home sweet home

[kellyfoo]

They needed more warriors. Oakstar didn't need experience of rank or any sort of Starclan dream to see that. It was obvious that they were coming to an unpleasant dip in the road, a shadow in the sunshine. With all the rumors flying around as they were, Oakstar, as well as her clan, were rather...edgy. And, to make matters worse, she was still new to the job.

The queen had been upped to this honor-filled position only a moon or so ago, and the drop in their able-body numbers sent her reeling, hoping it wasn't her leadership. As she ducked through the ferny tunnel that guarded the entrance to the main camp, Oakstar looked about a bit sadly, too busy dwelling on her "failures" to note that she had done nothing wrong as of yet. Glancing behind her to see if the rest of her patrol had followed, she set herself down on her rusty tan haunches, causing the chocolate spots to shift in the dappled light of the forest camp. In relative calm, she stood and trotted towards the freshkill piles, not necessarily starving, but seeking the distraction that eating offered.

Did my clanmates really choose correctly when they placed me on this pedestal? Youth had not offered the optimism that most would assume came with a young leader; instead it left Oakstar worrying that her clanmates and the other leaders would not respect her, or see her fit to rule. It only made her want to strive harder for somethat that could not be accomplished.

[leafpool]

Rainwhisker walked into the camp right after Oakstar. He had been out on a patrol that day and he had brought back some freshkill. He stalked over to the freshkill pile and laid down his catch. He stared grimly at the small pile. They would need to collect more prey soon for the cat in the clans, but first they would have to recruit more cats to hunt.

After he was finished glaring at the small pile, he walked over to his leader, Oakstar. The young female leader looked troubled somehow. Oakstar, is there something wrong? I am your deputy and you can tell me anything. Is there something I can do?

[kellyfoo]

Oakstar heard the entrance of her deputy, but was slow to look up. At the moment, she was rather tied up in the rather hungerless nibbling of her meal and the contemplation that the Clan was on a swift downward spiral. Laying her dark, cream-edged ears against her skull in frustration, she flicked her dark-striped tail restlessly as she sat up to stare at what the left of her freshkill. Looking up to Rainwhisker, she offered a half-hearted smile and said, "No, Raiwhisker. Nothing is wrong but the daily trials of being a clancat." After all, this was no easy life, by any means. However, dwindling numbers and constant unease among the clans were causing the handsome queen to stress a bit, perhaps with good reason, as well.

"Rainwhisker, can you think of why it is our numbers are so small? It seems there's barely a TreeClan to be had!" Looking around the camp, she shook her head and sighed, before crouching low once more to finish her chaffinch. Unfortunately, she couldn't seek the counsel of the other Clans until the next full moon, which seemed ages away. In reality, it would only be days, but how often did a cat plan that far in advance? Living in the forest was a day-to-day matter, and she needed opinions, help, advice...now. Shaking her head, to clear it, her ears now perched forward and erect on her head, she looked up to Rainwhisker and gave him the bright, cheery expression she'd once had often, before she grew too old for her years. She was trying her best to be optimistic, to be the sunny leader such a small clan commanded. Lashing her tail as she took the final few nips of her dinner, she stretched and stood, her lean frame stiffened and eased with her motion. Curling wildcat-spotted haunches under her back and sitting in a position that hinted at a regal demeanor, the young leader looked around, really at a loss for words. She wasn't to the point of despair, but there was little she could say other than what she did at that point. "We need cats, Rainwhisker."

(Jeez, my posts at this RPG have not been as good as usual >.<)

[leafpool]

Rainwhisker sat down beside his leader. He had also thought about their small number of cats.I really do not know, Oakstar. We have a superb territory. I think all the clans are like this though. Cats are just starting to come back to the forest. It will take some time before all the clans are normal once again. Until then I think we should just show as much hospitality as possible to cats wanting to join Treeclan. And take care of the few that are already in the clan. Rainwhisker finished as he comfortingly touched Oakstar with his tail.

[rayheart]

As of yet, Rayheart had yet to enter his own Clan's Camp. As soon as he was accepted, he was thrown right into a Gathering at the Full Moon. It had lasted longer than anyone really hoped for and he was only just arriving into his home. He passed through the tunnel, amazed that the entire camp was deftly inside this enormous oak. Cat had managed to make a home within the bowels of the tree, tunnels spurting out from every and leading to who knows where. The fawn bengal's head was down cautiously, knowing that only one knew him as a part of this Clan. His copper lenses were wide open, dialated pupils absorbing everything that he was veiwing. He padded past the threshold and into the main body of the tree. His jaw literally dropped as his eyesight travelled up and up and up, trying to see the top.

It was magnificent. The area was huge and plenty of cats could live here, but that's when he noticed something strange. There weren't that many cats. In fact, he only saw a few of them, probably a patrol of somesort. The tom spotted Oakstar, the only cat he knew so far. He was timid at first, but remembered that she had accepted him afterall.

H... Hello, Oakstar. He hailed her quietly. He voice was amazingly small sounding in this immense tree. I... I love this place. Sorry to say, but I think I'd get lost if I tried to find the sleeping quarters by myself...

[Goldenblaze]

Goldenpaw sauntered in wearily, his tail and swishing low with ease. He was tired, but his eyes brightened as he realized there were cats here. More than he'd seen earlier before the gathering. He padded forward to Rayheart, tail swishing with ease. Hello there! You must be new here? He asked easily, a grin stretching across his features. He sat down, his bright golden paws tucking under his swishing orange tail. He shook his fur out quickly, his goldenfur falling like rain around his frame.

[rayheart]

Amazed at the gold feline's forwardness, Rayheart immidiately swivelled his attention to him. His eyes were drawn to the bright coloring of his forepaws, but deftly made eye contact, knowing that was rude. With a calm smile, nervousness brimming his copper eyes, Ray nodded lightly to the other.

Yeah, that's me. New. He replied with a tone that was smooth as chocolate. Can you show me around? The others seem... A little distracted?

The fawn-hued bengal swished his pale yellow tail around, the only way to rid himself of his nervous energy.

[Snowstar]

Goldenpaw smiled at the cats friendliness. He couldn't count how many cats had snapped back in return; not here in camp, of course. But the rogues were insane, bloodthirst, crude and cold. He didn't know how he'd managed to live there for so long. Sure thing! He said brightly, getting to his feet. He set off in the direction of the food. So what's your name? M'name's Goldenpaw!

Shocking, I know. He smiled at the fact he'd eyed his bright golden paws. His name sake. He couldn't tell who hadn't first looked at his gleaming paws when they first met him. He never minded, of course. Then that would be a little awkward.

[rayheart]

Ray padded slowly next to his newfound Clanmate. He was glad to have finally met someone besides his own Leader. I was a good feeling, like he wasn't lost anymore. Thankfully.

Rayheart. He stated simply. But deciding it was nicest to actaully converse with him, Ray continued. S'how long have you been here?

[Goldenblaze]

Goldenpaw grinned. He was growing fond of his new friend already! Not long before you. I'd barely got her to meet one of the members before she announced the meeting. He said. But for as little as he'd been there, he was already growing used to his surroundings. Over there, that's the food stash. There's the warriors den... He said, indicating everything with his fluffy orange tail.

[rayheart]

Ray listened intently, fawn ears pricked forward with interest. A smirk hovered over his maw, copper eyes showing hints of contentment. He was right where he wanted to be. It was perfect.

Say, Goldenpaw, what do you know about Bane? He asked suddenly. Even Ray didn't know where it came from. it was like it exploded out of his mouth.

He stopped walking, slightly emarassed. 'He must think I have terets or something...' He thought to himself miserably. Ray looked up apologetically.

Uh, sorry... I can't help myself sometimes. My mind wants it's thought spoken... Sorry.

[Goldenblaze]

Bane? He asked quizzically. He gave a thoughful look. Well, rumor has it around these parts he betrayed his clan to become leader of a rogue clan in the rogue meadows. He said gently, pondering the question. There are two clans that rule the Rogue meadows. He rules the Boneclan, and the other is Risingclan, ruled by Kestrel. He sat down, looking at him curiously. But again, it's just a rumor. I personally don't know anything about Bane himself. He replied brightly.

[rayheart]

Oh. Rayheart murmured quietly. I just saw him at the Gathering and heard his name was Bane. Was it just me, or does he give you the chills too?

He continued walking, bet even slower than last time. He wasn't one who rushed, taking in surroundings and people with a patience and wisdom that surpassed his age. Other than that, though, he did act very much his age. More like a wallflower than anything, actually.

[Goldenblaze]

His ears merely twitched at the name. Indeed. I'd heard it too. He ruffled up his fur in agitation. The name is a bit.. Creepy if you will. It's certainly not an average Clancat name.

[Mapleheart]

Maplepaw tromped into the camp, feeling a bit akward after the gathering experience. He had caught the last few bits of conversation, but decided not to add anything, for he really knew nothing on the subject, being so new to the entire territory. He looked at the new cat, Rayheart, and smiled, though trying not to butt into their conversation.

"Hello. My name's Maplepaw...I overheard that yours was Rayheart..? I only spoke to Goldenpaw for a short while before we had to leave," he paused for a moment, unsure of himself, "I don't know much about Bane, but he frightens me a bit as well."

[Goldenblaze]

It's probably just his namesake that scares people. I doubt they'd be scared if they saw the little fluffball. He said, bending over to lick at his flanks in a gentleman fashion. He'd not yet seen Bane, however. But Goldenpaw wasn't a fearful type of character. A daring little thing he was, in reality.

[Trillium]

((OOC: So, is "Goldenpaw" an older cat now, named Goldenblaze? I was confused by the transformation. x.o))

[Goldenblaze]

((Goldenpaw was a little over a year to begin with. He should be a warrior, but I wasn't formally given a rank. His name was 'Paw' for his namesake, but I wasn't remarkably happy with his design. Too unoriginal. So I found a better pic while surfing around for more pictures of Rustfur. So, I changed his profile to match his personality, and changed his look completely, plus his name to match his coat. Big change, I know. But i'm happy now!))

[Mapleheart]

His eyes lighting up suddenly in a kit-like fashion, Maplepaw began to lope curiously toward the other side of camp. There was someone new there, and she seemed important.

[To: NEW LEADER]