Writing Prompt!
Username: Shadowflight13
Clan Thread: Cometclan
Prompt Writing: (536/600 words)
Smokestar leaped up onto the ledge on the main cave and turned to face her tiny Clan. They only had five cats, including herself, and they gathered below. Briarstrike gave her an assuring smile. This was Smokestar's first time holding a serious Clan meeting. Since everyone was already gathered, there was no need to call them. She took a deep breath and began.
"As you all know, a group of cats have taken up residence in our territory. My attempts at contact have been largely ignored. We don't know how many there are, or what they have come here for." Smokestar flicked her tail, her voice gaining confidence. "It is clear we need more information. In the meantime, no cat is to go anywhere alone. That goes double for you, Dustpaw."
The Clan's youngest member flicked his ears but didn't protest.
"What are we going to do about them, Smokestar?" Honeycloud asked. "We can do what we can to protect ourselves, but we can't just let them stay here. We can hunt on the mesa for the remainder of greenleaf, but when leaffall and leafbare arrive, there won't be enough to share, even as small a group as we are."
"I know this, and I agree." Smokestar said. "With gathering intel in mind, I will take Briarstrike and Honeycloud with me, to try and make contact again. If that is unsuccessful, we will do what we can to learn about them indirectly, and perhaps find out where they have set up camp. But we are not here to fight. If we can resolve this peacefully, that would be best." Smokeheart knew that if it came to a fight, they would almost certainly be outnumbered. Even if they employed some of their less honorable strategies, victory was no guarantee.
"Driftheart, stay here with Dustpaw and watch the camp. If something happens while we are gone, retreat into the caves. Do not try to fight, you will be outnumbered. Do you know all the passageways?"
Driftheart dipped his head. "Yes, Smokestar, most of them. I will be able to lead us to safety, if it comes to that. But don't you think I would be better coming with you on patrol? I have experience dealing with rogues, from my past Clan life."
Smokestar smiled at her deputy. "I value your experience, Driftheart. But I need to know our Clan's future is in safe paws. Honeycloud is capable, but she is young. And Briarstrike is not known for her patience and caution." Her tone was light, and Briarstrike grinned at the comment. "You are experienced and will know what to do if, Starclan forbid, something does happen."
Driftheart nodded. "I understand. I will not let you down."
"I have faith in you, Driftheart. In all of you." Smokestar met the eyes of each Clan member in turn. "We will get through this."
A small murmur of ascension went through the small group.
Smokestar nodded, glancing over her small family. "That will be all. Everyone, please, be careful." She leaped down from the ledge and touched her nose to Briarstrike's cheek in a brief show of affection. Then she stepped back. "Briarstrike, Honeycloud, with me. May Starclan light our path."