Off to the Gathering

[.* Hidden *.]

Mintleaf blinked as she stepped outside of her den. To most cats the setting sun wasn't very bright, but the WillowClan leader had accustomed herself to spending most of her time in her den, only coming out to get a piece of prey to eat, and even then only when she felt she was nearly starving to death. She might have already, if the warriors of her Clan hadn't taking to ordering apprentices to bring her food. Why should they care if I die? she thought bitterly. I've done nothing good for any of them, nothing good for WillowClan. How am I to represent them tonight?

Sighing and shaking her head, the leader jumped up onto a knotted root that stuck out above the ground, scrambling and almost falling back to the ground as her jump came up short. She paused at the top to catch her breath. Any leader with even a trace of pride would have looked around to make sure that no one had seen, but Mintleaf didn't care. She didn't have even an ounce of dignity left, and she was certain that her Clan no longer respected her. But soon all of her troubles would be over. A small, cold smile spread across her maw. She had been toying with the idea for several moons now. What better night to do it than tonight, during the full moon, when dearest Sunstar could see the full folly of her choice. Yes, tonight she would fix everything.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather before the Highroot for a Clan meeting!" she called, her voice ringing around the camp. Her thin frame suddenly seemed bigger, almost powerful, as a newfound feeling of purpose swelled in her chest. She couldn't remember feeling that way since before Hauntedstar had cheated on her, back when life had been beautiful. In that moment, all of her misery and doubts were erased, and she knew that she was doing the right thing. Her tail tip twitched in anticipation. Soon, very soon, she would be free. Free, she thought, her eyes beginning to burn. The leader blinked quickly until it went away. She could almost feel herself overflowing with confidence and joy. Soon I'll be free.

[vena sera !]

ooc: I haven't posted with Dawnbreak in forever, so I might as well. -sigh- Poor Mintleaf. Song is, uh... "Hey Man, Nice Shot" by Filter.

i wish i would've met you
but now it's a little late
what you could've taught me
i could've saved some face
they think that you're early ending
is all wrong
for the most part they're right...
but look how they all got strung
that's why i say,
"Hey, man, nice shot!
Nice shot, man!"

Pale, dusky sunlight, faded and old as the stale day darkened, filled the clearing, a jaded orange coating the air and giving the day a nostalgic scent. The young WillowClan warrior, having just returned from hunting as she delicately set her acquired prey in the pile, was very surprised to see Mintleaf actually come out of her den. Huh. I thought that den was going to be her coffin, for awhile, she thought, her dim mood lifting a bit to see the gray leader. Since joining WillowClan was started, she had seen Mintleaf very few times.

hey, man
nice gun
hey, man
have fun
nice shot!

She looks so... weary. Depressed. What's her problem? Was she always like this? God, I don't know anything about my leader... some warrior I am. StarClan must be proud! She thought, somewhat sarcastically and somewhat sadly. Her pale, mistlike gray pelt looked oddly out of place in the purple-shadowed clearing, the flame sky like a dull hellfire consuming the heaven above. Her ethereally light grayish ivory coat seemed like a patch of fallen, slightly dusky snow left in the spring's ground to melt and fall away like the rest. Amber eyes flaming, she reflected the orange in the sky and settled beneath the Highrock as Mintleaf made it clear she was announcing something.

now that the smoke's gone
and the air is all clear
those who were right there
had a new kind of fear
they'd fight, and you were right
but, they were just too strong
they'll stick it in your face
and let you smell what they consider wrong
that's why i say,
"Hey man, nice shot!
Nice shot, man!"
that's why i say,
"Hey man, nice shot!
Nice shot, man!"

What, though? Dawnbreak thought contemplatively, staring up at the gray-pelted she-cat. No apprentice ceremonies, I don't think... and I don't think anyone's going to be a warrior, though I could be wrong... Stretching, she glanced around for Singedpride, her only other friend here, though you would consider Thunderstep an acquaintance. Neither cat was here yet. She settled, campfire eyes flickering like fireflies in the late summer. What finally made you decide to leave your den, Mintleaf? Dawnbreak called, cruelty tinging her earnest question. She didn't know what the big deal was yet, but she did know that her leader looked creepy and insane at the moment. God, I wouldn't want to meet her in the dark with a smile like that, she thought uneasily, glancing around. Is her sanity worn thin?

hey, man
has gun
hey, man
have fun
nice shot, man!
i wish i could've met you
i wish i could've met you
nice shot!

[.* Hidden *.]

Mintleaf's green eyes swept the clearing. So far only one warrior, Dawnbreak, had arrived; the leader saw her looking around, apparently for her Clanmates. Where are they? she thought impatiently. The sooner they got there, the sooner she could leave. She still had that strange smile on her face, the smile of a cat about to commit a murder and looking forward to it. Her thoughts were interrupted by the she-cat who sat before her.

"What finally made you decide to leave your den, Mintleaf?"

Mintleaf turned to the warrior slowly and grinned at her. She was so young, so innocent; she almost reminded Mintleaf of herself before she had lost her mind. Fortunately I have my mind back now, she thought. Her smile turned scornful, which was an improvement, as she said, "For a Clan meeting, of course." She spoke calmly, but her tone was condescending. "As I'm sure you know--or at least you should, seeing as even the kits do--the Gathering is tonight. You were going to go, but now I'm starting to think you should stay behind until you learn to respect your elders." She stared harshly at the warrior, but her annoyance was quickly replaced by eagerness. "Luckily for you," she went on, "I have plans for tonight."

That had been the most she had said to anyone in a long time. She looked at the young she-cat, whom she barely knew, and felt just a twinge of sadness, knowing that she would probably never speak to her again. Until she joins me, she thought. Eventually everyone will.

['.'.' Leafstorm'.'.']

Singedpride slinked from the warrior's den, a shadow among the shadows. Well. She's up. I wonder what rooted her from her den? Singedpride thought, rolling her eyes slightly. She'd seen her nephew interact with their leader, sure, but she herself felt no real need to be close to Willowclan's feeble leader. Who knew how long she was going to stick around for anyway? Mintleaf seemed to be feebler every time she wandered from her den. It was strange to imagine that this she-cat had ever been an apprentice, ever been anything other than a decrepit old leader who took no joy in the world around her

Sitting herself next to Dawnbreak, the only cat she was really likely to socialize with, some might even call them friends, she curled her tail around her front legs. Looking around, she realized they were the only cats under the root, alone with their aging half crazy leader. And where's that mousebrained nephew of mine anyway? Thought he'd be the first one here. Guess not. A smirk crossed her face. Maybe he'd finally given up on this whole clan business. Little chance of that though, he's like the epitome of warriors. Probably recites the Code every night before bed. She snorted at the thought, then turned her head as she heard Dawnbreak's question and their leader's reply. Guess she didn't appreciate your attempt at conversation, huh? She whispered to Dawnbreak, knowing Mintleaf was too far away to hear her remark.

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[vena sera !]

Dawnbreak lifted her upper lip at Mintleaf's condescending reply and murmured hushedly back to the ginger and black femme beside her, Huh, I'm no apprentice -- if she decides I can't go to the Gathering, I'm not gonna sulk about like one. She flicked her ears at Singedpride, then turned away, Mintleaf's last remark ringing in her ears.

I have plans for tonight.

What the hell?

What does she mean by that? She wondered aloud, still quiet so Mintleaf wouldn't hear her being insolent again. The bitch can just rot in her grave, she sullenly thought, rather childishly, as she flicked her tail and swung her head to meet the eyes of Singedpride. Sounded kinda... sinister? Or maybe just wicked. She grinned, an absurd thought crossing her mind. Think ole Mintleaf's gonna meet a tom here? Haha, I wonder if she's still got it in 'er! This was still hushed. God forbid if Mintleaf heard Dawnbreak joking about her surely outdated sex life..

WillowClan sure likes to run on slow motion. Glancing around, no one else had bothered to show up as of yet. Who else was there? Not many cats were in this Clan. Were they almost as weak as GorgeClan? Not likely. Still... the last kit born here was Silverpaw, and she hadn't been born here at all! She had just joined as a young one. Surely it's almost time for that girl's ceremony, which will leave us negative an apprentice, she thought, oddly bitter.

God, was it eerie, just her and Singedpride and Mintleaf, who looked oddly cheered. Was she excited about the Gathering? Was she even feeling well enough to go? What a mystery this Clan was! Never thought being a Clannie would be this complicated. Surely this is nothing like ValleyClan was! I wonder if all the other ones are this disorganized! Sighing, she had to hope so, so they weren't actually the worst-off Clan in the forest.

[.* Hidden *.]

Silverpaw slowed as she approached the camp, panting. Where was everyone? She looked and around, and was surprised to see Mintleaf perched atop a large root. I didn't know she could still make it up there, she thought, then bowed her head shamefully. She couldn't help but think lowly of her leader; she wished it wasn't so, but it was. The apprentice sat near the warriors, but not near enough that it would be awkward. She didn't really know either of them. Fadingsteps will be here soon, she thought. Funny, I thought he was in front of me.

['.'.' Leafstorm'.'.']

Fadingsteps bounded through the entrance to Willowclan, slowing to a walk as he realized Mintleaf was on top of the High Root. What's she doing up there I wonder? Then he mentally kicked himself. She was still clan leader after all, so it was obvious as to why she was there. Even if she hadn't taken that particular spot for what seemed like moons now. It's almost Gathering time already, huh? Guess I haven't been paying as much attention as I though. As he turned towards the group gathered in front of their leader, he noticed how sparse they really were. Wow. I really should have noticed there are only five cats in this clan. Where has my mind been lately? He thought, shaking his head. His aunt, Singedpride, was present, along with Dawnbreak, and of course Silverpaw who had come in ahead of him. Didn't even realize she'd passed me. He waved his tail a little at her as he passed, making his way under the root to sit in his place as deputy. He looked up at Mintleaf, wondering what in Starclan could be the matter, and hoping she wouldn't be too mad about his tardiness. Well I'm here now, aren't I? Can't help it if I was out when she called.

[VELOCIRAPTOR DX]

xxdiz:// ^-^ This needs more toms. Obviously.
Enter Thunderstep!//

Thunderstep's ears twitched at the sound of voices outside the warriors' den. Mintleaf, calling a meeting? Lovely. She really did have a talent for yelling and all that jazz. Really. And....

Were those girls he heard muttering in the background? His amber eyes flew open at that. He knew the she-cats behind the tones: Singedpride, a prickly older warrior who was still quiet good-looking, in her own way, and Dawnbreak, who was, in essence, a younger version of the former, if more prickly and a more aesthetically-pleasing frame. The dark grey tabby smiled slyly as he got up, allowing himself a full spinal stretch before he stepped out and into the clearing.

Sunset, eh? Perfect time for talking, the young tom thought, moving closer to the pair. He nodded at Fadingsteps and his young apprentice (Too young for my taste, really, though the kit is rather sweet), sitting just behind the pair of warriors he'd overheard before.

A Gathering, huh? Thunderstep grinned inwardly. Oh, that was sure to be more fun than this pair of ladies, with all the she-cats that'd be there with their toms looking on. A sleek tom like him could do well at one of those, provided he was careful to assure everyone involved that it was only interClan friendliness that prompted his behaviour.

When he heard Dawnbreak's comment, on whether Mintleaf could possibly still be up for another tom, he nearly laughed. But his tone when he spoke, however, was calm and serious on the surface, with a hint of humour and his usual seductive nature hidden beneath.

"Oh, I'm certain she is, my dear Dawnbreak," Thunderstep curled his striped tail over his storm-cloud dark feet. "Why, she's still young enough, and, if you went by the stories that I've heard, she used to be quite the girl when she was younger. Though, of course," he coughed politely. "I don't think I'd go for Mintleaf myself. Against the rules, I'm sure, to have such an intimate--" He winked one amber eye at the two femmes here--"relationship with one's leader. I'm not above such a thing with some other lady, though, if you know what I mean." Thunderstep winked again, entirely sincere. He found that helped, when one wished to make acquaintences with some other feline and her more prominent features. It really did, you know.

[vena sera !]

ooc; Diz, I love him. xD He's like a male version of Soulkeeper. But not evil. =3

Dawnbreak twitched her ears as Fadingsteps, Silverpaw, and Thunderstep entered the clearing, all looking as anxious as her to see who could and could not go to the Gathering. Oh, wait. Apparently, everyone was going, since Mintleaf had "plans". She turned to see the dark gray tom, who slunk over like a sly, glossy shadow himself, eyes glinting.

He looks cheerful, she observed placidly, wondering why. Well, the Gathering was tonight, she supposed, but having only heard of them, she wasn't sure, exactly, what was so great about them. Turning to lick absentmindedly at her pale misty fur, she glanced back up with a toothy grin and meowed back at the flirtatious tomcat, I get you. Hard to imagine that mean ole crone ever having fun, if you get my drift, but... She shrugged.

Everyone's young once, right? She glanced up at Mintleaf, pity and wonder still glowing from her very vibrant sunset-colored gaze -- the only part of he that didn't appear to be made from the fog over hills in the morning. She knew virtually nothing of her, but she still gave her the creeps. Turning back to Thunderstep and Singedpride, she asked a bit sharply,

So, are the other Clans as pathetic as we are, or more so? Are their leaders more or less harebrained?

[.* Hidden *.]

((Oh my gosh, Thunderstep. -laughs-))

Good, everyone she needed was there. "Now then," she began, her tone overly pleasant considering the depressing scene of only a handful of cats gathered below their scrawny leader. "As I'm sure you all know, tonight is the Gathering, but before that we have a warrior ceremony." Silverpaw's ears pricked up. She knew that she was the only apprentice in WillowClan, so she was the only one who could possibly be given a warrior ceremony. "Silverpaw, please step forward." The she-cat quickly obeyed, looking up at her leader eagerly. "You have proved yourself to be worthy of the status of a warrior, so from this moment on you shall be known as Silverlight."

She'd left out all the official mumbo-jumbo not because she didn't know the words, but simply because she got bored of repeating the same things over and over and she didn't care to say the whole speech any more than her roleplayer cared to type it out. Not to mention she wasn't feeling particularly happy with StarClan at the moment, and refusing to follow the specific rules they had laid down was a way of defying them.

"Tonight Fadingsteps will lead the Clan to the Gathering, and every cat will go," she paused to sweep her gaze over the assembled cats. There were only five warriors, and no kits, apprentices, queens, or elders. "Five cats is a fairly small group to send to a Gathering; any less and the other Clans will realize just how weak WillowClan is, if they haven't already."

And tonight they will become one weaker in numbers, but stronger as a whole, she looked at her deputy, her eyes showing excitement, sadness, pleading, and insanity all at once. Fadingsteps will lead the Clan well. The name Fadingstar suits him. With that, the WillowClan leader nodded at her Clan and jumped down from the Highroot, stumbling slightly as she landed. Where to go, where to go? she thought, then decided after a moment of consideration, the Whispering Falls should do nicely.

['.'.' Leafstorm'.'.']

Fadingsteps proudly raised his head and nodded at Silverlight, a smile gracing his mouth as she was named a warrior. And a fine one she'll make, I'm sure. The next words out of Mintleaf's mouth shocked him though, chilling his bones. I'm leading them to the Gathering? How can that happen? Something must be wrong. Though contemplating it more he realized that maybe Mintleaf was too weak to go herself. And I am her Deputy, so it makes sense, I guess. It's just a lot to handle. And giving report in front of the entire forest? How can I do this? But of course he knew he had to, and he would, with honor. That was what filling in for his leader required. But then where will she go? Is she staying here? Fadingsteps looked at his leader as she bounded down from the High Root, her exit a little jarred as she tripped. Making his way to her, he bent his head low. Mintleaf, what's going on? Is everything alright? He asked her, making sure to keep his voice low, an undertone of concern running straight through every word. What would make their leader give up her place at a Gathering? This just somehow wasn't making sense.

--

Singedpride laughed low in her throat when she heard Dawnbreaks remarks. We'd better hope more, though if they were, the forest would be in real trouble. A smirk crossed her face for an instant then dissapeared as Silverpaw was named a warrior and took the name Silverlight. Tilting her head slightly, she listened to Mintleaf's speech. She wasn't leading them?! Instead it was her pompous newphew who would take them to the Gathering. well well. Looks like someone's all grown up. Though why Mintleaf would miss a Gathering... She snorted to herself, shaking her head at her foolishness. Of course she's missing it. She's too sick to crawl from her den more than a few days a moon. Who're we kidding with this clan act anyway? There are six cats here for Starclan's sake! No clan of good standing was ever this small, at least from what I can remember. And with only the five of us going, we'll be lucky is we aren't attacked before the next quarter moon. Shaking her head and wondering what had ever drove her to join this measly clan, she sat back, waiting for the show she knew was about to comence when her nephew took to the High Root.

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[vena sera !]

Dawnbreak glanced at Silverpaw, the only apprentice in the Clan, and smirked when Mintleaf casually and boredly made her a warrior. Somehow methinks that ceremony was, uh, a bit shortened, but whatever. Who's complaining? She glanced over at the newly-named Silverlight, who was a young orphaned pale femme. She didn't bother to cheer for her -- why bother? Instead, she dipped her head slightly to her and then turned to glance at Fadingsteps, who seemed shocked that Mintleaf wasn't going.

Well, what'd you expect, big guy? She's in no condition to make the trip. Mentally. Oops, I almost said that out loud! Not in front of her, heh... Glancing at Singedpride, she responded dryly, Huh. I guess we'll see, huh? I doubt they're too bad off... I mean, unless they have really terrible leaders. Like we do, she added silently, though she didn't say this out loud. Nevertheless, the innuendo was there. Turning frustrated eyes to the sky, she suddenly became impatient. Mintleaf wasn't looking quite right, but when had she, that Dawnbreak had seen? Turning to Singedpride, she mewed loudly, Well, when's that nephew of yours gonna lead us out to the Great Trees, or whatever the heck they're called? I'm about through sitting here, listening to mindless chatter and engaging in it! Anyone else? She flicked the tip of her tail and glanced at Fadingsteps, Thunderstep, Singedpride and the new Silverlight, twitching her nose a bit.

[.* Hidden *.]

Mintleaf looked genuinely surprised when her deputy approached her looking concerned. "Of course I'm okay," she said with a dismissive flick of her tail. "I just have to do some... StarClan stuff," she lowered her voice for the last part and grinned recklessly, knowing that her deputy couldn't question her business with StarClan. And it wasn't even a lie, either. Soon Mintleaf would be very well acquainted with StarClan.

"The Clan is getting impatient," she said, trying to sound casual but ending up sounding impatient herself. "It won't do if you show up late. The other Clans will start to think that WillowClan falling apart." Lowering her voice even further so no other cat could hear, she added, "I can't say they're wrong. WillowClan is falling apart; that, or it's already fallen. But at least we don't have any more murderers among us. I'm counting on you, Fadingsteps. Good luck." The gray leader didn't move, but it was clear that she wanted the other cats to leave.

((Craptacular..))

[vena sera !]

ooc; Murderers? Who did Mintleaf kill? -confused-

['.'.' Leafstorm'.'.']

ooc// Maybe there were murderers in old Valleyclan? Don't remember any.... probably before me though

Fadingsteps nodded his head, murmuring a quick 'Starclan be with you then.' And jumped up onto the High Root, looking out over the four WillowClan warriors, then said, Well, you heard her, lets go. Jumping off of High Root-he hadn't particularly liked standing up there as the real WillowClan leader stood underneath- he waved his tail signaling for the rest of the small clan to follow as he made his way out of the entrance and off towards the Gathering.

Well finally someone is moving. Singedpride shook her head. rising to her paws as her nephew made his way from the camp, she followed, nodding a quick farewell to the grey leader who stayed behind.

Fadingsteps looked behind him, hoping the clan was following. I've only been to one real Gathering before. He realized, shaking his head. But so had his other clanmates. With the reformed clans and all, it wasn't many cats that had been to more than one, maybe two at most. And that time I was sitting in the back, happily joining in the masses. Tonight though... He gulped, still nervous about standing in front of the entirety of the four clans and speaking. The sound of his rhythmic steps helped him ease some of the anxiety he had developed around tonight, and he began to see that tonight would be nice. Fun even. He smiled, as he continued under the rising moon towards the Gathering.

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