✦ Stars Catvent 2022

[Plushbunny]

↬ catvent day: seventeen

↬ username & id: Plushbunny + 858001
↬ clan archive: BlizzardClan

↬ word count: n/a
↬ prompt: during the non-winter months, these three friends grow herbs in a little garden! they're warriors, but it's fun and a way to help out the medicine cats.

[Whovian5EVA]

↬ catvent day: seventeen

↬ username & id: Whovian5eva 328762
↬ clan archive: Cats of the Desert

↬ word count: 337 words; n/a, if only Littlepaw and Finchpaw, were nearing the ends of their apprenticeships, and because of this they could be trusted to go out hunting and herb gathering, as long as they stayed away from the borders… With Zip on his shoulder, Finchpaw launched himself into a run, the two had slept in later than they’d wanted, and now they were deep into the night. The dark sky casting a deep blue hue over the red dirt of the plains. The two cats chased each other into the night. The stars sparkled above smiling down on the trio dancing about the plains of the desert. Twisting about each other, the two continued out deeper into the crater.
“Hey Littlepaw…? What is that…?” Finchpaw stopped dead in their tracks squinting at a shadowy figure, not too far from the two apprentices.
“I- I dont know…” Littlepaw followed Finchpaw’s gaze, she squinted trying to make out what it could possibly be.
Then she heard it, the dingo’s howl chilled her bones and sent panic pulsing through her veins. “Dingo!” She let out a panicked yelp. The two ran to the nearest tree, and scampered up it hoping to hide out until the dingo had passed…
Before long the dingo lurked closer, and thats when the two saw them, three small shadows lurking just behind the dingo…
“Are those… Pups?” Littlepaw whispered.
Finchpaw squinted trying to look closer at the tiny shadows, “Yeah, I think they are…”
Littlepaw sighed, “We can’t possibly chase them out then… Not now anyhow… Not in the season of togetherness…”
Finchpaw looked at Littlepaw shocked “but… won’t the pups grow up? Into three big dingos?”
“Soon, but I think we should let her rest for now…"
They waited until the dingo was out of sight before hurrying home. They went straight to Snowspark to tell him of the dingoes in the area. "We couldn't chase her out, we just couldn't!" Littlepaw exclaimed.
Snowspark sighed, "You made the right choice… Starclan has their ways at this time of year…"

[strawberrymwilk]

↬ catvent day: seventeen

↬ username & id: strawberrymwilk + 793492
↬ clan archive: knighted eclipse

↬ word count: 222 words
↬ prompt:
A warm spring breeze rolled over the land catching on the fur of two kits who found themselves rolling around on the edge of the forest.
“Let go of me! Admit that I won!” a ginger kit cried out trying to fight back against her attacker.
“Never!” the other kit, a seal lynx, yelled. The two continued their fight trying to assert their dominance over the other and win.

They were nearing on being 3 moons old. Most of their time was spent trying to prove themselves in the clan despite no one else taking them seriously. As Epona and Saga continued to wrestle the breeze picked up the scent of a third cat blowing it away from the two kits. A carnelian-colored cat weaved between trees making its way toward the commotion.



“Ahem” they cleared their throat looking down at the two to get their attention
“Mom!” the kits nervously squeaked out in union.
“I hope you two aren't fighting….” She paused for dramatic effect, “without me!” adelaide finished before leaping at her kits. The need to beat each other forgotten epona and saga teamed up to take down their mom.

By the time they had managed to conquer adelaide yawns filled the air. Adelaide laid down beckoning her kits towards her, “rest you two, you did a good job today.”

[LiLi041]

↬ catvent day: seventeen

↬ username & id: LiLi041 925966
↬ clan archive: eNUF

↬ word count: 558 words
↬ prompt: Santa walked along the road with Grecia cheerfully, telling him of the pranks she had pulled on the unsuspecting two-legs of her past life. "They were so greedy!" she laughed, her joyful tones barely concealing the ill-will she carried for those strangers. "I never promised them a thing, except the participation prize they got in the beginning."

Grecia also laughed with her, his tone scornful. "That's the only thing you could have expected from them," he agreed. "They'd fight each other over anything."

Then he paused. "But we're not like them, are we, my dear Santa? We wouldn't fight each other over petty things like rewards and prizes and power and little things like treasure flowers," he said, alluding to the time he had stolen the Queen of Heart's precious moon flowers. He had made her so furious she'd rather side with the two-legs over her own compatriot.

"Nope!" Santa said. Well, maybe. But even though Grecia was always pretending to be a gentleman and his slick words often got on her nerves... he wasn't much, but he was from home. The only other black tower boss here, in this foreign land. So she'd forgive his sins magnamiously.

They were each other's best friends, and they had to look out for each other, after all. Even if they had a big fight, it wouldn't do to constantly be angry at each other. They needed to be at each other's sides, not throats.

And inside, they were kindred spirits. They had adjusted to their new peaceful life reasonably well, but inside they had twin beasts of viciousness, ready to roar and trample over the world at the slightest provocation.

She wouldn't be able to find anyone else as tolerant of her true nature in this world, and nor would he. They let loose together, but contained each other from the rest of the world.

He gave her a high five in excitement. Well, as long as he's happy, she thought to herself.

"And my dear Santa," he added, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I stole your golden toilet and sold it for a lot of money, to get my start-up funds for a new circus show. But you wouldn't mind, right?"

"No- wait what?" Santa was in disbelief. Her beloved golden toilet! She turned on him in a fury, but he had already started running, his little pet flying after him and his cane waving around frantically. She could even see the sweat drops flying out in his wake, and his running legs were as speedy as ever.

She... she wanted a refund on this friendship!! Though, internally, she knew that they'd be thick as thieves- ah no, only he was a thief- best of friends the next day, but first, she needed to let him know what was good for him.

She summoned her sleigh and instantly started chasing. That weasely little thief! "After him!" she commanded to her reindeer. "He's not getting away today!" And when she found him, she'd give him a good whacking for stealing her things.

She went to bed that night, dreaming about her delicious revenge. He would know just how mighty she was, and he would never, ever, ever steal from her again. And then they'd be friends again, but for now...

Santa Claus was now in town, ready to roll.

[Hush]

↬ catvent day: seventeen

↬ username & id: Hush 256165
↬ clan archive: X

↬ word count:
↬ prompt: the kits born during a snowstorm meant Apple and Bearmask had to cuddle them in their dark den until it relented.

[Sleepy-Rat]

↬ catvent day: seventeen

↬ username & id: Sleepy-Rat 723710
↬ clan archive: Rowanclan

↬ word count: 229 words + art!
↬ prompt:
The group of five cats had huddled together on a patch of moss that a few warmer days had uncovered from beneath the snow. Pumpkinshine and Dandelionstrike were the most chatty of the five, laughing about their latest mischief. Maplestride and Riverspirit occasionally butted in with their own opinions on the topics. Coalstep didn't contribute much, though it was nice to know that he wasn't excluded from the conversation and could join in it if he so wished.

Dandelionstrike paused for a moment before speaking, "What if we gave each other nicknames?" He glanced at his four companions. "I mean, since you guys are all like, super chill and stuff, right? And I'm pretty cool too."
Maplestride rose their brow at this idea, "We already have names, but why bother with more?"
"Just for fun, dude." Dandelionstrike replied simply. "I already have one for you, you wanna hear it?"
Maplestride blinked. "Sure. What is it?"
Dandelionstrike grinned. "Pumpkinhead."
A chorus of chuckles ensued with Maplestride looking slightly taken aback by the nickname.
"You know what," Maplestride said, "I have one for you too."
Dandelionstrike raised his brows, "Oh? What is it?"
"Cockroach."
"Good one! I have one for Pumpkinshine too!" He smirked mischievously, knowing his friend wouldn't mind a slightly meaner sounding nickname, "Rabbitbreath!"
The fiery orange Hunter burst out laughing, eliciting amused hums and purrs from the others.

[Griff]

[list]↬ catvent day: seventeen

↬ username & id: Griff 254592
↬ clan archive: Clan Ember

↬ word count: 225 words
↬ prompt:

It was something that Spottedhide admittedly thought a lot about. Where had her sister gone? What sort of adventures had they undertaken on their own? She knew cats were independant... but she still missed her littermate. Especially on days like this, where the air was chilled and the wind scattered leaves all around. Her sister had loved leaves so much.

CRUNCH.

Spottedhide could swear she heard the familiar crunching of leaves now, whether it be in her sisters mouth or between her paws.

CRUNCH.

Wait... that sounded closer!

CRUNCH CRUNCH.

Spottedhide turned her head, only to be tackled full on by a familiar shape. "SISTER!" she cried overjoyed. The two tumbled in the leaves, batting at one another playfully, before settling in to lick each others fur. "Where have you been? Did you go on any cool adventures? What did you see?"

"Well, I gained the name Leafcrunch! I think it suits me! As for the rest well... it was a long journey. Painful at times. But I realized that my true home was always right in front of me. That... I belong wherever you are." Leafcrunch smiled then, before gently booping Spottedhide's nose. "I'll never leave your side again. You're stuck with me now!" Spottedhide paused but only a brief second, before smiling.

"I think... no I know I am p[perfectly alright with that."

[kennymcnenny]

↬ catvent day: seventeen

↬ username & id: kennymcnenny + 985228
↬ clan archive: Howling of the seas

↬ word count: 956
↬ prompt:
Rock was pacing back and forth along the deck of his ship, there was so much that needed to be done to prepare for the voyage back to the island. So much to do to prepare for the winter festival. His first and second mate were handling things smoothly, but he couldn't help but worry about everything going well. Though most would just see his pacing as him strolling about the ship, checking on what all the sailors were doing and making sure everything was going according to plan.

The captain startled as a cat suddenly stepped in front of his path, stopping as he looked at one of his daughters. "Ember. Is something the matter?" He asked, his stubbed tail flicking for a moment.

"Can you stop that, father? Your leg makes too much noise when you pace." Ember huffed, nudging his wooden leg with a paw. Rock just stared at her for a moment before shaking his head.

"Fine. Come sit with me." He started towards the stairs that led to the helm of the ship, hearing the quieter steps of his daughter behind him, settling near one of the railings so he could watch as the ship pushed its way through the water. Ember settled down next to him, stretching before tucking her paws underneath her.

"What's got you so worried?" The question was quiet, spoken so the sailors nearby wouldn't hear them over the ocean and the wind. Rock hesitated before answering. It made sense, he supposed, that his daughter would be able to see right through him. They were too similar in some ways.

"Worried that we won't have enough supplies. Things have been scarce this year. Towns are more careful. We might have to start trading more. But that goes against our beliefs and traditions." Rock meowed, ears flicking as he turned to look at Ember.

"That's a hard thing to decide. I don't envy your position, dad. Have you talked with mom about it?"

"Talk to me about what?" The new voice made them both jump and turn to see Breeze. Rock relaxed as his mate settled down next to them, pressing her nose to the top of Ember's head before nuzzling against Rock's cheek as a greeting. "Hello dears. What are you two conspiring about? And where's your sister?"

"Just the preparations for the winter festival, love. Nothing terribly important just yet." Rock said, bumping their noses together before turning to look at Ember. "That's a good question. Where is your sister? I haven't seen her around for a while now."

"She's with Slug. I think she's taken a liking to him. Moon Mother knows why." Ember rolled her eyes, wincing as Breeze cuffed the back of her ear.

"Be nice. You're no better, fawning over Scallop. You know Coral has complained to me about you being distracted from your studies because she's been around so often?" Breeze meowed, looking at her daughter pointedly. Ember looked away, tail flicking as she huffed.

"At least Scallop knows how to do her job." Ember hissed, and Rock sighed.

"I know. I already told you that I approve of her. Now, it's the winter festival, we're not supposed to be arguing." Rock shook his head, gently nudging Breeze with his shoulder.

"Of course. It looks like Dawn has finally noticed us." Breeze meowed, making Rock and Ember look as the other cat rushed up the stairs, her fur a mess in the wind as she trotted over to them.

"Hey guys! Family meeting or something?" Dawn chirped, sitting down next to her sister, her tail waving as a greeting.

"Just talking. It's about time we spent some time together, this festival is all about family and such after all." Breeze meowed, leaning over to lick between Dawn's ears fondly.

Rock smiled as he looked over his daughters and mate for a moment, they meant everything to him. He couldn't believe he had a family, that he had gotten lucky enough to have them, to have fallen in love. He wouldn't give them up for the world. The whole crew was his family, no doubt, but they were special. Ocean's Breeze was the love of his life. And he loved his daughters so much, he was always so proud of them, proud of the cats that they were becoming. He knew that his ship was in good paws with them.

Rock was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of Dawn's bright, loud laugh, it was such a joyous sound. He found himself smiling despite having no idea what the joke was. It must have been good, to make Dawn laugh like that, and to even get a laugh out of Ember too.

Breeze suddenly leaned into his side, and Rock was happy to let her, resting against her in turn. He looked at the little mink that Breeze had as it chittered at him, the two eyeing each other before deciding they could be friendly for the time being. Rock listening to his family chatting with each other, sharing gossip from the crew and different plans and hopes for the festival, their excitement to visit home again. He was so content in that moment, he felt so at peace when he had his family by his side. The worry he felt before was gone now, replaced by the warmth and love he felt for and from the three cats next to him.

And when Scallop slowly approached them, slinking to settle down next to Ember so they could groom each other while they talked, he didn't say a word. It was the winter festival, and at this point Scallop was a part of their family too, and family was everything.

[craig?]

↬ catvent day: 17

↬ username & id: craig? 629149
↬ clan archive: https://toyhou.se/Almondclans/characters/folder:2689362

↬ word count: n/a
↬ prompt:
Sheeppool, Marshmallow, Parkbark, and Squashstep are inseparable friends! They go on a trip to the park to play in the snow

[canadianhowl]

↬ catvent day: seventeen

↬ username & id: dascanadiansparkle + 523964
↬ clan archive: galactic skies

↬ word count: 852
↬ prompt:
The grumpy tom was wondering around the territory. It was cold and windy today, not the ideal weather but he didn’t care. Firestrike huffed and made his way towards the river. It was very cold with small shards of ice flowing down it. He took a small sip of the water before spitting it back out by how cold it was. He just smacked the water and flopped down on the ground. Least it was quiet… he heard paw steps. Of course someone was here now. Firestrike sat up a bit and looked around scanning the area. Maybe it was clear?

“Firestrike! Helloooooo I didn’t think I’d see you out and about today!” Oh great. There it was. He looked behind him seeing Berryheart trotting on over.

“Haha hello Berryheart. Yeah I guess I am huh? Not doing much anyways right now just kind of sitting and relaxing. What are you doing out here?” He responded and slowly turned around to face her.

“Ah not much! Hunting a bit and stretching my legs. Oh right your father is here too! He’s uh… well they’re somewhere around her… ah don’t worry we’ll find the ol’ gruff! Now before he gets here why don’t you tell me what’s new with you kid?” She laughed and went ahead to sit by the skinny tom. “Well I suppose… I mean not much is new. I hunt and rest and eat and make sure y'know my kits and partner are doing okay. I hang around and explore sometimes too. It’s the same things I’ve always been doing.” Firestrike mumbled before gently pawing at a stone. He didn’t seem all invested in the conversation and Berryheart could tell.

“I see… well hey it’s okay if it’s slow right now. Life can be chill being all nice and easy going… Alright kid well I think I can scent your father finally making their way here.”

And on cue, the winged cat came tumbling on in with a large rabbit in his jaws. He seemed very proud of himself and trotted over to leave it by Berryheart’s paws.

“For you my darling~” they purred and gave her a nuzzle. The she cat also purred and returned the nuzzle before sitting down and motioned her mate to rest beside her. They’ll eat the meal by the river today. This was a good chance for Firestrike to dip and walk away but the moment he tried, Berryheart just had to call him out and request for him to stay and eat with them. Not like he had any food with him so what was the point? “Soooo hey it’s uh been a while since you two have talked to each other right? Well I thought this would be a good way to rekindle the bond!” Berryheart explained. Dragonfruit just seemed neutral about it but Firestrike was terrified.

“You kidding me? No way! Dad doesn’t care about me why should I stay? I’ve never made him happy once in my life.” He huffed.

“It’s true. Kid’s weak and skinny. Look at him Berryheart that’s not a cat of my genes! If he was truly my son he’d he just as royal and regal and strong as I am!”

“My point proven! Just leave me alone okay I’m not in the mood for his dumb ramblings.” Firestrike hissed and took off up a tree. Dragonfruit without even thinking took off after him leaving Berryfood knowing what’s about to happen.

“Why are you here?”

Dragonfruit slowly scooted closer before wrapping a tail around the little tom. “Kid, I may have come off too strong back there and I’m sorry. Y’know it’s the holidays soon and I wanted to explain some things to you and this seems like a great idea. Listen to me. I didn’t get my wings for nothing. My grandparent is Draco themselves and they’re your great grandparent. The clan wanted me to raise the best of the best so when I had lots with your mother… I see now how it really did feel when I watched cats scold and yell at you, even me. I hated it back then too and I still do but, I didn’t want you to think I hated you. You’re my son. My first born son my first born kitten. Nothing can replace you and I wish I knew that earlier before I treated you like the rest of the clan did when I should have been the one to protect you.” Dragonfruit tell silent before he gave Firestrike a small nuzzle and hopped down. He left the skinny tom there before Firestrike also hopped down and decided to sit right by his father and Berryheart.

“You’re mates right? She’s my new mom?”

“In the sense yeah I can be your new mom but no pressure Fire-“

And without warning, Berryheart was in a huge nuzzle by the younger male. She smile and purred before Dragonfruit wrapped a wing around the two.

“What did you say to him ya ol’ lizard?” She asked.

Dragonfruit just shook his head and motioned for them to enjoy the moment.