Sinking Into Thin Air (OPEN)

[Cloudbat]

OOC: Since my shaky wings aren't ready yet
And I'd rather be safe than gamble and bet
I'd love to be anywhere, anywhere
Except sinking into thin air.


....anyway.

This is a thread created solely for the purpose so you all can develop your cats for their place in The Divide. (Rebel, FC supporter, or Neutral.)

The Scenario: Cedarstar, growing ever more frustrated by the pranks that The Mighty Ducklings (a.k.a Shrewstorm, Hawkheart, Elkstep, and possibly Foxpaw) like to play, has called a meeting of the rest of the Clan (while they're on patrol) to decide if they should be punished, and if so, what their punishment should be.

However, he may not be completely just: he suggests a different, individual punishment for how much he suspects each one has done. Is this "matching the punishment to the crime"? Or is he planning to favor Shrewstorm, son of former ForestClanners and his former apprentice, and Hawkheart, who is ForestClan-born? Will he be harsher on Elkstep, former rogue, and Foxpaw, his wayward apprentice, tainted by association, perhaps?

What does your cat think? Is he right? Is he wrong? Should they be punished at all? Debate, people! Tell my adorably/s] ridiculously stuck-up leader what you think! DEMOCRACY!

Note: Even if you're pretty certain of your cat's beliefs, post! Argue! Stir up trouble! LET'S GET THIS PLOT ON THE ROAD!

AMEN!

....Now, here's the lead-in:

BIC: "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather under the Highrock for a Clan meeting!"

The thick-furred leader's tail waved back and forth in agitation as his Clan gathered, yawning and mumbling. "Order, MeadowClan!" He boomed. Talking became murmuring until he yowled shortly and sharply and it died out completely. "Thank you. Now, some of you may be wondering why I've just called a meeting when the sunset patrol has just gone out. It is because it concerns them personally."

A few eyebrows were raised, and chatting rose again until he quelled it with an imperious yellow gaze.

"I'm sure all of you have noticed the irritating pranks they have collaborated on lately - they waste everyone's time, especially theirs. And yes, I know perfectly well it's them, especially when they boast about it within two tail-lengths of me." He ended his last line with a growl. "I apologize for not taking action sooner; I should have realized that these hooligans wouldn't realize the error of their ways. However, I can ignore their mouse-brained tricks no longer - something must be done, and we, as a Clan, must decide for their own good what that is."

He paused to take a breath, and continued.

"You, my Clanmates, know them, certainly better than I do. I do not wish to be too harsh, nor too easy on them, and I want to make sure each one has a specific punishment that suits them personally to better teach them a lesson. So convene among yourselves, and tell me, what do you think?"

[ambird]

As she heard her mate call upon the Clan, Gingerstripe left the corner of the camp she had been sunning herself in. She noticed a few confused looks from several Clanmates, and to a degree, felt sympathy for them. They didn't understand what he was about to say, and once he did say it, they probably would still be either confused or angry. Hopefully all would be angered at the sun-high patrol(the arrogant annoyances) for making a fool out of her mate, and above all else, their leader. But, that thought didn't comfort her. It may have unsettled her that she was one of the few that knew what he was going to say, but not today. Not now. Some were angered at Cedarstar. And, she herself was pissed at them for even considering him to be the problem! It was the few fox-hearted fools who had made him look to be the enemy! Well...she had only heard those two or three mouth off at him. So, it wasn't everyone. But, others could be keeping their dis-contentedness to themselves. If they knew what was good for them, they'd leave their problems, and realize it was all childish. You couldn't disobey your leader. It was wrong, and signaled you had to morality of a horrid, horrid creature. Something of a badger, you could say. Gingerstripe didn't have a bone to pick with Foxpaw, he, after all was just an apprentice. He might not know any better than to agree with his mentor and his mentor's misguided friend's. If he was making these choices himself, however, then that meant something would have to be done. They couldn't have an apprentice being taught by a warrior to hate on the Clan leader himself. It went against everything they lived by. For a brief second, she realized she was calling a rattlesnake a rattlesnake. Gingerstripe had always walked on the fine line between misbehavior and obedience. Perhaps Foxpaw was just doing this for attention and that he didn't know any better? Like...how she was. Or the entire lot could be. No, she thought to herself, you heard what they called him. They think that he favorites, and despises non-Clan borns. If that's true, then I'm a pink badger, she huffed to herself. "Perhaps...some sort of warning to the warriors? And for Foxpaw's case, a mentor switch? I mean, if Elkstep is filling his head with nonsense such as this, it wouldn't be wise to leave Foxpaw in the hands of a possible crazy cat. All in the patrol should be exempt from taking apprentices, especially if they truly feel what they've been muttering. At least until they realize what they're doing is childish and idiotic and..." she trailed off, realizing she was beginning to rant. What in the name of Starclan was getting into her? She never acted like this. Littlewhisker was the one with the lady-likeness, who always had a word to put in about delinquents. Gingerstripe wasn't going crazy, but she still felt like something was...different. But what? [bg=b97335][atrb=width,469,true] [atrb=border,0,true]

[Whiskers [Archive]]

What was this? Cedarstar let out his mighty yowl, summoning the clan from all corners of the camp. Iceheart's ears swiveled at the noise, her nose lifting from the dirt as she turned her attention to the large, thick-furred leader. A clan meeting-- that is what they called these things, yes? Iceheart had actually led her own "meetings" long ago in her beautiful city, in the darkest of sewers, but now she was no princess. She was a warrior and a supposedly loyal one at that. Cedarstar wouldn't know a difference anyway; she had not made a peep of protest since she had arrived, playing the part of obedient, simple-minded she-cat just as Elkstep had told her to. And it had given her the chance to wait. To watch. And oh, she had seen much. Now it seemed she would see even more. Her curiosity was piqued. Iceheart stood from where she had been lounging in the sun, flicking her ears, not bothering to shake the dust from her white coat. She went over to the meeting, just one of many. No one would suspect that her ears were listening for another. She listened to Gingerstripe and her eyes widened at her suggestion. Did she dare say something in response to the she-cat, who was the mate of the leader-- clearly bias herself. Iceheart looked around at the cats surrounding her. Some of them looked scared to speak. Yes. She would say something, if only for them. "Take his apprentice! You are loco," She hissed. "These are harmless pranks. No one is seriously harmed-- where I come from, kits were given a scolding and sent off to play. We should do the same with them. All of them," Iceheart added and glanced around before her eyes settled on Gingerstripe, a silent challenge inside of them.

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[Cloudbat]

[bg=3b5839][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] Cedarstar considered the words of both his mate and Iceheart. They both had valid points, and both were a bit off. Gingerstripe was a tad too harsh; Iceheart a bit too easy. "You both have good suggestions. I don't believe Foxpaw should be taken from Elkstep - at least, not yet, for Iceheart is partially correct - no one is seriously harmed. However, the pranks themselves are irritating and occasionally dangerous - they get in the way of necessary tasks, and disrupt the rest of other cats in camp. I do agree, however, that Hawkheart and Shrewstorm should not be given apprentices if one is in need of a mentor; there are other suitable cats. After all, this will not hurt them. Still, while I don't think it would be wise to remove Foxpaw from Elkstep's mentorship, they should be kept apart for the next half-moon or so. This should give them time to repent and realize that their actions have consequences. For Elkstep himself..." Cedarstar paused, thinking. Along with Shrewstorm, he seems to be the ringleader. However, Shrewstorm is young and foolish - he could have easily been mislead by the older warriors - he only needs a minor warning, perhaps a few days confined to camp under close guard. But Elkstep...he is surely old enough to know better. He is a skilled warrior, and seems to be fairly well liked among his Clanmates. I must deal with his fate carefully. "...what should his individual punishment be, I wonder? And Hawkheart's, as well. Foxpaw, I think, should have to clean the elders' dens alone for every day of the same half-moon he will be separated from his mentor."

[Dakki ♥ ❤ ❥]

The tabby had been listening, his tail swishing side to side in irritation. Aldernose hissed under his breath, mumbling a prayer to StarClan. What was the Medicine Cat to do in this situation? He listened to both the words of Gingerstripe and Iceheart, weighing in his own thoughts. After Cederstar spoke, the tom stood up and stepped forward, his tail wagging in the air. "Is it best to separate Foxpaw from his mentor? In times like these we need all the warriors we can get! Leafbare is a hard season for all cats, and my herbs are running low. By StarClan's breath we need more warriors! Let him do the Elder's den, and I can always get him to collect mouse bile for me. It is not a pleasant thing to gather, and Mottledpaw could use a break from getting it herself. he pausing, thinking about the other warriors; Shrewstorm, Hawkheart, and Elkstep, he did not know. "What if we keep them from going to the Gathering? I know that it is a big deal for warriors to go, but they could be suspended from it until it pleases you Cedarstar. They can guard camp... with some more trustworthy warriors of course. And as Iceheart has said, no one has been harmed. I do not think that punishment should be to harsh."

Satisfied with his words, he regained his seat on his rump, curling his ringed tail around his white paws. Aldernose nodded his head as if to agree with his own words before his hazel eyes scanned the cats around him, looking for any agreement or any other thoughts. And speaking of Mottledpaw... where was that apprentice of his?

ooc;; bleh, terribly sorry for it being short

[Cloudbat]

[bg=3b5839][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] Cedarstar's yellow gaze narrowed and became harsher. Aldernose was a fine medicine cat, but why was he challenging a leader's decisions? His business was with herbs and signs, not warrior affairs. Then again, he admitted grudgingly to himself, Brownstar thought that too. And look where he led the Clan. I should at least hear him out, I suppose. "Aldernose, the separation will not be long. It will be good for Foxpaw to have more stabilizing influences. Elkstep is a highly skilled warrior, but he has...unusual methods, to say the least. I appreciate his contributions to our way of life, but disrespect shall not be tolerated. Besides, Foxpaw still has at least two moons of training to go before he can even be under consideration to be a warrior." Looking over the crowd, Cedarstar wondered how his words would be interpreted. If he was honest with himself, he knew that some of them saw him as a rule grinder, a stuck-up no-sense-of-humor stick in the mud. They were right, to an extent. But these former rogues and kittypets...they never saw what happens if you stray too far from the code. If the leader gets rid of medicine cats, if he encourages his warriors to steal, if he excuses his own personal revenge by claiming his word is law. If he refuses to let the weak live. I am what I am for a reason. These tricks, these pranks...they must be stopped before they turn into something worse. If these cats have problems with me, they can talk to me themselves. In fact, I will welcome it and solve these mouse-brained rumors once and for all. Yet he had to admit that the gray tabby had a point - perhaps Foxpaw would be less inclined to slip out of his punishment if he also got to go out of camp, if only to collect mouse-bile. By the time his punishment is over, he'll be longing for his normal duties, thought the thick-furred leader smugly. "Very well, Aldernose. I acquiesce to your request, as long as Foxpaw is accompanied by you at all times when you are collecting. I would not recommend leaving him alone with Mottledpaw." He said with a hint of a smile. He knew perfectly well that the ginger apprentice thought of himself as a lady-charmer. Hmm. That was a thought. Perhaps if he imposed enough general punishments, he'd have no need for a specific one that might just incite more rebellion. Rebellion? He caught himself thinking. Surely not. I can consider the fact that these cats might wish to annoy me for foolish reasons, but what would they want to rebel against? "That is a good choice, I believe. It is a privilege, but not a basic right. Therefore, it would be justified in taking it away as it is not something like their right to food, water, and a den. Those are things I will not infringe upon." He was speaking half to the crowd, but also half to himself. "As it stands, Foxpaw will be separated from his mentor and consigned the elders' den for a half-moon, though during that time Aldernose may also have use of his services in collection, under supervision. I believe this is an adequate punishment with some leeway. However, if Foxpaw violates this, his punishment will be extended to an entire moon. For the warriors, Hawkheart and Shrewstorm are temporarily forbidden from taking apprentices, should new ones need mentors. They and Elkstep are also forbidden from going to Gatherings for the next two moons and will guard camp instead. That is not too harsh, yes? Perhaps there is no need for other individual punishments. I trust the older cats to realize the error of their ways and reform."

[Piewonder]

Bearclaw just strolled into camp as Cedarstar called for a meeting. The outline for the meeting was rather...peculiar. Sure, the Clan had a few pranksters, but they didn't harm anyone! That was stated though. Some agreed, others didn't, but they weren't breaking any codes. Carefully, Bearclaw listened as he deposited his fresh kill onto the pile. It wasn't much, but it was a rabbit and that helped at least a little.

As progression went on, Bearclaw found his face falling in disagreement. Foxpaw was to be separated from Elkstep? Well, what was the point in that? Cedarstar shouldn't have chosen Elkstep in the first place then! At this point, Bearclaw chose to keep his jaws shut. In his eyes they hadn't done anything wrong and with something like this, shouldn't it be a private affair? Why shame them in front of the Clan as a whole?

Shaking his great, big head, Bearclaw sighed quietly. He himself was a former clan-cat gone rogue, but not by choice. Even then, he knew some respectable loners and rogues alike! Still, all that aside, this meeting was a little touchy. There was tension between those who were Forestclan born and those who weren't. Bearclaw knew where he stood, but didn't know where he stood in Cedarstar's eyes. He was a hard worker, that couldn't be denied. But, and a very big but, he had a rogue sister...one who was fairly nasty and known about throughout other lands.

Eh, who cared. His sister's actions couldn't have an effect on him, could they? Besides, no one even knew of her. So he was safe, for the time being. Still, the way his clan was being torn, that wasn't okay with him. Bearclaw would make his stand when the time came. For now, he just waited.

[RiiRii]

Having just awoken from her nap, Sparrowclaw stretched and pried the earth with her small dainty claws before yawning and relaxing her body.
Just at that time had she heard Cedarstar calling a meeting and instantly she was interested.

Crawling out of the warriors sleeping area, she looked towards Cedarstar and blinked her eyes of the sleep that still loomed inside them. Elkstep should lose Foxpaw? This was hard to believe... The beautiful she-cat's gaze slowly moved across the clan before looking back up to Cedarstar. Tilting her head, she blinked and shook it after. The amount of things she wanted to say was never ending, but luckily she bit her tongue at the last second. Her green eyes began to fill with amusement and she took a step closer to listen in. Lifting her head more and wrapping her long tail around her forepaws.

"Why take an apprentice from its mentor when they're just as bad as one another?" Her voice was shrill, firm. She was being sincere though. "Why not just punish them thoroughly? Make sure they regret what they've done to the best. Iceheart's logic is also good, but they're not kits are they?" She glanced towards Iceheart before back towards Cedarstar. Every cat was making a valid point, but she was not really understanding the whole situation. However; it was juicy gossip and Sparrowclaw liked that kind of stuff.

Hearing the leaders final decision she nodded, but at the same time a smile crept across her face. "I'd be happy to take on an apprentice... I will make sure they learn from the best, besides... A cat that turns against the clan is no clan cat of mine... I think they deserve to be taken away from their mentors indeed, but maybe if you treat the apprentices a little more coldly they'll learn from their mistakes...?" Or run away from the clan... She tilted her head and watched her leader, her green gaze burning with thought before suddenly snapping out of it to hear Cedarstar's final discussion.

Had she now noticed Bearclaw was intrigued too, she laughed softly to herself. Soon all the cats would be interested and if the other clans found out; this will not be good.

[Pyro]

"What in the devil's name are you talking about, Aldernose? 'That punishment should not be too harsh', pah!"

Lichenheart had chosen to listen to the clan meeting from the warmth of the elder's den. He had not, afterall, lived 147 moons and fought in just as many (if not more) battles, just so some highstrung whippersnapper could drag him out of bed on a very cold day. Not that Lichenheart was lazy. Oh contraire, he'd rather be out kicking the hindquarters of foxes, badgers, and invaders. But he'd be damned if the cat who sentenced him to eternal bedrest would proceed to kick him out into the cold every time he wanted to make small talk.

HOWEVER. When the talk turned to leniency, General Hardass found it within him to roust himself and emerge from the sanctuary of the elder's den, his white fur fluffing up against the cold. Leniency. Pah. Pah! Not while he was still around.

"If you go easy on them now then they'll only go at it again as soon as your back is turned." he huffed. "And since when is caring for your elders a punishment? In my day we had real punishments. That's the problem nowadays. You're all too soft on your apprentices."

The aged tom limped his way over to the crowd, taking his rightful place at front, nearest to Cedarstar. As if he was actually, at his age, going to shout from the back like an excited kit. Please. He may still have one or two of his famous midbattle-loud shouts left in him, but he wasn't going to squander them on such a trivial matter. He faced his leader now, back rigid, yellow eyes asking, nay- demanding respect. "The young white miss over there is right. no harm has been caused...yet. But that is no reason for these childish antics to continue. What if the pranks find their way to the field of battle? It could cost someone their life. I say we court-marshal these insubordinates with the utmost harshness. Send them on all the patrols, put them on mouse-and-water rations, ban them from the gatherings until they aren't an embarrassment to MeadowClan, and take that Foxpaw away from his mentor before Elkstep can stunt his growth as an apprentice any more than he already has. And I do mean permanently as far as that last bit is concerned." He fixed Cedarstar with his keen gaze, a hint of disappointment in his face. "We've plenty of better mentors who are free to take an apprentice. Let young Sparrowclaw over there have a go. She was the first one with the guts to offer."

[Cloudbat]

[bg=3b5839][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] The meeting, which had begun slowly, was now spiraling quickly into a mass debate. Cedarstar began to feel anxious, then chided himself. Let them speak. In the end, my will, with StarClan's blessing, shall decide their fates. StarClan's blessing...the thick-furred tom raised his gaze to the heavens and silently uttered a short prayer. My beloved ancestors, I respect you and seek your guidance always. Let me be aided by your gentle paw toward justice. Amen. Though he did not always succeed, the leader tried his best to venerate StarClan properly and always thanked them after he killed prey. Now I must deal with earthly cats. Sparrowclaw and Lichenheart called for harsher measures. Gingerstripe had been uncertain, but also seemed to lead in that direction. Iceheart had most insistent upon clearing the offenders' names. Aldernose was moderate. Bearclaw and various others had not yet spoken. Whose opinions do I value the most? Lichenheart is the eldest among us, perhaps all the Clans, and he is wise from his many moons of experience in Clan matters. Aldernose is intelligent, but young, and his area of expertise is different. Gingerstripe...I love my mate dearly and I respect her thoughts, but I fear she may be biased by her loyalty to me. Sparrowclaw is admirably loyal, but also a young zealot blinded by her emotions. Iceheart...I feel there is more to her than meets the eye. However, she may be biased in Elkstep's favor. Gathering his thoughts together, the MeadowClanner swished his fluffy tail as he stood on the highrock and prepared to make his verdict. "I am glad for all of your contributions." He said in his deep, carrying mew. "First, I wish to clarify to all that Elkstep will remain as Foxpaw's mentor, and that is final. It was the correct decision when I appointed him, and it is the correct decision now. Sparrowclaw too shall be a mentor in time, but not now." The large tom stared directly back into the old white tom's eyes, matching his gaze with firmness but not hostility. "After all, the pair's faults against the Clan are not faults in their skills or capabilities. With correct guidance, I believe they can become productive and faithful to the code. We are a Clan, are we not? We must work together, not against each other. Your task as their Clanmates is to encourage them on the path of responsibility and care, not to denounce them for your own advancement. For those of you who call for the permanent separation of Foxpaw and Elkstep, think upon this: would you wish your own apprentice taken away, once given as a gift for you to train and nurture? I think not. They may not be kits to scold and send to play, but they are vital members of MeadowClan and you will treat them as such. All of them. Yes, they deserve punishment - so have we all at times, even I. This does not mean anyone has the right to ridicule or insult them. If you bear them ill will, speak with them yourselves. I will welcome them to talk with me if they wish. I have faith that they will learn from the limitations I have imposed on them, and unless they violate these restrictions, no more will be needed. Lichenheart, you speak of being too soft. Am I? Or am I a cat who respects those under his command? If they refuse to reform, yes, I will take harsher measures. My father, may his soul live on in glory, once told me that you cannot drown a cat with truth - you can only give it to them so they may drink at their own pace. MeadowClan, I have spoken, and my word is law. May StarClan light your paths." With that, he leapt down off of the boulder and retreated into his den to rest his mind and limbs. OOC: This is Cedarstar's final decision, but it doesn't mean that cats can't stop debating among themselves! Let the discussion continue!

[ambird]

[bg=c6c6c6][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] This whole meeting had Littlewhisker in a world of doubts, particularly on getting anything productive done. Cats had their opinions, and Cedarstar had his. Whether they even amounted to the same was out of the question. Leader's word went above anyone else's; it was the way of life they had always known. Correction: some had always known. Perhaps that's where this entire dilemma sprung from. Not all the cats belonging to Meadowclan had been Clan cats before, and therefore had had to adapt to this "new way of life", so to speak. Had that been a mistake? Some of the cats had been living as kittypets and rogues for as long as Littlewhisker had been a warrior. The rules and regulations they followed(sometimes, that meant free-for-all chaos) were foreign to the Clans, and vice-versa. Adapting had been hard, to say the least. And yet the other three Clans functioned perfectly fine with the mixed Clan cats/rogues/kittypets. Or they didn't have that problem because they had too many other things to worry about. Pineclan and Fogclan were at a never agreeing on anything, and were virtually on the brink of attacking one another. That wasn't something she looked forward to dealing with at Gatherings, but she shoved the thought away. They had worse things to think about. But, Streamclan had even more pressing matters. Food loss. Dozens of hungry cats, and not having the ability to feed them. So, all in all, Littlewhisker determined the other three Clan's did have this stupid problem because they had more pressing matters. Or, they might of had more than enough sense to know it was idiotic to go against the overall consensus of the Clan. Well, at least what was overruling as of now. If more cats decided that they didn't agree with the Clan, then true chaos and havoc would break out. And nothing would be pretty. Her thoughts turned back to the other three Clans and she laughed in spite of everything. If only our only problem was the Clan next door, she thought to herself. That wasn't the truth, though. If a Clan doesn't trust it's superiors, then the cats themselves will feel like they're in more of a dictatorship than anything. And if cats thought they were being forced into things, nothing remotely productive would get done. Sighing agitatedly, she uncurled her tail from her sitting position and stretched from her upright position. Cedarstar had spoken, and like it had always been, he had had the last call. Why couldn't cats just get it through their heads that even if they disagreed his decision still went above their own? Sighing, she decided to grab a piece of fresh-kill and(not intentionally, oh never) listen to others to see what they had deciphered what Cedarstar meant. She knew that he meant what he said(obviously) but she was never quite sure if the Clan knew that as well.

[ambird]

Watching her Clan-mates argue it out, Gingerstripe couldn't help but sigh. None of them would understand why she wanted those three punished. None of them would understand her rising fear. Her fear of change, and what would come of it. Not of the whole Foxpaw thing, no, she didn't care for that. But of Elkstep and the way he had with others. He could, somehow, get cats to rally with him, even if he hadn't the slightest idea what he was actually doing. What if those three took this light punishment as something more than it was? Some sort of...singling them out for doing wrong? What if they decided they were above Cedarstar's word and chose to go against him. Rebel. Who knew how many of the cats would side with them. Some out of anger, others just because Elkstep can be persuading when he wants to be. He led those cats down in Mexico after all, and Iceheart defended him so fiercely. He must have been an excellent leader. Gingerstripe couldn't say for sure how many would be swayed if he did ever do something like that, but she knew the three being addressed and Iceheart, and perhaps even little Foxpaw would go against Cedarstar, given the chance. What in Starclan's name was she doing?! She had let her heart take hold of her thoughts, not once considering the fact that none of that was to happen. She seemed to be going crazier and crazier as she aged. Or she was just far too paranoid for her own good. They were not to go to Gatherings for two moons, Foxpaw was to care for the elders and Hawkheart and Shrewstorm weren't to be given apprentices in those two moons. The punishments were lax enough. Hopefully they would take them with dignity and all would be well. For the Clan's sake, for her sake, and especially, for Cedarstar's sake. Because, in the end, he was the one she didn't want to have to take the blame for anything that went wrong after this point. She didn't care if her Clanmates believed her to just to be another example of why Cedarstar favored Forestclan cats. All Gingerstripe wanted was for no harm to come to him because of this blasted argument. She had to vent to someone. But who? Telling Cedarstar of her worries would only make him worried about her, and Gingersripe's own safety was not of her concern at the moment. [bg=b97335][atrb=width,469,true] [atrb=border,0,true]