Post by noctemq on Oct 7, 2019 0:02:01 GMT
Blackmoon sat in his new den with his eyes closed. The leader’s spot was much more spacious than his old corner with the rest of the warriors; it gave him more space to think and breathe, which was both good and bad. He shuffled around awkwardly, trying to get comfortable. The bedding that the apprentices had brought for him was perfect, and the smell of rats was quickly disappearing from the air ... yet he was still antsy. Screechstar had to step down, and now here he was, suddenly thrust into a role he thought he’d be never ready for, in the midst of a war against Mothclan, and on top of that, there was a prophecy looming over all of their heads. The tom put his head down into the moss, face first. There was so much that had to be fixed and he couldn’t do it on his own. Blackmoon always had a hard time asking for help, as he was the type to try to get things done by himself. This time, he needed the help of his clan. He sighed deeply before lifting up his head and blowing off a piece of moss from his nose. There was no point in trying to take a power nap before the ceremonies if all he was going to do was twist and turn.
He got up and exited the leader’s den. The other Rootclan cats seemed busy as ever, either on one of the many patrols he had assigned as a deputy or helping add finishing touches on the newly renovated camp. They’ve all come such a long way, and he couldn’t help but feel proud. Nature seemed to throw one disaster after another at them, but they were always able to rebound. Blackmoon hopped up onto one of the taller rocks within the cave. He was used to announcing the ceremonies every now and then, though his new role made it feel new and strange once more.
”Cats of young and old-” he started his call in the traditional Tribe style, “-gather around me for this moon’s ceremonies.” He paused for a second, allowing the others to stop what they were doing and join him. ”Screechstar, now Screecheagle, chose to retire. I will be Rootclan’s new leader and a new deputy will be selected before the next moon-high.” He didn’t bother to go in detail and instead began to move onto the next topic of discussion, wishing to start with bad news and end with the good.
”I have received information that Mothclan is readying themselves to go to battle against us. Coyotedawn, Shatterstorm, Hickoryrapid, and Foxscream will run extra border patrols until the next deputy decides otherwise. Report anything suspicious and be in groups of at least three,” he ordered firmly. ”We also welcome those seeking refuge temporarily as long as they can care for themselves.” Blackmoon nodded to the speck of Mothclan cats in the crowd. He spared them of the dark details of Eveningstar’s tyranny in order to keep everyone organized and not panicked. Part of him wanted to open up the border during a possible crisis like now to gain more able-bodies, and the tribe part of his brain told him that they’d be able to stick it out. He’d wait and see, then get his future-deputy’s input on the matter.
”Now it is time for some new warriors. Your mentors have trained you well,” Blackmoon cleared his throat, recalling the list he kept in his head. One, two, three, four…. five. Yes, five apprentices needed to be named.
”Shrikepaw, your name will be Shrikeflame. May the fire in your heart illuminate all of us. I look forward to seeing you perform to the best of your abilities for many moons.”
”Thrushpaw, your name will be Thrushfeather. We value the hard work you’ve put in during your guidance under Brittlebark.”
”Turkeypaw, your name will be Turkeybounce. Your amiable and understanding attributes not only keep Rootclan lively, but also remind us to slow down and enjoy what we have.”
”Kitepaw, your name will be Kiteswirl. I hope you never slow down and always leave a whirlwind in your wake.”
”Jaypaw, your name will be Jayrise. Your passion warms up all of us like the sun, and may that sun rises every day and always shine as bright as you do.”
Despite how hard the last few moons had been, Blackmoon couldn’t stop himself from feeling glad for the new warriors. Swanstream and Ravenbranch’s kits were all grown up now and ready to change Rootclan for the better. He turned his eyes onto the impatiently squirmy kits, more than prepared for their time in the spotlight. Blackmoon took a deep breath and continued with the announcements.
Tinykit and Mallowkit, please step forward. Both of you are of age to start your journey to warrior-hood and I wish you the best of luck. Tinykit, your mentor will be Frogspark. And Mallowkit, your mentor will be Ashlight.” He backed up to give the new duos their chance to touch noses with a dip of his head. After they had done so, Blackmoon stepped forward once again to conclude his announcement.
”Congratulations to all of our new warriors and apprentices! Warriors, I trust that you all won’t forget to sit vigil. I will also be heading to the Moonstone with Shadowfall later tonight, so if you have any concerns, please find me beforehand.” As the crowd shouted the names of those celebrated tonight, Blackmoon jumped down from the rock, the temporary positivity flowing through him tapering with every step towards his den as reality began to set in anew.
He got up and exited the leader’s den. The other Rootclan cats seemed busy as ever, either on one of the many patrols he had assigned as a deputy or helping add finishing touches on the newly renovated camp. They’ve all come such a long way, and he couldn’t help but feel proud. Nature seemed to throw one disaster after another at them, but they were always able to rebound. Blackmoon hopped up onto one of the taller rocks within the cave. He was used to announcing the ceremonies every now and then, though his new role made it feel new and strange once more.
”Cats of young and old-” he started his call in the traditional Tribe style, “-gather around me for this moon’s ceremonies.” He paused for a second, allowing the others to stop what they were doing and join him. ”Screechstar, now Screecheagle, chose to retire. I will be Rootclan’s new leader and a new deputy will be selected before the next moon-high.” He didn’t bother to go in detail and instead began to move onto the next topic of discussion, wishing to start with bad news and end with the good.
”I have received information that Mothclan is readying themselves to go to battle against us. Coyotedawn, Shatterstorm, Hickoryrapid, and Foxscream will run extra border patrols until the next deputy decides otherwise. Report anything suspicious and be in groups of at least three,” he ordered firmly. ”We also welcome those seeking refuge temporarily as long as they can care for themselves.” Blackmoon nodded to the speck of Mothclan cats in the crowd. He spared them of the dark details of Eveningstar’s tyranny in order to keep everyone organized and not panicked. Part of him wanted to open up the border during a possible crisis like now to gain more able-bodies, and the tribe part of his brain told him that they’d be able to stick it out. He’d wait and see, then get his future-deputy’s input on the matter.
”Now it is time for some new warriors. Your mentors have trained you well,” Blackmoon cleared his throat, recalling the list he kept in his head. One, two, three, four…. five. Yes, five apprentices needed to be named.
”Shrikepaw, your name will be Shrikeflame. May the fire in your heart illuminate all of us. I look forward to seeing you perform to the best of your abilities for many moons.”
”Thrushpaw, your name will be Thrushfeather. We value the hard work you’ve put in during your guidance under Brittlebark.”
”Turkeypaw, your name will be Turkeybounce. Your amiable and understanding attributes not only keep Rootclan lively, but also remind us to slow down and enjoy what we have.”
”Kitepaw, your name will be Kiteswirl. I hope you never slow down and always leave a whirlwind in your wake.”
”Jaypaw, your name will be Jayrise. Your passion warms up all of us like the sun, and may that sun rises every day and always shine as bright as you do.”
Despite how hard the last few moons had been, Blackmoon couldn’t stop himself from feeling glad for the new warriors. Swanstream and Ravenbranch’s kits were all grown up now and ready to change Rootclan for the better. He turned his eyes onto the impatiently squirmy kits, more than prepared for their time in the spotlight. Blackmoon took a deep breath and continued with the announcements.
Tinykit and Mallowkit, please step forward. Both of you are of age to start your journey to warrior-hood and I wish you the best of luck. Tinykit, your mentor will be Frogspark. And Mallowkit, your mentor will be Ashlight.” He backed up to give the new duos their chance to touch noses with a dip of his head. After they had done so, Blackmoon stepped forward once again to conclude his announcement.
”Congratulations to all of our new warriors and apprentices! Warriors, I trust that you all won’t forget to sit vigil. I will also be heading to the Moonstone with Shadowfall later tonight, so if you have any concerns, please find me beforehand.” As the crowd shouted the names of those celebrated tonight, Blackmoon jumped down from the rock, the temporary positivity flowing through him tapering with every step towards his den as reality began to set in anew.
