Number of Cats: 17 | Next MoonCave Visit: Now | Pebbles: 57
Mod notes: No deaths yet please! And longhairs only please.◤
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{
Proof of winning Bluetbuzz}
The camp erupted into a whirl of claws and teeth. Loachtail and Birchfur tackled the nearest traitor, biting down hard while they battered her with their hind legs. As blood dripped to the ground she shrieked in surrender, so Birchfur released her. Loachtail followed suit, and the traitor fled to the outskirts of camp.
Birchfur scanned the camp, searching for Morninglight and Lizardfoot. He spotted Morninglight's distinctive pale pelt in the throng of fighting cats, and shoved his way through the crowd, glancing back to see if Loachtail was following. He saw her get tackled by a larger cat, and her blue eyes met his, telling him to go on without her. She yowled ferociously and began kicking at her attacker's belly. Confident that his mate could handle herself, he continued on until his paws met mud - soil wet with blood. Horrified, he looked on as Morninglight let Lizardfoot's lifeless corpse drop to the ground. Birchfur let out a wordless wail of grief as he tackled Morninglight to the ground, dealing blow after blow to the treasonous cat's head.
"Birchfur, stop!" Taimenstar rasped. Birchfur turned his head to the leader's den, where the ill leader stumbled out. "It's over."
At the tortie tom's words, Birchfur looked down into the lifeless eyes of Morningstar. His head was tilted at an unnatural angle, and blood dribbled from the tom's jaws. Silence had spread across camp as the traitors realized their leader was dead, and the fighting stopped.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the highbranch for a Clan meeting!" Taimenstar stopped for a fit of coughing before leaping up the tree. "This is not a time for fighting. We need unity now, if we are to survive. To all of Morninglight's followers," Taimenstar gestured around camp. "I offer forgiveness. We need all the healthy cats we can get, and if you swear your loyalty to TaigaClan your crimes will be forgotten. As for the dead, Lizardfoot needs to be prepared for burial. Morninglight shall be taken out beyond the borders and left for the scavengers. I will pick a new deputy before moonhigh tonight."
Birchfur spotted Loachtail walking up to him. She was missing clumps of fur, but otherwise seemed unharmed.
"The Clan's falling apart," she whispered. "How much longer will Taimenstar be able to hold us together?"
---
The eyes of the old in the blood of the new
Planting the seeds of a Clan in fresh bloom
Poison lurks beneath the soil
Beware the five-petaled flowerMothstar repeated the prophecy in their head, over and over, as if repetition would make the meaning reveal itself. Loachtail was unwilling or unable to clarify. An idea popped into their head, and they turned to Berrypelt to share it as they walked together.
"I don't know about the first part, but maybe she's warning us about a poisonous plant? Are there any toxic plants with five petals that you know of?"
Berrypelt turned to face her leader as she continued walking. "Well there's-"
"Henbane!" Wolfpaw interrupted. "Henbane has five purple petals, and it can make you really sick!"
"Thank you Wolfpaw, but try not to interrupt next time," Berrypelt sighed. "Yes, henbane can cause hallucinations, or even death if you eat enough. But I don't think that's the five-petaled flower StarClan is warning us about. You'd have to deliberately eat quite a bit of henbane to feel the effects, it's not something you need to be particularly wary of." Berrypelt looked to the stars. "No, StarClan often speaks in metaphors. The five-petaled flower probably isn't a plant at all. Wolfpaw, what do you think it could be?"
"A cat!" Wolfpaw cried out excitedly. "What if it's a cat with a flower marking on their forehead?"
"Perhaps. None of our Clanmates fit though, so perhaps we should be more wary of new cats joining?" Mothstar thought about how easily they'd let the starving loner Spots join a few days ago, giving them the new name Bergeniaspots. What if they ended up letting a dangerous cat in that easily?
"Maybe," Berrypelt replied. "But we might end up turning away more innocent cats than it's worth. Hospitality is sacred, after all. I don't think the prophecy will come to fruition soon, so perhaps we should figure out the first part before we make any rash decisions?"
Mothstar nodded in agreement, and the trio continued their journey back to camp in silence.
---
Goldenfeather awoke to moonlight streaming through the gaps in the roots and the conspicuous absence of his sister next to him. Concerned, he looked around the den, then spotted her in camp pacing around. He stood up, stretched, and padded over to join her.
"Something bothering you?" he signed.
Cloudtuft nodded. "That tom I met at the Gathering, Chad. I might be carrying his kits, and I don't know what to do. I was so infatuated with him, I didn't think about what the consequences of breaking the Warrior Code would be. And then he turned out to be such a jerk!" Her tail began lashing back and forth. "What a manipulator!"
Goldenfeather glanced around to make sure they were along. Most of TaigaClan had picked up sign language by now, so the two had to be wary of eavesdroppers. But the camp was deserted, save for the two siblings. "If you are pregnant, what will you tell Mothstar? We could try to find a cat to pretend to be the father - maybe Eagleclaw, he seems like-"
"No. If I'm pregnant, I'm going to tell Mothstar the truth." Cloudtuft was calmer now. "It was one big mistake, and I hope they will understand that it's one I don't plan to repeat. My potential kits never did anything wrong, and I don't think Mothstar will punish them for what I did either."
A rustling at the camp entrance signalled that Mothstar and the medicine cats had returned from the Mooncave, so Goldenfeather didn't have a chance to argue.
"You're up late," Wolfpaw observed, signing so that Cloudtuft was included in the conversation. "Trouble sleeping?"
"Yeah," Goldenfeather lied. "Nightmares."
The medicine cat apprentice nodded sagely. "I have them sometimes too. It's nice to have your sibling there to comfort you."
"Yes," Cloudtuft replied. "It really is."
---
The early morning light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Leaves were starting to turn their autumn shades, and soon they'd come spiraling to the ground. Prey animals were starting to fatten themselves up for hibernation, and for now it was easy to keep cats' bellies full. Alpinestripe's hunting patrol - Goldenfeather, Yarrowseed, and himself - had met with great success as they headed to the border. They'd already stashed away a couple squirrels and even a pheasant.
Alpinestripe spotted the silhouette of a cat on the border, and before he could react the cat called out.
"Excuse me? Is this TaigaClan territory?" she asked in a soft voice.
"Yes it is. Are you seeking shelter?" Alpinestripe brought the patrol closer, and got a good look at the newcomer. She had quite an exotic look to her - her black and white fur formed tight curls, and her ears folded forward.
The newcomer turned away shyly. "Not quite. I've been told you have my nephew? My sister, Skipper, died protecting him from a fox, and you took him in."
"She had curly fur like you, didn't she?" Yarrowseed piped up.
"Yes, she did. Her son didn't, though."
Yarrowseed turned to Alpinestripe. "She's telling the truth. The queen we found on patrol was a curly-furred brown tabby." Then, to the newcomer, she said, "What do you want?"
"I want to take him with me. He belongs with his family," she mumbled awkwardly.
"Alpinestripe, that's ridiculous! Tell her that-"
"I think we should let her talk to Mothstar about it," Goldenfeather interrupted, not taking his eyes off of the newcomer. "She seems nice."
"I think Goldenfeather has a point. We should let... uh, I'm sorry, I don't think I ever got your name?"
"It's Bluet."
"We should let Bluet try and strike a compromise with Mothstar." Alpinestripe gestured for the molly to follow the patrol.
Yarrowseed rolled her eyes. "Toms," she sighed.
The patrol gathered the caught prey and traveled back to camp in awkward silence. Alpinestripe kept looking back to Bluet, only to catch Goldenfeather doing the same, sending jealousy spiking through his pelt. He also noticed that Bluet had a bit of a stiffness to her walk, like she was in pain.
The camp entrance couldn't arrive fast enough. Alpinestripe padded through the camp entrance, followed by the other three cats. He spotted Mothstar sunning themself in the clearing, walked over, and explained what had happened on patrol while Goldenfeather and Yarrowseed deposited the prey on the fresh-kill pile.
"Alpinestripe, I can't just give a kit to any random stranger that walks into camp. You know that."
The deputy felt his skin flush beneath his fur. "I know but she's family, there's got to be something you can do for her."
Mothstar shot Alpinestripe a knowing look. "Pikakit is staying in TaigaClan. Bluet can stay in the Clan if she wants, but she's not leaving with him."
"I'd be fine with that!" Bluet piped up. "I'll go wherever I need to be to stay with my nephew."
"Then it's settled. Bluet, you seem tired, so I'll wait to perform the whole ceremony, but your new name shall be Bluetbuzz. Go relieve Nightsong of her duties in the nursery, I'm sure she's itching to start patrolling with her kits." Mothstar dismissed the gathered cats with a flick of their tail. Yarrowseed sat down with Mothstar and started some small talk.
"Let me show you to the nursery!" Alpinestripe didn't wait for an answer and, eager to impress Bluetbuzz, walked over to the biggest den. Inside Pikakit was playing with a moss ball, and Nightsong was looking very tired.
Nightsong perked her head up when she saw Bluetbuzz. "Ah, another queen? When are you expecting?"
"Actually, I'm not pregnant. Pikakit is my nephew, and I'd like to take care of him from now on if you don't mind."
"Knock yourself out," Nightsong replied as she stood up and stretched. "Feels like it's been a thousand moons since I've left camp."
Pikakit looked up from his game. "You're leaving?"
"Just to the warrior's den sweetie. Your auntie has come to take care of you now," Nightsong replied soothingly.
"'Kay," he replied disinterestedly and returned to playing with the moss.
Nightsong looked to Bluetbuzz. "Don't worry, he's a bit slow to warm up to new cats. He probably doesn't remember you, but I'm sure he'll come to love you in no time at all. I'll be taking a nap in the warrior's den if you need me, don't be afraid to come wake me if things get rough." With that, the older queen slipped out of the den.
The three sat in silence for a few minutes, the two adult cats watching Pikakit play. Then Goldenfeather poked his head in the nursery.
"Yarrowseed and I agreed to give Sunpaw and Pikepaw a break today. Pikakit, do you wanna go play with them?"
"Do I ever!" The kit perked up at the possibility at the opportunity to play with his former denmates.
"Well, they're waiting in camp for you!"
Pikakit eagerly ran out of the den, and Goldenfeather entered to join Alpinestripe and Bluetbuzz.
"How are you settling in, Bluetbuzz?" the ginger tom asked.
The curly furred molly lay down. "Just fine. I'm surprised the nursery is so empty." Goldenfeather shifted uncomfortably at that statement, but Alpinestripe didn't dwell on it.
"I noticed you seemed to be in a bit of pain while we were walking back to camp. Do you want me to fetch anything from the medicine cat?" Alpinestripe offered.
Bluetbuzz shook her head. "I've just got a little bit of arthritis is all. I've spent my whole life without herbs, I don't don't want to take them from someone who needs them."
"Are you sure?" Goldenfeather asked. "We can ask Berrypelt what she has to spare, you don't have to put up a brave face for us."
"Maybe later," Bluetbuzz conceded. "So, were you two born into the Clan? Or did you join, like me and Pikakit?"
The two toms lay down next to her. Goldenfeather shared first. "My sister and I joined just last moon. We wanted to be part of a bigger group, because we thought it would be safer than just the two of us."
"I'm sure your sister is glad to have you around. Family ties are so important." Bluetbuzz turned and looked to Alpinestripe. "What about you?"
"I used to be leader of another Clan. The Cove. I had to disband my group, because the territory wasn't safe. I took my apprentice far away, and we found TaigaClan. She needed to have peers around her age around, so I agreed to join."
"You sound like you're a really good mentor, always prioritizing your apprentice's needs," Bluetbuzz replied cheerfully.
Alpinestripe and Goldenfeather exchanged a look.
Is she flirting... with both of us?Goldenfeather's expressions changed from surprised to soft. "You know, Alpinestripe... I've always envied that big fluffy coat of yours. It looks so warm!" He moved over to the deputy's side and burrowed into his fur.
"Room for one more?" Bluetbuzz asked through giggles. Not waiting for an answer, she joined Goldenfeather in snuggling up to Alpinestripe.
Canarypaw will probably come looking for me soon, came the thought in the back of Alpinestripe's mind. But for now, he was going to enjoy every second of his time with these two.
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Actions Taken:
The Clan eats one pheasant and one chipmunk (4 servings)
Mothstar, Yarrowseed, Eagleclaw, Sablepaw, Owlpaw, and Sunpaw patrol the borders
Alpinestripe, Canarypaw, Nightsong, and Bergeniaspots go hunting
Goldenfeather, Pikepaw, and Cloudtuft go hunting
Mothstar trains Sablepaw
Eagleclaw trains Owlpaw
Alpinestripe trains Canarypaw
Yarrowseed trains Sunpaw
Goldenfeather trains Pikepaw
Berrypelt and Wolfpaw gather herbs
Berrypelt trains Wolfpaw
Cloudtuft tries for kits with Chad (NPC)
Mothstar requests a fawn classic tabby mink point warrior◣
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Leader:Mothstar | 33 moons | NB |
XLives: ★★★★★★★★
Deputy:Alpinestripe | 32 | Male |
XMedicine Cat:Berrypelt | 21 | Female |
XSkill Points: ✿✿✿✿✿
Warriors:Yarrowseed | 24 | Female |
XEagleclaw | 21 | Male |
XGoldenfeather | 35 | Male |
XCloudtuft | 35 | Female |
XNightsong | 43 | Female |
XBergeniaspots | 12 | Male |
XName | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
Apprentices:Sablepaw | 10 | Female |
XWolfpaw | 9 | NB |
XOwlpaw | 9 | Female |
XCanarypaw | 11 | Female |
XSunpaw | 8 | Female |
XPikepaw | 8 | Male |
XName | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
Queens:Bluetbuzz | 30 | Female |
XName | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
Kits:Pikakit | 5 | Male |
XName | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
Elders:Name | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
Name | Age | Gender | [url=link]X[/url]
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Ally Clans:SpruceClan | Ponz
Clan Name | Username
Enemy ClansClan Name | Username
Clan Name | Username
BordersNorth | LavenderClan | sharpshooter.
East | Clan Name | Username
South | SpruceClan | Ponz
West | HazeClan | Blue
Medicine StoreUsage guideYarrow leaves | x1
Fir needles | x0
Mugwort | x1
Hare's Ear | x2
Labrador Tea | x1
Bird Cherry | x1
Raspberry Leaves | x1
Cobweb | x1
Stick | x1
Prickly rose | x1
Honey | x1
Lingonberry Leaves | x1
Thyme | x1
Willow Bark | x1
Fresh-Kill Pile:Chipmunk | x1 | 1 serving
Pika | x0 | 1 serving
Squirrel | x0 | 2 servings
Medium fish | x0 | 2 servings
Big fish | x1 | 3 servings
Pheasant | x1 | 3 servings
Mentors:Mothstar | Sablepaw | 3 | Hunt, Battle, Climb
Berrypelt | Wolfpaw | 3 | Herb Recognition, Mend, Herb
Administration
Eagleclaw | Owlpaw | 1 | Hunt
Alpinestripe | Canarypaw | 3 | Hunt, Climb, Battle
Yarrowseed | Sunpaw | 0 | Moves
Goldenfeather | Pikepaw | 0 | Moves
Mentor | Apprentice | No. of training sessions | Moves
Deceased Cats:Cat Name | Cause of Death
Cat Name | Cause of Death
Family◣
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