⸙ Seasonal Surveys ⸙ Neverending Night ⸙ SPRING PROMPT

[canadianhowl]

Username + ID || canadianhowl + 523964
Sign Up Post Link || xx
Word Count || 172
Prompt || 283

Living in the foothills by mountains often calls for a harsher winter. Smaller celebrations if they even are called celebrations are usually held. They’re more like recognitions for each main rank to tell them “we’re grateful for your work”. Hunters will get a small honor whenever plump prey is caught. Gatherers have their pelts adorned with any remaining decorations that could be found. This could be leaves, any last remaining flowers, moss, whatever brings color to their pelts. Border cats usually are given a day to go play. Their job requires them to be on attention almost 24/7 so a day off is granted to them. Guards are also given a day off as they’re the inner security system. Other cats will take their role for that day and many guard cats will spend their free time napping and catching up with friends. All these small honors don’t happen at once and will happen at random throughout winter. They provide a moment to be relaxed and carefree if only for a little.

Aside from these honors, once more the stars are celebrated. Nights are longed so the cats have more time to spend stargazing and teaching the kittens about them. On one night only when the night is the longest, a majority of the clan will venture towards the Nebula Mountain to sleep with the stars. A few will stay behind to watch over the camp + anyone who can’t attend but it’s always an honor to attend this clan event. It’s not everyday ordinarily clan members are able to connect to the stars at Nebula Mountain so cats are always excited when the signs start to show that this adventure is near.

[Hazelfang]

Username + ID Hazelfang + 941669
Sign-up Post Link <3
Word Count 284 words
Prompt

"You are certainly correct. Winter is cruel and unforgiving, however, it is also reality," the feline meows solemnly, eyes brimming with a faraway gaze as though recalling a distant memory. They pause for a moment, letting those unpleasant emotions wash over him. Then, without uttering another word, they pick-up their feather and begin writing on the paper bark.

"As mentioned before, I don't often associate with the other groups in the forest. They have their own rituals and traditions that I only get scattered fragments of, whispered to me through clients and visitors. So there may be more that I cannot provide you. What I can tell you is that every full season, no matter the hardships winter throws their way, they persevere. They fight through it all, fang and claw, just to do it all again next season. It's both incredible and pathetic to watch.

Nevertheless, I have learned that one of the ways they stay positive during the winter season is by having social gathering every quarter moon. From what I've been explained, it's really just a moment where all the cats huddle together to enjoy the meager scrapings of prey for the day. Sharing warmth between bodies and telling stories to lighten the mood. A little distraction from the mundane, how I see it. Yet, it works for them. Some of my Blessed clients always seem to be in higher spirits following these gatherings.

I didn't mention before, but I do think it's interesting to know that winter is actually my busiest season as an apothecary. Something about the misery of cold weather draws folks to seek my aid. Not just health concerns either, if you get what I am saying."

[Plushbunny]

Username + ID || Plushbunny + 858001
Sign-up Post Link || here
Word Count ||294 words
Prompt || winter in blizzardclan is harsh, with short days and very cold weather, so unlike fall, the clan does not usually hold any big, major celebration, since they have to conserve their resources. there are still some things the cats will celebrate, though

some cats choose to pay respect to winterbourne, the winter ghost. a cat from the original blizzardclan who died in a whiteout many years ago, and now reappears during winter as a search and rescue to help cats who are lost and endangered from the weather. having saved multiple cats over the years, the clan appreciates the work that he does and he is viewed as an important ally.

there is an exception to the seriousness of winter: fruitcake. somehow, he knows everything about christmas. the human holiday. he knows every christmas song ever, which he sings year round (his favorite is jingle bells), decorates for christmas the day autumn starts, knows who santa is, and generally just knows everything about christmas and is its biggest fan. no one knows where he came from. no one knows where he gets his christmas decorations and supplies. no one knows how he knows so many recipes for gingerbread cookies. or sugar cookies. or peanut butter cookies. or any cookies.

but there is one tradition the clan has that is similar to christmas: gift giving. of course cats give each other gifts year round, but with all the extra time spent in their dens, cats will sometimes make each other gifts out of nonessential resources such as rocks and twigs, to pass the time.

other than this, sometimes cats will do things like make snowballs, play in the snow, and maybe even make campfires out in the open part of the territory, on tolerable nights.

[crexmii]

Username + ID crexmii + 1056107
Sign-up Post Link here
Word Count #363 words
Prompt when winter comes, the oldest felines recall the greatest snowstorm of the century, and how even after it all, miracles emerged.

"when the days begin to shorten and the cold begins to bite at your feet, fret not, for there will surely be warm houses and groups of travellers huddling around fires and cozying up. in reverie, the winter months are for celebrating the birth of the twin wind deities, alatea - goddess of the north wind and justice, and alifera - god of the south wind and truth."

mortals believe that the wind deities will choose a lucky cat with honourable values of truth and justice to be gifted with otherworldly powers. by sacrificing spare prey over campfires and dancing around flames in celebration, these rituals supposedly give an individual a higher chance of being selected for divinity.

however, these celebrations have seemed to die out after the disappearance of alifera. as the next winter rolls around, less and less fires begin to burn, fewer and fewer lights scatter the snowscape each night.

slowly, cats started to fear winter more after the arrival of a harbinger the previous winter. a kitten supposedly originated from the very void that destroyed their world countless times before. alatea still had a strong flock of believers, but their connection was wavering.

when the next winter rolled around, there was no trace of alatea, not in the mortal world or the divine realm. several said they had found her scent mingling with some kitten tracks in the snow, but lost her after.

perhaps this was where winter festivities started to die out once and for all. there were no more joyful faces, no more luminous flames. only silence. they stocked up on resources, hiding in caves with their brows furrowed, preparing for the worst to happen.

however, there is still potential - for this dying tradition has been reincarnated by a motley group of wanderers. others say they saw flames the other night in the bleak white - a rarity these days. perhaps by clinging on to these traditions, we can prevent the end from arriving sooner - for the wanderers have one thing that most cats lack, and that is hope.

[ivyy.]

Username + ID || ivyy. 998449
Sign-up Post Link || xXx
Word Count || 351 words
Prompt || Shielded from the frozen winds, the echoes of the crashing waves reached deep into the tunnels, lulling the clan into a peaceful yet still sort of state.

"It's so early, what are you doing up?" Night still shadowed the sky, the tunnels were dim, and the source of the voice was warmly familiar. Blinking warmly, Seabreeze turned to glance at her best friend.

"Amethystmoon! I didn't expect to see her this close to the snow." Seabreeze stuck her tongue out at her friend playfully, referencing the day prior, when she had tripped and fallen into the snow while trying to impress Sandytide with her "incredible stalking techniques". Amethystmoon rolled her amber eyes in the gloom, a soft chuckle escaping her as she settled into a comfortable seated position next to her friend.

"Whatever, she was totally in awe of my skills." The silver she-cat shifted closer to the wall of the cave entrance, making more room for her friend to settle beside her. The waves crashed restlessly in front of them, pushing and pulling small clumps of snow to and fro the beach. Snow covered the rough stone ramp in a thin blanket. Seabreeze breathed in the lovely, chilly smell of winter. Even through the hard times of the season, it feels safe and comfortable in OceanClan camp. The tunnels keep them protected, safe — and most importantly — isolated from the Ashen Trails.

"Do you..." Her friend broke the silence as they lay side by side against the rugged stone wall of the camp entrance, enjoying the warmth of each other's fur. As she trailed off, Seabreeze flicked an ear to show she heard and prompted her to continue.

"Do you think they're coming?" Seabreeze turned to look at her friend, eyes searching for any reveal of emotion or fear. Despite her search, Amethystmoon's eyes were blank, only curiosity flashed in the sea of mohagony. Seabreeze leaned away from the wall and into her shoulder, a small purr brewing in her throat as she let her eyes close to calm slits.

"No. They won't bother us as long as the snow falls."

[Derpy.]

Username + ID || Derpy. 918438
Sign-up Post Link || here
Word Count || 257
Prompt ||

aspenville does celebrate (snö and ms. claws are responsible for this), but it's nothing big or taxing. the clan gathers at ms. claws' house where there are warm treats and fun games. she noticed how down-in-the-dumps some cats became whenever winter arrived, and while she’s definitely a little biased toward winter, she can admit it’s harsh for anyone who isn’t prepared.

but if she couldn’t change the weather, at least she could change the mood!

while at her home, the cats tell stories in front of ms. claws’ fireplace, wrapped in warm blankets she keeps tucked away in her closet for this occasion. snö is usually in the kitchen preparing snacks and drinks, while soft music plays in the background.

the tradition hasn’t always existed. in fact, before ms. claws suggested it, winters in aspenville were endured rather than celebrated. cats would simply hunker down, focusing on survival, and the mood across the clan often... dipped. which is why this small celebration is centered around warmth, companionship, and making sure no one felt alone or hopeless.

as for the future, it’s very likely to continue. even if ms. claws or snö aren’t around someday, the other cats have come to love the tradition, and it feels like something they’d want to pass down, even in new forms, to keep spirits high during the coldest months.

many many moons from now, they'd have snö and ms. claws to thank for such a wonderful tradition and always keeping the other cats' spirits up during the unforgiving days of winter!

[VenomousParadise]

Username + ID VenomousParadise 888989
Sign-up Post Link <3
Prompt

Winter is a very slow time that's full of unease and hardship. There is not much to be done for those who are bound to the tunnels, but Shiori does try to take some of the sense of dread off the shoulders of the little ones. The deeper tunnels are off limits to the unexperienced, but with a guide, they're able to see sights beyond their imagination. It has become to tradition of sorts, one that Shiori actually takes a bit of pride in.

[Zentropy]

Username + ID || Zentropy + 75749
Sign-up Post Link || ✧ Sign-Up Link ✧
Word Count || 254 words
Prompt ||

How rude! The Winter King should have a touch more patience with his subjects if he ever expects to keep their trust. Assistant, I think you are doing a marvelous job. Now hand those questions over, let me see what the King wants to know...

"Your Majesty, the Winter King. I am a humble wizard hailing from the Guild of the Ashen Moon, lead fearlessly by Jaguarstar. As this is within my first year of joining, I am not yet familiar with all of SableClan's festivities and traditions. Be that as it may, I might have something of interest to you.

We are not afraid of the cold or dark, for that is what our clan has pledged their very existence to fight against. Many call them "Shadows" but I personally view them as simply monsters from another plane of existence. Jaguarstar is a frugal one, so I can hardly see a huge feast accompanying a celebration in the middle of Winter. No, from what I recall overhearing other cats saying, there will be a three day vigil during the 2nd New Moon cycle after winter starts. The best way I can describe it is that it steadies the anxious thoughts of fear, and invigorates the ones who look forward to the rejuvenation of Spring

I wish I could tell you more, but that is as much as I know. Mayhaps I can send a letter to you once more when I experience this tradition for myself.

Best Regards,
Zephyrpad, Wizard of the Guild"

[Tilluels-Paradise]

Username + ID Tilluels-Paradise + 1108908
Sign-up Post Link here
Word Count 283
Prompt

In Iliosclan winter is a season not taken lightly. Every year just before the frost sets in the clan gathers, every last cat, and the leader gives a speech. Her words are solemn and strict, making sure her message is not missed and for good reason. The speech is a culmination of every unnecessary hardship and loss the clan has faced from the cruel winter. Her instructions are clear, do not waste a meal, if you have extra give to the young, old, or injured who need it most. Do not forget to gather leaves and other resources to warm the dens and block the entrances from the chill. Plan where you'll be staying and who with, make sure to have someone able to brave the cold if needed. And her final words, the ones to never be forgotten, never underestimate the brutalness of winter or the cruelty of the gods who make it, they will take without remorse, so do not give them the chance. Some cats dislike the harsh words as kits, but as they grow they understand why and support it whole heartedly. The Winter isn’t all dreary, in the early winter cats make presents for others to cheer them up during the cold nights. The kittens receive most of the gifts, the older cats know how poorly many kits take winter. When the chill fully sets in, the kits make use of the gifts they receive, not much else they can do, every den is sealed shut to block the cold. Every cat stays in the den unless necessary through every frigid day and night, taking care and entertaining themselves and those around them until the cold fades away.

[SkyWishes21]

Current Season: Winter

Everyone who posted (and is on this list) will receive +1 Wishing Well Token!

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dimi. + 908977
BingoDingo03 + 1113749
knickknacks + 815546
MireyaDC + 1046878
néktar + 217991
Kazin + 3262
StormSerpent + 812252
Whovian5eva + 328762
Infinitygalixy + 852716
Baobabel + 39277
Aizaka + 9995625
Griff + 254592
Ricocheted + 1132888
Shuurock + 933052
craig? + 629149
Embergleam + 127087
SkyWishes21 + 603852
feather ' + 979911
faelyn + 967122
Thani + 509675
I Like Bees + 904964
changeling. + 756856
vivika + 966947
River Song + 93964
SushiFoxx + 1005758
canadianhowl + 523964
Hazelfang + 941669
Plushbunny + 858001
crexmii + 1056107
ivyy. + 998449
Derpy. + 918438
VenomousParadise + 888989
Zentropy + 75749
Tilluels-Paradise + 1108908