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Post by *Faith* on Aug 27, 2021 18:26:59 GMT -5
Yes, I can't wait for the kits to be born. Graypool is about ready to become an elder. She was first introduced as one in Forest of Secrets and we're currently in Fire and Ice, so it looks like she was a new elder. Though there are still plenty of cats older than her. Did they forget about Mistystar's kits? They were the kits rescued in FOS so I'm pretty sure they should be born soon. And it begins with the whole Tigerclaw and Leopardfur mess.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 27, 2021 18:36:37 GMT -5
Whiteclaw's death might be the next chapter...
I also looked on the wiki and Mistystar's kits are stated to be born in newleaf, two seasons after chapter 11. Where they got this from is anyone's guess since I don't think the first arc said where they were born. Though I might be wrong.
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Post by briarfrost on Aug 27, 2021 18:38:00 GMT -5
It’s honestly good to see smooth-tongued, manipulative Tigerclaw again after how openly evil he was in Redtail’s Debt. That said, it’s all going downhill from here, folks.
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Post by *Ottersplash* on Aug 27, 2021 18:50:22 GMT -5
I'm actually quite fond of Frogleap. He's very mature and communicates very well. Deserves better than Leopardstar, imo I think they both deserve the lives they want, and handled it way better than most cats in the series. It's more that I am very fond of Frogleap and really don't like Leopardstar, so I want him to have a mate I like
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 27, 2021 19:34:24 GMT -5
Yes, I can't wait for the kits to be born. Graypool is about ready to become an elder. She was first introduced as one in Forest of Secrets and we're currently in Fire and Ice, so it looks like she was a new elder. Though there are still plenty of cats older than her. Did they forget about Mistystar's kits? They were the kits rescued in FOS so I'm pretty sure they should be born soon. And it begins with the whole Tigerclaw and Leopardfur mess. No spoilers yet, but I can confirm they appear as kits and apprentices. My fan keeps blowing open the pages in my room and one time it opened up to a scene with them. Didn't read much beyond that though, to avoid spoiling myself.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 27, 2021 20:45:35 GMT -5
I think they both deserve the lives they want, and handled it way better than most cats in the series. It's more that I am very fond of Frogleap and really don't like Leopardstar, so I want him to have a mate I like I’m loving them both personally, but I understand your stance lol
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 27, 2021 20:52:03 GMT -5
Chapter 12: Leopardfur is still bitter about WindClan being brought back home, and even more so that Crookedstar and Nightpelt gave in so easily, to ThunderClan no less. Crookedstar however, maintained his stance on letting RiverClan hunt on WindClan territory, but only to take up to one or two pieces of prey per patrol, almost like he feels guilty. She thinks that as far as she was concerned, the prey is there for the taking. She looks around the camp, wondering who she can assign to hunting patrols to WindClan territory, but she spots Mudfur pacing by Crookedstar's den. She goes and asks him what's wrong, and Mudfur anxiously mews that Crookedstar is sick. Graypool found him in his den with a fever and is hardly talking sense. He says that he isn't sure Crookedstar can even lead in this state, and for now, Leopardfur calls the shots while he recovers. She gets excited at the idea of leading the Clan, and dips her head to Mudfur, saying she'll do her best. Mudfur says he knows she will, and asks that when she's out hunting, if she could grab tansy for him. She says of course, and turns to go out to find some, but Mudfur hasn't stopped talking. He says he saw her talking with Tigerclaw at the gathering. She turns back and says of course they did, since they're both deputies. Mudfur's eyes narrow and asks why they would even after the leaders had argued. Leopardfur says that it was more reason to talk to him. Mudfur stares at her, and then admits he had a dream about Tigerclaw. He saw Tigerclaw in the river, with a fish in his jaws, and it disturbed him. He says that Tigerclaw wants power, and will do anything to achieve it, so she should be wary and careful of him. Leopardfur, annoyed, asks why she wouldn't be.
Mudfur mews that she seems oddly friendly to the deputy of the Clan whole stole Sunningrocks from them. Leopardfur says that he turned his back on the warrior way and clearly gave up in being involved with Clan affairs, asking why he's bothering her with this. Mudfur's eyes round with worry, and says he knows she believes in quarreling, and he worries about her. She snaps that she's fine, and leaves him. Of course she'd be wary of Tigerclaw, he was part of ThunderClan after all, but she feels that like her, he's driven by the desire to protect his Clan, and what's so wrong about that.
Later on, she's on a patrol with Blackclaw, Heavypaw, Frogleap, Whiteclaw, Beetlenose, and Sedgecreek. Frogleap looks worried, asking her if Crookedstar is okay with them hunting on WindClan territory. Leopardfur says that WindClan isn't here. Frogleap objects that Bluestar said not to, but then Leopardfur asks who Frogleap's leader is, Crookedstar or Bluestar. Frogleap begins to say that Crookedstar wanted them to lessen their patrols, but Leopardfur for the third time in the conversation cuts him off and says that while he's sick, she's in charge, and she believes they need the prey. Heavypaw quietly asks Blackclaw if Leopardfur is leader now, and Blackclaw says that it's her job to fill in for Crookedstar right now, giving Leopardfur a friendly nod. Leopardfur leads the patrol on to WindClan, and then falls in beside Whiteclaw. He asks her if she thinks ShadowClan will be there too, and she says maybe, but ultimately she doesn't care, as they only thing that matters is feeding the Clan. Whiteclaw puffs out his chest and says he thinks they'll be able to feed the whole Clan from a single hunt, and his confidence suddenly reminds Leopardfur of Sunfish.
Blackclaw mutters that the hawks would have surely grown in number now, and they may mistake Heavypaw or Whiteclaw for a meal. Heavypaw is startled, and asks if it's true. Blackclaw says it might be, but Beetlenose gives Blackclaw a wink and says that he's sure they'd spit out Heavypaw at once, because he likely tastes like fish. Heavypaw twitches his ears, and says that hawks like fish. Beetlenose says they don't like the taste of furry fish. Sedgecreek moves closer to Heavypaw and says they're just teasing, and Blackclaw adds that he wouldn't let them take him. Leopardfur is grateful for the bond between her Clanmates, and hopes it's never broken. They're all getting used to the scents and sights of the moor. Frogleap suggests waiting for ThunderClan to return, but Leopardfur says they shouldn't let ThunderClan boss them around. Frogleap is about to object, but Leopardfur reminds him that he has Mosspelt to think of now, which silences him. A figure catches her eye in the distance; a dark shape darts along the hillside. Frogleap sees it too, and scents the air, uttering with annoyance that it's ShadowClan.
The figure creeps up and calls out Leopardfur's name. It's Wetfoot of ShadowClan, with two warriors and an apprentice watching from some heather behind him. Wetfoot greets her, and informs her that they've seen WindClan. Leopardfur's heart lurches with surprise as Wetfoot says the camp is still deserted, but they know they're there. She asks how many, and Wetfoot guesses it's a few stragglers. He says she can follow him if she'd like. She obliges, joining with the ShadowClan into the bracken. Leopardfur spots the WindClan cats, and she takes charge of the two Clan patrols in fanning around them. Except for Frogleap, who hangs back. Leopardfur asks what they're doing here, recognizing the old tom Stagleap, but not recognizing two younger cats. Stagleap stares at her with contempt and says he could ask her the same, as the moor belongs to WindClan. A she-cat looks nervous, but Stagleap reassures her, saying it's alright, calling her Sorrelshine (this is Deadfoot's sister, I think?). Leopardfur looks at the sparse moor, muttering that it doesn't look like it belongs to WindClan. Stagleap snarls that it was theirs before being driven away. Leopardfur brings her muzzle close to his, and snarls back that she's not going to let him. A young gray and white tom bristles, and says it's their territory. Whiteclaw steps in and asks where the rest of their Clan is.
Stagleap glares at him, and says they chose to stay behind, as it's their home. Leopardfur growls that their home is with their Clan, and she suggests they go find them, swiping her claws across Stagleap's nose. Stagleap is caught off-guard, but the young tom darts in front of him, insisting that it's not a fight they can win. Stagleap defiantly looks at Leopardfur, blood dripping onto the meadow, and snarls okay. The three begin to leave, with Sorrelshine dragging a vole. Leopardfur orders her to leave the vole. Sorrelshine refuses, but Stagleap says to leave it, and they can find other prey. Sorrelshine obliges, casting an angry look to Leopardfur before joining the other two. Leopardfur says they can find prey that's not on the moor, as this land belongs to the Clans, and not some rogues who aren't with their Clan.
The hunt was a success, and Leopardfur gave the vole to Wetfoot to thank him for telling her about the WindClan cats. As they haul their catches back to RiverClan, Frogleap keeps throwing her dark looks. When they finally reach camp, she drops her prey and bluntly asks him what his problem is. Frogleap asks if that was the right thing to do, as they just forced WindClan warriors out from their home. She says she doesn't care, and RiverClan is their first priority. Frogleap simply looks at her sadly and murmurs that she's not the cat he thought she'd become. Angry, Leopardfur says she's glad she's not, and thinks to herself that he had given her up for Mosspelt and a life of his own. It doesn't matter what he thinks; she's deputy and her duty is to protect the Clan. Whiteclaw comes up beside her, and as Frogleap pads away from them, he tells her that he's just being unfair, and he knows Leopardfur always does what's best for them. Leopardfur looks at him gratefully, and says she's glad there's at least one cat who understands her. He then says that Mudfur sent him to fetch her, as he has news on Crookedstar.
As she goes to the medicine cat, Leopardfur wonders how he is, but then realizes with shame that she doesn't even know how many lives Crookedstar has left, and she's a bad deputy considering she has no idea when she'll take over. Mudfur greets her as she enters, and says that he's given Crookedstar every herb he knows, but the fever won't break. Mudfur whispers to Crookedstar that Leopardfur's come. Crookedstar looks up at her groggily, and thanks her for coming. He speaks as if he doesn't expect to recover. He thanks her for being a good deputy, and that when he passes, he knows he'll be leaving the Clan in strong paws. Leopardfur urges him not to talk like that, but Crookedstar goes on, telling her that while he's aware they don't agree on everything, he appreciates and admires that she argues with him, as every leader needs someone to do that, and he can see both of them share the same fierce love for RiverClan. He says that he knows he made the right choice, even if Mudfur told him to pick a different cat.
Leopardfur freezes, and and asks if her father truly wanted a different cat as deputy. Crookedstar seems to be going back into a delirium, muttering that he isn't sure if Mudfur was worried for the Clan or her, but he still knows he made the right choice. Leopardfur feels hurt pang, wanting to know more, and wonders if Mudfur ever truly believed in her at all. Crookedstar begins to mutter things she can't pick up on, and Leopardfur stumbles out of the den, staring at Mudfur blankly outside as he sorts herbs. He catches her gaze and comes up to her, asking if their leader is okay. Leopardfur stares blankly at him, and says he's delirious. Mudfur nods and goes back into the den again.
Leopardfur looks at her Clanmates, seeing Tanglewhisker and Birdsong enjoy a rabbit they brought back, while Lakeshine and Shimmerpelt seem to like a quail. She pads past them, her heart feeling so empty now that the weight of knowing that Mudfur never truly believed in her was known. She asks herself what she's going to do now, but Whiteclaw catches up to her and asks how Crookedstar is and if he'll recover. Leopardfur says Mudfur is doing his best, and Whiteclaw asks what would happen if he dies. Leopardfur states that she would become leader, and then realizes that becoming leader is still what she wanted. But at the same time, she feels so inadequate for it. All she's wanted is to make Mudfur proud of her, but now she doesn't know how to when he wanted someone else as deputy instead of her. Whiteclaw looks at her, and seems to understand she's hurting. He says it'll be okay, as Crookedstar will be happy in StarClan. Leopardfur looks back at him, and sees nothing in his eyes but the love of a kit. She wonders if this is how Sunfish felt when Whiteclaw looked at her. She huffs, forcing back a sob, and admits that something else happened with Mudfur. Something hurtful.
Whiteclaw tips his head to the side, and says he thought they were close. Leopardfur swallows back sadness and mutters not anymore. Whiteclaw looks at her thoughtfully and says that perhaps their parents aren't always the cats who understand them best. As he finishes, Leopardfur sits down, comforted by his presence, and wants to lick his ears fondly like Sunfish did when he was a kit. She sees such honest affection in his gaze that it makes her feel a little better. She says that everything will be okay, realizing that it was wrong to unload her worries onto such a young cat. She tells him she'll make sure Crookedstar will get better and speak to Mudfur. She asks Whiteclaw what's going on, wanting to diverge the conversation to something else. Whiteclaw looks away, as if he were suddenly self conscious. Leopardfur asks what, and Whiteclaw admits that he has a crush. Leopardfur begins to purr, and asks who's the lucky cat. Whiteclaw doesn't say, and she coaxes that she won't tell anyone. He looks at her, and says it's Silverstream.
She purrs even louder, saying she's a good choice, a fine warrior, and pretty too. Whiteclaw mews that he feels so awkward around her, almost like she's from another Clan and he doesn't know what to say around her. She says that the worst that could happen would be her calling him a mouse-brain, and she doubts Silverstream is that mean. Whiteclaw's confidence seems to boost a little, but asks what if she doesn't feel the same way. Leopardfur says that Silverstream will have more respect for him if he's honest, and if he'd like the relationship to grow into something more, then he needs to bold. After all, he'd like for Silverstream to be happy. If she turns him down, then he can still survive, and that even if it happens, at least he had the confidence to speak his mind. Whiteclaw gasps really, and Leopardfur says it back, and with a rush of surprise, she realizes that it wasn't entirely advice just for Whiteclaw, but rather herself too. What did it matter if Mudfur didn't believe in her? Crookedstar clearly did, and when he died, she would be a great leader. Crookedstar being sick is the time she needs to show every cat that she can handle leadership and prove both Mudfur and Frogleap wrong. She gazes across the river, telling herself that she knows she's on the right path, and she's following the steps StarClan has laid out for her.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Aug 27, 2021 20:57:46 GMT -5
Poor Mudfur, he's just trying to protect his daughter. And interesting how Whiteclaw has a crush on Silverstream, but I thought he considered her a sister? Obviously he apparently grew out of it, it's just weird to think about. Regardless, this just make me feel even more bad for him than I already did. And Sorrelshine's a pretty name, I just wish we didn't have yet another cat with the -shine suffix. That said, it's interesting that some WindClan cats managed to escape the attack and chose to stay behind.
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Post by vectoring34 on Aug 27, 2021 21:07:19 GMT -5
Wow, that was astonishingly cruel from Leopardfur. Literally ripping food out of the jaws of starving exiles and forcing them off of their own land while calling them rogues. At the same time, it's easy to see how she became like that. Crookedstar seems to be horribly ineffectual, unable to decide what he wants to do with any kind of clarity or foresight. It comes off as though dumb luck that things worked out for him rather than the cunning opportunist I assumed. It's easy to see why Leopardfur might resent being forced to go back and forth without any commitment and want to take some kind of stance, wrong as it ends up being.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 27, 2021 21:19:33 GMT -5
Nice to finally get a warrior name for Sorrelpaw if that is her. Sorrelshine is such a pretty name and I'm happy to see Stagleap. Don't know who the other cat is. Pigeonpaw? Though those two aren't young cats. I'm sad to see them get driven off as they didn't deserve that. Hopefully they join back up with WC.
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Post by carbonfoot on Aug 27, 2021 21:29:34 GMT -5
Sorrelshine is such a cute name! Not going to lie, I'm looking forward less to the story itself and more towards new characterization of forest territory cats and seeing any new names that are added-
(Specifically Tallstar's younger siblings. You can't just make Wrenflight the only cat remaining from the litter and not tell us what happened to the others!!)
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Post by *Ottersplash* on Aug 27, 2021 21:30:42 GMT -5
At least they aren't making her actions justifiable
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Post by briarfrost on Aug 27, 2021 21:49:29 GMT -5
WOW, Leopardfur was absolutely horrible to those WindClan cats. We’ve been steadily seeing her aggressiveness, pride and extremism develop, but driving out starving refugees from their reclaimed home, and taking their one piece of food to boot? That’s downright cruel. Frogleap and Mudfur get all my praise for calling her on her reprehensible behavior—and this isn’t even the worst of it!
Ngl when Whiteclaw said he had a crush I thought for a horrible moment it was gonna be on Leopardfur, so I’ll actually take Silverstream instead. Crushing on your adoptive big sister is weird, don’t get me wrong, but crushing on your adoptive mom is even weirder. That said Whiteclaw is adorable and I love him and I’m so sad at what’s coming next.
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Post by Cheetahstar on Aug 27, 2021 22:01:00 GMT -5
man
Leopardfur is still trash
glad to see her character wasnt butchered
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2021 22:15:37 GMT -5
loving leopardstar’s characterization in this so far, very fun
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Post by Saint Ambrosef on Aug 27, 2021 22:38:34 GMT -5
leopardfur is the former gifted kid who was told they were special and more advanced than the other children, now shes an adult and still thinks she must continue to live to that standard (see the “i cant be ordinary” convo with mudfur)
i suspect whiteclaws crush is more of a puppy love thing. this cool and pretty older female warrior, what 14yro boy wouldnt like her lol
not a fan of graypool’s age, doesnt really make sense. FOS depicted her as pretty old and creaky, whereas this timeline suggests she retired at what? 6?
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 27, 2021 23:32:37 GMT -5
Chapter 13: Leopardfur nods to Graypool, asking her to take Ottersplash and Stonefur out to hunt. Shadepaw asks to come as well, since she almost caught a rabbit yesterday. Leopardfur asks if she caught it, and Shadepaw says no, but she'd like to try again. Stonefur says he thinks she's ready. Leopardfur thinks about how Mudfur is still trying to help Crookedstar recover, but even his promise to save him seems bleak. She thinks that if she can prove to Mudfur that she's a good leader while Crookedstari s sick, perhaps he'll finally begin to believe in her.
She then tells Graypool to keep an eye out for the WindClan deserters, and to chase them out if they see them. Frogleap flashes her a disapproving look, and she orders him to stay at the camp all day and reinforce the camp walls, and that Skyheart and Loudbelly can help him. She turns to Whiteclaw and Silverstream, and says they're going to be hunting with her. Whiteclaw is surprised, and looks flustered, but Leopardfur says she wants him to be bold and confident. Whiteclaw is uncertain, saying she was on guard all night and probably wants to sleep. Leopardfur only says she is because it's out of worry for Crookedstar, and some time out of the camp will do her good. She tells him to go wake her, and she'll see how Crookedstar is. She goes to visit him in the medicine den, wondering if perhaps he'd lost a life without anything knowing. As she goes inside, Mudfur appears, and purrs, saying he was about to go get her. Crookedstar greets her, looking considerably better, but a rasp to his voice as he asks how the Clan is doing. She realizes that she wouldn't be leader anytime soon, and says she's sent out the patrols, but neglects that she sent one to the moor, knowing she shouldn't have to apologize.
Mudfur says cheerily that his fever broke, and he thinks Crookedstar will be back to normal soon. Leopardfur forces a purr, knowing that now she won't able to prove her leadership to Mudfur, and her mind drifts back to when her in his delirium revealed that Mudfur wanted a different cat as deputy. She informs him of the patrols, and he asks her to send an extra patrol to the WindClan border, just in case ThunderClan brought them home. Realizing he's utterly resigned their newly acquired hunting rights, she forces back a retort. Crookedstar then asks for Silverstream to come see him, and he's sure some other cat can take her place on Leopardfur's patrol. Disappointed, Leopardfur tries to explain she promised Whiteclaw and Silverstream, but he says he'd like to see her after he's been so sick. Leopardfur concedes, and exits the den, telling Silverstream that he'd like to see her, but not before she assures her that Crookedstar's health is improving. As Silverstream goes off, Leopardfur grovels to herself that the patrols to the moor would have to be suspended, and now she wouldn't be able to help out Whiteclaw with his crush on Silverstream. As Silverstream disappears into Mudfur's den, Leopardfur tells Whiteclaw she'll be sure to get them together on a patrol another time, and instead she rounds up Voleclaw, Reedtail, Piketooth, and Sedgecreek to join them.
As they hunt, they catch a starling and a thrush. Leopardfur suggests hunting near the gorge, as the white water might have trapped some fish, and Whiteclaw agrees, saying they'll make for easy catches. Leopardfur says they'll go overtop the gorge, as it's quicker. Sedgecreek frets that's a rather long drop down, but Whiteclaw teases that he'll catch her. She nudges him and says she has no intention to fall. Leopardfur gently says she won't let any of them fall. As the patrol heads on to the gorge, Voleclaw scents WindClan, making Leopardfur wonder if perhaps it's Stagleap and the others from earlier, or some other possible WindClan stragglers, but then Leopardfur scents ThunderClan as well. Piketooth suggests that perhaps it's the patrol from ThunderClan to bring back WindClan, making Leopardfur groan that none of them should be on RiverClan land anyways.
Whiteclaw begins to head along the gorge's edge, growling that they were too soft on them yesterday, his tail bushing angrily. Leopardfur orders him to wait, the rain picking up and battering against her face. As they continue along the gorge, Whiteclaw mews that he sees them and pushes ahead in front of her, and Leopardfur again orders him to wait. She yowls his name, but Whiteclaw says they need to follow him. She chases after him squinting in the rain, eventually making out the shapes of the ThunderClan warriors Fireheart and Graystripe, along with the WindClan deputy Deadfoot and the warrior Onewhisker. She notes they weren't part of the group they chased off yesterday, and realizes that they were probably part of WindClan coming home. She wonders why ThunderClan is with them, but before she can elaborate on that thought, Whiteclaw leaps on top of Fireheart and sends him crashing to the ground. Sedgecreek streaks past her and lunges at Onewhisker, dragging him to the ground and slashing his ears, and eventually pummeling him dangerously close to the cliff's edge. Leopardfur bolts to them and grab's Sedgecreek's scruff, pulling her back in, leaving Onewhisker scrambling, but eventually, getting up. Sedgecreek is confused, but then realizes how close to death she was, and thanks her. Leopardfur says she did promise to let none of them fall. Sedgecreek nods and then attacks Onewhisker again, but this time he's more prepared as he deflects her blow and the two begin to tussle.
Piketooth and Voleclaw are on Deadfoot, driving him back and lashing out at him as Deadfoot's limp paw keeps unbalancing him on the uneven surface. Reedtail leaps for Graystripe, who looks startled, but is able to battle away Reedtail with a hefty blow. As Reedtail regains his footing, Leopardfur leaps onto Graystripe, knocking him down and snarling into his ear that this is RiverClan land. Graystripe screeches and tries to kick her off, but Reedtail comes to Leopardfur's side and sinks his teeth into Graystripe's tail. Although she feels triumphant at the sound of Graystripe's agony, she hears more cats pouring into the fray, and spots a patrol led by Tigerclaw, with Willowpelt, Whitestorm, and Sandpaw racing at his heels. Tigerclaw clashes into Voleclaw, wrestling him away from Deadfoot, and Leopardfur leaps for him, but before she cat, Willowpelt drags her to the ground and rips a wound down to the bone in Leopardfur's tail, making her screech in agony. Whiteclaw is now fighting Graystripe while Fireheart and Whitestorm battle Reedtail. Deadfoot still fights Piketooth, and Leopardfur is surprised at how deft at fighting he is despite his disability. Sedgecreek crouches against the earth, trying to fight back against the blows of Sandpaw and Onewhisker. Leopardfur realizes they're outmatched, and if they want to live, they need to leave now.
She leaps for Willowpelt, slamming her head into her chest which sends Willowpelt to the ground, winded. She turns to Piketooth, ordering him to help Sedgecreek, and prepares to attack Deadfoot, but Tigerclaw appears, grabbing her by the scruff. Leopardfur feels her pelt burn hot as she feels betrayed by Tigerclaw, asking how dare he attack her. Tigerclaw thrusts her viciously to the ground, and snarls that he's willing to hurt a cat he admires to protect his Clan. Enraged that he seems to think that it's a lesson, she rears up and swipes at him, and with a few more quick blows, Tigerclaw loses his balance and thumps to his side. As she's about to pounce, she hears a shriek that seems to make the raindrops shiver around her. She freezes, and so does the battle, and their eyes widen in horror as Graystripe lies at the edge, his pelt bushed. Leopardfur darts to his side, dread hollowing her belly as she refuses to believe what she thinks happened. Leopardfur follows Graystripe's gaze down the gorge into the raging water below, looking on with horror as a dark brown head bobs in it for a moment, only to disappear.
A yowl rips for her throat when she recognizes Whiteclaw, screeching his name as his head disappears beneath the water.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Aug 27, 2021 23:48:12 GMT -5
RIP Whiteclaw! Poor Leopardfur, but on a lighter note, it's adorable she wanted to help him out. And Shadepaw being enthusiastic at the beginning was so cute. And considering Whiteclaw's crush on Silverstream, Leopardfur finding out that she fell in love with his murderer will probably cut deeper later on.
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Post by ❅Maplefrost❅ on Aug 28, 2021 0:26:08 GMT -5
RIP Whiteclaw! Poor Leopardfur, but on a lighter note, it's adorable she wanted to help him out. And Shadepaw being enthusiastic at the beginning was so cute. And considering Whiteclaw's crush on Silverstream, Leopardfur finding out that she fell in love with his murderer will probably cut deeper later on. When you put it like that...it makes that whole situation worse, oof. Also I'm kinda impressed that Leopardfur was able to counter Tigerclaw the way she did.
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 28, 2021 0:39:07 GMT -5
Chapter 14: Leopardfur isn't sure how she got back to camp, the grief of Whiteclaw engulfing her. She vaguely remembers being carried as her thoughts were lost, and recalling that Fireheart and Graystripe tried to explain what happened. But it didn't matter if it were an accident; Whiteclaw was still dead. She feels so numb, which worsened when she couldn't even bring back Whiteclaw's body for Beetlenose. He had asked where his son was, and Leopardfur was forced to tell him.
She opens her eyes, and she's in Mudfur's den as he watches over her. He says she needs to rest more. Leopardfur asks if she's hurt, because she sure feels like it. Mudfur replies not physically, but not all injuries are physical. She doesn't ask what he means, only wanting to go back to sleep and think about the gorge.
Sunfish's mew brings her attention back. Dreaming still, she sees her friend's pelt glittering with stars. Leopardfur reaches out her muzzle to greet her, but then notices Whiteclaw's battered, broken body beside her. His amber eyes now a dull, soulless white. Sunfish blinks, and asks how she could let this happen, wailing that makes Leopardfur's heart split in two as Sunfish tells her she promised to watch over Whiteclaw, her eyes full of heartbreak and grief. Leopardfur then feels a paw prodding at her. For a moment, she hopes it's Whiteclaw, but rather, it's Voleclaw, who wakes her from her dream. Voleclaw gently says that he knows she's recovering, and hurting, but she can't do this forever. The Clan is hurting too, and they need her and need to know she's okay. Leopardfur mews emptily that they have Crookedstar, and says it might be better if she stays away. Voleclaw insists they need her, since she knows where the prey is, which borders have been marked, and they now more than ever, they need her. Leopardfur asks why he can't just leave her alone, and she's made too many mistakes, going back to sleep.
As she wakes again, she feels a brittle sense of clarity as Frogleap enters the den, bring some dripping wet moss. She realizes how parched she is, and asks how long she's been in the den. Frogleap says five days, and Leopardfur reflects back to Whiteclaw's death. Her heart recoils as she remembers him, and then asks if Mudfur sent Frogleap in here. Frogleap says he was worried about her. Leopardfur says he must hate her, which confused him, asking why he would hate her. She wails that it's her fault Whiteclaw died, she nearly got Mosspelt and his kits killed. She trails off, telling herself that she's made mistakes all her life, and she should have abandoned becoming deputy and become his mate instead. Frogleap mews that she didn't kill Whiteclaw and she's the one who saved Mosspelt. Leopardfur says she was involved with both of them, and she deserves to feel this way. She looks at him, and says she should have put his love first. She should have kept him by her side, and she misses him.
Frogleap seems surprised, and his pelt prickles. Leopardfur realizes she shouldn't have said anything. He quietly mews that he misses her too, and he wonders what it would be like if things were different, but they chose their own paths, and he respects that. He loves Mosspelt now and while he can't be with Leopardfur, he'd still like to be her friend. She'll always be special to him and he'll always be here for her. Her sadness ebbs away some, knowing that Frogleap still cared about her. Frogleap then goes and gets her a trout, staying and making sure she eats it before Leopardfur passes out again. She awakes later to find Mudfur watching over her, preparing herbs for her. Mudfur seems relieved that she's awake, and gives her the herbs, telling her that Silverstream wanted to see her, adding that she seems a little distracted, and hopes she would go see her. Leopardfur says she will, and Mudfur looks grateful, touching her ear with his nose, and says he was worried about her. She says she'll be okay, and reminds him that she's his kit, and she's a survivor. He purrs and exits the den. A few moments later, Silverstream pops in, and asks if she's feeling better. Leopardfur says a bit, and asks if Crookedstar is doing the patrols. Silverstream says he is, and he got Timberfur and Piketooth to help him.
Silverstream twitches uneasily and apologizes, saying she should have come to the gorge with them instead of staying with Crookedstar. Leopardfur says Crookedstar needed her, and she's glad she was safe in camp. Silverstream still looks sad, and remarks she heard that Graystripe was involved. Leopardfur's own sadness changes to fury, and confirms. She says Graystripe killed Whiteclaw, and he probably organized the whole thing to ambush them. Silverstream says she heard Graystripe tried to save him. Leopardfur snarls that it's a lie. Silverstream asks if she saw Graystripe push him over, to which Leopardfur hisses she didn't need to. Silverstream shrugs off her answer, and simply murmurs that it's a shame Whiteclaw died, as a he was a great warrior and fun to be around. Leopardfur wonders if she should tell her about Whiteclaw's crush on her, but then decides against it as either Silverstream would feel worse, or not care at all now since Whiteclaw was gone.
Mudfur slides back into the den, saying to let Leopardfur rest. Silverstream says she'll be alright though, and Mudfur says of course, but she still needs rest to get her strength back. As Silverstream leaves, Leopardfur can't place the tone and wording of Silverstream's questions, wondering if perhaps there's more to her than she realized. Mudfur pads to his daughter's nest, asking if she wants something to eat. She says maybe later. She thanks him for taking care of her, even though she feels she doesn't deserve it. She thinks back to the times where she felt he doubted her as deputy, but now, perhaps he might have a point. His eyes widen as she says she doesn't deserve kindness, asking why not.
She says everyone knows it's her fault Whiteclaw died, and how horrible she feels over it. He was her best friend's son, loved him as if he were her own kit, and even then she couldn't protect him. She knows Frogleap was kind to her earlier, but she also knows Mudfur values honesty, and he would be honest with her. Mudfur stares at her, and firmly tells her that she's not at all responsible for what happens to every cat. The memory of her last moments with Whiteclaw feels like a fish bone in her throat as she says he rushed into battle because of her. She wasn't so determined to chase off trespassers, he wouldn't have been so quick to fight. Guilt burns through her as she says that now, she realizes everything Mudfur told her has been right. He warned her that she's always too quick to fight, and Crookedstar and Oakheart had said as much as well. She must have taught Whiteclaw the same way, and that's what led to him falling off the gorge. Mudfur moves closer, fixing his gaze with hers. He says she taught him how to be brave compassionate, and how to be a skilled warrior, and it's not like she was entirely wrong anyways, considering ThunderClan was on their land, and he can't imagine any deputy letting that go without a challenge.
She looks at him, suddenly longing for forgiveness, asking if perhaps someone who isn't as hotheaded as her would be better. Puzzled, he asks if she's doubting herself. She grimly tells him that she knows he doubts her, and reveals she knows that he didn't want her as deputy. Mudfur looks uncomfortable as she says it, and Leopardfur explains she heard it while talking to Crookedstar when he was delirious with his fever. Mudfur glances as his paws, whiskers drooping, and says it's not what she thinks. Leopardfur says he still said it to Crookedstar. Mudfur looks at her, and says he did, but it wasn't because he doesn't think she's capable, and he above all others as her father can see her passion and commitment to their Clan. But he hasn't forgotten his vision about her saving the Clan one day, and he worries that she'll choose to save it with war, over peace, and doesn't want her to live to regret it. His words pricks at her, and realizes that perhaps there's some truth to them, now with so many cats she loved gone. She quietly tells him that what happened with Whiteclaw has shown her what happens when a warrior acts on their instinct, not reason. Surprised, Mudfur pricks his ears, and Leopardfur says she knows she'll never be as tolerant as Crookedstar, but she doesn't want to feel this way again, the feeling of wondering if she's the reason one of her Clanmates died.
Mudfur begins to purr, saying he's glad. He says he still believes what he said when she was a kit. If she can find the balance between peace, war, and protecting the Clan, he thinks she'll be one of the greatest leaders RiverClan has ever known. Leopardfur's heart lightens at his praise, and if Mudfur believes she can change, then she knows she could. Tomorrow, she decides to leave the medicine den and go back to her deputy duties, put reason above instinct, and push away any lingering feelings for Frogleap. Instead, she plans to give her whole heart to being the best deputy RiverClan deserves.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Aug 28, 2021 0:47:48 GMT -5
I hope it isn't implying that Silverstream was already meeting with Graystripe. It'd be yet another inconsistency, though if not for F&I, this would be preferable. And it's nice to see Leopardfur beginning to reconcile her relationships, but god, poor Beetlenose! First his mate, now his son.
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Post by sylveon on Aug 28, 2021 1:19:13 GMT -5
I'm still very early in this but oh man I knew Sunfish was going to die for leopard's character development but I'm still upset it happened. She was such a good character and I wish she was around to give Leopard much needed advice. I'm surprised how Lionheart straight up killed a cat and how Redtail indirectly led to Sunfish's death.
The timeline is confusing, though, and you can tell how they wanted to smush all this in for character development. Silverstream was mentioned to be a fairly young warrior when she and Graystripe met. It seems like either she's been a warrior longer than I thought, sunfish had another litter quickly, or they just got the timeline muddled.
Really upset that we didn't see Mistystar and Stonefur's kithood/apprentice hood.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 28, 2021 6:17:33 GMT -5
I knew it was happening, but R.I.P. Whiteclaw. :c Poor Beetlenose. Those questions about Graystripe surprised me. Is Silverstream already meeting him? She does start to do so in the same season Whiteclaw died and this is a few days later. So I guess Silverstream could've already saved him from drowning, but I'm not sure.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 28, 2021 6:41:46 GMT -5
After some research I can safely say that Fire and Gray are already mentors here and Fire is already meeting with Princess. It says here that Leopard has been in the den for 5 days. Fireheart started meeting his sister two days afterwards. Silverstream saving Graystripe was a few days after the reunion, so I'm guessing she only just saved him.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 28, 2021 7:51:46 GMT -5
A part of me wonders if Silverstream actually had interest in Graystripe even before she saved his life, though it’s probably just an inconsistency, but even then, I could imagine her being interested in the friendly, spunky Thunderclan Warrior at gatherings from afar. That would actually be kind of cute.
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Post by ❅Maplefrost❅ on Aug 28, 2021 8:13:36 GMT -5
I like how we see Leopardfur dealing with depression and trauma. And from the sounds of it, the way they describe her grief is quite realistic.The survivors guilt and blaming herself...
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Bisexual
#FF00EC
Name Colour
BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ
Villain Enjoyer
Finally reading Wind!
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Post by BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ on Aug 28, 2021 10:11:38 GMT -5
I know that I'm extremly late to the party but just wanted to say thank you to Hollyfall for writing these chapter summaries. They are very enjoyable to read through. In terms of the story, I actually like how fast paced it is as a lot must have happened in Leopardstar's life before the real start of the original arc. I'm now wondering how her Super Edition is going to end although it seems to indicate a possibly similar ending as to how TPB did with the BloodClan battle. I highly doubt it will go further than that to arriving at the lake, let alone her death (perhaps in the short manga at the end, if there is one). I'm also just so glad to see Tigerstar (and Firestar) again while they were still alive.
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Post by Saint Ambrosef on Aug 28, 2021 10:29:18 GMT -5
I don't think that scene was implying Silverstream already liked/met with Graystripe. To me, the conversation is meant to illustrate that Silverstream is a much more forgiving character that Leopardfur. She doesn't jump to conclusions and instead reasons that despite the fact Graystripe is an "enemy", accidents happen.
This scene is setting up an important aspect of Silverstream's character -- namely that she thinks critically beyond the "us vs. them" bubble of her clanmates -- which thereby explains how she could then fall in love with an "enemy".
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Aug 28, 2021 10:40:57 GMT -5
I don't think that scene was implying Silverstream already liked/met with Graystripe. To me, the conversation is meant to illustrate that Silverstream is a much more forgiving character that Leopardfur. She doesn't jump to conclusions and instead reasons that despite the fact Graystripe is an "enemy", accidents happen. This scene is setting up an important aspect of Silverstream's character -- namely that she thinks critically beyond the "us vs. them" bubble of her clanmates -- which thereby explains how she could then fall in love with an "enemy". That's what I was thinking as well. It's just that this series has so many timeline inconsistencies already, I got scared for a second, though looking at the timing and since Leopardfur was in the den for five days anyway, it looks like the timeline is still pretty accurate to F&I.
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