Post by mewmehh on Sept 4, 2019 0:22:44 GMT
The air felt heavy, strained almost, as Sablestar paced around his den with frantic pawsteps. His nerves were worn and anxiety through the roof as the extent of his clan's generosity had brought them to the edge of what they felt as comfortable. Rootclan and Mothclan had just about overstayed their welcome as food was now getting harder and harder to find. It made him antsy, knowing that during the most plentiful of moons, his clan could starve at any point.
The additional information about who was ready to move up during ceremonies also made him restless. They would be getting no new apprentices this moon, thus no extra able bodies to try and scour the land for food. It was a bittersweet thing though- if the queen didn't have any more kits this season, they would have less mouths to feed, but then that would also not benefit the clan come Leafbare. The striped tom stifled a groan of frustration before dropping his head and skulking out into camp. He didn't want to rush the other clans out, but something had to give.
Quickly scanning over the cats who sprinkled the clearing, he gave a curt nod and leapt up onto the stone outcropping that was his perch. Sitting up rather than standing, one could tell the from the leader's rigid posture that he was in a sort of mood. While he found it hard to keep his poker face about him, Sablestar could at least force a small smile for the occasion. "Cats of all clans old enough to cross the waterfall gather here for a clan meeting!"
Watching as cats began to gather, he tried to glimpse the young tom who's special day was today, but ended up landing on a familiar creamy pelt. His ears warmed up uncomfortably as he moved to look away from Pinkpetal. He felt incredibly for what he was thinking regarding her new clan. Part of him- a little, selfish part- wormed into his head, wondering if he could perhaps convince his daughter to stay in Mistclan. It was one he didn't humor too much though; she was a stubborn one and likely willing to stand by Rootclan to the bitter end. Sablestar would just have to ask her forgiveness when all was said and done.
Taking a breath to clear his head, the leader focused on the cats before him and started with a bellowing voice, "Good morning to all. I'm excited to gather you here today to celebrate the dedication one apprentice has taken to follow his true path. Creekpaw, please come forward. I have seen your constant training and contribution around camp and I believe it is high time for you to gain your warrior name. You've earned it. From this day forward, you will be known as Creekstep. Wear this name proudly as you spend your first night as a warrior with Starclan for vigil. Creekstep! Creekstep! Creekstep!!"
Voices all around cheered for the gray warrior and Sablestar dipped his head, allowing them to finish before continuing. "The rest of you, keep on training. It won't be too long before it's your turns." Casting a look to the curious kits outside the Nursery, he gave a cheeky wink and purred, "You lot too!"
Straightening up, Sablestar's expression changed. The fleeting glimpses of joy flittered away and was replaced by a serious grimace and the heavy air surrounded him. "Unfortunately, not all news today is good. While thankful of your guest's willingness to receive our aid in these trying times, we have reached a point where we too are at our breaking point. Prey no longer runs and we will all end up starving if this continues. I do not wish to leave Mosthclan or Rootclan bad terms, but I also need to think about my clan. I will work with Eveningstar and Screechstar to figure out a course of action; I have no problem offering to lend some of my warriors to help fight off the rats in your home, Rootclan. I will also offer cats to aid Mothclan is searching for a suitable spot in Mothclan's territory to make camp while you wait for your land to heal. This is the best I can do for you both. I wish to help where I can, but my cats are my priority." He still couldn't meet his child's gaze, it seemed. How weak. "You are all dismissed; the ceremony is over. Congratulations one more time to you, Creekstep." He hoisted himself from the alcove and padded off back towards his den, waving his silky cream tail in summons for Dogear and the other leaders in attendance.
The additional information about who was ready to move up during ceremonies also made him restless. They would be getting no new apprentices this moon, thus no extra able bodies to try and scour the land for food. It was a bittersweet thing though- if the queen didn't have any more kits this season, they would have less mouths to feed, but then that would also not benefit the clan come Leafbare. The striped tom stifled a groan of frustration before dropping his head and skulking out into camp. He didn't want to rush the other clans out, but something had to give.
Quickly scanning over the cats who sprinkled the clearing, he gave a curt nod and leapt up onto the stone outcropping that was his perch. Sitting up rather than standing, one could tell the from the leader's rigid posture that he was in a sort of mood. While he found it hard to keep his poker face about him, Sablestar could at least force a small smile for the occasion. "Cats of all clans old enough to cross the waterfall gather here for a clan meeting!"
Watching as cats began to gather, he tried to glimpse the young tom who's special day was today, but ended up landing on a familiar creamy pelt. His ears warmed up uncomfortably as he moved to look away from Pinkpetal. He felt incredibly for what he was thinking regarding her new clan. Part of him- a little, selfish part- wormed into his head, wondering if he could perhaps convince his daughter to stay in Mistclan. It was one he didn't humor too much though; she was a stubborn one and likely willing to stand by Rootclan to the bitter end. Sablestar would just have to ask her forgiveness when all was said and done.
Taking a breath to clear his head, the leader focused on the cats before him and started with a bellowing voice, "Good morning to all. I'm excited to gather you here today to celebrate the dedication one apprentice has taken to follow his true path. Creekpaw, please come forward. I have seen your constant training and contribution around camp and I believe it is high time for you to gain your warrior name. You've earned it. From this day forward, you will be known as Creekstep. Wear this name proudly as you spend your first night as a warrior with Starclan for vigil. Creekstep! Creekstep! Creekstep!!"
Voices all around cheered for the gray warrior and Sablestar dipped his head, allowing them to finish before continuing. "The rest of you, keep on training. It won't be too long before it's your turns." Casting a look to the curious kits outside the Nursery, he gave a cheeky wink and purred, "You lot too!"
Straightening up, Sablestar's expression changed. The fleeting glimpses of joy flittered away and was replaced by a serious grimace and the heavy air surrounded him. "Unfortunately, not all news today is good. While thankful of your guest's willingness to receive our aid in these trying times, we have reached a point where we too are at our breaking point. Prey no longer runs and we will all end up starving if this continues. I do not wish to leave Mosthclan or Rootclan bad terms, but I also need to think about my clan. I will work with Eveningstar and Screechstar to figure out a course of action; I have no problem offering to lend some of my warriors to help fight off the rats in your home, Rootclan. I will also offer cats to aid Mothclan is searching for a suitable spot in Mothclan's territory to make camp while you wait for your land to heal. This is the best I can do for you both. I wish to help where I can, but my cats are my priority." He still couldn't meet his child's gaze, it seemed. How weak. "You are all dismissed; the ceremony is over. Congratulations one more time to you, Creekstep." He hoisted himself from the alcove and padded off back towards his den, waving his silky cream tail in summons for Dogear and the other leaders in attendance.