Asexual
#07B04C
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Name Colour
Ṣanɗypaw™
The Shiny User
🎵Guess that's just the way it goes, easy come, easy go🎵
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Post by Ṣanɗypaw™ on Aug 26, 2021 18:17:04 GMT -5
I mean like, Mudfur isn't exactly wrong about Leopardstar being judgemental and quick to anger, lol
And I completely agree with Amber. There are a lot of sexualities across the aroace spectrum and we shouldn't have to only choose between those two.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 26, 2021 18:21:02 GMT -5
Also, did anyone else notice that Emberpaw and Mosspaw are kits when the patrol leaves for Sunningrocks, but are apprentices when Oakheart is being buried? So, like, did they become apprentices while the patrol was gone?
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 26, 2021 18:31:10 GMT -5
Also, did anyone else notice that Emberpaw and Mosspaw are kits when the patrol leaves for Sunningrocks, but are apprentices when Oakheart is being buried? So, like, did they become apprentices while the patrol was gone? I noticed that myself. Guess they got a promotion overnight, even though Crookedstar was grieving for Oakheart. I suppose it's a continuity error of sorts.
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Asexual
#07B04C
star_black.png
Name Colour
Ṣanɗypaw™
The Shiny User
🎵Guess that's just the way it goes, easy come, easy go🎵
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Post by Ṣanɗypaw™ on Aug 26, 2021 18:33:21 GMT -5
Also, looking at the cover, I can see why Leopardstar looks so soggy now- she's in the river. Which makes sense and honestly does make the book cover look better.
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Post by *Ottersplash* on Aug 26, 2021 18:36:25 GMT -5
I mean like, Mudfur isn't exactly wrong about Leopardstar being judgemental and quick to anger, lol
And I completely agree with Amber. There are a lot of sexualities across the aroace spectrum and we shouldn't have to only choose between those two. Makes you wonder if Mudfur saw the Tigerstar situation in a dream
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 26, 2021 18:51:15 GMT -5
Chapter 8: It's a gathering, and Leopardfur is nervous as it's her first gathering as deputy. She eyes the bushy slopes, waiting for ThunderClan to arrive, and feels her hatred of them intensify as they seem to have no reaction about killing Oakheart. ShadowClan is already in the clearing, and Brokenstar is waiting beneath the great rock. Crookedstar is beside him, looking uneasy as Brokenstar's broad, flat face looks around coldly. Emberpaw and Mosspaw scurry off to talk to the ShadowClan apprentices, but not before Leopardfur orders them to not give anything away. Birdsong and Tanglewhisker are gossiping with ShadowClan's elders while Mudfur converses with Runningnose. She's uneasy with how friendly they're being to ShadowClan. She spots Vixenleap leading Whiteclaw to a group of ShadowClan cats, and although she wants to stop them, she knows Crookedstar wouldn't approve of her interfering. Rippleclaw and Frogleap decided to hang back with Leopardfur, eyeing the surroundings suspiciously. Frogleap hasn't left her side since they set out for the gathering, and she feels guilty for not talking to him as often since becoming deputy. She recalls ordering Owlfur and Ottersplash to focus on Emberpaw's and Mosspaw's battle training, knowing how determined ThunderClan seems to be to take their land. Leopardfur had joined most of the patrols along the ThunderClan border, and surely the RiverClan senior warriors could see her point in time. Frogleap nods to the slope, muttering that ThunderClan is here. Leopardfur sneers that Redtail isn't there, not seeing him in the group of ThunderClan cats emerging. Frogleap grunts that perhaps he's too ashamed to show his face, because he was part of the patrol that killed Redtail. Leopardfur says she hopes so, but notes that ThunderClan seems at ease, almost like they don't care about the parts they played in the deaths of Whitefang, Sunfish, and Oakheart.
Leopardfur glowers as Whitestorm and Lionheart emerge, but doesn't see Redtail. Frogleap observes that WindClan is late, and Leopardfur says it's a long trek from the moor. Frogleap says they've never been late before. She scents the air and doesn't pick up anything on WindClan. Brokenstar's yowl to start the gathering breaks her from her thoughts, and she bounds away from Frogleap and Rippleclaw to take her place beside the other deputies, ignoring Lionheart at Redtail's normal spot, but gives a small nod to Blackfoot. A black she-cat from ThunderClan's warriors yowls they can't start without WindClan. Bluestar greets the Clans, and says she has a point, and wonders where WindClan is, but Brokenstar wants to speak first. Brokenstar interjects Bluestar's words and begins harshly yowling that leaf-bare left them all with so little prey, and he knows that the other Clans lost kits, but ShadowClan did not. He says that ShadowClan is hardened to the cold north wind, and naturally, their kits are better and stronger than the others. Brokenstar goes on, saying that they have so many mouths but not enough land to feed them, which puzzles Leopardfur, as not a single ShadowClan cat looked hungry.
Brokenstar says their needs are simple, and he insists the other Clans should let ShadowClan hunt on their territory. Leopardfur swallows back a screech of repulse, and Tigerclaw objects, reiterating Brokenstar's request. Brokenstar asks if ShadowClan's kits should be punished just because the other Clans won't let them thrive. Leopardfur swallows back anger as Brokenstar snarls that they must do it, for the good of the kits and surely no cat would want kits to starve. A ThunderClan elder retorts the word "must" back at Brokenstar. Brokenstar glares at them, and says they must, and adds that WindClan didn't understand, so they had to drive them out. Leopardfur's pelt along her spine ruffles, realizing that WindClan wasn't late all along. Brokenstar leans over the rock, every word lined with rich menace, saying that there will come a time where the others will depend ShadowClan. Tigerclaw hisses that Brokenstar doubts their strength, and Leopardfur begrudgingly admires his strength. Crookedstar steps forward, looks around, and says he has already given ShadowClan rights to hunt in their river. Leopardfur stares at him in shock, and stops herself from screeching at him, and why he didn't consult her about it. Frogleap bristles, snarking about ShadowClan cats on their territory. Leopardfur finds her voice and says no cat but RiverClan hunts on their territory, a sentiment Tanglewhisker agrees with. Rippleclaw steps forward, snarling at Crookedstar that they weren't consulted. Crookedstar eyes him and Leopardfur, silently telling them to keep quiet, and says he's doing what he believes is best for their Clan. Leopardfur barely hears what Bluestar is telling Brokenstar, fuming and asking herself why she wasn't told about this.
Before she knows it, the gather is at an end and the cats are dispersing back to their homes. Frogleap calls for her. As she begins to follow him, Tigerclaw swerves in front of her and tries to walk around him. He asks if she's the new deputy, and she warily says yes. Tigerclaw meows that he's glad to see one of their leaders has some sense in picking a deputy, spitefully saying that Brokenstar chose Blackfoot, and StarClan wonders how many moons he's been alive, and then says that Bluestar chose Lionheart, shooting a sour look at Lionheart. Leopardfur is surprised that Tigerclaw seems to resent Blackfoot and Lionheart, but he goes on, saying she surely agrees the Clans need some fresh energy to sweep away from old beliefs. She narrows her eyes, remarking to herself that she still hasn't forgiven the ThunderClan warriors for the deaths they've caused, but answers him with "I guess", and turns away to follow Crookedstar. As she catches up to him, she snarls that he shouldn't have done that. Crookedstar glances at her and says she shouldn't be challenging him in front of the Clans. Leopardfur asks why he didn't tell her about his decision, and he only grunts that he knew what she'd say. Leopardfur sneers that she would say what a true warrior would say.
Crookedstar stops his pace, and glares at her. He asks if she truly wants to be at war with two Clans, and if she really believes they could stop ShadowClan when they can't even keep Sunningrocks from ThunderClan. She says they need to try, and Crookedstar's green eyes smolder as he asks how many more lives it will take to achieve that. She says that submitting so easily will make them look weak, and they could be driven out like WindClan. Crookedstar breaks his gaze from her, and says that sometimes, you need to lose the battle to win the war. Leopardfur asks how, because clearly all he's shown everyone is how easily it is to push RiverClan around. Crookedstar softens his gaze and voice, and says he understands and agrees with her, but there comes a time where a cat needs to learn what battles they can and cannot fight. Leopardfur says they should continue to fight, and asks why they're not preparing for it. She stares at him helplessly, and asks why he didn't tell her about the deal with Brokenstar. Crookedstar sighs, and says he knows she'd want to fight Brokenstar before even considering his terms. Leopardfur asks what's wrong with that, and Crookedstar grumbles that it's precisely the problem; Leopardfur needs to learn and understand when to fight, and there's more ways of protecting their Clan without bloodshed. Leopardfur asks why he bothered making her deputy if he won't even listen to her. He sighs again, and picks up his pace, explaing that she has a boldness that he knows they need, but until she manages her temper, he's going to take advice from older cats. Leopardfur, fuming asks who exactly that would be, because clearly Rippleclaw and Tanglewhisker didn't agree with him. She stops briefly, and then snarls that he's been talking to Mudfur. Crookedstar says nothing, but upon hearing his name, Mudfur beckons Leopardfur to him. Now even more enraged, Leopardfur leaves Crookedstar and goes to her father.
As she reaches him, she asks why he told Crookedstar to let ShadowClan hunt on their land. Mudfur says Crookedstar asked him what he thought, and he gave his opinion. Leopardfur snaps that it's her duty, not Mudfur's, to be Crookedstar's consultant. Mudfur gives her a pointed look and says that Crookedstar approached him, not her. Leopardfur is so angry that she can barely speak, but grumbles that she supposes it means he was right. Mudfur asks what she means, and Leopardfur snorts that it means he was right about her not being ready to be deputy, if Crookedstar was going to him for advice instead of her. Mudfur stops, and looks at her. He tells her bluntly that he doesn't care if he was right or not. He cares about her, and RiverClan, and he wants her to be the best warrior she can be. She snaps that she's the deputy, and isn't that good enough for him, and if he isn't even the littlest bit proud of her. Mudfur mews that being deputy doesn't make her the best, and she hisses that he even told her she was special, feeling her anger turn into despair. Mudfur says he knows what he said, but right now, she's too quick to anger to really make any form of ideal judgement. Leopardfur sneers that it's because neither he or Crookedstar believe in her. Mudfur only gazes at her softly, and asks if she's listening to them.
Mudfur goes on as Leopardfur's too stunned to say anything, telling her that a good deputy must know when to listen more than speaking, and to prepared to fight for their Clan, but it should never be the first choice. Shame fills Leopardfur as Mudfur says fighting should be her last resort, and not everything can be resolved in violence. He hopes that, when the time comes for her to make the decisions for her Clan, she'll understand that choosing peace over war is better. Leopardfur rhetorically repeats the word peace, but Mudfur continues, saying she has a chance to lead RiverClan to a more peaceful time. His eyes shine, and he mews that he wants a world where cats don't lose their lives over rocks, or fight over pieces of prey, and asks if perhaps she could save RiverClan simply by bringing peace. She stares at him, and wonders if he understands cats like Brokenstar don't understand peace, and by bending so easily to him, they've only proved they can be pushed around. She thinks that if everything was left to older cats like Crookedstar and Mudfur, RiverClan is doomed. Mudfur looks at her, and asks her to at least think about what he's said. He's sure that if she makes the effort to control her anger and listen before speaking, she can become the leader he's always dreamed about. Leopardfur looks away, murmuring okay. Mudfur stretches out his muzzle to hers and nuzzles her lovingly, and Leopardfur only hopes that life is as peaceful and as simple as he seems to make it.
As they arrive back at camp, Leopardfur feels tired from arguing with Crookedstar and Mudfur. She spots Frogleap's pelt, and remarks that he waited for her. He murmurs that he needs to talk to her. As they go off, they sit in some shadows beside some sedge, and he says it's the first time they've been alone since she became deputy. She apologizes, and says she's been busy with being deputy. Frogleap looks hurt, and says she's going to be busy far more often now as deputy. She admits there's so much for her to do, but she'll always try to make time for him. Frogleap mutters that he doesn't want her to treat it like she must make time for him, like he's just another one of her duties. He mews he thought they had something special, and she insists they do, feeling nervous, and again insists they do. Frogleap looks at her and says he imagined they'd become mates soon, and have kits together like Sunfish and Beetlenose. Leopardfur doesn't hide her horror, and says she doesn't want kits, especially as deputy and even more so if she's to succeed Crookedstar. Frogleap says that if she becomes leader, then there would be no time for him. She says she'd make time, and that other leaders have mates. Frogleap grumbles that perhaps some cats are just less selfish than he is, but he wants a mate who will be with him and their kits. A mate that will have time for him, and he thinks that it means he needs a mate who's a warrior like him. She mews that he's not just a warrior, and he's special like her, and together they can make RiverClan strong. He mews that it's her destiny, not his. He wants to belong to RiverClan she wants to lead it. She wants nine lives, he wants only one, and he doesn't want to waste it by waiting for the cat he loves to make time for him.
Pain tightens around her throat, and asks if he thinks a life with her is wasted. He says not at all, if it were their life to share. He knows she wants to spend her life with all of RiverClan, and he shouldn't get in the way of that. Leopardfur feels the pain tighten more, but knows he's right. She whispers she's sorry, and that she loves him, but this is her destiny. He touches her cheek with his nose, and looks at her a moment more, before breaking her gaze and padding away. Grief wells in her chest, and Leopardfur wonders if she were truly to follow her destiny, how many sacrifices must she make, and hopes that this wasn't one she'd come to regret.
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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 26, 2021 18:57:11 GMT -5
This is the part I was wanting to see the most, RiverClan's PoV to Crookedstar giving to Brokenstar's demands. And correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't the ShadowClan elders supposed to be banished at this point? I don't think Brokenstar banished them immediately after becoming leader, so my memory's a bit fuzzy right now.
And oh look, relationship drama. For some reason, I'm not annoyed by this one, but still.
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Post by vectoring34 on Aug 26, 2021 19:00:01 GMT -5
Chapter 8: It's a gathering, and Leopardfur is nervous as it's her first gathering as deputy. She eyes the bushy slopes, waiting for ThunderClan to arrive, and feels her hatred of them intensify as they seem to have no reaction about killing Oakheart. ShadowClan is already in the clearing, and Brokenstar is waiting beneath the great rock. Crookedstar is beside him, looking uneasy as Brokenstar's broad, flat face looks around coldly. Emberpaw and Mosspaw scurry off to talk to the ShadowClan apprentices, but not before Leopardfur orders them to not give anything away. Birdsong and Tanglewhisker are gossiping with ShadowClan's elders while Mudfur converses with Runningnose. She's uneasy with how friendly they're being to ShadowClan. She spots Vixenleap leading Whiteclaw to a group of ShadowClan cats, and although she wants to stop them, she knows Crookedstar wouldn't approve of her interfering. Rippleclaw and Frogleap decided to hang back with Leopardfur, eyeing the surroundings suspiciously. Frogleap hasn't left her side since they set out for the gathering, and she feels guilty for not talking to him as often since becoming deputy. She recalls ordering Owlfur and Ottersplash to focus on Emberpaw's and Mosspaw's battle training, knowing how determined ThunderClan seems to be to take their land. Leopardfur had joined most of the patrols along the ThunderClan border, and surely the RiverClan senior warriors could see her point in time. Frogleap nods to the slope, muttering that ThunderClan is here. Leopardfur sneers that Redtail isn't there, not seeing him in the group of ThunderClan cats emerging. Frogleap grunts that perhaps he's too ashamed to show his face, because he was part of the patrol that killed Redtail. Leopardfur says she hopes so, but notes that ThunderClan seems at ease, almost like they don't care about the parts they played in the deaths of Whitefang, Sunfish, and Oakheart.
Leopardfur glowers as Whitestorm and Lionheart emerge, but doesn't see Redtail. Frogleap observes that WindClan is late, and Leopardfur says it's a long trek from the moor. Frogleap says they've never been late before. She scents the air and doesn't pick up anything on WindClan. Brokenstar's yowl to start the gathering breaks her from her thoughts, and she bounds away from Frogleap and Rippleclaw to take her place beside the other deputies, ignoring Lionheart at Redtail's normal spot, but gives a small nod to Blackfoot. A black she-cat from ThunderClan's warriors yowls they can't start without WindClan. Bluestar greets the Clans, and says she has a point, and wonders where WindClan is, but Brokenstar wants to speak first. Brokenstar interjects Bluestar's words and begins harshly yowling that leaf-bare left them all with so little prey, and he knows that the other Clans lost kits, but ShadowClan did not. He says that ShadowClan is hardened to the cold north wind, and naturally, their kits are better and stronger than the others. Brokenstar goes on, saying that they have so many mouths but not enough land to feed them, which puzzles Leopardfur, as not a single ShadowClan cat looked hungry.
Brokenstar says their needs are simple, and he insists the other Clans should let ShadowClan hunt on their territory. Leopardfur swallows back a screech of repulse, and Tigerclaw objects, reiterating Brokenstar's request. Brokenstar asks if ShadowClan's kits should be punished just because the other Clans won't let them thrive. Leopardfur swallows back anger as Brokenstar snarls that they must do it, for the good of the kits and surely no cat would want kits to starve. A ThunderClan elder retorts the word "must" back at Brokenstar. Brokenstar glares at them, and says they must, and adds that WindClan didn't understand, so they had to drive them out. Leopardfur's pelt along her spine ruffles, realizing that WindClan wasn't late all along. Brokenstar leans over the rock, every word lined with rich menace, saying that there will come a time where the others will depend ShadowClan. Tigerclaw hisses that Brokenstar doubts their strength, and Leopardfur begrudgingly admires his strength. Crookedstar steps forward, looks around, and says he has already given ShadowClan rights to hunt in their river. Leopardfur stares at him in shock, and stops herself from screeching at him, and why he didn't consult her about it. Frogleap bristles, snarking about ShadowClan cats on their territory. Leopardfur finds her voice and says no cat but RiverClan hunts on their territory, a sentiment Tanglewhisker agrees with. Rippleclaw steps forward, snarling at Crookedstar that they weren't consulted. Crookedstar eyes him and Leopardfur, silently telling them to keep quiet, and says he's doing what he believes is best for their Clan. Leopardfur barely hears what Bluestar is telling Brokenstar, fuming and asking herself why she wasn't told about this.
Before she knows it, the gather is at an end and the cats are dispersing back to their homes. Frogleap calls for her. As she begins to follow him, Tigerclaw swerves in front of her and tries to walk around him. He asks if she's the new deputy, and she warily says yes. Tigerclaw meows that he's glad to see one of their leaders has some sense in picking a deputy, spitefully saying that Brokenstar chose Blackfoot, and StarClan wonders how many moons he's been alive, and then says that Bluestar chose Lionheart, shooting a sour look at Lionheart. Leopardfur is surprised that Tigerclaw seems to resent Blackfoot and Lionheart, but he goes on, saying she surely agrees the Clans need some fresh energy to sweep away from old beliefs. She narrows her eyes, remarking to herself that she still hasn't forgiven the ThunderClan warriors for the deaths they've caused, but answers him with "I guess", and turns away to follow Crookedstar. As she catches up to him, she snarls that he shouldn't have done that. Crookedstar glances at her and says she shouldn't be challenging him in front of the Clans. Leopardfur asks why he didn't tell her about his decision, and he only grunts that he knew what she'd say. Leopardfur sneers that she would say what a true warrior would say.
Crookedstar stops his pace, and glares at her. He asks if she truly wants to be at war with two Clans, and if she really believes they could stop ShadowClan when they can't even keep Sunningrocks from ThunderClan. She says they need to try, and Crookedstar's green eyes smolder as he asks how many more lives it will take to achieve that. She says that submitting so easily will make them look weak, and they could be driven out like WindClan. Crookedstar breaks his gaze from her, and says that sometimes, you need to lose the battle to win the war. Leopardfur asks how, because clearly all he's shown everyone is how easily it is to push RiverClan around. Crookedstar softens his gaze and voice, and says he understands and agrees with her, but there comes a time where a cat needs to learn what battles they can and cannot fight. Leopardfur says they should continue to fight, and asks why they're not preparing for it. She stares at him helplessly, and asks why he didn't tell her about the deal with Brokenstar. Crookedstar sighs, and says he knows she'd want to fight Brokenstar before even considering his terms. Leopardfur asks what's wrong with that, and Crookedstar grumbles that it's precisely the problem; Leopardfur needs to learn and understand when to fight, and there's more ways of protecting their Clan without bloodshed. Leopardfur asks why he bothered making her deputy if he won't even listen to her. He sighs again, and picks up his pace, explaing that she has a boldness that he knows they need, but until she manages her temper, he's going to take advice from older cats. Leopardfur, fuming asks who exactly that would be, because clearly Rippleclaw and Tanglewhisker didn't agree with him. She stops briefly, and then snarls that he's been talking to Mudfur. Crookedstar says nothing, but upon hearing his name, Mudfur beckons Leopardfur to him. Now even more enraged, Leopardfur leaves Crookedstar and goes to her father.
As she reaches him, she asks why he told Crookedstar to let ShadowClan hunt on their land. Mudfur says Crookedstar asked him what he thought, and he gave his opinion. Leopardfur snaps that it's her duty, not Mudfur's, to be Crookedstar's consultant. Mudfur gives her a pointed look and says that Crookedstar approached him, not her. Leopardfur is so angry that she can barely speak, but grumbles that she supposes it means he was right. Mudfur asks what she means, and Leopardfur snorts that it means he was right about her not being ready to be deputy, if Crookedstar was going to him for advice instead of her. Mudfur stops, and looks at her. He tells her bluntly that he doesn't care if he was right or not. He cares about her, and RiverClan, and he wants her to be the best warrior she can be. She snaps that she's the deputy, and isn't that good enough for him, and if he isn't even the littlest bit proud of her. Mudfur mews that being deputy doesn't make her the best, and she hisses that he even told her she was special, feeling her anger turn into despair. Mudfur says he knows what he said, but right now, she's too quick to anger to really make any form of ideal judgement. Leopardfur sneers that it's because neither he or Crookedstar believe in her. Mudfur only gazes at her softly, and asks if she's listening to them.
Mudfur goes on as Leopardfur's too stunned to say anything, telling her that a good deputy must know when to listen more than speaking, and to prepared to fight for their Clan, but it should never be the first choice. Shame fills Leopardfur as Mudfur says fighting should be her last resort, and not everything can be resolved in violence. He hopes that, when the time comes for her to make the decisions for her Clan, she'll understand that choosing peace over war is better. Leopardfur rhetorically repeats the word peace, but Mudfur continues, saying she has a chance to lead RiverClan to a more peaceful time. His eyes shine, and he mews that he wants a world where cats don't lose their lives over rocks, or fight over pieces of prey, and asks if perhaps she could save RiverClan simply by bringing peace. She stares at him, and wonders if he understands cats like Brokenstar don't understand peace, and by bending so easily to him, they've only proved they can be pushed around. She thinks that if everything was left to older cats like Crookedstar and Mudfur, RiverClan is doomed. Mudfur looks at her, and asks her to at least think about what he's said. He's sure that if she makes the effort to control her anger and listen before speaking, she can become the leader he's always dreamed about. Leopardfur looks away, murmuring okay. Mudfur stretches out his muzzle to hers and nuzzles her lovingly, and Leopardfur only hopes that life is as peaceful and as simple as he seems to make it.
As they arrive back at camp, Leopardfur feels tired from arguing with Crookedstar and Mudfur. She spots Frogleap's pelt, and remarks that he waited for her. He murmurs that he needs to talk to her. As they go off, they sit in some shadows beside some sedge, and he says it's the first time they've been alone since she became deputy. She apologizes, and says she's been busy with being deputy. Frogleap looks hurt, and says she's going to be busy far more often now as deputy. She admits there's so much for her to do, but she'll always try to make time for him. Frogleap mutters that he doesn't want her to treat it like she must make time for him, like he's just another one of her duties. He mews he thought they had something special, and she insists they do, feeling nervous, and again insists they do. Frogleap looks at her and says he imagined they'd become mates soon, and have kits together like Sunfish and Beetlenose. Leopardfur doesn't hide her horror, and says she doesn't want kits, especially as deputy and even more so if she's to succeed Crookedstar. Frogleap says that if she becomes leader, then there would be no time for him. She says she'd make time, and that other leaders have mates. Frogleap grumbles that perhaps some cats are just less selfish than he is, but he wants a mate who will be with him and their kits. A mate that will have time for him, and he thinks that it means he needs a mate who's a warrior like him. She mews that he's not just a warrior, and he's special like her, and together they can make RiverClan strong. He mews that it's her destiny, not his. He wants to belong to RiverClan she wants to lead it. She wants nine lives, he wants only one, and he doesn't want to waste it by waiting for the cat he loves to make time for him.
Pain tightens around her throat, and asks if he thinks a life with her is wasted. He says not at all, if it were their life to share. He knows she wants to spend her life with all of RiverClan, and he shouldn't get in the way of that. Leopardfur feels the pain tighten more, but knows he's right. She whispers she's sorry, and that she loves him, but this is her destiny. He touches her cheek with his nose, and looks at her a moment more, before breaking her gaze and padding away. Grief wells in her chest, and Leopardfur wonders if she were truly to follow her destiny, how many sacrifices must she make, and hopes that this wasn't one she'd come to regret. This is actually really interesting, because it sets up a situation where Leopardfur's bellicose nature is actually correct. Crookedstar and Mudfur ARE wrong in bending the knee to Brokenstar, and merely emboldened a tinpot dictator. Makes sense as a way that her views would come about.
But what is Tigerclaw babbling about with Blackfoot being old? Isn't he actually younger than him?
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 26, 2021 19:07:38 GMT -5
Chapter 8: It's a gathering, and Leopardfur is nervous as it's her first gathering as deputy. She eyes the bushy slopes, waiting for ThunderClan to arrive, and feels her hatred of them intensify as they seem to have no reaction about killing Oakheart. ShadowClan is already in the clearing, and Brokenstar is waiting beneath the great rock. Crookedstar is beside him, looking uneasy as Brokenstar's broad, flat face looks around coldly. Emberpaw and Mosspaw scurry off to talk to the ShadowClan apprentices, but not before Leopardfur orders them to not give anything away. Birdsong and Tanglewhisker are gossiping with ShadowClan's elders while Mudfur converses with Runningnose. She's uneasy with how friendly they're being to ShadowClan. She spots Vixenleap leading Whiteclaw to a group of ShadowClan cats, and although she wants to stop them, she knows Crookedstar wouldn't approve of her interfering. Rippleclaw and Frogleap decided to hang back with Leopardfur, eyeing the surroundings suspiciously. Frogleap hasn't left her side since they set out for the gathering, and she feels guilty for not talking to him as often since becoming deputy. She recalls ordering Owlfur and Ottersplash to focus on Emberpaw's and Mosspaw's battle training, knowing how determined ThunderClan seems to be to take their land. Leopardfur had joined most of the patrols along the ThunderClan border, and surely the RiverClan senior warriors could see her point in time. Frogleap nods to the slope, muttering that ThunderClan is here. Leopardfur sneers that Redtail isn't there, not seeing him in the group of ThunderClan cats emerging. Frogleap grunts that perhaps he's too ashamed to show his face, because he was part of the patrol that killed Redtail. Leopardfur says she hopes so, but notes that ThunderClan seems at ease, almost like they don't care about the parts they played in the deaths of Whitefang, Sunfish, and Oakheart.
Leopardfur glowers as Whitestorm and Lionheart emerge, but doesn't see Redtail. Frogleap observes that WindClan is late, and Leopardfur says it's a long trek from the moor. Frogleap says they've never been late before. She scents the air and doesn't pick up anything on WindClan. Brokenstar's yowl to start the gathering breaks her from her thoughts, and she bounds away from Frogleap and Rippleclaw to take her place beside the other deputies, ignoring Lionheart at Redtail's normal spot, but gives a small nod to Blackfoot. A black she-cat from ThunderClan's warriors yowls they can't start without WindClan. Bluestar greets the Clans, and says she has a point, and wonders where WindClan is, but Brokenstar wants to speak first. Brokenstar interjects Bluestar's words and begins harshly yowling that leaf-bare left them all with so little prey, and he knows that the other Clans lost kits, but ShadowClan did not. He says that ShadowClan is hardened to the cold north wind, and naturally, their kits are better and stronger than the others. Brokenstar goes on, saying that they have so many mouths but not enough land to feed them, which puzzles Leopardfur, as not a single ShadowClan cat looked hungry.
Brokenstar says their needs are simple, and he insists the other Clans should let ShadowClan hunt on their territory. Leopardfur swallows back a screech of repulse, and Tigerclaw objects, reiterating Brokenstar's request. Brokenstar asks if ShadowClan's kits should be punished just because the other Clans won't let them thrive. Leopardfur swallows back anger as Brokenstar snarls that they must do it, for the good of the kits and surely no cat would want kits to starve. A ThunderClan elder retorts the word "must" back at Brokenstar. Brokenstar glares at them, and says they must, and adds that WindClan didn't understand, so they had to drive them out. Leopardfur's pelt along her spine ruffles, realizing that WindClan wasn't late all along. Brokenstar leans over the rock, every word lined with rich menace, saying that there will come a time where the others will depend ShadowClan. Tigerclaw hisses that Brokenstar doubts their strength, and Leopardfur begrudgingly admires his strength. Crookedstar steps forward, looks around, and says he has already given ShadowClan rights to hunt in their river. Leopardfur stares at him in shock, and stops herself from screeching at him, and why he didn't consult her about it. Frogleap bristles, snarking about ShadowClan cats on their territory. Leopardfur finds her voice and says no cat but RiverClan hunts on their territory, a sentiment Tanglewhisker agrees with. Rippleclaw steps forward, snarling at Crookedstar that they weren't consulted. Crookedstar eyes him and Leopardfur, silently telling them to keep quiet, and says he's doing what he believes is best for their Clan. Leopardfur barely hears what Bluestar is telling Brokenstar, fuming and asking herself why she wasn't told about this.
Before she knows it, the gather is at an end and the cats are dispersing back to their homes. Frogleap calls for her. As she begins to follow him, Tigerclaw swerves in front of her and tries to walk around him. He asks if she's the new deputy, and she warily says yes. Tigerclaw meows that he's glad to see one of their leaders has some sense in picking a deputy, spitefully saying that Brokenstar chose Blackfoot, and StarClan wonders how many moons he's been alive, and then says that Bluestar chose Lionheart, shooting a sour look at Lionheart. Leopardfur is surprised that Tigerclaw seems to resent Blackfoot and Lionheart, but he goes on, saying she surely agrees the Clans need some fresh energy to sweep away from old beliefs. She narrows her eyes, remarking to herself that she still hasn't forgiven the ThunderClan warriors for the deaths they've caused, but answers him with "I guess", and turns away to follow Crookedstar. As she catches up to him, she snarls that he shouldn't have done that. Crookedstar glances at her and says she shouldn't be challenging him in front of the Clans. Leopardfur asks why he didn't tell her about his decision, and he only grunts that he knew what she'd say. Leopardfur sneers that she would say what a true warrior would say.
Crookedstar stops his pace, and glares at her. He asks if she truly wants to be at war with two Clans, and if she really believes they could stop ShadowClan when they can't even keep Sunningrocks from ThunderClan. She says they need to try, and Crookedstar's green eyes smolder as he asks how many more lives it will take to achieve that. She says that submitting so easily will make them look weak, and they could be driven out like WindClan. Crookedstar breaks his gaze from her, and says that sometimes, you need to lose the battle to win the war. Leopardfur asks how, because clearly all he's shown everyone is how easily it is to push RiverClan around. Crookedstar softens his gaze and voice, and says he understands and agrees with her, but there comes a time where a cat needs to learn what battles they can and cannot fight. Leopardfur says they should continue to fight, and asks why they're not preparing for it. She stares at him helplessly, and asks why he didn't tell her about the deal with Brokenstar. Crookedstar sighs, and says he knows she'd want to fight Brokenstar before even considering his terms. Leopardfur asks what's wrong with that, and Crookedstar grumbles that it's precisely the problem; Leopardfur needs to learn and understand when to fight, and there's more ways of protecting their Clan without bloodshed. Leopardfur asks why he bothered making her deputy if he won't even listen to her. He sighs again, and picks up his pace, explaing that she has a boldness that he knows they need, but until she manages her temper, he's going to take advice from older cats. Leopardfur, fuming asks who exactly that would be, because clearly Rippleclaw and Tanglewhisker didn't agree with him. She stops briefly, and then snarls that he's been talking to Mudfur. Crookedstar says nothing, but upon hearing his name, Mudfur beckons Leopardfur to him. Now even more enraged, Leopardfur leaves Crookedstar and goes to her father.
As she reaches him, she asks why he told Crookedstar to let ShadowClan hunt on their land. Mudfur says Crookedstar asked him what he thought, and he gave his opinion. Leopardfur snaps that it's her duty, not Mudfur's, to be Crookedstar's consultant. Mudfur gives her a pointed look and says that Crookedstar approached him, not her. Leopardfur is so angry that she can barely speak, but grumbles that she supposes it means he was right. Mudfur asks what she means, and Leopardfur snorts that it means he was right about her not being ready to be deputy, if Crookedstar was going to him for advice instead of her. Mudfur stops, and looks at her. He tells her bluntly that he doesn't care if he was right or not. He cares about her, and RiverClan, and he wants her to be the best warrior she can be. She snaps that she's the deputy, and isn't that good enough for him, and if he isn't even the littlest bit proud of her. Mudfur mews that being deputy doesn't make her the best, and she hisses that he even told her she was special, feeling her anger turn into despair. Mudfur says he knows what he said, but right now, she's too quick to anger to really make any form of ideal judgement. Leopardfur sneers that it's because neither he or Crookedstar believe in her. Mudfur only gazes at her softly, and asks if she's listening to them.
Mudfur goes on as Leopardfur's too stunned to say anything, telling her that a good deputy must know when to listen more than speaking, and to prepared to fight for their Clan, but it should never be the first choice. Shame fills Leopardfur as Mudfur says fighting should be her last resort, and not everything can be resolved in violence. He hopes that, when the time comes for her to make the decisions for her Clan, she'll understand that choosing peace over war is better. Leopardfur rhetorically repeats the word peace, but Mudfur continues, saying she has a chance to lead RiverClan to a more peaceful time. His eyes shine, and he mews that he wants a world where cats don't lose their lives over rocks, or fight over pieces of prey, and asks if perhaps she could save RiverClan simply by bringing peace. She stares at him, and wonders if he understands cats like Brokenstar don't understand peace, and by bending so easily to him, they've only proved they can be pushed around. She thinks that if everything was left to older cats like Crookedstar and Mudfur, RiverClan is doomed. Mudfur looks at her, and asks her to at least think about what he's said. He's sure that if she makes the effort to control her anger and listen before speaking, she can become the leader he's always dreamed about. Leopardfur looks away, murmuring okay. Mudfur stretches out his muzzle to hers and nuzzles her lovingly, and Leopardfur only hopes that life is as peaceful and as simple as he seems to make it.
As they arrive back at camp, Leopardfur feels tired from arguing with Crookedstar and Mudfur. She spots Frogleap's pelt, and remarks that he waited for her. He murmurs that he needs to talk to her. As they go off, they sit in some shadows beside some sedge, and he says it's the first time they've been alone since she became deputy. She apologizes, and says she's been busy with being deputy. Frogleap looks hurt, and says she's going to be busy far more often now as deputy. She admits there's so much for her to do, but she'll always try to make time for him. Frogleap mutters that he doesn't want her to treat it like she must make time for him, like he's just another one of her duties. He mews he thought they had something special, and she insists they do, feeling nervous, and again insists they do. Frogleap looks at her and says he imagined they'd become mates soon, and have kits together like Sunfish and Beetlenose. Leopardfur doesn't hide her horror, and says she doesn't want kits, especially as deputy and even more so if she's to succeed Crookedstar. Frogleap says that if she becomes leader, then there would be no time for him. She says she'd make time, and that other leaders have mates. Frogleap grumbles that perhaps some cats are just less selfish than he is, but he wants a mate who will be with him and their kits. A mate that will have time for him, and he thinks that it means he needs a mate who's a warrior like him. She mews that he's not just a warrior, and he's special like her, and together they can make RiverClan strong. He mews that it's her destiny, not his. He wants to belong to RiverClan she wants to lead it. She wants nine lives, he wants only one, and he doesn't want to waste it by waiting for the cat he loves to make time for him.
Pain tightens around her throat, and asks if he thinks a life with her is wasted. He says not at all, if it were their life to share. He knows she wants to spend her life with all of RiverClan, and he shouldn't get in the way of that. Leopardfur feels the pain tighten more, but knows he's right. She whispers she's sorry, and that she loves him, but this is her destiny. He touches her cheek with his nose, and looks at her a moment more, before breaking her gaze and padding away. Grief wells in her chest, and Leopardfur wonders if she were truly to follow her destiny, how many sacrifices must she make, and hopes that this wasn't one she'd come to regret. This is actually really interesting, because it sets up a situation where Leopardfur's bellicose nature is actually correct. Crookedstar and Mudfur ARE wrong in bending the knee to Brokenstar, and merely emboldened a tinpot dictator. Makes sense as a way that her views would come about.
But what is Tigerclaw babbling about with Blackfoot being old? Isn't he actually younger than him? I wish I could say. I can only assume he's only saying to possibly get in good with Leopardfur, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was a mistake of some sort. Here's the passage here if you're curious
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Post by ᏞᎪᎠᎽ Ꮎf fᎪᏁᎠᎾms ミ☆ on Aug 26, 2021 19:08:00 GMT -5
we already had a similar situation with leafstar about leaders having mates and kits...why tf are they recycling this plot? can they just not? whats wrong with making leopardstar a complex character away from all this crap?
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 26, 2021 19:11:41 GMT -5
this book is awful aside from the whiteclaw stuff lol is it so hard to just have a she-cat who just simply isnt interested and doesnt have shitty love drama it's not a warrior cats story without some angsty love drama thrown in now is it?
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 26, 2021 19:13:28 GMT -5
Is it just me, or did they skip a gathering? Also, I don't think there is a black she-cat in TC as of ITW, but I do remember someone sprouting that line. And I think that cat was from TC. Also, it was Rippleclaw who said that they weren't consulted. That cat was stated to be a grizzled silver tabby and Rippleclaw is a black-and-silver tabby. Interesting that Crookedstar giving hunting rights to Brokenstar came from Mudfur.
And that scene with Frogleap and Leopardstar was just so sad. Poor Frogleap. :c
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Post by *Ottersplash* on Aug 26, 2021 19:15:34 GMT -5
Awkward when apparently Frogleap goes on to be mates with Mosspelt
...Who is apparently still alive
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Post by vectoring34 on Aug 26, 2021 19:19:22 GMT -5
This is actually really interesting, because it sets up a situation where Leopardfur's bellicose nature is actually correct. Crookedstar and Mudfur ARE wrong in bending the knee to Brokenstar, and merely emboldened a tinpot dictator. Makes sense as a way that her views would come about.
But what is Tigerclaw babbling about with Blackfoot being old? Isn't he actually younger than him? I wish I could say. I can only assume he's only saying to possibly get in good with Leopardfur, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was a mistake of some sort. Here's the passage here if you're curious Oh, it would be entirely in-character for Tigerclaw to just babble nonsense to try to manipulate her, but by the same token, it makes Leopardstar look very dull for falling for it unless we assume it's a mistake or something
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 26, 2021 19:24:32 GMT -5
Alright, I just looked at ITW, and it doesn't actually say who said that line about not starting until WC arrives. I did find out that Smallear was the cat who repeated the word "must", though.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 26, 2021 19:26:53 GMT -5
Awkward when apparently Frogleap goes on to be mates with Mosspelt ...Who is apparently still alive She's still an apprentice here, so it most likely was immediately following her becoming a warrior considering she's the cat who fostered Feathertail and Stormfur.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 26, 2021 19:30:19 GMT -5
Alright, we are at year 1 Greenleaf. One more season before Whiteclaw dies. I don't think I'm ready.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 26, 2021 19:37:05 GMT -5
I wonder if Emberpaw is that black-and-white she-cat RC apprentice we see in a gathering scene during ITW. Also, still no Silverpaw despite having a mentor for them. So I wonder if this cat was forgotten like Greenflower clearly was.
Or, plot twist, Greenflower is actually Grasswhisker and they changed her name. I mean, both are brown-striped cats.
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Post by Rainsplash on Aug 26, 2021 19:39:32 GMT -5
I'm trying my best not to look at spoilers and it's surprising I'm not so tempted. The cover looks pretty, though. I like the background.
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 26, 2021 21:12:51 GMT -5
Chapter 9: Leopardfur shivers and fluffs out her pelt, She reflects that she's sent out the morning patrols already. She hears Heavypaw and Shadepaw trying to crack away ice at the river. Rippleclaw calls her name and tells her that he's found fox prints by the riverbank. She orders him to follow it, make sure it goes to the forest, and then cover up the scent with his own so it knows RiverClan doesn't welcome scavengers. She gets up, and thinks about the ShadowClan patrols that have been hunting on their border now, and although she still hates it, they still have Crookedstar's permission. She reflects that lately she's noticed the older warriors have begun to respect her authority more, and have stopped muttering about her age and inexperience. As the patrols disperse again, Crookedstar rounds up a hunting patrol of his own, and Leopardfur notes it's something he'd liked doing after the morning patrols came back. She approaches him and asks if he's going hunting, and he says yes. Leopardfur says she thinks he can hunt near Sunningrocks, and knows that he's been avoiding that part of the territory since Oakheart died. Crookedstar grumbles that she knows full well how he feels about that part of the river. Shimmerpelt, Ottersplash, and Piketooth shuffle impatiently as the two talk.
Crookedstar affirms they're not going to Sunningrocks, but Leopardfur says that because their patrols had avoided the place for so long, the prey must have returned and would be abundant. Crookedstar glowers and says no, but Piketooth peaks with interest. Leopardfur thinks that even if she didn't convince her leader, she convinced a senior warrior, which is something that might make Mudfur proud. Crookedstar takes his patrol away, and Leopardfur looks back at the camp, spotting Whiteclaw observing Shadepaw and Heavypaw wade through some reeds. Blackclaw is watching them, and Leopardfur asks what he has in plan for them today. Blackclaw, half-asleep, says he was planning to take them to the gorge to try fishing. Stonefur says he'll join them and bring Shadepaw. Whiteclaw asks to come, and as she agrees to let him come, she spots Frogleap and Mosspelt coming out of the warriors den, and she feels a pang of jealousy seeing how close they are. She shakes her thoughts away, and tells herself that she made her choice, Frogleap made his. As they approach her, Leopardfur snorts that he missed the patrols. Frogleap blinks at her and says that she told him she didn't want him on morning patrols. Leopardfur knows she's being petty, but says that it's because of him that Mosspelt missed them. She suspects the two are mates, but isn't sure. She is certain they are close.
She orders both of them to come with her hunting, but silently knows that it's to observe how close they are. Wanting another warrior so she doesn't feel like "the extra egg in the nest", she asks Reedtail to join them, and he agrees. Emberdawn then pops in and says she'd like to come as well (No pelt description that I could find, sadly). As they head out, Reedtail stiffens upon reaching the river, and grunts he scents ShadowClan. As if a sign, ShadowClan warriors erupt from the bracken and crash onto the shore, not caring about how much noise they're making. Leopardfur snarls that they're going to be scaring away all potential prey. Reedtail steps forward, his pelt bristling, but Leopardfur orders him to stay back, reminding him that Crookedstar gave them permission. Reedtail snaps that they were given permission to the forest, not the river. Frogleap admits it'd be better if they went after the rabbits, and Reedtail growls that they needn't be so noisy about it regardless. Leopardfur snarls they don't care. Reedtail lashes his tail and asks how long Crookedstar will allow this. Frogleap grumbles that peace is better than war, and Reedtail snorts that it's not when they're starving. Frogleap asks who's starving, and Reedtail exclaims that they will soon, if the stupidity of ShadowClan warriors is anything to go off of. Emberdawn asks what they could possibly do, reminding them what Brokenstar did to WindClan. Leopardfur wonders how Tallstar let his Clan get chased out so easily, and she'd rather face death than public humiliations like that.
As the ShadowClan cats scamper off, Reedtail snorts that they could at least thank them. Mosspelt exclaims that they probably don't even thank StarClan after killing prey. Although Leopardfur agrees with Reedtail and Mosspelt, she knows that as deputy, it's her job to support Crookedstar, even if she doesn't agree. As the patrol heads upriver more to hunt in a different spot, they come across a bright colored boulder, and Leopardfur realizes that it's a twoleg object. It's pelt was twitching with alarm as it's thin walls fluttered noisily in the breeze, and there's a twoleg inside. The twoleg has a spider's web attached to a stick, and the web is in the water attached to a bright rock. I think this is meant to be a tent, and the twoleg is ice fishing.
Reedtail asks what the twoleg is doing, and Leopardfur replies that only StarClan knows. Emberdawn asks what even the den is supposed to be, and Mosspelt comments that at least it's alone. Frogleap mews they should report it to Crookedstar, and Leopardfur replies later, and instead they should head downstream. But then, the cobweb jerks, and the twoleg leaps up and grabs the stick, waving the stick around, and Leopardfur sees the splash of a fish in the river. She realizes that somehow, the twoleg lured a fish to it. The twoleg then catches the fish, and places it in a big white object. Leopardfur rears up to get a better view, and sees that the white container is filled with fish. She angrily mews that no wonder the river's been empty; the twoleg has been stealing fish. Emberdawn's belly rumbles and she suggests they move to the marshes, as frogs are better than nothing. Leopardfur says she's not eating frogs while a twogleg eats all their fish. Emberdawn despondently asks how they can stop it, and Reedtail suggests chasing it away. Mosspelt snorts that they can't chase a twoleg away. Leopardfur says they'll steal it's fish. Emberdawn, surprised, asks how. Leopardfur says they'll distract it long enough to steal the fish it stole. Everyone but Frogleap seems to think it's a bad idea. Mosspelt asks how they can distract it. She orders that everyone distracts the twoleg by yowling, and then she'll steal the fish. Frogleap says she'll need help to steal the fish, and he'll help her with that.
Reedtail leads Mosspelt and Emberdawn to the den, and at Leopardfur's signal they begin clawing and tearing at it. The twoleg whips around and yells at them. Leopardfur and Frogleap rush to the container and Leopardfur struggles to get fish out, surprised at how much the fish thrash even when they're caught. She orders Frogleap to help her, but Frogleap is stuck in horror staring at the twoleg. Leopardfur follows his gaze, and sees the twoleg has gotten a stick with a curved spike like a claw at it's end (an ice pick, maybe?) and begins swinging at the cats. Leopardfur yowls for them to run. Reedtail, whom the twoleg was aiming for, darts away for the trees. Emberdawn chases after him, her eyes wide with panic. Mosspelt struggles to get free from the den, her claws stuck in the fabric. The twoleg sees this and begins to swing the object towards her. Frogleap yowls for her, dashing over and slamming into the twoleg, unbalancing it. Mosspelt then yanks free and dashes away to the trees. Leopardfur realizes that she still needs to catch a fish, and chooses a salmon, dragging it out by it's tail. Frogleap runs back to Leopardfur and starts helping her take out the fish. The twoleg spots this and runs towards them, but Leopardfur pushes over the container so all the fish spill out, and the twoleg lets out a horrified gasp as it kneels down and tries to collect it's missing prey. Leopardfur and Frogleap bound away, dragging their salmon with them and into the treeline. They drop the salmon, and Frogleap remarks they did it. Leopardfur asks where their patrol is. Reedtail pops his head out of the river and bolts towards them, followed closely behind by Emberdawn and Mosspelt. After making sure they're all okay, Leopardfur orders none of them to tell a word of this to the Clan. Reedtail looks disappointed, as he's sure everyone would love to hear about how they outsmarted a twoleg. Leopardfur says if they do, then other cats might try it. Frogleap agrees with her, adding it was a dangerous thing to do. Emberdawn says it seems wrong to lie, but Leopardfur says it'd be more wrong to let them put themselves in danger. Leopardfur says that the salmon will feed half the Clan anyways, and their safety comes before anything.
As they approach camp, it had taken the whole patrol to carry the salmon back. Leopardfur's neck aches, but the admiration from the Clan made things worth it. Softwing asks how they caught such a big fish, and Rippleclaw remarks that StarClan was on their side today. Crookedstar and his patrol then come into camp, with only him carrying a sparrow. He remarks that it's a big catch, and a worthy meal for them. Shadepaw and Heavypaw push through the cats and sniff the salmon. Shadepaw mumbles they didn't see anything this big at the gorge, and asks if she can have some. Crookedstar says yes, but to take some to the elders first. Shadepaw bites the salmon to tear a piece off, but yowls in pain that it bit her. Leopardfur's eyes widen in alarm as Shadepaw's lips begin to bleed, and she spots a small silver claw in the salmon's side, realizing that it's what the twoleg used to catch it. Crookedstar noticed this too, and amusingly asks if they caught it from the river. Leopardfur replies sort of. Frogleap says they stole it from a twoleg, and Reedtail says Mosspelt almost got killed. Leopardfur assures him it wasn't that bad, and they were only stealing what was stolen from them. Ottersplash exclaims that twolegs always take things that don't belong to them.
Piketooth murmurs that she did well to bring it back. Leopardfur looks down at her paws, and says that she didn't like lying, but wanted to feed the Clan. Crookedstar gently says to let him decide what to tell the Clan next time. Crookedstar inspects the flesh and then tears a chunk off for Shadepaw. As the Clan begins to feast on the salmon, Crookedstar beckons Leopardfur over to his den and asks if she saw anything strange on their hunt. She replies only a loud ShadowClan patrol, but they were allowed to, so she wasn't terribly worried. Crookedstar looks anxious and tells her that Brokenstar has been chased out of ShadowClan. Surprised, she repeats back the words. Crookedstar says he's living as a rogue now, with some of his loyal followers, and Nightpelt is ShadowClan's new leader after Brokenstar was driven out by both ThunderClan and ShadowClan. Although uneasy about ThunderClan and ShadowClan working together, Leopardfur gets excited, and begins to say that the agreement with Brokenstar to hunt on their land isn't valid anymore, and asks when he plans to make an announcement. Crookedstar says he hasn't decided on anything yet, and he plans to wait and see what happens with Nightpelt. Agitated, Leopardfur begins to argue, but Crookedstar says he just wants to see how things play out, and as of now, RiverClan isn't in any danger. Leopardfur asks how, especially if two rival Clans are working together. Crookedstar says they'll cross that river when they come to it, but right now, he'd like to try some of the tasty salmon that she brought home. She wonders that with ThunderClan and ShadowClan working together, RiverClan is about as safe as a kit in a fox's den.
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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 26, 2021 21:17:35 GMT -5
Emberdawn! Such a pretty name! And it's at least good to see that the family tree from the website is being incorporated more. Other than that, poor Frogleap and Leopardfur, but I hope he's a good mate to Mosspelt and genuinely loves her.
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Asexual
#07B04C
star_black.png
Name Colour
Ṣanɗypaw™
The Shiny User
🎵Guess that's just the way it goes, easy come, easy go🎵
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Post by Ṣanɗypaw™ on Aug 26, 2021 21:18:14 GMT -5
Whiteclaw's death is going to be so heartbreaking again, especially because we're reading it from Leopardstar's POV. I'll prepare the tissues
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Post by vectoring34 on Aug 26, 2021 21:28:47 GMT -5
I've never been a fan of Crookedstar, but I must say this book really just drives it home. Him rolling over to Shadowclan and letting them hunt on his territory while his clan starves is incredibly pathetic and it's to the point that in spite of my glowing distaste of Leopardfur, I have to agree with her on him acting like a coward. Peace is good, yes, but Shadowclan is not being peaceful as they plunder their territory.
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Post by Ivyfalcon on Aug 26, 2021 21:32:52 GMT -5
Well, she could still very well be ace while having romantic feelings for someone. I'm just glad it's not Tigerstar. Sorry for butting in and I hope this doesn't come across as rude, but I would also like to add that she could still be aro-spec and have romantic feelings for someone too (grayaromantic, demiromantic). She could also just be straight up aromantic and still want a romantic relationship/a QPR just without the romantic attraction. Not that I expect this kind of representation from this series or really care one way or the other, of course.
Edit: With that said, I do wish we could have more ace/aro/aroace characters in general from all parts of the spectrum represented in media. Especially since things like romantic love are generally held up on such a high pedestal. Yeah, I’m aroace myself and I agree with everything you said here, and I actually headcanon several other characters as aroace/a-spec that do in canon have romantic relationships, but I kind of was just really hoping Leopardstar would not be interested in romance at all. I thought what she said in I think chapter 2? of the preview that she wasn’t interested in toms (and she seemed almost kind of confused by her friends’ interest to me) just was relatable to me personally and my experience with being aroace.
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Post by Ivyfalcon on Aug 26, 2021 21:36:12 GMT -5
I mean like, Mudfur isn't exactly wrong about Leopardstar being judgemental and quick to anger, lol
And I completely agree with Amber. There are a lot of sexualities across the aroace spectrum and we shouldn't have to only choose between those two. I should have clarified better in my first post, but I was super short on time because I had an appointment this evening, but I am aroace and I honestly just wish Leopardstar was just entirely not interested in romance, although I know that’s definitely not true for all aroaces, because I found it personally relatable.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 26, 2021 21:37:33 GMT -5
Emberdawn? I still have no clue to who this is. Though I will say that she and Mosspelt became warriors pretty quickly. They became apprentices around the time that Oakheart died and warriors by the time Brokenstar was driven out of ShC at the end of ITW. Actually, thinking back on it, this is the exact same with Firestar. Also having Frogleap and Mosspelt growing close when we know they become Dawnflower's parents is a nice touch.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 26, 2021 21:44:19 GMT -5
Alright, I figured out why that name sounded familiar. I love the name Emberdawn and it sounds super pretty. But at the same time, I felt like I heard it somewhere before. So I just looked it up. Emberdawn is the name of a BlogClan member. She's stated here to be a dark ginger she-cat with blue eyes.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 26, 2021 21:47:59 GMT -5
Oh, and one more thing. Another mistake. Mosspelt was an apprentice at the beginning of the CP manga when Silverstream and Graystripe were already meeting with each other.
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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 26, 2021 21:48:36 GMT -5
Sorry for butting in and I hope this doesn't come across as rude, but I would also like to add that she could still be aro-spec and have romantic feelings for someone too (grayaromantic, demiromantic). She could also just be straight up aromantic and still want a romantic relationship/a QPR just without the romantic attraction. Not that I expect this kind of representation from this series or really care one way or the other, of course.
Edit: With that said, I do wish we could have more ace/aro/aroace characters in general from all parts of the spectrum represented in media. Especially since things like romantic love are generally held up on such a high pedestal. Yeah, I’m aroace myself and I agree with everything you said here, and I actually headcanon several other characters as aroace/a-spec that do in canon have romantic relationships, but I kind of was just really hoping Leopardstar would not be interested in romance at all. I thought what she said in I think chapter 2? of the preview that she wasn’t interested in toms (and she seemed almost kind of confused by her friends’ interest to me) just was relatable to me personally and my experience with being aroace. Same. I'm ace too and was still headcanon Leopardstar as such, but the only aroace character we have is, what, Mousefur, I think? And even then, she was a minor character. Just once, I'd love to have a warrior protagonist who just didn't have a love interest at all. The closest we have is Hollyleaf, and even then, she might've become mates with Fallen Leaves according to Kate and the family tree, something I tend to take with a grain of salt anyway. And don't worry, Amber, you weren't being rude at all.
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