The carousel never stops turning

[pants]

Ocelotjaw | Tom | 69 Moons | MothClan | Bisexual | Single

The lilac spotted tom followed the rest of his clan to the large abandoned monster, not saying a word to anyone and giving a nasty glance when they looked at him, brows furrowed and hackles partially raised. Usual Ocelotjaw... Pawstep by pawstep, he made his way towards the gathering. It had been his first one in moons, and he had mixed feelings about the ordeal. He didn't want to be around his clan, but he might see some familiar faces from MistClan. He was unsure if he should talk to them. Considering the fact that he rarely talked to his own clanmates, how out of the ordinary would it be if he started chatting up cats from other clans? Namely his former home clan? He didn't want to bring any suspicion to himself - StarClan forbid he had to interact with his clanmates, especially in conflict.

As he arrived, he did a quick scan of the area, seeing which clans were there. Turns out, they were the first ones there. The tom was silent, but twitched his whiskers in disappointment. Ocelotjaw continued to follow his clan to their usual spot. He sat on the outside of the clowder of cats, looking to his leader as he hopped up onto the monster.

"Cats of Mothclan, do no speak of Brackenfall tonight. Gather information for us to use later.", their leader commanded.

Ocelotjaw gazed with his wide yellow eyes, no emotion showing except his usual grumpiness. After the announcement, he flicked his ear, noticing another clan approaching, he looked over his shoulder, seeing, one by one, the other clans arriving to the gathering. He watched, keeping his eye out for MistClan. Finally, after quite a while, they arrived. The tom also noticed that a few of the leaders were absent. Heronflight and Sabletail were here, and they took the leader's spots. IvyClan's many deputies were replaced with Dustytuft. And Dogear of MistClan took his spot as deputy on the Monster. Did that mean Bearstar had died? He looked to his paws, brow still furrowed, but a knot in his stomach formed. Had his former leader passed on to StarClan? Or was she just absent? He lightly shook his head. Perhaps she was just out for today. The tom had heard through his clan's gossip that she wasn't doing too well in the first place.


Jaggedstream | Tom | 39 Moons | MistClan | Straight | Single

The large tom ambled at the back of the clan, the marbled warrior's long legs carried him at an unhurried pace. He did enjoy gatherings and learning about the other clans, but he never could be bothered to quicken his pace. Jaggestream was just glad he was able to keep up without speeding up, even if it meant being at the back of the clan. Unfortunately, he was the only one at the back this time, not giving him anyone to talk to. He made the best of it, though, as it gave him some time to just think to himself.

The clan arrived, being the last to show up. The tom blinked. He knew that many of his clanmates would be upset about it, as it would make them look bad to the other clans. But what could they do? It was what it was, and at least they made it. As his clanmates began to take their place in the gathering, Jaggedstream sat towards the back. He was large enough, barely, to be able to see over most other cats. He took his hind paw, getting at an itch behind his ear before resuming his usual position.

The tom, like many of the other warriors, had noticed the change of leadership on top of the monster. The tom blinked. So much had been happening regarding the leaders as of late. He wondered what had been going on within the other clans, as it was unusual to have three changes in leadership at once, or even to send the deputies in their place for this long, if that was the case. Jaggedstream was sure all would be explained tonight. That was what the gatherings were for, right?


Creekpaw | Tom | 7 Moons | MistClan | Bi-Curious / Unsure

"Wow oh wow!" The young tom exclaimed. He had never seen this many cats in one place before. The blue ticked tom's eyes lit up and he bounded up and down. This would be his first gathering, and he was beyond stoked. Though he was loyal to his clan, he was excited to meet the other clans - seeing what they looked like, what their scent was, and how everyone interacted with each other. He bounded forward, not passing up Sablestar, but making his was up to the front, making sure not to bump into anyone. He followed the clan to their spot. They were the last to arrive, but that didn't matter to the tom, nor did he notice many of the cat's silent distraught. Creekpaw was just excited to be there.

He sat at the edge of the group of cats, his sight bolting around to find any apprentices his age to introduce himself to. He wasn't as experienced, but he was determined to meet at least one other younger cat. Or maybe even some older ones that could teach him some battle moves! Creekpaw could barely contain himself, the tom trying his best to stay seated. "Cloverwing, can I go talk to the other apprentices? Pleaaaase?" he begged, looking to his mentor with excited eyes.

-----

GnawingOnIce - if you wanna involve Cloverwing

[Storm]

Batstrike
MothClan | Deputy | Tom | 34 Moons | Heterosexual

Batstrikes brilliant yellow eyes fell on Heronflight as she approached and moved past him to join Eveningstar.  She was the deputy that had fallen when he had forced his way through the crowd last gathering.  Rookstar must not have been able to make the gathering if she was filling in.  Dustytuft then grabbed his attention on her arrival.  For a moment he found it funny, that he had been worried he'd have to sit with a clans-worth of deputies again but it seemed the proper amount would be joining him instead.   Surprises all around?  Something in Dustytufts comment and the lack of her fellow deputies made him double take up to the leaders, MothClan wasn't the only ones with news for tonight he supposed.  There were many new faces.  

The tom shifted back to the she-cat, "Hello Dustytuft, seems so," he mewed politely.  The black feline turned his focus to the RootClan deputy.  Personally, he didn't really have any issues with the newest clan, but Batstrike knew how Eveningstar felt.  He'd keep his ears open for any information to report, but he'd have to work with all of these cats for some time, there was no reason to be standoffish.  He offered  nod and grinned when the tom returned the favor.  Surely he'd catch his name later and if not he'd ask around.  Finally the MistClan representative arrived, checking his name.  "Yes, you've got it.  You'll have to excuse me, but you are?"  He questioned in return.  Batstrike didn't know many from MistClan and he didn't recognize this new face even though he was an older warrior.  With Dogears response he nodded with a kind, "It's nice to meet you," before adjusting to pay attention to the announcements now that everyone was gathered.  There was sure to be many of them by the looks of it.  

[Miss Tactical]

Eveningstar looked at the group of cats shifting as they started talking amongst themselves. He didn’t want to give MothClan cats time to give details about their events as of lately. He cleared his throat stepping forward. He had been here the longest and knew the drill so that obviously entitled him to speak first. ”Cats of all clans the gathering has begun!” He mewed loudly making sure he had everyones attention. When the voices settled down he nodded his head slightly picking his words, he didn’t want to give too little or too much away, it had to be in the middle, enough for them to understand, but enough to keep them guessing as well. That’s exactly where he wanted them.

”I address you all as Eveningstar not Eveningblaze. I am the new leader of MothClan, and Batstrike is the new deputy. You’ve seen us both as fill ins before, but now we are permanent.” He could hear whispers from the other clans wondering what had happened to Brackenstar and for that he would leave a mystery they did not need to know any other information. ”We have three new warriors with us this moon, Thumproot, Olivebloom, and Sootfrost and next moon we expect many more. Three kits have now become apprentices, Sneezepaw, Witherpaw, and Tanglepaw. And will have more in the upcoming days. MothClan is stronger than ever booming with strength.” He looked at Heronstar, Sablestar, and Screechstar as he spoke making sure they understood he meant business and would not hesitate to make a move if he needed to.

”In the past moons too many cats were switching clans, MothClan will not welcome anyone who is not MothClan born. No outsiders, none from other clans. So if you have loved ones within our clan, feel free to take those breaking the warrior code back to your own clan, there will be no room in our clan for code breakers.” He was stern as he addressed everyone. HE wasn’t foolish….he was certain he had a few within MothClan’s walls but by closing his borders, he felt that was the best way to keep things from happening

[mewmehh]

Sablestar stiffed at the sharpness of Eveningstar’s curt yowl, but relaxed into his seat as it was simply a means of the stern leader starting the announcements. The ruddy tom listened thoughtfully, his amber eyes glittering beneath a hooded brow as he sat. He was incredibly cued in to the black tom’s body language and choice of words and emphasises and the Mistclan leader knew there was the threat of force behind his words. They would have to make sure Mothclan wasn’t getting too sure of themselves, and push back on any advances Eveningstar would make.

Hearing a pause in the Mothclan leader’s announcement, Sablestar wasted no time in weaseling in to make his reply. ”I’m glad to hear you’re clan has been well. Mistclan, too, has been flourishing. Bearstar worked well to keep out clan together and had finally earned her rest. Dogear and I shall taken over in her steed.” He paused for a moment of silence before continuing with a beaming grin. ”However! She was lucky enough to see her eldest kits become warriors. With us tonight, we have Roundface, Mothsnarl, and Hootswoop, as well as Squirrelchatter and Patchfoot. These are the foundation of Mistclan’s shining future.” His bright tone lowered a bit in volume as his eyes now shown a glimmer of seriousness, flashing a quick, yet meaningful glance in Eveingstar’s direction. ”I promise, they have earned their names and will serve their clan with valor. I trust you all not to take them lightly.”

Settling back, he looked over to Heronstar with a passive, smiling expression. It seemed the flash of responsibility had passed and the ruddy tabby was back to his relaxed self. No need to ruffle any more feathers than he needed to; a peaceful life was all he really wanted for his clan.

[gingersnapsdacat]

    HeronStar quickly nodded, acknowledging EveningStar's newfound authority. And although she did wonder what EveningStar could have meant by an 'unforeseen event', she was not going to push the issue any further. If MothClan wanted to keep their secrets, then she would let them. She awkwardly glanced away, avoiding EveningStar's cold gaze. 
    "Is it... Eveningblaze? And... the lovely Heronflight?"
    HeronStar quickly looked up and grinned at the kind RootClan leader. She was glad that he seemed not to bear her any ill will, despite their...awkward meetings.
    “Greetings to you too ScreechStar. I am honored to join you as a leader.”
    For a moment, she considered explaining herself further, but decided against it. Everyone will know soon enough…
    Glancing back up, she saw that Sabletail had led his clan in, and was quickly ascending the carriages. She happily settled into a moment of peace, and tried to think of what she would say when it was her turn to address all of the clans. How would she explain to everyone that RookStar just...died? It was the truth after all… At least the others would go first...she hoped.
    ”A-and to you both. Might Rookstar be busy this night?”
    Or maybe she would have to explain now.
    “No..um...he is with StarClan now,” she stammered, hoping that it would be enough to satisfy the curiosity of the MistClan leader.
    Almost no sooner than she had finished her thought than EveningStar yowled out to the clans, starting his report.
    Well, I suppose he is the most experienced with gatherings, HeronStar thought to herself. I should probably speak last then…
    However, when SableStar glanced her way, she realized that her turn was coming sooner than she had thought.
“IvyClan is...” she began, taking a step forwards. She realizd too late that she needed to speak louder if she wished to be heard by anyone other than her fellow leaders. “IvyClan is also going through a period of change. Earlier this moon, RookStar was suddenly struck with...something, and...he’s in StarClan now.” She glanced around at the gathered cats, hoping that she was not sounding too awkward. “OwlStar visited Dustytuft and I, and chose the two of us as Leader and deputy.”
    She took a breath, giving the cats below a moment to consider her words.
    “Before his passing, RookStar named Dashnight, Blitzbuck, and Pranceflight, as well as Skippaw, Twitchpaw, Flickerpaw, Hoppaw, and Fidgetpaw.”
    She chose to emit the fact that Twitchpaw had really been named by herself and OwlStar. The other clans did not need to know that RookStar had died so suddenly that he couldn’t get through a ceremony.
    HeronStar knew that her next announcement was risky, especially after EveningStar’s...hostility. But at the same time, his announcement made hers all the more important.
    “We as well are valuing the loyalty of our clanmates, but we are choosing instead to focus upon who they wish to be, rather than who they once were. So any cat wishing to join my clan, be it for love, kits, or to escape, I ask that you speak to me, and I will judge if you truly are wishing to be loyal to us.”
She stepped back now, making room for ScreechStar to take her place.

[Ava]

Screechstar listened in genuine attention to the three new leaders before him, taking in all they had to say. Of course, he was also thinking deeply of what he had to say, but for now he focused on even the slightest details, the strength or awkwardness radiating from each of them. He was still a bit shocked to find that all three leaders had left them, almost wondering if StarClan was doing some sort of cleansing. Would he, too, fall victim to these odd circumstances? He found it unlikely, but the superstitious part of his brain refused to deny it completely. Nonetheless, he had little time to think about that and his turn to speak quickly approached him. 

As Eveningstar finished, it was as if he was daring anyone else to go. Screechstar sat tall and stiff to make sure he wouldn't come off as easygoing or weak, as easygoing as he was. His personal life and role in leadership were not one to mix. Sablestar was next to speak, and Screechstar found himself beginning to enjoy the laid-back tom's presence. Before too long, Heronstar had given her speech and he watched as she backed away, giving Screechstar space to begin.

"RootClan has settled in nicely to our territory, and the clan customs have become second nature. We thank you for going easy on us for the first while, but we are strong now, no longer the dainty newcomers," he started, keeping his voice firm and calm, "just this moon, a new deputy was named in place of the former. Our new deputy is Blackmoon, though I am sure that we are still steady in these slight moments of change. Four new warriors were named, each one equally worthy; Frogspark, Shimmersnow, Riverblaze, and Glimmerbloom. No apprentices were named, though an abundance of apprentices last moon explain that." He finished with a soft chuckle, before moving on.

Screechstar made sure to word everything perfectly- the status of RootClan's borders could be a controversial topic alike the other borders to clans. "We will be lenient on newcomers to our clan. If loyalty is evident and there is a reason to arrive here- for family, romance, friendships, or whatever the case- we will likely accept you to our clan. For even then, we can learn so many things we never thought of when we just open our minds to new ideas and allow a little change in our lives.

"With that, unless anyone has further comments, I believe this moon's gatherings have come to an end. Thank you for tuning in, and have a lovely rest of your night."

Screechstar flicked his tail and turned back to the leaders for a brief moment, dipping his head to say a silent goodbye. He then leaped down and began marching off, leading his clan back to camp with his head held high and chest puffed out like the proud, proud leader he was.

[noctemq]

Blackmoon stood tall when Screechstar mentioned him in his speech. Right as he was beginning to connect faces to names, there seemed to be a complete switch-around in all of the other clan’s leadership. His ear flicked forward, somewhat annoyed that he’d have to go through the whole memorization process once more. Oh well, it was probably good practice at best. He exchanged polite glances with the rest of the deputies and leaders looking in his direction before allowing himself to merge into the background as Screechstar continued with Rootclan’s news.

The dark tom was hesitant to agree with his own leader’s declaration of borders, but maybe having an open mind would pay off. As more of a tribe traditionalist, he found the transition to a similar, yet completely different lifestyle difficult and the idea of even more newcomers seemed odd. He could see where this decision was coming from: it was important for Rootclan to grow to the same size as their competitors in order to secure safety. With the few past moons under Screechstar’s leadership being peaceful, Blackmoon was able to push aside his personal feelings and begin to slowly trust in these new customs.

[Broadwaykat]

It wasn't just Batstrike who was new to their little gathering, it seemed. She might have been chosen to sit up their once before as one of five, but she found herself at least feeling a little better that she had been there before. Here, all three of the other clans' deputies seemed to have newly stepped into their well-worn positions - Dogear and a strange tom joining them.

She felt a little thrill - one of both terror and excitement - to realize that, by default, she was technically the one who'd been in the position, officially, longest. And here she thought she'd have had to force a bit of seniority onto her smaller shoulders! Luckily, she was not the type of cat to muscle around, so she simply inclined her head in a sort of congratulatory manner to the three toms who joined her.

"Well - congratulations and condolences to the three of you, then..." She said, knowing that as proud as a time as it was, it could also be a sad one, as it meant losing a former deputy, or a leader. She would have gone on, but of course the leaders of their respective clans had called those gathered to order.

Her hackles bristled only slightly at the accusatory tone that Eveningstar seemed to take with everyone. Certainly, Rookstar had felt the same about their boarders - but he hadn't had the gall to announce it at what was supposed to be a peaceful meeting with all others gathered. Casting a somewhat more cautious look at Batstrike, she kept her mouth shut - only because she knew some of what Heronstar planned to announce that night would soon settle her emotions back in place.

And they did; as it seemed she wasn't the only one to offer a paw to those who weren't sure of where they currently stood. She couldn't contain the beam of pride for the younger she-cat who now lead Ivyclan. It finally felt as if things were back on track for them, honestly.

[mewmehh]

Sablestar nodded his head in approval as Screechstar wrapped up the evening; Heronstar's
words had been lace with awkwardness, but it was sweet to the tabby leader's ears and he even
found himself feeling warm tinglies for Rootclan's settling. The announcements were now over
and soon the cats would be filing out of the clearing to return home, but the night was still rather
young and the leader himself wished to feel the nostalgia of mingling with the warriors of other
clans. As the brown leader leapt up from his seat, Sablestar found himself following shortly after,
sending a quick wave to Eveningstar and Heronstar as he went.

However, perhaps the Rootclan cat was too quick or Sablestar himself too embarrassed like a
new apprentice, the Mistclan leader missed him chance as Screechstar ducked out in a flash.
Lanky Rootclan warriors passed the tabby tom by and he awkwardly smiled to each of them
until a familiar creamy pelt flashed before him, lighting up his eyes with the warmest of glows.
He only managed a quick "Petalpaw!", but he caught the Rootclan warrior's attention and
the green eyes of the young she-cat were drawn to him like moths to a flame.

Sablestar grinned widely, hurrying up to the group of moving cats, watching as his eldest
daughter fought the waves of her clanmates to greet him. And as Sablestar did so, one of his
younger daughters seemed to close the distance as well, though she kept behind her father.

"My, you've grown! I imagine you're a warrior now, yes!! Praise Starclan!! You had me so
worried, you know!" he cried with an overly enthusiastic whine, earning him an embarrassed
look from his younger daughter and a cuff over the ear by his older.

"Oi! Enough with that- you're a leader now, aren't ya?" the she-cat groaned with a snicker.
"And ya! The name's Pinkpetal now." She furrowed her brow as she caught a brief frown
from Sablestar before resuming his beaming. "What?"

"Oh nothing," he purred bashfully. "I was just a bit worried at first that you didn't keep
your mother's namesake, but you did after all. OH!" The leader turned to gesture to
Applewind, but instead found the spotted red and white she-cat had backed off a bit to stand
with the rest of her clanmates and at the same time, Pinkpetal did the same. She shot her father
an apologetic look and called, "I loved getting to see you, Pop, but I've gotta go," as she
padded off after her clanmates.

"Another time then!!" Sablestar chimed after her, but ultimately remained where he stood
with a bit of a defeated look. It was almost as if Starclan were testing him, his loyalties. There
would be other times to meet with his daughter, and he now had a clan to leader. Perhaps if he
extended the offer of an alliance of sorts to Rootclan? They would appreciate the offer, no? He
would have to mull it over, but perhaps war and bloodshed wasn't the way after all. Perhaps
peace would prevail.

[bits]

Sootfrost - Mothclan Warrior

Sootfrost was far from a social cat - she wasn't keen on meeting others, but she didn't see the harm in sizing up the other clans. The most interaction she had before finding a spot to sit and listen was bumping into another clan's warrior and immediately giving a glare that could have frozen rivers. She said nothing, sitting on the edge of where most of her clanmates had gathered. It seemed the gap-toothed warrior was no more social within her clan than without. Her biggest take-away from the gathering was that no clan seemed to be without drastic changes in leadership - and her eyes lingered for a few moments on some of the Ivyclanners. They seemed... overly-friendly. She wasn't a fan of gentle actions and niceties, much preferring the efficiency of her own clan. Her yellow eyes narrowed sharply as her name was mentioned by Eveningstar. Surely mentioning the names of the new warriors was pointless - and she didn't appreciate some of the glances she got from those who knew her. Her skin itched whenever attention was foisted upon her, and she wholly blamed her old mentor for this instance.

Bearpaw - Rootclan

Observing, studying, listening. As a quiet apprentice (and one who excelled in tracking and moving unnoticed), a gathering was a place of very conflicting circumstances. On one paw, there was a lot to observe - gossip between cats, the tense looks between certain clans, the tells of certain individuals... it was incredibly interesting and engaging for the sharp mind of the considerate chocolate molly. On the other paw, however, there was ... a lot happening. Raucous might describe the event in a word, and Bearpaw was a far cry from raucous. She glanced nervously to her mentor a few times during the gathering, shuffling her paws with the sort of anxious movement that tended to appear only when she found herself surrounded by others - camp during busy times, ceremonies, and apparently gatherings. She would never intrude on someone though, finding the very thought completely against everything she stood for. Perhaps after the gathering she'd politely ask Blackmoon how he managed to not be anxious among so many people - after all, she wanted to better herself once in a while, and her asocial tendencies weren't exactly a strength.