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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2018 16:12:45 GMT -5
I said hey look Ma, I made it.
It was a brand new day, and Owlscreech had a plan of action.
Alright, that might sound a little lame, considering his 'plan' revolved around taking on his first apprentice, but it was important, damn it! As Shadowclans new leader, he had a lot to prove, and even more to live up to! He needed to show the traditionalists that he had what it took to be a leader, even if it meant checking the accomplishments off his list in the wrong order.
Owlscreech had spent some time in his den that morning, thinking over the rest of the naming ceremonies that needed to be done. He had made a few warriors and a couple of apprentices, but there was still a pawful of cats left. Dovepaw and Ravenpaw were two of the newest apprentices who had joined Shadowclan, but since they joined in the middle of the big move, Fallenfox had never assigned mentors to them. Then there was Goosepaw, whose mentor had died and, since no apprentices were truly training during the journey, he had never been tasked to another warrior. Lastly, there were a few kittens left in camp, and Leapingkit was definitely ready to become an apprentice. Sootkit was still a bit too ill, but her time would come when and if she fully recovered.
Once Owlscreech was confident in his decision, the tabby tom exited his den and walked the few paces to where his toes brushed against the lip of the Tall Rock. The sun filtered through the thick leaves overhead, leaving the rock pleasantly warm on his pads. He watched Shadowclan as they scuttled around camp for a few moments, truly appreciating the busy, yet peaceful, atmosphere that the redwood forest gave them. Owlscreech raised his head a moment later and cleared his throat before giving the familiar call.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Tall Rock for a Clan meeting!" 326 words
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Post by Mushroomstar on Dec 3, 2018 17:13:51 GMT -5
 Leapingkit Leapingkit was pretty happy to finally stop walking. They finally found a place to rest, though his family had been discussing things when he was trying to sleep. There was a new queen in the nursery too. Would they be his new play mates? Leapingkit knew he was a bit big now for a kitten but he wouldn't mind staying in the nursery. Still though he knew his father Raccoonleap was getting a bit anxious with him still in the nursery. His mother and father stayed with him in the nursery but they obviously wanted to retire after that long journey. Raccoonleap was constantly telling Hollowdusk about the urge to move to the elders den.
Leapingkit's ears perked up when he heard Owlscreech, or was it Owlstar? Their new leader's name was really confusing him. Was he suppose to call him owlstar or owlscreech? His entire family shoved their way into the camp after hearing Owlscreech call for a clan meeting. It sure felt weird to have clan meetings again. Leapingkit has never been able to attend any till now. He believed it was because his dad knew he was ready to become an apprentice so he kept pushing Leapingkit into view of Owlscreech. Leapingkit was greeted by basically his bff Goosepaw. Even though technically Leapingkit was his uncle he felt they were more so cousins, that they were on the same level. They gave each other a greeting muzzle and sat next to each other. Hollowdusk appeared with Geckodawn beside him. Meanwhile Peasantsong and Heronwatcher arrived a little later. The whole family was here...Well all those in shadowclan at least. Still though, Leapingkit got a little sad for a moment, there were 4 other kittens missing from this family. His sisters and brothers. He missed them...
Goosepaw
Goosepaw was still kind of tired from the whole journey. He hadn't even been able to train since the freeze started really. So many months of just wasted time, it was a little frustrating really. He was nearly of warrior age and was pretty much like a kitten out of the nursery when it came to training. He was behind, at this rate he wouldn't be getting his warrior name until Leapingkit was. There was a bit of bitterness in his thoughts but that was mainly because he had a lot on his plate. He was the son of Hollowdusk, he had big plate to fill with a father like him. His father of course wasn't holding Goosepaw to his standards being a bit soft to Goosepaw, but Goosepaw was determined to be similar to him. So the fact he was practically about to start over older than when he started was just a tinge bit frustrating.
Goosepaw walked into the middle of the camp as he heard Owlscreech call a clan meeting, he quickly saw his best friend Leapingkit coming out running over and sitting down so Goosepaw meet him there and they exchanged a nuzzle. Soon enough Goosepaw's father and mother arrived and sat behind them. Did any of the adults know what the meeting was about? Leapingkit hadn't ever attended so was it a ceremony? Goosepaw looked up at his father who was busy staring at the leader. A nervous look came across Goosepaw and he looked away only to be greeted by a lick from his mother. Father was probably just too distracted to look down.
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♡ Heronwatcher
Heronwatcher was pretty happy to have finally laid in a nest after moons of not sleeping in a proper nest. Maybe not she could deal with the monster know as her fur. It was so tangle from the journey because she couldn't groom herself properly. While the rest of her family, at least the older of the bunch were still not exactly aligned with the idea of someone such as Owlscreech leading them Heronwatcher was optimistic of the outcome. She was far more open-minded then Hollowdusk and Raccoonleap were when it came to traditions being bend or broken. Likely this was a reason why she and Mushroomstar were still on more good terms though still not as close as when she was an apprentice. Her ears shot up when Owlscreech announced he was calling a clan meeting. This thrilled Heronwatcher, it was a big step for this recent apprentice after all. Ceremonies can be hard theres so many words to remember after all! She bounded forward happily with her sister Peasantsong closely behind her. It looked like the rest of her family was there too which was exciting. She gleefully looked up at Owlscreech tapping her toes a little having a hard time standing still compared to her other family members.
| Hollowdusk was quite wary after settling down in their new found camp. Back in the old territories the camps were kept in secret where not many knew where the others hid. But here? The Towers knew exactly where they were and it was unsettling. It made it hard for the senior warrior to sleep because of it. Geckodawn had to help lull him back to sleep and assure him there wasn't anything in the trees watching them.
Hollowdusk was not happy with the new leader, he had nothing against Owlscreech personally, but from a political standpoint he disliked him. Not only had Owlscreech not been an official warrior, he also never had an apprentice, nor had he been next in line, and to top it all off he had not been chosen by his peers either. There were many flaws that scratched at Hollowdusk but they couldn't follow tradition it seemed anyway. After all Vipernose had been the one to foolishly deny her duties as the deputy to step up. Would she even be remotely ready when this cat died? Anger and concern plagued the tall tom's mind.
A calling for a meeting was heard and Hollowdusk left the warrior den with his mate Geckodawn to settle behind Goosepaw. Hollowdusk prayed this meeting would be worth his time. |
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Post by speckleleafblue on Dec 3, 2018 19:50:25 GMT -5
Dovepaw was lay down softly enjoying the camp, when the ears twitched hearing Owlstar's voice calling for a meeting. Curiously the sandy colored tabby padded for the group not sure what was going on.
Bluelizard quietly watches from the inside of the medicine den wishing he was out there,instead of being stuck inside.
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Post by Vulturesight on Dec 3, 2018 20:34:15 GMT -5
Whitesparrow
"Can you see, even without the light?"
The bright white she-cat would have been shuffling around the camp, simply just attempting to help out around the camp where she could. Bringing moss around to the different dens before the call of the leader caught her attention. A meeting was being held and so she would start her way over. She padded around the crowd for a moment before finding a decent spot near the back, a normal place for her since she hated being in a tight crowd or even in the middle just because of her blinding white pelt.
Her strange gaze would shift upwards towards the classic tabby male who was standing upon the tall rock in camp. She questioned what this would have been for but assumed that it might have been more apprentices needing mentors, after all there were a few around without one since the long travel. So now all she did was sit there and await for Owlscreech to speak what he needed to. |
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Post by xmetax on Dec 3, 2018 20:39:41 GMT -5
RavenPaw Silence is the blissfulness for the foolish
Black-tipped ears twitched at the vocals of Owlscreech calling for a meeting, the she-cat wondered if it was her time to even attend. Staying in the new den and sleeping sounds peaceful, but too boring for her to stay. However, seeing that Dovepaw had already moved to see what was going on, Ravenpaw merely shrugged and stood in her sister's shadow. Golden eyes landed on the pelts around them, they had endured so much, even when she and her sibling was taken in. With the exception of their uncle Vulture, she never truly understood his reasoning to hide in the shadows while he was there for them for most of their life... As far she could remember.
For now, this was her new family. Although at the moment she can't remember most of their names, she'll have to learn them in time because they've finally settled somewhere. Maybe where long-dead cats used to be, before the Towers. But, none of less, the cats seem much chipper here than when traveling and scraping for food. Much time spent of learning the customs and roles that the clan cats play, and plenty more to spend on some 'fun'. However, too many eyes around right now... And curiosity of the meeting is gnawing at her marrow as her gaze landed on the pelt that stood on the Tall Rock.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2018 21:20:13 GMT -5
I said hey look Ma, I made it.
One by one the cats of Shadowclan appeared from the edges of camp and made their way towards the tight circle of gathered cats. Owlscreech felt a brief moment of relief knowing that he called his warriors together at the right time, as every cat he needed was present, which in turn would make pairing up the remaining apprentices much easier. Shadowclan would finally go back to being normal.
"The Freeze was a terrible event for all of Shadowclan, and we lost many lives before and during The Journey," Owlscreech began, his eyes drifting over the small gathering of cats, but never lingering on one individual. "These past few months have been full of hardship and mourning, but it's time that Shadowclan rebuild more than just it's camp. I know that my becoming leader broke many of the rules laid out in Starclans noble code, and many of you may feel like your connection to Starclan has been severed, but I don't think this is the case."
Sweeping his tail through the air to gesture to the forest around them, Owlscreech continued. "The stars shine just as brightly in this forest as they did in our last before the snow clouds blocked our sights. Our new lands fill our bellies with prey that gives us the strength we need to not only survive but to thrive. Who, if not Starclan could have built a forest that held each of our requirements; plenty of space, shade, and even our beloved marshland, and all in our direct path out of the mountains. I don't think this is a coincidence, I believe Starclan walks with us now, just as they did before."
"It's my goal as Shadowclans next leader to restore our Clan to its former glory, which starts by building our traditions from the ground up. Every cat in Shadowclan, even if born of rogue blood, is a full-fledged Shadowclan cat in my eyes. Without the cat sitting next to you, many more of us would have perished in the snow. Every one of you has shouldered the burden of Shadowclan and proved themselves time and time again, and I think it's time we repay our youth for their courage." This time, Owlscreech took a moment to pause and catch his breath. His gaze traveled over each apprentice in turn before he spoke again. "After all, there is no greater honor than training to be a Shadowclan warrior."
"Today we welcome many cats into our ranks as proper apprentices and give them the training they need to grow into strong warriors. Ravenpaw, Dovepaw," Owlscreech turned his gaze onto the two siblings who sat side by side. "Neither of you are Clan born cats, and while you were accepted into the Clan as apprentices due to your age, we did not have the resources to assign mentors to you. I wish to give you the chance you need to truly learn our ways, and one day, join our ranks as respected Shadowclan warriors. Ravenpaw, Dovepaw, from this day on, until you've both receive your warrior names, your mentors will be Whitesparrow and Hollowdusk. I know that they will pass down all they know to you." Turning his gaze to the familiar, white pelt of Whitesparrow, Owlscreech smiled. "Whitesparrow, I believe that you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have shown yourself to be patient and kind, and I know you will do a fantastic job in training Ravenpaw." Turning to face Hollowdusk, Owlscreech stared at the tom for a moment as he wondered how he would react to this news. "Hollowdusk, you did a wonderful job at training Bluebell even though she was never your official apprentice, and I have full faith that you will teach Dovepaw all that you know as well." Owlscreech gave a small nod of his head and allowed the Clan to cheer, just like they would if Ravenpaw and Dovepaw had gotten their names for the first time before turning his attention to the next set of cats.
"Goosepaw, your last mentor, Mountainbreeze, died before she could finish your training. We can't waste any more time in delaying your training, and I'm sure you're ready to get back to work. Mothblaze," Owlscreech meowed as he flicked his gaze to the black she-cat. "You are ready to take on a new apprentice, so you will continue Goosepaws training. You're one of Shadowclans strongest warriors, so I know you'll pass on the excellent skills I've come to know you for." Once again, Owlscreech closed his mouth and allowed the Clan to chant for the new apprentice as they had before. "Finally, we have one last apprentice to name. Leapingkit, you have reached the age of six moons and it's time for you to become an apprentice. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Leapingpaw. I will take you on as my own apprentice." Truly, Owlscreech hoped he wasn't making a huge mistake in training Leapingpaw himself- but he wanted to prove to Hollowdusk and his traditionalist family that he had what it took to be Shadowclans leader.
The tan tabby leaped from the Tall Rock and touched his nose to Leapingpaw's when the apprentice neared him. He then joined his Clan in chanting his new apprentice's name. "I hope it was worth the wait," Owlscreech teased the young tom quietly before allowing him to be swept up in the Clan commotion as they welcomed the last apprentice to join their ranks. 921 words
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Post by Mushroomstar on Dec 28, 2018 18:33:15 GMT -5
Raccoonleap Raccoonleap watched as his grandson and youngest son were given mentors. It warmed Raccoonleap's heart greatly to see his family get back on their paws, but there was something he needed to do. He and Ferretstorm were far too old and tired to serve their warrior duties anymore. Raccoonleap watched as the two apprentices went down to touch noses with their mentor. This is when Raccoonleap stepped up and walked over towards Owlscreech and he meowed in a raspy voice "Owlscreech. I must ask you include another ceremony. Me and Ferretstorm are prepared to enter the elders den. We are far too tired and old to fulfill our warrior duties now. We wish to rest for our final seasons. I have given this clan a great number of kits, many of which are proud warriors...I have done all I can for my clan." He dipped his head and then sat back by his mate Ferretstorm. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2019 23:12:11 GMT -5
I said hey look Ma, I made it.
Owlscreech was standing directly below the Tall Rock, watching as all the newly appointed apprentices chattered excitedly amongst themselves, with immediate family, or their new mentors. Oddly enough, Owlscreech felt... happy? I mean- just look around him! He held the power to do this, to bring his Clan joy with just a simple reciting of ancient words. It was incredible!
The more he thought on it, though, happiness didn't feel like the right descriptor on his tongue. There was a phrase that seemed fitting, but Owlscreecg would rather die than let someone overhear him use the phrase "It warms my heart!" ...But perhaps he could admit its truth just to himself, in the privacy of his own thoughts. Even if it was a rather cheesy saying, and definitely not befitting what he thought his reputation was.
He couldn't be known as the biggest softie in Shadowclan.
A mrrow of acknowledgment left the tabbies throat as his attention was directed to the white and grey tom walking up to him. It was Raccoonleap, family to his new apprentice Leapingpaw, and Owlscreech suddenly found himself extra curious as to what the senior tom would say. Surprise likely flashed across Owlscreechs face as the words fell from Raccoonleaps lips, because of all the things he could have said, this was something Owlscreech was unprepared for.
An... elders ceremony?
Owlscreech didn't know the words for that.
There had never been an elders ceremony since Owlscreech had been accepted into the Clan, and a majority of the elders had died along the journey to the redwood forest. Maplefang had only taught him the words for the warrior's ceremony and made sure he still remembered the words from when he himself was made an apprentice. But... he couldn't say no to Raccoonleap. That would be like admitting defeat in front of the one cat you were trying to prove yourself to!
"Oh, of course!" Owlscreech said as if he had not just gawked at the older toms request. "You and Ferretstorm deserve to rest just as much as the new apprentices deserved their names." And with that, Owlscreech swiftly climbed back atop the Tall Rock and glanced out at the still chattering Clan. Fuuck, the young leader thought as he cleared his throat and desperately searched his brain for the words that wouldn't disappoint the Clan. "It turns out we have two more ceremonies to hold," Owlscreech said in his most confident voice, "Raccoonleap and Ferretstorm have approached me and expressed their desires to join the elder's den. They have served Shadowclan for many moons and have earned the right to rest and relax unburdened in our new territory." As he spoke, Owlscreech shifted his gaze throughout the crowd, hoping a familiar face would stand out to him and somehow- he didn't know how, and feed him the lines he needed right now. But there were only four cats Owlscreech knew for sure understood how little he knew about being a leader, and if he didn't think of something quick, every cat in Shadowclan would know he didn't know what the fuck he was doing. 519 words
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