Rise Summer Event: Dark Skies | Path 1 United We Stand

[CertainNorth]

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Answer writing prompts and drawing prompts for a chance to gain reputation points, which can be put to use buying fun items from our store.

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Each writing prompt you finish you will earn reputation points! For writing prompts to count they must answer the prompt in a relevant way and be between 400 and 600 words.

Completed writing prompt = 5 reputation points


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Drawing prompts are an extra way to earn reputation points. They are not necessary for participating in the event, but they're an extra challenge and something you are able to do throughout the whole event.

Finished, colored piece (fullbody) = 4 reputation points {X}
Finished piece PLUS partial background = 5 reputation points {X} (1-3 distint and unique objects.)
Finished piece PLUS full background = 7 reputation points {X} (4+ distint and unique objects.)

As per last year, objects will be counted in threes. Each extra cat will be counted as its own object. Don't abuse the 3 similar objects like 3 trees to boost your point count by making a background of only 12 trees. Detailed ground will be counted as its own object.

Just filling the space around the cat does not count as a background.

xx

Prompt 1 Story, Prompt 2 Story

[CertainNorth]

1. All site and Rise rules apply during this event.
2. Once you choose a path you can't go back; choose wisely.
3. All prompt answers are to be submitted via their respective form on their respective thread.
4. Once a new writing prompt it opened up, you can't go back and answer a previous one. You can jump in on a current prompt even if you haven't participated in previous ones.
5. Art prompts are open for the entire event.
6. You may only answer each prompt once.
7. You aren't required to do both the art and writing prompts; do what you're able.
8. It's suggested that you post your art prompt in a separate post if you don't do the art and the writing prompt at the same time. Editing your post with previous writing prompts will likely end up with the art not counted as it will be missed. On the last day of each writing prompt, any edits after the stated end time will disqualify your writing prompt in that post (at the time of judging).

[CertainNorth]

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You wake your healer and deputy that morning, your movements slow from sleep deprivation. They both give you concerned looks but refrain from asking, halted by the tired shake of your head. You lead the pair back to your den, and before you can sink back into the alluring comfort your nest your deputy stops you with a flick of their tail, "Who was in here? That's not the scent of any of ours." You can only sigh in return, waving the question off briefly so that you can finally lay down. Last night had drug on longer than you had expected, and you were exhausted. Once settled, your gaze flickers upwards to see both other cats in the den staring at you expectantly.

Neither seems impressed with the state you're in, and you can only allow yourself a moment of amusement at the thought that they look like exasperated mothers before jumping into what you have to tell them. "Hecate and her... Oracle were here last night." This garners startled looks, but you plow onwards before either of them can interrupt, "She told me the ancestors have given them a prophecy." The two cats facing you share a look before your deputy steps forward.

"Why would they approach them and not us? They aren't the rouges ancestors."

You can only shrug. You had given thought to that all night and couldn't come up with anything concrete on why they would do so, but there obviously must be some reason. Perhaps you all just didn't see it yet. "They didn't know either. But she gave me the prophecy they told them before she left."

Your medicine cat approaches then, sweeping their tail in front of them as they sit, ears forward. "Let's hear it, then. It must be important if she came all the way here to tell you." Your deputy nods in agreement, sitting as well.

Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you repeat the prophecy to them, the haunting words etched into your memory. You're sure, no matter which way this ends, that they will always be something you remember. You trail off once you've repeated it for them, and after a moment of tense, uncomfortable silence as they process the words you add, "Hecate said she'd be back in two days for our answer."

Neither answers this, looking troubled. You suppose that's fair; you don't know what to do either. You all had an unfortunately short time to decide. "You both can go think on it if you'd like. I think that would benefit all of us. We can meet here tomorrow morning to decide our path." Both cats give you distracted nods, wandering out of your den with undiscernable looks on their faces. You share the sentiment; all of you have a long day of thought ahead of you.

The three of you spend the day distracted and worried, each caught up in their own head, trying to solve the problem in front of you. You know your clanmates are worried because of the behavior, but they leave you be for the time being, which you can only be thankful for. The day passes in a blur, overshadowed by your dark thoughts and the prophecy hanging over your head. You curl up in your den that night, knowing what sleep you do manage will be restless and scarce.

When your deputy and healer creep into your den the next morning you've already been up for hours. You greet them, exhausted and wary of the day ahead of you. Hecate will be back sometime tomorrow for your answer; you need to make your decision now.

The two others join you in laying down, clearly weary themselves. "We have given thought," your healer starts, the hint of sleep in their voice poorly masked, "It is time to discuss."

You shift forward a bit, shaking yourself further awake. "I still don't understand why this wasn't brought to us, instead of them. But it won't be the first time our ancestors have spoken to them. They were spooked; there must be some weight to it if Hecate came all the way here to tell us. And... she may be young, but she clearly cares for her group. She was adamant that I understand that unity was what would help all of us; she clearly believes it."

Your deputy flicks their ears, frustration borne from lack of sleep clear in their movement. "But how do we know this isn't some scheme to benefit them?"

You and your healer share a look and it is them that turns to answer. "They have stuck to our agreement, and have settled in fairly well. They seem capable and willing to change. If they've extended this branch of peace to us, of their own will, we should see where it takes us. Allies are always welcomed. And if it is a trick," they shrug, "We still outnumber them. If it comes to a fight, so be it. But I would rather assume they mean no harm until they prove otherwise."

Nodding in agreement, you turn again to your deputy, allowing them to add further if they wish. They're quiet for a moment, clearly mulling over both your words. After a few long beats, they dip their head. "Alright. I can see the benefit of unity here, you won't find an argument from me. We can figure out how to tell the clan once she returns."

You all share nods of agreement, and your healer and medicine cat get up to attend to their own duties. There will be another long day of worry ahead of all of you, but at least you have your answer now, and Hecate will be back tomorrow. You can work out some solution with her then. You raise yourself, stretching as far as you can before giving your pelt a hard shake. You may as well distract yourself with the clan today. You'll all have a long day tomorrow.

When you flop into your nest that night you're more relaxed, the day spent among your clanmates doing wonders for your nerves. You can feel them creeping back in now that you're on your own, but you can't help but be thankful for the, even temporary, reprieve. You drift off wondering what tomorrow will bring.

You're awoken the next morning, thankfully, not by Hecate but by your deputy. You'd have been worried if the small she-cat had managed to make it to your den unhindered in the daylight. You pull yourself up, following at your deputies heels as they turn and lead you to where Hecate is sitting by the camp entrance, flanked by two of your warriors and one of her cats, who you're surprised to identify as Pan as you get closer.

Hecate gives you a curious look as you approach, clearly expecting her answer, even as Pan jostles her slightly to greet you. You give the young tom a greeting, in turn, getting a beaming smile in return as he settles finally by Hecate's side, and turn your attention to the she-cat in question.

"Well," she prompts, her tail sweeping behind her, "What decision did you come to?"

Your deputy waves off the curious stares of the warriors who had acted as guards, and send them to attend to something else as you gather yourself. They give you a curious look, clearly questioning your hesitance.

Finally, you take a deep breath, brushing off your anxiety at the decision and standing a little taller. "We discussed it." Your gaze slides over them to your healer who hovers by the entrance to their den. They give you an encouraging nod, waving a paw for you to get on with it. Your attention drops back to Hecate, "We're willing to work together."

The small she-cat grins, ears swiveling forward. "Thank you." At your confusion, she stands, flicking her tail in embarrassment. "You may have just saved both our groups, agreeing to work with us. So, thank you. I know you've all probably had a long few days, and that you're going to need time to explain this to your Clan. Meet us at the edge of your territory tomorrow at sun-high. We can discuss our plan of action. Bring who you need."

You're surprised at how sure she seems of herself now, even if rattled by what's going on. She's definitely grown in the year that's passed, and clearly is trying to be a better leader for her group. She even seems kinder to her clanmates. Perhaps your encounter last year had been what she needed to grow into herself. You can't help but wonder if shes mended relationships with some of the more strained interactions in her group, like Janus or Nike. Maybe you'd find out by the end of this.

You dip your head in agreement, watching as she and Pan exit your camp. You can only hope that this unity helps both your groups and that you're all equipped to handle whatever is coming.

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Prompt 3A: You have decided on unity. How does your clan take the news? Was there any certain reason that you chose to work together? As always, this is a personalized reaction of your leader and your clan to the events.

Art Prompt 3A: I'm leaving this open to you! Draw any scene from the above story, whether it be your leader meeting with your deputy and healer (or equivalent) or their meeting with Hecate and Pan, it's up to you.

Hecate | Pan

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End Date: This writing prompt closes at 11:59 pm EST on the 12th. The art prompt does not close.

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[b]Writing Prompt![/b]
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[b]Art Prompt![/b]
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[dimi.]

Writing Prompt!
Username: dimi.
Clan Thread: Silvercrest Roamers
Prompt Writing: "I have analyzed the words from our ancestors," Juniper began, guiding both Dove and Junior to the cliff atop their mountain. His blue eyes were fixated on the sky, his tail lashing against the ground to usher his two companions to sit. They lowered onto their haunches, focus locked on Juniper. "The prophecy seems to believe that we need to unite in order to save both of our packs. The stars are known to wreak havoc if their word is defied, so I believe our next move is to align with Hecate. Do not let her try to control your rule, though. Our survival matters more, and I'll be damned if some brat is our downfall." He said with a snicker as he rose to his paws, turning over his right shoulder to look at Junior and Dove.

"As for the earth rends?" Junior asked hesitantly, Dove following it up with an equal nod of curiosity.

"It undoubtedly means an earthquake. Our loving elder Carys has proposed that we instead move to the plains beyond our mountain for the time being. Staying on this mountain in the event of an earthquake could cause rocks to fall and smash us like bugs." Juniper explained. Dove huffed out, nodding her head.

"Junior. Go retrieve the troopers. Tell them to gather here. We are leaving now. Hecate is to arrive tomorrow, and we will meet her at the base of our mountain."

-----

After the voyage down the mountain, and curious mumbled among the clan, conversations ceased when Dove began to speak. "We the leaders and healers have decided to aid Hecate in the survival of their pack."

Silence. Some cats glanced at each other in shock, others in disgust. "I am sure some of you are surprised, but the stars said for us to unite. If we do not, I fear this disaster could happen even sooner. We will be staying down on the field for the night. I will set up a few patrols for food, and we will split it. We will act as usual; do not let this prophecy get to you. Trust that we will protect all of you like our own kin."

The cats, after hearing Dove, seemed to be less stressed than before. Dove was silently relieved, for the clans reaction was what she had been most worried about. "Meeting dismissed." Dove and Junior exchanged a glance, Junior deciding to speak first.

"Would you like for me to gather up some patrols?" He asked.

"Yes. Do it swiftly. My pack must not starve for the coming days."

[SHARKGVTS]

Writing Prompt!
Username: Altoviireo
Clan Thread: Voyagerclan
Prompt Writing:

"You JOINED them?!"

It was the middle of a clan meeting. Rosestar had decided to go along with the decision to join the group to save both of their groups, and a meeting was called to discuss the choice. Most of the clan had been on-board, and even Waspthroat reluctantly agreed. It wasn't her voice that echoed through the crowd. Instead, it belonged to a Dione who was known to be trying and argumentative. Rosestar narrowed his eyes and lashed his tail. "Badgerflower, if you have something to say-"

"I have something to say, alright!" The Dione sneered at him. "You young cats are trying to destroy our clan... First Crowstar, and now you!" She approached the front of the group. "These cats were the same ones trying to invade our clan moons ago! Did you not think about the potential consequences of trusting this group?"

Rosestar growled in frustration. He took a breath to try and control his annoyance. "Hecate is not a known threat to this clan anymore. She has become a better leader, and she wouldn't have come to me in the dead of night to warn me if she didn't see a threat to both of us."

"Well I won't have another leader destroy me or my clan." She snarled and turned to the group. "If anybody has an objection to this, you are welcome to join me." Nobody except two other cats dared moved, and even the other two Diones that joined her were very hesitant. "We won't stick around when the clan gets destroyed because of your negligence." She turned and stalked off, the two cats sulking behind her.

The cats watched the three of them before they turned back to Rosestar who no longer knew what to say. Cinderflurry cleared her throat. "As for the rest of you, if there's any doubt about Rosestar's choice, please have a CIVIL discussion with him. I will promise you this- nether he or I will let any disaster separate or destroy this clan, whether it's caused by the group or the Forest of Stars themselves."

Bruce stood up in the crowd. "Rosestar, I understand this is possibly in the best interest of both groups, but why did you choose to make an allegiance with them? Is this not a problem we can handle on our own?"

Rosestar snapped out of it. "We joined them because this is a common threat for both of us. All of our lives could be at risk, but maybe if we all stick together we can survive whatever is thrown at us."

Bruce wagged his tail at the answer. "We are a strong clan, but with them we can be stronger... I get it!"

The cats began to chatter, seeming to agree. Rosestar smiled. "All are welcome to ask me any questions they may have." He said as the meeting disbanded and he jumped down from the ledge.

-----------------------------------

Rosestar laid down in his den. It was almost sundown, and he figured he could try and get some sleep, since he had been sleeping very poorly for several days. He had began to close his eyes when Weaselstride barged in, pelt bristled and his eyes full of fear. "Rosestar! The Forest of Stars! They- They sent me a dream!" He practically yelled. The Titan shot up from where he laid.

"Weaselstride, please calm down..." Rosestar took a few moments to calm his panicked brother. "Now, tell me what the dream was about..."

[580/600]

[Wet Bread]

Writing Prompt!
Username: Wet Bread
Clan Thread: Brightclan
Prompt Writing:
Duststar looked to his clanmates after Hecate and Pan left. They all had a mix of emotions on their faces, many of them clearly had something they wanted to say. Duststar settled himself in front of them.

"Okay, I know the decision has already been made," Duststar announced to his trusted clanmates. "But now is your chance to speak. I want to hear your opinions, how we should go about this further, and who should come with the patrol." Vervainstrike, his faithful deputy, was the first to speak up with the clearing of her throat.

"I'm not necessarily happy with the idea of working with them," She started, clearly looking uneasy, "But I accept your decision. Especially if it's what's best for Brightclan. However, I do ask that you take me with on this patrol. I want to know what exactly threatens us and I want to keep an eye on Hecate and the others. I still don't trust them." Duststar nodded in response.

"Of course. I was planning on bringing you from the beginning." He told Vervainstrike.

"I want to come too!" Silverpeak called out, in his usual commanding voice. "I don't think we should trust those rogues for a minute. Your clan might be on the line here, Duststar, but you're also putting my family on the line too." He explained, with an uneasy look towards Polliwog, who was sitting by the nursery with her kits huddled under her.

"Which is all the more reason to keep you here. I need someone to be here to protect the clan, especially those who can't easily protect themselves." Duststar informed him. Polliwog, who looked troubled when Silverpeak demanded to go, looked a little relieved at Duststar's words. Silverpeak didn't look too happy but a glance at his mate and kits settled his fur a little.

"I don't think there's a reason not to trust Hecate and the others." Ptarmiganfern spoke up. "Yes, there is reason to be cautious around them in general, but I could tell just looking at Hecate that she's very scared of something. That leads me to believe that they're telling the truth and will work with us peacefully." He analyzed. Duststar dipped his head, processing Ptarmiganfern's words thoughtfully. He had a similar impression and respected Ptarmiganfern's abilities. He could also see that the tom's explanation had visibly calmed some of the more apprehensive cats in the group.

"I think Ptarmiganfern should go with you." Bravefern spoke up. "You'll need him to help read the situation and make sure any of the other cats' intentions aren't bad. You should also bring Sunnywish. She'll make the other cats feel less threatened by our group, but if something does go wrong, her fighting skills are no joke too."

"Thank you." Duststar responded, "I'll think on it some more. Does anyone else have something to say?" When no one responded, Duststar stood up. "Okay, now go about your duties. Whether there is a disaster or not, we have to eat."

Word count: 500

[MeltiTheDragon]

Writing Prompt!
Username: MeltiTheDragon
Clan Thread: Cascadeclan
Prompt Writing:


"Emergency clan meeting! All cats young and old, please make your way to Highledge as soon as possible to discuss very urgent matters."

A very tired, ragged looking Owletfur slunk up behind Campionstar. "At least you had the decency to not wake us up midday this time. What now? Rocks rain from the sky? Earth splits open and swallows us whole?" he grumbled, then spat. "And for Starclan's sake please tell me the rogues aren't thinking of taking our territory again!"

"Unfortunately, all of the above, at least for the most part," she announced, a wave of gasps erupting from the crowd. "Only thing you got wrong, was that they'd like to unite with us, not steal our territory." The uneasy couple of cats in the front row looked relieved.

Owlet was taken back. "In all the Stars, I'm good at this." He scowled, "I'm not seeing a difference between the two."

Campion sighed.

"Mottlenose, explain please. I've had one too many sleepless nights and I'm not keen on getting the words wrong to a prophecy like this."

The medic's prophecy was almost eerier than the visions she normally receives and attempts to share with them. Some of the older members seemed shaken by the idea of mountains trembling under the paws.

"And why didn't they give us the prophecy too?" Godwitflower inquired, gesturing toward the sky.

Mottlenose shrugged, looking a little guilty but also extremely bitter. "Not entirely sure."

"We don't have room for them!! Survival of the fittest, I'd say! If they can't survive it on their own, then so be it!" Teafeather yowled, lashing her tail.

Mallowwhisker and Tipheart hissed at the same time, "But this clan is a safe haven! Always has been, always will be! Unity is strength!" They looked at each other with flared whiskers.

"My vote goes for unity as well. Divided we fall, just as it was in the clowders!" Dustyclove interjected.

While Teafeather was initially against it, she was the only one to disagree with the majority. Begrudgingly, she admitted they had a good point on the safe haven front, and they reached the unanimous vote of uniting their forces.

---


A few days later, after talking to Hecate.

"Why, oh why, must it be sun-high?! Fox-dung, I'm tired," the cinnamon smoke complained, his paws dragging through the thick layers of mud and soggy leaves. He shuddered. Man, this had to be his least favorite season.

Campion sighed. "Owletfur...just be grateful you were actually brought along this time."

They left the camp with the leader's mate Godwitflower and the deputy's daughter Ivyleaf overseeing the clan. They had a group of eight ; the original four that talked with the rogues were one group. The other group was Owletfur, Mottlenose, Shadowfang, and Sproutsight. Why eight? Multiple of four, which was their lucky number. They had their highest ranking, old friends, and some of the best talkers the clan had. Perfect for smooth planning. They all stopped at their northwest border, staring at the rushing river in front of their paws.

Now, all they had to do, was wait.

[514/600 words]

[Knickknacks]

Writing Prompt!
Username: Knickknacks
Clan Thread: NorthClan
Prompt Writing:

“Work together? With those… rogues!?”

Lynxstar sighed resignedly at the dark gray scout’s outburst. He’d known this was coming.

“Yes, Wolfcall. Upon discussing it with Swanglow and Cloudgaze, we’ve decided that this is the best course- for both of our groups.”

“And you’re going to trust them- just like that?” Wolfcall’s amber eyes were narrowed, his disbelief evident.

“I believe, from what I have seen on Hecate’s part, that they are genuine. If it would make you feel better, though, you have my permission to keep an eye out for them in your patrols. Just don’t start any fights. Please.”

Wolfcall still looked mutinous, but he dipped his head in assent nonetheless. Lynxstar breathed a sigh of relief- he’d known the wiry scout would be the hardest to win over.

“I don’t like it much more than you do, Wolfcall,” Swanglow spoke up, looking as though agreeing with him was the last thing they wanted to do. “But Lynxstar has decided to ally with him, and I trust his decision. I believe Hecate is being genuine as well- and also believe that we can overcome them if it turns out to be some sort of trick. Better to be safe- if this disaster they told us about is real, it sounds like something we’d be better off facing together.”

“It’s real, all right,” Cloudgaze called, his piercing blue eyes sweeping around the gathered cats. “StarClan isn’t being clear with me at the moment- I’ve been hearing only murmurs at best- but there is something coming in our near future. Something bad. We have to consider that StarClan may have sent this prophecy to the Oracle first in order to draw our two groups together to face it.”
Lynxstar nodded to Cloudgaze, grateful for his support. The easygoing medicine cat held just as much, if not more authority in the eyes of the other cats as Lynxstar himself- his words would go a long way in helping to settle the Clan.

Moosepaw was huddled near Ptarmiganpaw, his blue eyes wide and concerned. Ptarmiganpaw, on the other paw, was bristling, his fur pricking with some mixture of anxiety and hostility. Knowing Ptarmiganpaw, Lynxstar thought, it was probably the latter. The young tom’s position on most things tended to be similar to Wolfcall’s, though the apprentice was younger and not as… logical. He’d probably need to be spoken to a bit more before he came to terms with their arrangement. Lynxstar hoped the young tom wouldn’t be outright hostile to the rogues, at least.

He himself… Lynxstar wasn’t sure how he felt, exactly. Apprehensive for sure- since Hecate and the Oracle had first visited, he’d been gripped by a sort of tense anticipation. Part of him hoped this would amount to nothing- no earth-shaking disaster to deal with. But he had a sense that whatever the prophecy foretold, it was real and dangerous and coming soon. He hoped this new alliance would benefit both of their groups- if anything could be done to prevent the loss of life, he was willing to do it.

[ajax.]

Writing Prompt!
Username: AJ.
Clan Thread: ThistleClan (again in my sig, weep
Prompt Writing:
AdderStar left his den in silence, following after SmokeWater as she lead him to Hecate and Pan. He shifted slowly, his strides slow but he was still able to flash them a small smile, even if it didn’t reach his eyes.
“So it is decided, we shall unite to make sure we have the strength of numbers” Hecate meowed, her eyes weary but also full of energy to show she was happy for this answer.
AdderStar nodded, sitting down only for a brief moment before he was forced back to his paws by SmokeWater. “You want to tell the clan I’m sure.” She whispered in a hushed tone. A gravely sigh left Ye chocolate tabby as he tore away from the two visiting rogues and headed toward ThistleTree.
It was a longer climb than he usually made it out to be, his claws taking more to react to the pull of his weight as he hauled himself up. He settled for a lower branch than normal, SmokeWater’s branch. But the she-cat didn’t seem to mind as she delicately perched herself at the base. HoneyWind followed, and the advisors clustered at the front of the crowd.
“We have decided.” AdderStar started before he cleared his throat, his voice scratchy as he took a moment to regain his words. “To unify.” He added slowly.
The rest of the clan looked just as tired, especially the other nocturnal cats, who loitered at the back of the group of cats. AdderStar understood them, all he wanted to do was curl up in his best and sleep away his problems.
Anxious murmurs erupted though out his cats. They only knew a small part of this mystery, that something might be coming. They didn’t know what might be coming.
“The prophecy that these two have received is indeed grave, and the only thing that I’ve heard of and can believe to possibly happen involved the earth.” He meowed loudly, finally gaining his strength. “We must pray to Vavhuus and Uida.” He stated with finality.
He leapt down, the shockwaves burning his muscles but he remained tall. “We must not let this discourage us. If only they knew the spirit we have gathered from previous hardships.” He yowled finally. He glanced back toward Hecate and Pan, but they must have gone already. He nodded in understanding. It was fine to him that they left, it was better to let his clan have some peace if they’re going to be spending a lot of time together. Strength in numbers, AdderStar knew that it was best to have as many allies as possible, no matter the past they all shared.
(441 words)

[kamelgirl]

Writing Prompt!
username: kamelgirl
clan thread: rimeclan
prompt writing: As the rogues vanished into the pines, Softsoot whirled on Eveningstar. Everything he hadn't been able to say before Hecate came bubbling up. "What was that?" he snarled. "You said we discussed this, but I'm not recalling any discussion about whatever just happened-" He broke off at Eveningstar's hard stare. Softsoot sat down.

Eveningstare turned to Sandstrike, who was sitting wide-eyed nearby. "Sandstrike, please escort them off the territory." The warrior nodded eagerly and raced out of the camp. As the sound of his pawsteps faded, Eveningstar's gaze swept slowly over the assembled clan.

Softsoot couldn't meet her eyes, instead shuffling his paws in the dirt.

"I'd call a meeting, but it looks like everyone's here," she said into the silence. With a flick of her tail, she sprang up onto the enormous stone that dominated the center of the camp. Pineheart, her deputy, stationed himself at its foot. The rest of the clan gathered beneath her, tension and uncertainty hanging heavy in the air.

Eveningstar looked down at them, eyes shadowed. From below, her expression was impossible to make out. Probably deciding how to phrase this without starting a riot, Softsoot figured.

"Two days ago, Hecate and her Oracle informed me of a prophecy," she said. "It speaks of the earth itself turning against us, and asserts that working together is the only way to save ourselves."

Short. Succint. Managing to summarize everything and explain absolutely nothing at once. "So why are you telling us after the fact?" Softsoot asked. "Why decide by yourself?" Eveningstar's gaze slid to him. Softsoot met it staunchly; he might have crossed a line with his earlier outburst, but this was important.

"In the end, there was only one answer," she said after a moment. "We must do as the prophecy requires."

But you didn't tell us, Softsoot wanted to say, but then Cloudfeather spoke.

"Is that why you went to Star Ledge yesterday?" she asked. "Did Starclan tell you to do this?"

Eveningstar regarded her calmly. The silence reached deafening levels. "No."

The clan didn't burst into chatter, exactly, but between the hissed whispers and baffled looks, it was much the same thing. Eveningstar said nothing to break the tension, apparently content to watch the clan panic.

Cloudfeather seemed entirely unperturbed. "What did they say?"

"Nothing. I wasn't able to make contact."

Someone sucked in a sharp breath. Softsoot didn't see who it was. "So why'd you just accept a rogue's word without even discussing it with your clan?" he called out.

Eveningstar tilted her head. "I discussed it with the senior warriors and the medicine cat. Even without the weight of the prophecy, we can't afford to alienate Hecate's group so easily. I believe that she's changed since we first met and has the potential to become an invaluable ally - if only we let her."

"What if the prophecy's just a trap?" Wrenfeather spoke up, expression uncharacteristically serious. "We could just be playing right into Hecate's paws."

"I'm no fonder of the idea of being under Hecate's paw than you," Eveningstar said drily. "It won't come to that. Is that all?"

"This had better not be permanent," Softsoot muttered under his breath. From the mouth of his den, North huffed in agreement.

"It won't." Eveningstar stood up and shook out her pelt. "Pineheart, I'll be leaving you behind to guard the camp. North, Lightpool, and Quietstep will come with me to meet Hecate. Meeting adjourned."

Even as the clan began to disperse, breaking up into groups to discuss the new development, Softsoot couldn't help but feel sick. Something terrible is coming. [600/600]