Glistening as the Stars {Gathering 4!}

SPIRITPAW
»»King of the forest.

Spiritpaw slowly nodded his head. Duskpaw did have a point, the tom would much rather gain respect in a noble way instead of through betrayal. Would he risk his life for something that could be easily gained through noble actions?

Yet deep down in his heart, Spiritpaw knew that if he had the choice of gaining power through betrayal of even the cat closet to him, he would do it. The apprentice had been treated to badly during his time with this clan, anyway he could pay them back would be greatly considered.

When Duskpaw spoke of her powers, he reason for siding with StarClan, Spiritpaw had to wonder. What were her powers? They had not told each other about the powers. The tom wasn't even sure what his powers were, though he had a feeling it had something to do with healing.

"Duskpaw, what is your power after all?"

RAVENPAW
»»A bundle of sun shine[/b][/color]

"Hi Cloudpaw. You're really a medicine cat apprentice? Is it...fun?" the black she-cat asked, wondering what life would be like as a medicine cat. Smelling and sorting awful tasting herbs all day, dealing with sick and injured cats daily, it didn't sound right to Ravenpaw.

"Do you, like, know about any battle moves?"

LOUDSTORM
»»A storm so loud.

The ThunderClan warriors gaze followed Nightscar's to where Gingerflight sat. Chuckling, Loudstorm meowed "It might be a good idea to wait until after that black apprentice is out of the way. If I know my daughter, she'll talk every cats ear off begging to play a game."

Turning back to the two ShadowClan warriors, Loudstorm asked "Forgive me if my question is a little personal, but are you two thinking about having kits soon?" His question was answered by a squeak from Cinderheart. "N-no, we're just really good friends."

SMALLWHISKER
»»Keep your stories to yourself

Smallwhisker followed the elder, well, elder. He seemed to be leading her away from most of the crowd. Good, he knows I don't like crowds. Normally an elder would want to be up in with the other Clans, but not this elder.

When Talonstrike spoke again, Smallwhisker huffed "Sounds like you're running out of things to say, old Talonstrike. You've said that at least five times now!"

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Gingerflight
Victim of a Broken family

Gingerflight smiled and looked up as the Black warrior padded over. She bowed her head and greeting and smiled.
"Hello, Rainflight. I'm guessing this little one is your apprentice?" she ventured, smiling. She was kind of sad that her apprentice hadn't been able to come. But she had worn out he small she-cat today, and she planned on starting a little training tomorrow to see what she could do.
She looked down at Cloudpaw as Rainflight asked him the question. She noticed he kept glancing to where the medicine cats usually went and wondered if he was supposed to be doing something but kept quiet as he started to answer.

Cloudpaw

[/color][/font]
Fighting the storm inside

The white apprenticed listened to the two she-cats talk and occasionally would look over at Heatherflower to see if the other medicine cats had shown up yet. When the other warrior walked up he smiled and bowed his head, not surprised that this cat knew Gingerflight as well. She must be really popular in her clan.
When the black warrior asked who he was he smiled slightly. "My names Cloudpaw. I'm the medicine cat apprentice in Windclan." he mewed respectfully. If he knew one thing it was to be nice to older cats. It was dangerous to get on the bad side of warriors.
He looked back at Ravenpaw and nodded slightly to teh first question.
"Yes, i find it fun. you see...ic an smell a herb and know it's name...which is ratehr amusing when Heatehrflower tries to test me by giving me a new herb. I haven't had to deal with any sick or injured cats yet." he replied and tilted his head and chuckled at her second question.
"yes....i do know battle moves. Quite a bit actually. i was a regular apprentice till a few moons ago. My mentor died of Whitecough and i took an intrest inhelping cats. So i naturally became Heatherflower's aprpentice." He mewed easily, although his ears did flick nervously. He had never really talked to a cat this long.[/center]

Speckledpaw

[/color][/font]
Let my fire burn

Speckledpaw smiled at the other apprentices. She was starting to be glad she had met up with these cats. The only thing hindering her complete happiness was Ravenpaw, but for some odd reason she wanted him there as well. It gave her something to do that was for sure.
When the other apprentice said something bout hunting her ears perked a little. She loved hunting and this was the perfect time to tell them about her fish.
"Well a few days ago i went hunting with my mentor and Ravenpaw here. While Lionstrike was showing him how to fish..." she paused and puffed out her chest slightly, "i caught the biggest fish in the River. Ole' Silver Scales."
She didn't mean to brag but....oaky well maybe she did. But she was proud of herself. She had done something that most warriors hadn't been able to do for moons. why couldn't she brag.[/center]

Whiteheart
Let your memory lead you.

The white tom waited patiently and when Stargaze gave him the okay he started toward the other she-cat. When they got closer he slowed down and stopped a little bit form her.
"mind if we join you?" he asked Spottedwind, hoping that she wouldn't get mad at them for interrupting her grooming.

<sup>Rainflight
Keep trying, you'll never bring me down

Rainflight nodded to Gingerflight's question. Then smiled warmly at Cloudpaw. It looked as if Ravenpaw and the WindClan apprentice were getting along very well. It would be nice for the little black she-cat to gain some friends from other Clans. She would gain experience, and have a friend to look forward to seeing every gathering.

Turning her attention to Gingerflight, she decided to have her have someone to talk to, too, for Cloudpaw and Ravenpaw seemed satisfied with their conversation. Rainflight also wanted to maybe have a new friend around. The she-cat was friendly. And she no longer was a confined queen. So why not have a buddy to hang around with from time to time?

Though, it may be impossible. She already have friends and a mate of her own. Maybe she would be too busy. But, it was worth a try. Rainflight was the type to be a little stubborn at times. "Hey, Gingerflight," Rainflight started out happily. "Wanna take advantage of the time we have and find some friends from other Clans like these two? Sabertooth can come if he wants."


Silentpaw
I walk alone

Silentpaw raised an eyebrow in confusion. Ole' Silver Scales? He wasn't familiar with the RiverClan's ways, so he wasn't sure how big an accomplishment this was according to RiverClan standards. But he could conclude she was a decent, or good, hunter for her age. Maybe even greater skilled than most.

He would probably be more impressed if he actually hunted fish, or at least belonged to RiverClan. Or maybe just heard the tale of this "Ole' Silver Scales". But, he was just half impressed, not knowing whether he should be astonished or annoyed by her pride. Maybe since the apprentice reminded him so much of Kestrelpaw or just the way she bragged made his judgment weigh more on the annoyed side.

Ceasing his pondering, he meowed, "Quite an accomplishment. I'm impressed. But even your skills couldn't catch ThunderClan prey, eh? Since your so used to catching water prey."


Ravenpaw
I live in the shadows, hiding from my pain

Ravenpaw sighed after Speckledpaw's speech about her brilliant catch. His mind was battling over feeling admiration for his den-mate, or jealousy over his rival. But it ended up in a mix between both. Speckledpaw was so amazing. She always got the good side in life. Skills, appearance...she was so lucky.

But when he compared her to himself, instead of just focusing on her, he felt jealous. He was unskilled. And his appearance was rather dull. He is small and skinny, his black pelt plain and portraying a traitor from RiverClan's past. While Speckledpaw was a pretty calico, mixtures of all kinds of colors paved on her pelt.

Jealousy made him envy. Then instead of looking down on himself, he decided to be determined. He was fast, despite everything. Because of his small, slim structure. He was also smart, which is a dangerous weapon in hunting and fighting if used right. He also is proud of his blue-green eyes that stand out from the rest of his figure.

A new goal, aside from changing his personality, was set in his mind. To show Speckledpaw he could be just as good as her. Maybe he could find some acknowledgement from her. And maybe, he could gain her trust somehow, becoming her ally, and rival. "If she's fast enough to catch the toughest fish in the river, she could catch ThunderClan prey, too. You probably wouldn't last a heartbeat in fishing from our river," he meowed, his tone mixed with uncertainty and seriousness. He wasn't sure Speckledpaw would be fond of him sticking up for her. She could take care of herself. It would probably lead the opposite direction. But, he risked it. There will be other chances.


Stargaze
I'm not shy, I'm just quiet

Stargaze followed, her limbs shaking. What if she doesn't like me? What if she wants to be alone? Is she nice? All these questions came storming in her mind, unsure of what to say to the unfamiliar she-cat. Shaking the thoughts away she concentrated on Whiteheart and the ThunderClan warrior.

Taking Whiteheart's side she murmured nervously, "Y-You look lonesome. I-Is something wrong?"</sup>

[/sup]

RAVENPAW
A bundle of sun shine

Ravenpaw listened intently to the white apprentice. He had experienced so much; but losing his mentor? The little she-cat didn't know how to react to that, or what she would do if Rainflight died. Yes, they had only been mentor and apprentice for a few sun rises, and they hadn't done all that much together; but the thought of loosing her mentor frightened the ThunderClan apprentice.

Images of rouges and blood entered her mind, and her pelt stood on end. Ravenpaw was frozen with a fear of death. Her pelt stood on end and fear radiated off of her pelt. She might have been making a fool of herself, but the she-cat was scared half to death.

HAZELSTAR
I've been broken more than once.

The chestnut brown she-cat smiled softly, "We've gotten much more snow this season, then usual." A sigh let her breath as she mumbled quietly, "Perhaps, this a sheer omen of some doom to come." Optimistic she may be, Hazelstar could still feel this unwanted churning down beneath her skin. Something horrible was bound to happen, she could only remember her own worriment a few sunrises ago.

Hazelstar cast her eyes to the roof of her den, as if she could see the sky, as if she could see Starclan itself. "It's crazy--" she murmured, "But sometimes I feel as if we're meant to go back." Shaking her head from side to side she mumbled,

"But we moved here for a reason, something went wrong--" Her voice gradually withered away into a whisper. "It's as if Starclan's telling me we need to go back."

Shaking the memories away she straightened to a much more commanding pose, dipping curtly to the other leaders she padded to the edge of the branch. As her eyes set upon her fellow cats she could feel her stomach clench nervously. It was an odd sensation, as if she were anxious for what was to come. Slowly she exhaled, she needed to be calm. To put aside her worries and live in the present, idling in what may not come was not how she wanted to spend her evening.

A loud caterwaul singled by her own vocal chords silenced the chatter, and gossip. As all eyes went to meet hers she meowed loud enough for everyone to hear,
"The Gathering has begun."

MOTHSTORM
Come and get me

Eyes watering, a choking sob sputtered from the she-cat. But this time it was out of relief. All of her bottled up feelings finally had emerged and this time she wasn't going to hold back. "I love you, I love you, I love you." she murmured over and over again as she rubbed her head affectionately against his.

Her salty tears stained his pelt as she pressed her muzzle into his chest, "Ever since we met in the mountains, I could never stop thinking about you." A tearful chuckle escaped her lips, "I swore I was crazy, but now I know." Pausing she lifted her chin, her sparkling green eyes met his and she meowed softly, "It was because I fell in love with you." Closing her eyes she pressed her tear-soaked face into his chest and there she cried happily. Even if this was against the code, against everything she was taught. She was happy and happiness came above everything else.

ooc: Sorry if this came out crappy. My head hurts ;-; [/blockquote]

ooc:// Gwash, I'm plain brain dead so just have all my kittes (but Ravenpaw) pay attention.

WOLFSTAR
A hungry wolf is not at rest.

Wolfstar nodded in agreement to her statement. There was an unusual amount of snow this year, and it was still early in the season. Then he realized that she had moved forward.
A sharp stab spread through him, the meeting was to begin, and he had butterflies in his stomach. He thought back to Snowstar and how brilliant she was in front of the other clans. He took a deep breath and pushed aside the fact that there were other clans before him, it's just like one big clan right? He thought to himself, this is going to be easy...

MYTHPAW
A disater waiting to happen.

Mythpaw sat there staring off into space, wondering about what he should do since this was his first gathering. Should he just sit there like a good little kitty? or walk around getting into unwanted conversations like he was at home? A flash of fur caught his sight and he found Sorrelstrike darting up to his side.
"Well I'm just a tad nervous around these new cats, especially the huge warriors!"
Suddenly embarrassed he looked down at his paws, digging his long hooked claws into the soft dirt below...

Nightscar

[/color][/font]
Cause of a broken family

The gray tom felt the heat rush to his face as Owltalon asked the question. A small pang of pain him soon after when Cinderheart answered rather quickly. Was she embarrassed by the thought? Or was she was embarrassed that he was the tom Owltalon was talking about?
"No, just very good friends" he mewed quietly agreeing. He didn't want to put Cinderheart on the spot, and he didn't want to show his disappointment either. He was a Shadowclan warrior. If Cinderheart didn't want to be with him, he would be okay. He hoped.
When Hazelstar, the leader from Windclan started the meeting he settled down and wrapped his tail around his paws. He had heard news about the last battle and hoped everything would go okay.[/center]

Gingerflight
Victim of a Broken family

Gingerflight smiled at Cloudpaw as he explained to the black apprentice about his job. When Rainflight spoke to her she smiled slightly.
"I'd love to join you." she mewed, then looked over her shoulder at her mate. "I'll see if Grumpy-tail wants to join.
She got up and padded over there, rubbing her head under the large brown tom's and purred.
"You want yo come meet some cats with me and Rainflight?" she mewed softly looking at him. When Hazelstar called the gathering to start she sighed.
"Never mind then. We'll just sit by her." she murmured leading him back and settling down beside Rainflight and Ravenpaw. This should be a good Gathering.

Speckledpaw

[/color][/font]
Let my fire burn

The white and calico apprentice felt her blood start to boil at the other apprentices comment. How dare he say that she couldn't catch Thunderclan prey! Their prey was probably slow from eating too much and were as dumb as rocks. The fish in the Riverclan river were fast and slicking, making it hard to get a hold of. Not to mention that 'Ole Silver Scales was ten times bigger than her!
What threw her off guard was Ravenpaw defending her seconds later. She looked at the black tom and started to her annoyed at first but listened to what he said. He was right. Those thunderclan apprentices wouldn't last long against the fish. They'd get their paws wet and start complaining.
"Ravenpaw's right." she mewed, slightly startled the words came out. she swallows and kept going. "Each clan has their own skill. Ours is hunting in rivers. You alls is hunting in trees. So instead of trying to change each others hunting styles, we should practice our own."
She let anger filler her voice toward the end, but her tail was quivering. A sure sign she was nervous.
A wave of relief hit her as Hazelstar started the Gatherings. Maybe these Mousebrains would shut up now and she wouldn't have to claw someone's ear off.[/center]

Cloudpaw

[/color][/font]
Fighting the storm inside

Cloudpaw looked at the apprentice and saw she was shaking. He started to feel really back and padded over next to her sitting beside her his fur pressed softly against hers.
"Hey, it's okay. i didn't.....i didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry." he mewed softly ducking his head a little. "I forgot most cats don't know what it's like yet. I shouldn't have said anything."
he looked at Ravenpaw again then at Rainflight. These two seemed really close, and Ravenpaw didn't look much over six moons. Maybe he would become her first friend outside the clans.
Cloudpaw's attention was turned to where the leaders were and listened as Hazelstar spoke. He was about to settle down with Ravenpaw when realization hit him. He was a medicine cat apprentice! not a Warrior apprentice.
"I'm sorry Ravenpaw, but i got to go. Maybe we can meet after the Gathering." he mewed and gently pressed his head against the black apprentices shoulder before darting through the crowd.
After a few "I'm sorry"s and "Excuse me"s Cloudpaw finally made it back over to Heatherflower. He felt embarrassed in front of the other Medicine cats as he padded over and took his spot beside Heatherflower.
"Sorry i was late." he mewed softly to Heatherflower. He hoped she wasn't too mad at him.[/center]

<sup>Sorrelstrike
I'm a survivor, and I'll stay that way

Sorrelstrike was quite amused by the little fur-ball. It wasn't like him to get nervous. Especially since no matter what cat it was in RiverClan, he'd find some way to start or continue a conversation. But yet again, he couldn't blame him. For this was unfamiliar ground, and came with it unfamiliar cats.

Any newcomer would get spooked, even if it was just a little. Nudging Mythpaw she meowed, "Don't get your nerves in a bunch, kid, just pretend they'll all normal RiverClan warriors! Besides, you'll get used to everyone, everything. Even the most prickliest of warriors." With a mischievous grin she continued, "Even if one of those big warriors started a fight with you, they'll know after you've dealt with them that you're best of the best, right?"
Though many would consider that her words would get the younger tom into trouble. But she felt confident in him. Besides, she was still a kit herself in heart.

Quickly, she fell silent when Hazelstar's order rang through the clearing, a ripple of silence following. Whispering into Mythpaw's ear she murmured, "Though that'll have to wait. Promise me though that you'll be confident and show all the Clans that you're a strong, RiverClan warrior, alright?"


Riverstar
No matter how hard I try, I can never be perfect

Riverstar scanned the clearing below, her eyes flaming with pride every time she spotted a cat of her own Clan. Ever since she attended the gathering as deputy, she always remembered how nervous she felt when thinking of taking Swiftstar's place on the branches of The Greak Oak. And, of course, she was nervous when her first gathering as leader came around. But she still was bursting with pride.

Riverstar glanced at the leaders around her. Hazelstar, the oldest of them all. For her, this gathering must be an everyday thing to her. She couldn't imagine how used to she was to being on the top of the world with these gatherings. How long will it be, if she lived long enough, for her to feel that way?

Thievingstar, the second youngest leader. She couldn't tell what she would feel. She wasn't too new to the leader business, she was still less experienced than Hazelstar. But she was more mature and older than she was. She probably thought differently than her, and probably already got used to it. She already seemed she was leader for a thousand moons. Riverstar already found admiration for the she-cat.

Wolfstar, the youngest leader. He was someone she could relate to. She felt a vibe from him that he was nervous. Who wouldn't be? It was his first gathering as leader. It would be hard to see a cat not nervous from his first time standing in front of a crowd of cats from all Clans. Before the clearing was completely numb of silence she whispered with a flick of her tail to his ear, "Good luck on your first announcement. I know this must be nerve-racking to you. I'm still nervous!"</sup>

[/sup]

RAVENPAW
A bundle of sun shine

Cloudpaw's apology and movement didn't have that much of an effect on Ravenpaw. Her mind turned to Jaypaw's theory of thinking of her friends and family, and slowly thinking about them the fear wore off. "I-it's okay, Cloudpaw." she squeaked. She had scared herself at the gathering by some simple words, what was she going to do? I wish Jaypaw was here! she whined to herself.

Nodding in good bye to Cloudpaw, she called out her own good-bye "Bye, Cloudpaw! I hope to see you again!"

HAZELSTAR
I've been broken more than once.

As the chatter withered away into excited whispers, and anxious grunts Hazelstar finally spoke. Her voice was aged, but it held a certain poise. Something that she had acquired over the years, the knowledge and skill of a warrior faced with many mistakes.

"Windclan shall speak first." she meowed, loud enough for everyone to hear. Casting her fellow leaders a quick glance she was relieved to see that nobody disagreed with her decision. The heavy feeling of dread hesitantly left her shoulders as her eyes peered down at the sea of faces below her. Confidence drove her forward, a few paw-steps more and she was comfortably at the edge of the branch.

Chin held high she meowed, "As you all know, Stormsong, Windclan's former deputy has retired. He has served his clan to the fullest, and Windclan's thankful." A smile only he could ever understand was tossed across the island, directed toward the retired deputy. Together the pair had gone through so much as youngsters, and now here they were, former deputy and leader. Something they never expected to happen. As the memories faded the Windclan leader's voice grew loud once more,
"Suneyes is the new deputy of Windclan." Allowing Suneyes to be congratulated Hazelstar waited a few minutes before speaking once more.

"Prey has been as usual as any leaf-bare, Windclan is doing well." Dipping her head, Hazelstar padded back to her spot nestled between Wolfstar and Riverstar, her tail held high. For once this gathering was normal, they could speak on regular terms. There wasn't the fear of rouges, floods, nor wolves. It was peaceful, as her head tilted to the sky she was glad to see the moon shown bright. Not a cloud was in sight, tonight the truth would be held.

[/blockquote]

<sup>Riverstar
No matter how hard I try, I can never be perfect

Riverstar nodded in acknowledgement in Hazelstar's announcement. It must have been a hard decision, for Stormsong had been deputy since she was. She couldn't wait to see how the new WindClan deputy developed, and maybe, instead of retiring, take Hazelstar's place.

It was something Riverstar wanted to live to see. Having a new leader take her side in representation of WindClan. Hazelstar has taken rank as leader for moons, going through the worst of the Clans history. It would be nice to see a new face. But Riverstar would miss the she-cat she admired.

There was no hint of who shall go first, so she didn't know if anyone was willing to take the stand. Then when a brief moment of hesitation passed her, she decided to go next. Stepping forward she took a deep breath. There was much improvement in ThunderClan that she was proud to announce.

"Lunarpaw, Ravenpaw, Kestrelpaw, Jaypaw, Mysticpaw, and Silentpaw have all been apprenticed from their rank as kit. Some couldn't make it to the gathering, but most are here. Saberpaw and Toadpaw have also gained rank as warrior, receiving the names Sabertooth and Toadstep."

Riverstar waited for silence to devour the meows of acceptance. After a few moments of appreciation, Riverstar gave a startled jump when she remembered what she also has to announce. Sighing, hating to break the mood, she added, "There was also a bit of trouble Loudstorm and Kestrelpaw reported. There seems to be Two-leg activity near ShadowClan border, and I worry sooner or later it might spread. Is any of you experiencing any Two-leg activity?" Riverstar asked, tilting her head to the other Clan leaders.</sup>

Heatherflower smiled at her apprentice as he padded up to the small group of medicine cats. He had made it just before the gathering started. "That is okay, Cloudpaw." she whispered as Hazelstar spoke. "I'll introduce you after the leaders have spoken.

Just then Hazelstar announced Suneyes' deputy ship. Cheering with the other cats, Heatherflower was glad to see the new deputy get a proper greeting into the clan. She had been made deputy after the battle at the last gathering and though all the cats were still apprehensive, Heatherflower was proud to see the gathering go smoothly and the truth be held.

Suneyes looked up at the leaders, interested in how the gathering proceeded now that she was deputy. Someday, I'm going to be up there announcing to all of the Clans about WindClan... the thought stunned the she-cat, she was almost frightened at the thought of taking Hazelstar's place. Would she ever be able to stand in her leaders paw steps?

Before the deputy could think further about it, Hazelstar announced Suneyes becoming the new deputy. The calls and greetings made Suneyes' ears burn. She hadn't expected that, though she should have. Ducking her head in a respectful bow she whispered mostly to herself "I'll try and make you proud, Hazelstar."

The quick reply from the she-cat, and the almost hesitant reply from the tom made Loudstorm wonder about their relationship. What was going on between the two? But the ThunderClan warrior had imposed to much already. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked." before the ShadowClan cats could say anything, the gathering began.

When Hazelstar announced Suneyes' deputy ship Loudstorm's cheers had to have been the loudest. The tom was proud of his sister, and he hoped he could talk to her before the clans departed.

Yet his eyes didn't shine for long as Riverstar took the older she-cats place. The announcements were good, and Loudstorm cheered for his son and daughter. But when she asked the leaders about Twoleg activity, a large lump formed in the pit of his stomach. What would ShadowClan say? Would they take it as ThunderClan calling them week? Eying the two warriors beside him, Loudstorm wondered...

Ravenpaw listened to the leaders speak, the fear in her stomach slowly subsiding. She wished Jaypaw was here. Thinking of her family helped. But it just seemed to get worse. The little she-cat didn't know what would set her off or not.

The gathering was going well, all the Clans were doing fine so far. When Riverstar took Hazelstar's place Ravenpaw's ears burned as the Clan cheered for her. But when Riverstar mentioned Twoleg activity, Ravenpaw felt a chill run through her. What where Twolegs doing?

HAZELSTAR
I've been broken more than once.

Hazelstar's ears perked as the Thunderclan leader reported Two-leg activity near the border, Windclan itself hadn't experienced any sort of two-leg activity. Although they could nearly smell the fumes all the way back at camp, there hadn't been any sort of damage done of the Windclan turf. The brown she-cat pondered on what this could mean, where her anxieties about this land slowly becoming real? No. We belong here. The words etched themselves visibly within Hazelstar's thoughts, it was the only truth. They belonged here, right?

"Windclan hasn't had any sort of Two-leg activity besides what usual occurs during leaf-bare." Hazelstar meowed, "Although we have been able to detect their foul scent on border patrols." Fortunately the smells have gone down since Leaf-bare had approached, perhaps the two-legs couldn't withstand the cold and had left.

"Has there been more or less activity after the first snow-fall?" Hazelstar inquired curiously, the older she-cat was more then curious to discover what this meant for the clans. Was it the start of some doom to come, or was it merely two-legs being mouse-brained? As far as the she-cat knew, many different outcomes were possible.

BLAZINGPAW
Blazing like the coldest fire.

Blazingpaw watched as his leader cunningly maneuvered through the sea of cats and then she vanished from his view. Probably near the base of the tree by now, shrugging she decided to go find someone else to bug. As his eyes scanned the crowd, he immediately found a certain familiar black and white pelt. A sly grin hovered upon his muzzle, narrowing his eyes he quietly sneaked behind the she-cat. His eyes stared mischievously down at her oblivious figure. It was mere luck that Honeypaw was too engrossed with watching the gathering that she couldn't see him.

"Hey loser, mind if I sit next to you." he growled, his voice taunting. Without waiting for a response he rudely shoved her aside and sat down. Perhaps this was his way of affection, Honeypaw still was down about Lightningpaw's tragic death. Blazingpaw himself still hadn't gotten over the fact that he'd never see his brother again, but he'd never admit.

"So what's happening so far, I wasn't paying attention." Blazingpaw whispered quietly into the she-cat ear, pretending as if he hadn't acted so rudely before. "Did Riverstar finally admit that Thunderclan sucks?" he added with a grin.

KESTRELPAW
Let's Start A Riot!, A Riot!

If this were a cartoon then let's just say steam would be shooting out of Kestrelpaw's ears right about now. Fuming the she-cat did her best to fight back the blush that was tingling against her cheeks, "Shut up mouse-brain, or I'll rip off your tail." she growled. Her face was burning now, that was the only insult she could come up with. I don't have a crush on you! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!

Clearly more than pissed she decided the best was to turn her back away from that idiot and talk to someone else. Someone that didn't ruffle her fur quite as much, blinking she suddenly realized there was another she-cat here. A pretty windclan apprentice, "Hi, I'm Kestrelpaw from Thunderclan." she meowed, her voice was a bit bitter. But she was trying her best to cool down, her anger wasn't going to vanish in a second.

"So, what's it like being in Windclan?" she asked curiously, her tail twitched in anticpation, "Must be weird with no trees for shelter." Although her voice sounded a lot more cheerful and welcoming the she-cat could still feel Silentpaw's presence, and if he uttered another word she was going to turn around and claw his face off.

And then he spoke, "Unlike Kestrelpaw here, she looks like a limping badger when she's after prey." With a snarl she whipped around, rudely ignoring anything Featherpaw had to say. "You wanna go, mouse-brain!" Ruthlessly the she-cat charged forward, her fur bristling in anger. Hitting the brakes she skidded to a halt when she was a mere inch away from his face, "I'm going to rip your tail off!"

And this all started because Kestrelpaw couldn't admit to herself that she had an itty-bitty crush on Silentpaw.

[/blockquote]

Featherpaw
<sup>Birds of a feather flock together.

As soon as the leaders had begun to speak, Featherpaw turned her full attention to the large tree where they sat. Those Thunderclan apprentices must not have replied to her greeting because they felt the gathering was about to begin, and did not want to be rude by talking.

Hazelstar's words went through one ear and out the other; she knew what was going on in Windclan, duh. She made an honest effort to look attentive though, she did not want to besmirch the name of Windclan bybeing rude. Just as she was reveling in the fact at what a goody-goody-too-shoo she was, a voice next to her startled her out of her focus.

The she-cat she did not know had turned to talk to her, and when it came to socializing or being good, the first option usually won over. Turning to Kestrelpaw, she mewed quietly, Oh, the spaciousness is just divine, and---" before she could whisper a complete reply, the fellow apprentice turned away. 'Well, Thunderclan cats sure are rude,' she thought in disgust. Featherpaw winced as Kestrelpaw boisterously began calling out Silentpaw. At a gathering, while the leaders were speaking...she stared at the duo in astonishment, then backed away several pawsteps so she wouldn't look as if she was involved in the quarrel.

"She should meet Rootpaw. Those two would get along real well." Featherpaw muttered inaudibly.

Duskpaw
All that is required for evil to prevail is for the good to do nothing.

"M-my powers?" she mewed softly, sub-consciously aware that the gathering was starting around her. She couldn't hear the leader's announcements over the hammering of her heart. She had to quickly remind herself that she could not look weak infront of Spiritpaw, stammering and what not. But the last thing in the world she wanted to tell him was that she knew when and how he would die.

"I'm not so sure myself," she whispered, "but I think it may involve...uhh...a connection with Starclan. But different than that of a medicine cat..." she added quickly, embarrassed that she had to lie to him. "We ought to be listening to the gathering, now shouldn't we?" she mewed in an effort to change the subject.

Suddenly paying attention, Duskpaw was able to hear a bit of what Riverstar had said. "The reek of Two-legs is always strong in Shadowclan, but not so much in leaf-bare. I wonder what's causing it?" she inquired politely. Glancing up at the leaders of the four clans, she shuddered. Nightstalker could use me so easy... she thought anxiously, I would be his secret weapon, the key to power with the knowledge of how each leader will die; no. I will not be used like a gullible kit, I won't! Never Nightstalker, in your wildest dreams! She screamed the words in her head, as if the dark cat could hear her.

Never...</sup>