The decision has been made! (RC Meeting)

[Tikker]

The dark brown she-cat padded into the protected camp that was her home since the day she was born. The reeds from the water were placed in a few places around the border of the camp. The trek back home was rough. Briarstar had just received her new name, her old life of being just Briarheart was no more, she was now the leader of her Clan and she had some decisions to make.

Who would be deputy? That was the main question that needed an answer. In RiverClan there were many worthy cats to take a place beside her as the heir to the Clan if she were to lose all her nine lives. Dewstream or Silkgrass were very worthy warriors for the position, as was Larksong and Fawnfeather, or even Rainstorm and Silverfrost. But the decision was hers to make, she must choose who she thought was the best choice to help her lead the Clan.

Silkgrass and Dewstream were senior warriors, they were obviously a couple good choices, but for all she knew they were fine being warriors or else they would have traveled with them to the Moonpool. Fawnfeather and Larksong were very experienced warriors, they would make nice deputies, but it was something about every warrior that made her wary.

She didn't want an ambitious cat at her side, she wanted a trustworthy cat, although every cat was trustworthy, but only one cat would do. Briarstar thought about this as the group traveled into camp, the three warriors trailing behind her. As she led the way to the Pool Rock, she heaved a sigh as she leapt up to address the Clan.

"All those old enough to catch their own prey, join here beneath the Pool Rock for a Clan Meeting."

Awaiting all the warriors and apprentices, she watched as the warriors joined to one side and the apprentices to another, their eyes resting upon her pelt. The gazes made her seem small, as if she was a kit in the nursery again, but somehow it gave her more authority.

"As some of you may have guessed by now, I am no longer Briarheart, but Briarstar. Our warrior ancestors chose me as the cat to lead our Clan. As I had said earlier, RiverClan has gone to long without a leader or a deputy, and the time has come that we join the other Clans at the Gatherings once again."

She gave a quick breath, she had thought as long as she could for the moon was already rising, quickly at that. Her decision was a great one, and she hoped that her Clan and their warrior ancestors would approve.

"I say these words before StarClan, so they may hear and approve my choice..." he trailed of for a few moments, hoping the suspense wasn't killing anyone in her Clan. She gazed around at her warriors, her eyes resting on the cat she had chosen for a moment before looking at her full Clan.

"Fawnfeather will be the new deputy of RiverClan!" She yelled the words so her Clan could hear, and hopefully approve. She looked over to light-colored cat to see her expression but she couldn't tell.

[faythe]

Fawnfeather
The trip to the Moonpool began as it should have, the she-cat of course had gone…more to satisfy herself in doing the right thing than to become leader of her clan. Briarhea-, no Briarstar, had taken on that said responsibility. Fawnfeather, our young heroin of the moment, had not. But she wasn’t bitter…she had known it would not be her since the start. For a moment her thoughts drifted to the apprentices without mentors, ah yes, their new clan leader would be handing over those reigns to new mentors soon. She’d enjoy the chance at teaching another…it had been a long time since she’d actually gotten out to train one. A small smile crept into her features as the delicate light orange tabby with those bright blue eyes moved through out the camp. Her body, although light in color as it may be, slipped into the shadows as she moved with simple elegance – free of all worries and fretting for the time being. Her mind for once was rather clear…perhaps this time it would stay that way, but somehow the she-cat doubted it.

"All those old enough to catch their own prey, join here beneath the Pool Rock for a Clan Meeting." called Briarstar from above the Pool Rock. Fawnfeather nearly jumped out of her skin as the call broke the eerie silence that had settled in a comfortable blanket over camp. Walking with ease from the shadows she weaved her way from the dens to the Pool Rock with admirable speed, becoming one of the first to arrive at the scene, but perhaps that had been because she was already on the move…and expecting a meeting to be called before Moonhigh, as was the Warrior codes law. Bright-eyed, the she-cat waited among her clan mates for the announcement of who would become deputy. She wasn’t worried about the choice, Briarstar was perfectly capable of choosing a suitable deputy without needing her clan to hold the she-cats hand. She lingered among the edge of the crowd, close to what little shelter she could find from the fat rain drops that fell from the sky.

As the clan gathered, they sat in small groups…almost like cliques, all still waiting for the rest. Groggy apprentices rose from their dens, queens reigned in their kits, elders peeked their heads from the dens, curious on what this new leader had to say. When all had arrived, Briarstar began by announcing it was she who had been graced by StarClan’s presence. Fawnfeather bit back a sneer of hatred at the thought, Briarstar was her friend and fellow clan mate…but she herself longed to see her family again. Her head bobbed in agreement to the leaders words as she spoke of naming a deputy, now that there was a leader again. They could go to the gatherings again! Oh how she longed to make the trip to the small island that was the home of the place. She sighed softly at the thought and then turned her head again to watch.

Now was the time to announce the deputy. Briarstar began with the sacred ritual for naming a deputy, StarClan approve of her choice, Fawnfeather would have to approve of it as well, she was in quite the accepting mood at the moment. Then the call came – "Fawnfeather will be the new deputy of RiverClan!" The she-cat froze. Wait, what? Herself to become the new deputy?! What in the world was Briarstar thinking? She kept herself in check, just barely, as the eyes of her clan mates instantly found hers just as she stopped her jaw from hitting through the floor in shock. Hints of fear, surprise, determination, and a slight touch of sadness lit up in her eyes for a moment before she could ease herself into a more netural expression. Without a word she made her way to the Pool Rock, weaving her way through her clan mates as she did so. Hope made its way into her features as she came to stand next to Briarstar on top of the Pool Rock. ”I will try my best to serve my clan and my clan mates.” She promised with a softer tone than what she was used to. She nodded, then waited for the announcement of the mentors and the apprentices – what she had been waiting for – as she listened to the small cheers from her clan mates.

[andtheyflock]

[ LARK|SONG ]

and all the while i say too much of what i think,

and i can't remember what it's like to find meaning in anything

[/font]

Larksong slid, silently, into the clan behind Briarheart. The she-cat before her... she technically wasn't Briarheart anymore, but Larksong had trouble with names. She knew she'd be calling the chosen she-cat the wrong name for at least a moon. The new leader leapt to the rock and began her first meeting as leader with fluidity and grace; something the aforementioned she-cat had never noticed before.

She blinked, staring up at Briarhe--star (I'll never get that right, she sighed inwardly) as she spoke what seemed like carefully chosen words. Her hazel eyes watched the cat with intensity, every part of her waiting for her to say the deputy's name. Anticipation rushed through her, filling her to the brim as Briarhe-- whatever was silent.

After all, it could be someone she hated!

Larksong definitely didn't want that.

Fawnfeather? Fawnfeather! Larksong instantly sobered up, grinning widely. Fawnfeather was a good cat, and she definitely didn't hate her. Perfect choice, she thought, twitching her tail. Her head snapped towards the new deputy, wanting to get a look at her face, wanting to see all the emotions swirl in her eyes as she knew they would. And they did... but too quickly for the warrior to see. She pouted a little, then cheered for the she-cat.

Another female, huh. There sure were a lot of females in the clan... Soon they'd run out of males, and have to ask for the other clans to breed wth them. But then that would mess up the purebred blood of RiverClan! But, well, Riverclan couldn't die out just because there seemed to be mostly girls... Larksong blinked, trying to think of all the male cats in the clan she knew. Dewstream... Oh, and that cute little apprentice, Echopaw. Her eyes wandered, now, searching for that little bundle of adorableness. He was just so... loveable. Something about him, probably, even if Larksong didn't have a clue what his personality was like.

Sadly she didn't see him, and her mind wandered onward.

Briarstar would make a good leader, that was true, and Fawnfeather would be an excellent deputy. Well, from what Larksong gathered, anyway. Which... wasn't very much, honestly, but hey. She tried. She wondered, somewhat boredily, what the first action of duty would be. They'd been without a leader for a while now, and all she'd been doing was running. She didn't have an apprentice and, really, she didn't want one too much. ...Oh yeah, apprentices!

"Hey, Briarhe-- star, ar'you gonna give apprentices mentors soon?" She said it loudly, probably seeming obnoxious (which she pretty much was). And it was also very rude. Did she know this?

Hah, sure.

{blah, i forgot what i originally wanted her to think/say}
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[folf]

| ECHO + SILVER |


Echopaw rather liked the prospect of espionage.

The young tom was watching quietly among the grove of reeds encircling the camp. His breathing was controlled so as his hiding place rustled no more then if the wind was rattling their stalks as it blew by. As their stately shadows draped this way and that across his tabby pelt, Echopaw could only think of the ancient TigerClan fables, of their black-as-night stripes and how they found a way to use their shadowy markings for camouflage.

"I may not have their strength, but I have their stealth!" Boasted the apprentice mentally, and would have puffed his chest out in pride if the situation wasn't as it currently was.

But, back to the entire reason he was under concealment: observation! The tom couldn't help but frown as he saw just how few cats lay in the clearing. How many had disappeared in the past moons, swept away as if the river had carried them? Had RiverClan really once numbered so large it rivaled the fish on which they preyed? Echopaw could have shaken his head under the weight of his pondering, but he was left to resort to flicking his ears.

Just then he heard Briarh--star's call. The new, powerful name of his clanmate still felt odd on his tongue, as he was rolling a river stone around his mouth. But, no matter how awkward it felt, it wouldn't stop him from going to the meeting. Surely this would be the hour at which the Deputy would be named, and he would be given a mentor for the first time since he was apprenticed a moon prior. The last thought pushed the silver tabby out of his hiding place swiftly, and he padded his way across the clearing. Mind so caught up in it's own matters, Echopaw had forgotten about a certain issue--

"Darling, over here! Come sit next to mommy!"

Echopaw cringed, the fur lining his spine bristling.
"Oh, mousedung." The tom spat, driving his fur down as he dragged his paws over to "mommy", plopping himself down without even glancing at the silver tabby who immediately began to lick his fur down, purring loudly as she did. Any passing cat wouldn't be able to notice how close they resembled one another, from the frame to the fur to the eyes. In fact, their silver tabby pelts blended together in a way not unlike a herd of zebras.
Especially as Silverfrost hugged her son closer.

"Are you feeling okay? You're being sluggish again." Silverfrost meowed between licks, a concerned look crossing her muzzle.
"Not at all." Echopaw replied bluntly, and looked up at his mother with a plastered-on expression of joy. Her concern disappeared as quickly as it had come.
"Chin up, cats are more likely to approach you when you have a strong, steady gaze," The she-cat placed her paw under her son's chin and jerked it upwards.
"Yes, just like that! Now, look there, Briarstar is about to announce the deputy. I told you she was worthy of talking to, didn't I? Didn't I?"

"Oh, yes you did!" Echopaw meowed, finding it hard not to remember the times his mother forced him to go up and talk to the warrior-gone-leader. It surely had to be close to daily.
"Well, look at her now, she's leader! My taste impeccable, just impeccable."

Echopaw nodded absently, but it was enough to launch his mother further into her boasting. The tom resisted the urge to flatten his ears as she continued to whisper into them. Briarstar was trying to speak!

"Mother, please, Briarstar--"
"Shush, dear, she's about to announce the depu--Oh! It's Fawnfeather, Fawnfeather!"
"I heard myself, thank you!" Echopaw allowed the nastier words to be drowned out by a singular call of the new deputy's name, before focusing on blocking out Silverfrost's chatter; some about plans for Fawnfeather, some for him. The silver tabby frowned. How shallow could his mother be? Before this last minute, she had never give any heed to Fawnfeather...

Once again, however, Echopaw's thought were cut off. His eyes withdrew from his skull and focused on one slow, sliding creature: a snail. The sight of one, moving along steadily despite all the problems or difficult situations surround it, cheered him up immediately. Truly, this was something to look up to, something to study, someth--

"Disgusting!"
Echopaw could only gape as Silverfrost's claw fell quick as lightning, smacking the snail far, far out of sight. That is, until his mother shut his mouth as she simultaneously hefted his chin up for the billionth time in his short, short life.

[Fox]

Rainstorm watched Briarstar quietly, and listened to her name Fawnfeather as deputy. She smiled slightly, and nodded. Fawnfeather was a good choice, no doubt about that. The pair would do a great job on leading the clan.

She yawned a little, then got up quietly and padded to the warrior's den. She sat just inside the entrance, looking outwards. She didn't know if Briarstar was going to name mentors for apprentices yet, but if she was, Rainstorm would retreat into the warrior's den. She wouldn't be a good mentor. After all, Swallowfeather, her first apprentice, ran away to become a kittypet, though she was the only clan member who knew where he had gone.

She grunted in annoyance, ignoring her thoughts, and focused on Briarstar. Rainstorm now knew that Riverclan would be led into greatness once more, with such a strong and fair cat at their head. She smiled. Starclan certainly knew how to pick the best cats.

[Fernear!]

The cats were back, they had journeyed across the vast WindClan moors and up the turbulent river bordering ThunderClan. They came back in mostly good spirits, not letting the rain bother them. The grass around the marshy territory had been drowned. They drank every last drop of rain that they could before becoming too wet. The multitude of other plants were around the lake, and definitely would not provide much charity for the grass. They, too, were beginning to feel the wrath of the rain.

No sooner than the group had arrived, the newly appointed Briarstar called a meeting; quite obviously for the new deputy to be named.

The golden pelt of Silkgrass was seen slipped silently from her hiding place from the earlier mentioned lake plants. She had said she would stay, and stay and guard she did. Of course it was a lost cause, no WindClan warriors, no ShadowClan patrols and no loners or rogues were in sight. A lax frown was prominent on her maw, although no cat would dare doubt she was not working during her wakeful hours. Silkgrass made her way towards the crowd, picking out Fawnfeather, Larksong, Silverfrost and Echopaw. A mediocre number of cats. Silkgrass fired off remarks in her mind but did not speak one word as she made it closer and initially into the crowd. She sat by Echopaw, the one cat who would most likely not speak to her. There was always Silverfrost, though. She couldn't help but sneer inwardly whenever the she-cat came bouncing by like a pampered Kittypet gone Warrior... But she didn't know her, she hardly knew anyone these days, so she had no right to judge.

Deputy. The word sounded so regal, even as it rolled off your tongue. To be in such a position would be like being named the leader, but with tests upon tests to take beforehand. Silkgrass's idea of deputy would be so out of nature that she knew for a fact it would be impossible to comply with. Briarstar spoke strongly, she had already addressed the clan, after all. She was a quick learner and would do well for RiverClan.

The deputy would be Fawnfeather. The she-cat was skittish, perfectly fitting to her name but nonetheless a loyal warrior. She nodded, and even smiled, towards the bright she-cat. She, too, would benefit the clan. "Fawnfeather! Fawnfeather!" Her voice sounded off lowly, blending into the chorus as the female tenor. Next the apprentices would be given, such a fact would be obvious to any rank in the clan.

[/blockquote]

[Tikker]

The shock on the light-colored she-cat's face was what she was expecting and Briarstar knew it would come. The cats may think that Fawnfeather was only chosen because she was a friend and yet, that is not the full truth. Briarstar had gone through what she had known of each of her warriors, the fact that Fawnfeather was scared and skittish at times was the reason she was chosen. She most of all wouldn't have expected to become deputy while every other cat would have.

Looking around at the other members of her Clan, the amber-eyed she-cat spotted Silverfrost and her son Echopaw. Briarstar didn't want to be judgemental but she felt that Silverfrost was being overly cautious for her son. She saw that the soon-to-be apprentice was egar to get his mentor, she had thought about them while she awaited everyone to awaken at the Moonpool.

After Fawnfeather made her statement, she scanned the area for the last of the apprentices, and when she saw them she announced. "Now, RiverClan is in need to appoint their new apprentices. Echopaw, Twigpaw, Tigerpaw, and Falconpaw please step forward." The RiverClan leader watched as the five apprentices came forward, she watched Echopaw the most, his egar personality would be great for the mentor he would give him to.

"Twigpaw, you have already recieved your apprentice name and like the others have no mentor, that will be changed tonight." She watched the young tom, it looked like he was calm yet egar at the same time. Not wanting to keep the suspense any longer. "Dewstream, you are ready for an apprentice, so you will be Twigpaw's mentor. Dewstream, you are filled with strength and wisdom, and I expect you to pass on all your skills to Twigpaw, so that he may be a loyal warrior."

She waited for the two to touch noses before continueing. "Falconpaw, you will gain your mentor. Silkgrass, you are ready for an apprentice, so you will be Falconpaw's mentor. Silkgrass, you are filled with courage and strength, and I expect you to pass on all your skills to Falconpaw, so that he may be a loyal warrior."

Once the warrior and apprentice finished their part of the ceremony, Briarstar called out once more. "Tigerpaw, you are ready for your mentor. Fawnfeather, you will be the mentor of Tigerpaw. Your heart is full of determination and faith, and I expect you to pass on what you know to this apprentice, so that he can become a loyal warrior."
And now Briarstar was about to call out the mentor of the last apprentice. She could see Echopaw was as egar as ever to gain his mentor and start his journey to become a warrior. "Echopaw, it is time you got your mentor." She paused a moment before continueing. "Rainstorm, you will be the mentor of Echopaw. Rainstorm, you are filled with intelligance and endurance, and I expect you to pass on all your skills to Echopaw, so that he may be a loyal warrior of RiverClan."

After she had named the last mentor, Briarstar gave a sigh, she was finished. Leaping down from atop the Pool Rock, she padded over to Fawnfeather and her new apprentice of Tigerpaw. "So, Fawnfeather, do you think I made the right choice of deputy?" she asked with a hint of tease and a smile. She wrapped her tail around her paws and looked around, her smile becoming larger.


((I know crappy post and very bad ending! But hey I got it done didn't I XD))

[Fox]

Rainstorm froze. Briarstar chose her to be a mentor? Why?! Rainstorm stared aghast at the leader, but found herself walking forward anyways. She didn't want an apprentice! Still...she stopped and looked at the eager Echopaw. He was only an apprentice, but already he was as big as her, considering she was so small. She touched noses with him, then looked incredulously at Briarstar as she walked away.

"Er..." The gray tabby mumbled, looking back at her new apprentice. "I...um...I guess we better get started on training you." She said quietly, not quite sure how to act. "Uh, well, er...is, um, hunting good? I can show you how to fish, and all..." She mentally scolded herself. She hadn't been this awkward with Swallowfeather. She closed her eyes, then opened them again. "You know what? Fishing's boring. This is your first day as an apprentice. Let's start learning some battle moves. Up for it?" She smiled slightly, hoping that she looked encouraging.

[folf]

[ Echo + Silver ]


Echopaw was still mourning the loss of his snail (with a perfect forward jaw). Had the little thing even survived? The shells atop their backs were certainly hardy, but the idea of one hitting any form of hard ground sent visions of shattered pieces across his mind. His guilt wasn't helped by the accomplished look on his mother's face.
"Then again," The apprentice grimaced. "She's the one who likes squirrels!" He shook his head at the thought, and turned away from Silverfrost just in time to see a cat sit down beside him, but the tom knew by the cat's scent it was a senior warrior- Silkgrass.

Echopaw glanced sideways at Silkgrass, no more then a few seconds. Nothing worse then being stared at. Besides, it was enough time for the tom to figure out anything worth knowing. In terms of the she-cat, no efforts were being put forth for a conversation, and neither did one seemed to be desired.
"Fine by me." Thought the tom, simply nodding towards the warrior and looking back at the Pool Rock; Briarstar was just beginning the proceedings for the apprentice ceremonies! Unfortunately, his mother was none so silent, and immediately encircled Silkgrass into her... conversation.

"Oh, Silkgrass, good afternoon! I was just telling Echopaw here all about how I just knew Briarhea-- ooh, excuse me, star!-- would be leader one day. Though, I had no idea Fawnfeather would be deputy. Quite honestly I though you or Dewstream were shoe-ins, you know? Of course you do..." The she-cat's hushed meows streamed out of her muzzle as relentlessly as the river itself. Echopaw did his best to filter her out through his tabby ears, but Silverforst's words still entangled with Briarstar's.

"Now, Oh my goodness, the apprentices! RiverClan is in need to appoint their new apprentices. Oh, Silkgrass, my son's getting a mentor!. Echopaw, That's you darling, that's you! Twigpaw, Tigerpaw, and I hope you get a good one, Falconpaw please step forward. or I'll take it right up to Briarstar!"

Soon his own thoughts were drowning out his mother's babbles, most importantly: Why in StarClan do I have to go up there? Echopaw flattened his ears at the idea of standing for everyone to see, herded up with the rest of the apprentices to stand and look even vaguely excited as Briarstar listed this or that virtue of each mentor. Joy.

"Well," The tom proclaimed mentally, beginning to puff out his chest. "I'll sooner be eaten by a fish then go up there! In fact--"

"Sweety, do you want me to walk up there with you?"

The fish in the river were pretty big, after all.

Echopaw dashed away barely after Silverfrost had completed her offer. Skidding not-so-politely to a halt under the Pool Rock, the tom quickly licked down his tabby fur as Briarstar progressed down the line. His position in last gave him enough time so, when Briarstar finally reached him, he looked mildly groomed.

"Rainstorm, you will be the mentor of Echopaw."

He pricked his ears, and scanned the small crowd. Rainstorm, Rainstorm...ah! The she-cat was already padding to touch noses with him, and Echopaw was surprised to see he was almost as big as her, if not nearly as muscular. As his new mentor bent down to fulfill her part of the ceremony, he couldn't help but study her. She seemed worried, maybe even frantic or regretful.

Does she even want to be a mentor? The thought caused the tom to take a step back a second too early as Rainstorm touched his nose.
"Mousedung. Some impression." Echopaw swore silently. But, if Rainstorm had heard, she gave no sign of it. In fact, she was already meowing as if nothing had happened. He couldn't help but notice her stumbling; she really was nervous. The apprentice opened his muzzle multiple times to try to put a consoling word or two, but he couldn't manage to fit it in. And by the time his mentor paused after what could have been a suggestion to go fishing, her words were far more stable.

And were suggesting battle moves. Echopaw couldn't help but stand a little straighter at the thought of learning to fight. However, he couldn't help but realize one issue...

"That sounds fine Rainstorm, but...shouldn't we wait for the ceremony to end?" He whispered back.

[Fox]

Rainstorm noticed Echopaw straighten up as she mentioned battle moves. She had made a good choice, then. When he spoke next, though, the silver tabby tilted her head, ears erect. "Ceremony to end?" She looked back and saw Briarstar talking with Fawnfeather. "Er...I think she's already finished." Rainstorm was a little surprised. She knew Echopaw was a generally observant cat, very quiet and calm.

"Come on then! We best get started!" A thought flickered through Rainstorm's mind, and she paused, warily looking around the camp. "Is your...mother going to come over?" She asked, trying unsuccessfully to hide the fact that she didn't want an encounter with Echopaw's mother. Silverfrost was about the opposite of Rainstorm, vain and just, a mouse-brain, though she would never say that out loud, especially not to Silverfrost's son. "Echopaw, would you like to go now, or would you like to see your mother first? I'm sure she's very proud of you." Rainstorm smiled at her young apprentice.

Echopaw was nothing like his mother. The young tom was completely different, and Rainstorm had to admit that she'd always liked his silent way of thinking. She looked straight at Echopaw, as he was her height. She wondered would it was going to be like to train this young cat.

((Not very good, but it's late. Sorry!))

[Heathclaw]

(Man Folf, those are some great posts. ^^)

Tigerpaw blinked sleep out of his eyes as he dragged himself out of the apprentice's den, head hung, trying to look presentable, but failing miserably. He was completely wiped out from that last night at the Moonpool with Minnowpaw, physically and emotionally. He almost thought that she'd died back there, and the trip to the Moonpool and back was more than exhausting. The young apprentice was only glad that the two of them hadn't crossed paths with the RiverClan patrol that night. That would have raised some awkward questions.

Tigerpaw forced himself to sit upright and listen to the meeting, although he couldn't quite manage to keep his eyes open. Briarstar was leader, he'd heard from one of the other apprentices. It was a shame; he'd liked Oakstar, but Briarstar would be a capable leader in her turn. So, the scent of the cat beside her must belong to the deputy. Fawnfeather, it seemed. That was good, Fawnfeather was an accomplished cat, and a capable replacement for Tealtide.

His ears poked upwards as Briarstar called him forward, along with Tigerpaw, Twigpaw, and Echopaw. It took his currently shot brain a while to figure out what was going on. Apprentice Ceremonies. He'd been here before, with these same cats nonetheless, though Minnowpaw had been replaced by Echopaw.

He sighed inwardly, remembering and missing Steelpool. Sure, his old mentor had never talked much, but he'd always felt a sense of accomplishment from working with him. At the very least, he knew that he wouldn't have to fear Hawkfrost being his mentor again.

He listened patiently as Twigpaw and Falconpaw were given new mentors, and then his eyes shot open as Briarstar named his mentor. Fawnfeather! The deputy! What a strange twist of fate. It seemed like StarClan was intent on making him fulfill his destiny of being a warrior, whether he wanted it or not.

(Aw, yeah, it's not that great. My brain is like Tigerpaw's at the moment. XD)

[andtheyflock]

[ LARK|SONG ]

woes are fleeting, blows are glancing,

when you're dancing through life

[/font][/size]

Larksong twitched her ears, smiling all the while. Finally the apprentices would be able to train instead of just sitting around. With excitement, she watched the exchanges, noting each and every emotion that appeared on their faces. Every step of which a cat faltered. And, most importantly, every cat and their apprentice or mentor, so she could attempt to remember who went with who. She probably wouldn't be able to.

She wasn't upset that she didn't get an apprentice, as she had not been upset with not becoming leader or deputy. One, she didn't want one. Two, she knew her situation. She was not the most... respected cat in the clan, a fact that she had realized long ago in a fit of depression. She had trouble remembering things and cats, and her thoughts didn't follow the same moon rising pattern that everyone else's did. Recieving her first (and possibly last, if things continued this way) apprentice had been a thing of luck; she couldn't remember if all the other warriors were taken or sick or something similar.

She stopped this line of thought soon enough, choosing it boring to go over the same rambling thing over and over in her mind throughout the course of a day.

Rainstorm and Echopaw would be an interesting pair, her thoughts suddenly decided. The former a hesitant, careful cat who wasn't ready to be a mentor again by the looks of it, and the latter struck her as a hurrier. He'd certainly rushed up to meet his new mentor. Her smile twisted in the name of a smirk, something that didn't happen often. Her tail, muddied beyond ll recognition if she wasn't the owner, wrapped around her paws. He was also still adorable.

Larksong, sick of sitting in one place for all of fifteen minutes, quietly stood and walked her way towards Silverfrost, who was obviously the young tom's mother. Thankfully Larksong remembered her name. Her paws squished in the ground as she arrived at the silver tabby, and her eyes shimmered.

"Congrats," She smiled, her smirk having disappeared quite some time ago, "It looks like he'll be a warrior in no time." Honestly, Larksong didn't know of Silverfrost's personality either, as she didn't know Echopaw's. No matter how friendly the she-cat was, she didn't have many. She couldn't remember any recent conversations with the mother, either... Hmm, She thought, guess I should talk to everyone more. And, beginning with Silverfrost, she would.

{ my posts seem to be repetitive. i need to have one with her not thinking the same things over and over. }
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[folf]

[ Silver + Echo ]


Silverfrost managed to keep a poised appearance- fur perfectly groomed, tail draped ever-so-lightly on her paws, ears pricked alert- throughout the ceremony. Truly, the queen felt like she was going to burst at any moment. She was amazed that none of her silver tabby fur was becoming ruffled with anxiety-turned-pride.

My son is a true apprentice," She thought exuberantly. "A true one, with a mentor!"

But that one little m-world sent her heart atwitter, just as it always had. Sure, the issue of who the mentor was important. Or how Echopaw liked said mentor. But much more importantly was if she herself approved. And most important of all was one huge fear: that this mentor would steal her son away! Silverfrost shivered at the mere thought. Echopaw was her son first, an apprentice second...

And for the matter, why was Echopaw still sitting next to her? The warrior looked down at him, trying to figure out his feelings. She was quite good at reading the mood, but her own son (imagine that!) was always a little tricky. After a few seconds of consideration, the answer was obvious: he was nervous! Maybe, just maybe, he needed help!

"Sweety, do you want me to walk up there with you?" She meowed softly, reaching her tail over to brush his shoulder. It wasn't a bad idea at all, actually. In fact, they would be quite the pair, standing up in front of the entire Clan, awaiting Briarstar's decision. But, before she could even touch her son's striped shoulder, he bolted, her vision dragged away behind him. Silverfrost frowned, but only momentarily.

"He's nervous- adorable!" She purred, the frown wiping itself off her muzzle as she watched Echopaw hurriedly washed his fur. Her amber eyes softened. All she wanted to do was yowl how much she truly, absolutely, completely loved him, but even she knew more then one reputation would be tarnished by that.
It didn't stop her from being tempted.

"Rainstorm, you will be the mentor of Echopaw."

Silverfrost's eyes cleared up immediately, and she began to cheer her son's name elatedly.

"Echopaw, Echopaw, Echopaw!" But beneath her words, her mind was buzzing. "Rainstorm? A good enough she-cat, and she must be edging on senior warrior. However, if my knowledge is correct, her last apprentice had ended disastrously...

"But she seems to be confident. To an extent." Silverfrost observed as Rainstorm made her way to Echopaw, and immediately began to talk to him. Quite a bit.

The silver tabby's eyes narrowed, and her earlier mantra echoed in her head: "Echopaw was her son first, an apprentice second."

She rose to her paws, and was about to head over to the Pool Rock to intervene when a cat padded in front of her. Larksong.

"Congrats, it looks like he'll be a warrior in no time." Meowed the younger warrior, a shimmer in her eyes.

"Well, it'd be rude not to accept such a compliment!"

"Thank you!" Silverfrost purred, her chest puffing out a bit in pride as she continued to babble.
"He's just the most amazing little tom, you know? He's so brave and smart and- oh!- he's just too kind! He'll be an amazing warrior, I just know it. Oh, I just love him! And look up there, look at his coat..."

--

Echopaw blinked in surprise, but it only took a quick glance over his shoulder and a second of listening to his Clan to realize Rainstorm was right: the ceremony was long over. His tail twitched once as he realized what a dumb mistake that was. But, just once. He wouldn't have gotten angry over such a thing, and especially after just meeting his mentor.

"Come on then! We best get started!" Meowed Rainstorm, and the young tabby nodded, pushing away the mistake. He didn't want a thing like that on his mind as he was learning to fight! Spirit lifted considerably from where it had laid before the ceremony, the tom padded forward a couple steps.

His mentor's voice stopped him: "Is your...mother going to come over?" Echopaw could only shiver in apprehension, looking across the clearing to where his mother was indeed rising to her paws, and staring directly at him. His fur bristled tentatively. Was she even going to let him train alone? Thoughts as such began to flood his mind, but they were silenced as quickly as his pawsteps had been stopped as Larksong began to talk to his mother.
Who, of course, immediately babbled back.

"Thank you, thank you Larksong!" The apprentice sighed in relief. He barely knew the older she-cat, but after that favor, he'd make time for at least a few shared words. The tom turned back to Rainstorm, who was in the same place...and asking more questions! At least she wasn't talkative in the same way his mother was, or this would become a disaster before one could say "mouse".

"Oh, no, she's talking to Larksong," He meowed, trying to pass on a nonchalant mood. "I'll talk to her when we come back."
"She'll do just fine being proud on her own." The tom mentally scoffed, and began to pad towards the camp's entrance again.
"Besides, I'd love to get out of camp as soon as possible, please, Rainstorm?" He added, looking over his shoulder in a way just short of begging.

And really, it was. Just for a different reason then Rainstorm may think.



(Thank you Heath, but look who's talking. c: Besides, if I'm so late in posting them, they're not worth too much.)

[Fox]

"Oh, no, she's talking to Larksong." Echopaw mewed nonchalantly to Rainstorm. She nodded, her eyes betraying her relief. Silverfrost was just so...so...Rainstorm wasn't sure how to put it. She wondered what Silverfrost thought of her being Echopaw's mentor. "Besides, I'd love to get out of camp as soon as possible, please, Rainstorm?" Her apprentice added, after saying he would talk to her when they got back.

"Eager to get started, huh?" She purred at him, thinking, Or eager to get away from Silverfrost? She started walking towards the camp entrance, and swished her tail at him, signaling him to follow. "Come on! Do you want to be a warrior or not? We're heading to a good spot I know, not far from one of the many streams in our territory." She smiled fondly at her apprentice. Swallowfeather was just as excited when I first took him to our training spot. I remember my mentor taking me there, too. Minnowsplash had found it, such a nice little clearing. I can't wait to start training Echopaw! The tabby she-cat realized that she was actually excited about being a mentor again.

Rainstorm's blue eyes lit in excitement and anticipation. Her claws dug into the ground, and her muscles flexed. She would train Echopaw to be a good warrior. She could tell that, unlike Swallowfeather, he would never become a lazy kittypet. He seemed hardworking and diligent, or at least, she was sure he would be. I guess it's time to find out!

[folf]

[ Echo ]


Echopaw's expression quickly spread to relief, and his fur immediately relaxed, his tail immediately stopped twitching. Rainstorm had agreed! And not only that, the young tom thought he could just catch something from his mentor- agitation? But it carried a positive mood to it, almost giddy. Rainstorm was no longer as reluctant as she had been during the ceremony.

That energy was empowering him by the second.

With his mother distracted absolutely by Larksong, Echopaw at last trotted through the reeds that surrounded the camp. He was no longer hiding within their rustling fronds, attempting to blend into their stems. No, now he pushed them aside with a gentle authority. His shoulders were none too broad nor his muscles toned and strong, but his spirit was swelling. The territory beyond still lay much a mystery to him, and he had not once had a glance of the training ground.

It was time to put a prompt end to that! Echopaw leaped free of the reed confines and onto the damp, rich soil that lined the waters like a fence. With Rainstorm as his guide, those sometimes placid sometimes rushing waters would no longer be foreign. The tom followed the current, presently smooth despite a few ripples, as it wound its way to the horizon. The tabby's amber eyes glazed over as thoughts of where it traveled, and who met its banks crossed his mind. The possibilities were endless...

He shook his head, ears flapping from the ferociousness. His mentor wouldn't be too fond of seeing him gazing like an elder across the horizon! He carried on.

"Perhaps after our session..."


( Sorry for the delay, Fox. :x Do you want to start off the board in the territory? If not, I'd be more then happy to. )