come ONE{come ALL}--WindClan Meeting.

[c e d a r *]

His heart pounded frantically. Now was his time to step up to the plate and tell everyone in the clan that they had lost both their leader and deputy. Everyone had known since a while back, but they needed to hear it. Sooner or later, a select few cats would be venturing to the Moonpool to allow StarClan to make the final decision. The big question was, who would end up as the new leader and deputy of the clan he cherished so much?

Rain dripped from his coat, chilling him to the bone. He had a good sense of time, but because he'd spent the last few nights sleeping so little, he was tired, and the excessive cloudy aura over him all day was just confusing now. Looking up to the sky, the tom blinked water away from his light green hues. He watched quietly as small, glistening raindrops dropped from his whiskers to the waterlogged grass that lay flattened beneath his paws.

It was time.

The male padded toward the looming High Rock that lay in front of him. He lowered his body into a crouch and sprang neatly onto the rock, digging his claws into the solid, cold, stone beneath him. He bit down onto his lip, opening his mouth. It was now or never.

"All cats able to catch their own prey, please step forward near the High Rock for a clan meeting!" he called out. Despite the emptiness of the clearing, the thudding of rain and the all around cloudy atmosphere, his voice seemed dulled. It still rang out, but it wasn't full of clarity like he'd liked it to be full of. He would need to explain what was going on, but he patiently awaited for the other cats to approach the rock. Pursing his lips, he waited a few more minutes before saying what was needed to be said.

He took a deep breath. Here goes..the male thought to himself nervously.

"As you all know, we have lost both our leader and our deputy. It is quite an unfortunate happening, and we will grieve our loss tonight. We have other matters that are in need of discussing, though, and I believe I shall say, all who would like to consider becoming the next leader of WindClan to please step forward. We will be going to the Moonpool to sort this all out and allow our warrior ancestors to choose who rightfully deserves the leadership position. After that, either StarClan or the leader will decided who the deputy of our clan will be. I know this is a lot to take in, but I feel that this should happen quickly, for we do not want our clan to be run off because we have no real authority to lead us," he meowed loudly, making sure his voice was hard, but not at all in a mean tone. This was all seriousness.

The warrior waited for a small group of cats to join him at the base of the High Rock. He wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to leave right away or the next day. It was almost a full moon, but with all this rain, would they even have a gathering? Many questions wove their way into Duskfeather's mind, and he pushed all but the most important away. He needed to focus on the cats who were about to approach him.

[Fernear!]

There was no surprise found in the she-cat bundle of emotions today. Perhaps she would come by some during this overdue meeting. Swallowleaf was in a good mood from her earlier romp with Rowanwing, and it clearly showed... As usual. The female beamed happily as she made her way over to the nervous Duskfeather. She repeated his words in her head, tasting them from all different sides, trying to both make up her mind and stay calm for her friend. Duskfeather's worry was adamant to her, but his determination far greater. She respected this cat and hoped to see him somewhere in WindClan's hierarchy.

"Don't worry, Duskfeather. No one will be angry with you. Why, if you hadn't done this I might just have!" the she-cat whispered positively with a little chuckle. She looked on with her sage-coloured eyes, hoping to catch his. No cat but herself had arrived, though she could still hear the rustling of weary bodies inside the camp and around the brush.

The rain tumbled out of the clouds in bucket-fulls. The land was, and had been, sodden since early morning. The ambiguous sky showed hardly any more potential than more rain and discomfort. Unlike some of the clans, WindClan's prey was either in or out. For Swallowleaf, she would learn that it was out. She would have no hope of catching anything on the day of the full moon.

Another gathering was out of the picture. It seemed that the clans were becoming even more independent from each other than ever. Some clan would have to take the initiative to get everyone together again. Swallowleaf felt more than ever it would be her beloved WindClan. She promised herself to speak to the new leader about this later on.

Until now the she-cat had not thought about whether or not she should become, or attempt to become, the leader of WindClan. Sure it appeared as if she was liked within her comrades, but could she handle the duties that came with the title? Surely I couldn't... There are other cats much more fit than I! Her heart began to pound violently and her breath began to quicken in unison to her the beat. Her eyes were not pacing, thus her emotional reaction to her thought couldn't make a scene. Could she really not handle being leader?

00c: awwffuull Dx

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[Heathclaw]

(Aw, c'mon Fern. It's not awful. I've had to resort to much worse at times. XD)

"All cats able to catch their own prey, please step forward near the High Rock for a clan meeting!"

Rustlepelt heard the call from the camp entrance, a call that had not been heard for some time, and never by that voice. His tail flickered once or twice as he dropped off his soggy rabbit on the fresh-kill pile, leaving a trail of water in his wake. He'd given up on drying out his pelt a while ago; the rain seemed like it would never stop.

He approached the center of camp, recognizing Duskfeather's familiar silhouette atop the High Rock, and sat beside Swallowleaf, curling his tail around his paws. So... the time had finally come. It was brave of Duskfeather to do this, to stand alone before the Clan and formally deliver the news that their leader had gone.

Rustlepelt listened attentively to every word Duskfeather spoke, as the tom fought to be heard over the incessant pounding of rain. He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the green-eyed tom. Duskfeather looked tired. But, then again, so did they all. It was all because of this dratted rain, hampering their hunting and bringing the threat of sickness into the camp, making all the warriors work twice as hard. He glanced around at his fellow WindClan warriors, and felt a surge of frustration and anger at the whole situation.

Duskfeather had stopped speaking, and Rustlepelt promptly stepped forward, turning around to say what was on his mind. "No one can say that Rainstar wasn't a great cat," Rustlepelt said, his voice ringing with conviction. "And I have no desire to tarnish her memory. But I have seen WindClan suffering in these past few moons, being held back from what it could be by poor leadership. We have kits that are meant to be apprentices, and apprentices meant to be warriors. Organized patrols have become a thing of the past, gatherings have been missed and forgotten."

"Worst of all," said Rustlepelt, eyes now blazing. "After Dawnthorn, a new deputy was not named. This has broken the Warrior Code, and thrown our Clan into a maelstrom of uncertainty, like the storm that surrounds us at this very moment. Duskfeather is right. In times like these, WindClan needs a strong, true leader. If StarClan is willing, I promise you all that I will become that cat."

Having said his piece, Rustlepelt bowed his head to the rest of the clan, and went to stand beside Duskfeather, now allowing himself a smile at Swallowleaf's whispered statement. She wasn't the only one who shared that sentiment.

[faythe]

Rowanwing

The call. One that the broken clan had not heard in many many moons. The brown tabby paused from his lingering among the elders of the clan - he had been swapping stories - and looked up to find Duskfeather, Rustlepelt, and of course Swallowleaf gathered among the rain. His green eyes watched the troupe with a hint of annoyance, not at them of course but at the rain which had not let up for sometime. He glanced awkwardly at the elders and yearned to join these cats - although he felt foolish in the action as he had never be held in such high respect from the clan as they had. His jaw dropped slightly as he scented the air, a variety of smells erupted from the muck and rain, for after a time one could smell more than just the rain.

He stood, glancing an apologetic look at the elders - whom although interested in what the cats had to say - disliked the rain as much as he and cared not to "break" clan tradition when in came to meetings - only leaders called meetings. His ears pinned back as the somewhat dry self before stepping into the rain - again - soaked to the bone in less than an instant. A silent hiss threatened to spill from his mouth as he grumbled to himself about how much he hated the rain and then - with shaky, yet somehow confident, steps he glided smoothly to the spot where they were meeting. One step. Two steps. Three steps. Four steps.... each of these seemed like an eternity before he arrived. His feet slid and sipped in the mud more than once as he walked and each time it threatened to knock him over. Finally, half covered in mud he made a bee-line for a spot next to Swallowleaf (the most familiar and friendly of the gathered here) and sat.

Ignoring the mud was one thing, ignoring the fact that the of gathered cats here more than one held the arrogant aurora of confidence was a bit harder. He glared at Rustlepelt with annoyance as he spoke badly of their previous leader - Rainstar. Of course the cat would say such things - and others gathered might too - but he had missed whatever statements had been spoken besides the call for them all to gather. "A lot of good that will do you." He mumbled under his breath, not quite loud enough for the cat to hear over the rain. It was Starclan's decision to choose the next leader, and Starclan's mercy they would not doom them all with their choice. This tom had no taste for politics, but he stood in support of Starclan and wished to come, if only to find out when it happened, who of them was chosen.

"We cannot choose our next leader, Rustlepelt." He called with a hint of boredom echoing in his voice, "When Dawnthorn was not replaced, and Rainstar vanished from our ranks, we have been left at Starclan's mercy to choose the one who will lead us." ...whether it be to good or worse. From the four of them who gathered, the chances of WindClans secession going to someone he approved of looked good - well, he would approve of them anyway as he followed Starclan's will and decisions. Saying his part, he glanced around, surely they would let him come? They knew he was the least likely to be chosen as leader in the first place...and after all - unknown to them - all he sought was a sign from Starclan that this storm wasn't an omen...he knew storms, he had too because he hated them so, and this was no normal storm.

[c e d a r *]

The sound of the rain was so annoying! He was sure he looked like an idiot, his ears swiveling here, there, and everywhere, trying to listen to the cats and their opinions and the rain that seemed to be plunking the ground. It was everywhere, and he hated it. When the moors were drenched, spirits were low in WindClan and he was sure that when he'd made that announcement, he would recieve some unhappy comments. He took a big, deep breath, and answered all questions and comments in order.

He looked over at Swallowleaf, giving her a small and yet calm - as calm as he could bring to show - smile, nodding at what she said. "Probably better you than I," he rumbled with a small grin now placed upon his maw. His whiskers twitched happily as he looked around, listening to what Rustlepelt had said and what Rowanwing said back to the tom. Duskfeather nodded slowly, taking in each word said aloud.

"With what Rowanwing has said, what I find odd is that when Dawnthorn had disappeared, so did Rainstar a few days after - maybe even less time than that. Surely we haven't broken the warrior code," the warrior meowed, a small frown placed upon his gleaming features. His ears flicked off raindrops annoyingly and he kneaded the rock, he felt good on the rock, but he also felt like maybe he shouldn't have been on the rock. Was he good enough material to become the leader? He'd be traveling with the cats who felt they would feel right to become the leader, but he had no assurance that he would be in any part of the hierarchy.

"The decision of who will become the next leader and possibly who will become the deputy is now in the power of StarClan, and I'd like those who believe right to accept the choice of being selected for either to travel to the Moonpool with me. You see, if there was a leader to be chosen, it would be the easiest way. They would receive their lives there, correct? And maybe, just maybe, StarClan would be able to choose the new deputy. I'm unsure what will happen, but I'm fairly confident StarClan will show us the way. And maybe they'll tell one of the cats what's going on with the rain and whether to have a gathering. No one will know until this happens. What I'm trying to think of is when we should go. For me - I think it is in the utmost importance to get this sorted out in the shortest matter of time. Any other thoughts? I'd like to do this right away," he meowed, taking in a few deep breaths.

His heart was beating wildly in his chest, and his eyes were wide, looking over every cat in the clearing, resting them finally on Swallowleaf. Her positive attitude would get them through this - he knew it would. The trip to the Moonpool wouldn't be that long. After all, they were the closest clan to the Moonpool. It was the rain that would slow them down. The small stream that led up to the Moonpool could be swoolen and the banks overflowing, they wouldn't know until they made it up there.

After a few thoughts to himself, he gave himself a small smile. He was actually kind of excited.

ooc;
Whew! Sorry, he did a lot of talking 8'D.

[Heathclaw]

Rustlepelt was a bit taken aback by Rowanwing's reply. Had he been too bold? Did he overplay his hand in the heat of the moment, and betray too much of his ambitions? No, nonsense. There was nothing wrong with his ambition, which stemmed only from a love of his clan. Anyway, the words had been said, and there was no taking them back.

At the same time, he didn't want Rowanwing to stand against him. The tom was intelligent and very well-liked in the clan, and that gave him great power, even if he didn't know it. And, of course, Rowanwing was a fiercely loyal warrior, much like himself. Yes, Rustlepelt would have to tread carefully to keep this cat's respect.

His train of thought trailed off as Duskfeather began speaking again. Rustlepelt bit back a reply when Duskfeather mentioned the code; it had been broken, otherwise they wouldn't be in this situation. Perhaps Duskfeather was just trying to pacify the rest of the clan. At any rate, he waited for Duskfeather to finish before he made his reply.

"I have to agree with the two of you. StarClan needs to make this decision, and the decision must be made as soon as possible. So, I propose that we four leave right at this very moment, along with anyone else who believes they should be leader."

"However, we mustn't leave the camp unguarded," Rustlepelt added, turning now to face the rest of the clan. "We will need brave warriors to keep the clan safe until we return. With the weather like this, the only clan we can count on is our own."

Rustlepelt took a few pawsteps towards the camp entrance, and then turned around. "Rowanwing, would you do me the honor of walking beside me?"

[faythe]

Rowanwing

Ears twitched with interest as he listened to what his fellow clan members had to say. Swallowleaf had not yet said anything, and from the looks of it, it appeared as though she was watching those who had gathered with keen amusement and would not speak until later. Duskfeather on the other hand it would seem, had strongly agreed with the young tom. This had in fact taken him by surprise as he had not in sometime been taken seriously by those senior members that had gathered. Why, just the other day he was enjoying a mud fight in the rain with miss Swallowleaf! He held back an amused grin at the thought - something that lacked the correct expression in these serious times and might as well offend the cats. He nodded at his comment with contentment, it was about time that some of them had seen the logic behind his words.

Now Rustlepelt. Of course the tom had seemed surprised when Rowanwing himself had spoken up above his senior. It was out of character, a slight sign of disregard to Rustlepelt's authority over his own self. But alas, the cat was young and foolish to his own right, something that might someday come back and haunt him. For now, however it would seem his rash actions hadn't cost him as the more ambitious of the cats, the infamous Rustlepelt, spoke his own thoughts. Rowanwing nodded briskly, his green eyes - sharp with a thoughtful look - never leaving the males face despite the slight bob of his head. His face held a look of permanent amusement crossed with a hint of pride, the foolish emotion of pride would forever scar a tom as it was in a tom's nature to be overly prideful in one's self.

On the rain would pour, its cold reflection hung in the sky with a sense of sorrow and longing, each icy drop focused on ruining his day - of that he was sure - but soon, as Rustlepelt's final words of the moment had been spoken, did he seem not to notice it. "Rowanwing, would you do me the honor of walking beside me?" The cat would have stopped in his tracks at the comment, but for the moment he was sitting quietly within inches of Swallowleaf. His entire body tensed at the request - although it was not something he expected, he hadn't exactly thought it would happen. The black stripes that lined his face, nearly invisible in his current slopping wet state, hight lighted his carefully hidden expression. A blank face. Green eyes were bright with an onslaught of thoughts, a mixture of emotions, and just a hint of fear.

He let his body relax after a moment, there was no harm in the offer - save that something dangerous was lurking out on the moors when it came to crossing them with Rustlepelt and himself in the lead, followed by Swallowleaf and Duskfeather. The chances of that were quite slim, highly unlikely at that, for what would be lurking in the rain if the cats were under the protection of Starclan and in fact heading to the Moonpool. What did he have to loose? Deciding that it might be better just to obey the senior warrior's (to himself, not that Rustlepelt was old, but older than him) request he nodded silently. "It would be my honor, Rustlepelt." he sang, the voice of the storyteller hung suspended in the air for a moment - echoing off of the rain and carrying across the camp. Shocked faces peaked up from the gathered crowd, but he did not mind.

He looked to Swallowleaf and Duskfeather now, "As Rustlepelt has said, I think it also best that the four of us leave now." his gaze glanced around the camp as he spoke, voice still carrying with a sense of hope, "It has been many moons since Windclan has had a correct hierarchy, and many more may come if we do not make haste as the rain does not look like it will let up. Swallowleaf, Duskfeather, please come with us. That goes for any others who wish to step before Starclan's wrath and seek out answers." The tom paused, glancing at the three cats that had spoken their thoughts, he did not seek power - surely those here knew that, but Starclan's mercy, may they find the answers that they so craved when they got there.

For some, it was power, for others it was duty, for him - for him he only wished upon himself enlightenment and truth. He was once told by his mother that he would find greater things in life, at least he believed it was his mother - shortly after her death when a starry cat appeared before him in a dream. Perhaps he was only imagining that she had been sent from Starclan, but somehow he knew that they were watching over them. He thrust his head to the sky with a look of longing for a moment, then back to the clans, "We will be back as soon as we can," his own gaze caught with each of the cats that had gathered, "Please, until we return, keep the clan safe." He stood, moving to touch his nose with his former mentor, friend, and apprentice that had almost stepped forward in protest. His head dipped silently as they said their final goodbyes, for who knew what would happen on their journey to the Moonpool, or what would happen when they got there.

He turned again to this fellow clan mates, the ones that would make the journey. "May Starclan light our paths," his voice wavered now, speaking softly in quieter tones so that only they could hear, "...for their mercy and their wrath controls our lives." His words melted into the rain again, forever lost, forever spoken. It was no longer their decision, no longer just their own lives in their paws - but now the clans desires, hopes, longings, too. They would have to move quickly if they wanted to be back soon, the sense of time had been lost to the young tom himself - but the clan would miss them if they were gone for too long. He watched these cats - his friends, his family, his clan. Dear Starclan, please guide him to his destiny, for this cat had little to gain, and so much to loose. If only there was another way. If only...if only.

[Fernear!]

As the powerful argument raged on, Swallowleaf saw a different side to each tom in the crowd. Her tail twitched irritably after each outburst, not daring to open her mouth in case someone snapped at her. Her eyes were intent, seeing each angle of the situation. Her lack of conversation thus far into the meeting made her wish she had said something, perhaps she could have cooled down the heat of the trio. Not long after it had grown, her worry was dubbed when Rustlepelt asked if Rowanwing would fill the place beside him as they made their journey to the moonpool. She couldn't help but smile. She respected all three cats and would loyally follow them on their way to the sacred pool.

Her heart skipped a beat the moment Rowanwing chose a spot beside her, not too long ago, but then calmed herself down again as the intensity of Rustlepelt's ambition began to take flight. It was a different side of the long-haired male that had no doubt given her opinions a little kick. Swallowleaf had always, and most likely will always, see Rustlepelt as an assertive, smart leader with calculated plans and thoughts. His mind functioned like that that of a cunning leader. WindClan would become a fierce clan with him at the head of it all.

It was Rowanwing who counter-acted the passionate speech of Rustlepelt, whose words came after Duskfeather's rocky summon. Rowanwing was an all around fun cat, a faithful friend and a loyal warrior. Swallowleaf didn't know as much about Rowanwing as she'd like to, but knew that in the near future the two would become good companions. His mind, much alike Rustlepelt's, ran with acute plans with side roads to follow along the way. Rowanwing's relationships and comradery amongst the WindClan cats would create a clan living as one; a clan with morals far greater than it has seen in generations.

Then there was Duskfeather; faithful Duskfeather, whose history in the clan was as known as her own. Duskfeather had much of the same qualities as Rowanwing, and some of Rustlepelt's. Swallowleaf looked up to Duskfeather for his bravery, which was last tested at the start of this meeting. She saw his reign as leader starting out a little shaky but in the end, experience would prevail and make his leadership shine with brilliant colours. Swallowleaf respected him, she felt closer to him than any of the three current candidates. She could see the clan relying on themselves as much as their clan mates. She saw a well-rounded clan who was neutral with the neighbouring clans with Duskfeather leading them.

Her heart began to increase its pace, and she felt her face heat up. Could she have feelings for one of these lovely toms? She herself didn't know yet, all she knew was that their minds must be racing right now. I shouldn't be thinking about myself, one of them will be leader soon! The clan will benefit from any of them... Oh I can see it now! Hunting patrols, gatherings.. Seeing old friends! Learning more about them and the clan... It'll be a bright day, no matter what the clouds tell us!

When Rowanwing said his good byes and wished the quartet good tidings, Swallowleaf bounced out of her spot jubilantly. Her eyes had lit up like the rooms in a twoleg's nest. Her eyes drew towards Duskfeather's, clearly making note that she would speak to him about the journey, "well if they're going to be traveling together, I guess we shall be partners for the trip. I may not be praying to StarClan for a dream as you three are, but I will come to watch over you." She was pulling the old Swallowleaf demeanor: bright eyes, blithe body language and a clear air around her. It was obvious that the rain was no longer bothering her. It had been suns since she had something to ponder about so laboriously, and it was not only who would become the next leader of WindClan.

END OF THREAD

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