by /nyx. » Thu Apr 01, 2021 6:19 am
Username (cs + site): bmkmb
Clans: CascadeClan
Name of the Clan your cat/group is going to: CascadeClan
Which cat/group are you trying out for: Group 006. - Large Family
Birchleaf (Aerohaze)
Snowbriar (Hiemalmist)
Frostpaw (Kalsedonpaw)
Silverpaw (Errantpaw)
Echopaw (Jadepaw)
Sheeppaw (Embikpaw)
How will this cat/group fit into your Clan?:
After the disbanding of their former clan, the family members find themselves wandering. They cross through the forest and discover a city. It hardly takes time for them to note that they're far too used to bounding around the treetops to settle down as kittypets. They leave again once they catch their breath, fleeing for the countryside. A barn seems safe enough; the felines already there accept them with open paws. The apprentices spot trees in the distance and climb them; old habits die hard, after all. The twoleg farmers are nothing short of bewildered though they mean no harm. Laughter rings around the Estate, and the barn cats suggest that the family seek out a group known as the Cascade. After all, the Cascade climbs, and the Cascade is the closest thing to a clan within a fortmoon of travel. The family discusses it, and they all agree that perhaps it's time to join another clan...
The family prepares to leave at dawn, but the sentinel stops them before they go. "Wait," the sentinel tells them, for the Cascade will send a patrol. No need for the newcomers to get lost in an attempt to navigate the torturous Wildcries. When Frostpaw asks about said Wildcries, the sentinel refuses to share.
Soon enough, a patrol arrives to retrieve the family. They speak casually, amused that four different (former) clans make up the squad. Rhizomecinder speaks of bright skies clouded by trees long fallen; Toxinbright jests of claws and fire. Shoreabranch speaks of boats and prying hands while Birchleaf takes the lead to tell the family's own precarious tale.
Once the group reaches their destination, the apprentices are given permission to run off; however, all of them opt to stay and listen while the Cascade goes through introductions at a steady pace. Then comes the renaming: some are more hesitant than others to shed their calls, but the retrieval patrol members assure them that it's nothing but tradition. Halepen, the newest healer, stalks by and snarls that even Cascade-born members change their name from time to time. (He seems bitter about it for whatever reason. Echopaw, ambitious and also taught to heal, makes note to find out why.)
Names are given; names are explained. (Silverpaw takes offense at his; however, Pilferpaw comes by and tells him that, a) Silverstar can't name to save her life, and b) 'pilfer', 'pyrrhic', and 'astylum' are no better than 'errant'. After that, Errantpaw doesn't complain.)
Now, the family is welcome to do as they wish.
Formerly Birchleaf, Aerohaze sticks out of the Cascade like a crooked tail. His bright personality greatly contrasts with the usual seriousness of Cascade-born males. He's a tad insecure about his new rank though he hides it with a laugh and a smile. Rhizomecinder sees through it easily and takes pity; the tomcat had refused to ask for help when unsure of what to do. The other cascadors jest that Rhizomecinder has a new apprentices, which doesn't help with Aerohaze's dignity; he soon learns, however, that they mean well when they joke, and cascadors simply struggle with humor.
Formerly Snowbriar, Hiemalmist also sticks out when compared to the sharp-tongued mollies of the Cascade. Some of the skullhunters question her competency due to Hiemalmist's tendency to fuss about her easily-dirtied fur. When openly challenged to a spar by none other than Aldernight (deputy), Hiemalmist gives her all and just barely manages to tie. She thinks herself a failure, unknowing that Aldernight fights on par with the Torpedo Champion. When the skullhunters congratulate her despite the loss, Hiemalmist asks why. They explain, and following Rhizomecinder's example, Aldernight takes on Hiemalmist as his own "apprentice."
Formerly Echopaw, Jadepaw immediately attempts to join the ranks of a healer. She is rejected, however, and caught off-guard at Langsat's blunt dismissal. Frustrated, Jadepaw makes to sneak off at dusk, only to be stopped by Halepen who properly explains why her presence was ignored. Halepen then pulls the "I'm not an apprentice anymore; you must listen to me or else" card on Silverstar, who agrees that Jadepaw could be considered an honorary seeker. Jadepaw recalls Halepen's reaction when her family changed their names and finally asks why. The two bond over their healing knowledge and grudge against Langsat.
Formerly Silverpaw, Errantpaw is still irked about his name. Pilferpaw takes great amusement in this and practically adopts the younger tom. He helps Errantpaw embrace his rebellious side, teaching the feline all sorts of tricks (and Silverstar falls for each and every one of them). Eventually, Aldernight tracks them down and forces them to apologize (they don't; rather, they change their target to the stuck-up deputy). For the next few moons, all cats are recommended to check their nests before stepping into them.
While Jadepaw and Errantpaw have their fun, Kalsedonpaw (formerly Frostpaw) and Embikpaw (formerly Sheeppaw) are unintentionally left in the background. Thus, the two grow closer than they originally were. Somewhat bored with the lack of attention they're receiving, the two put their efforts into mastering the strange-seeming skills specific to the Cascade. Orchidpaw bounces along, happiness gushing out from her like a waterfall. She gleefully tells them that her own clan was disbanded but that her mentor helped her through it. Orchidpaw drafts them into helping with her "mentor celebration plan" where Kalsedonpaw discovers her curious creative streak and Embikpaw discovers his knack for reconnaissance.
Hearing of those skills, Errantpaw stops by to ask for help planning pranks whereas Halepen asks for help integrating AcornClan healing methods into the Cascade. Hiemalmist can't be any prouder of her kits for being productive; Aerohaze decides that he should also take the initiative and teams up with a few felines to teach them what proper, non-insulting, lesser-chance-of-misunderstanding jokes are.
All in all, the family fits in just fine; the Cascade's healing knowledge improves; the high-ranks are knocked down a peg; and mentors discover that their apprentices actually appreciate their services more than they let off.