right Sparrowcall. Those that don't like this, they know how to leave." Licking her paws thoughtfully the ivory she-cat watched Sparrowcall. The medicine cat was far older than Marblestar and her age was beginning to show. Another round of seasons and it was likely Sparrowcall would have to retire. Glancing around the ivory she-cat flicked her tail thoughtfully. They would need to find an apprentice for Sparrowcall before it was too late and ShadeClan found themselves without a medicine cat at all. If that happened then there would be no salvaging the clan from panic that StarClan had cursed them and Marblestar had condemned them by taking Jaggedstar's place with no evidence of his death.
Fixing a piercing gaze on Sparrowcall, Marblestar flicked her tail. "I want you to do me a favor Sparrowcall. Go to the nursery and speak with the kits. It's time we set you up with an apprentice." Her tone wasn't gentle or softening the blunt blow that Sparrowcall's age was getting obvious but if one knew Marblestar well enough they could tell she was merely thinking of what was best for Sparrowcall.
Sitting up, Marblestar shook out her fur and rose to her paws. "I'm going to my den for a bit before the clan catches me falling asleep on them. If anything happens you and Leopardheart know where to find me." Dipping her head in respect to the elderly medicine cat, Marblestar padded stiffly away from the den toward her own under the Rock Hill.
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