Loss and Gain (Clan Meeting)

[hawkstar]

"Let all cats old enough to hunt in the shadows gather beneath the talloak for a clan meeting."

Hawkstar's yowl echoed off of the frozen landscape, bounding against the frozen, snow coated ground and ringing out to gather his warriors and apprentices, elders and queens alike to join him in the clearing, beneath the large, dark tree that grew against one edge. He had prolonged this meeting long enough, and now, for the second time in just a few short moons, he was deciding on a new deputy- this time, it wouldn't be so difficult.

The dark brown leader sat back on his haunches, resting on the cold, rough bark, yellow eyes meticulously following each of his clanmates as they slid from the shadows silently, heading to the shadow of the talloak. Their coats were ragged, their bodies slight and skinny- weakness gripped the camp although sickness had not yet taken hold. It caused a pang in his heart- food was scarce, especially when most of ShadowClan's prey was cold blooded and dead, or fled from the frozen marsh. The clan reached below him, and he lifted his head to speak to them as they grew silent.

"This has been a difficult leafbare for all of us- we have lost, and we are still loosing, but ShadowClan will come out stronger from it in the end- we always do."

He paused to let his words sink in, and then continued.

"A few moons ago, we lost a very lovely cat, and her sister was my Deputy. With her passing, Thunderbrook has asked to be removed from her position, therefore, I must appoint a new deputy."

He rose to his paws with the importance of the moment, blinking slowly as he eyed his clan, shockingly bright gaze focusing on each cat momentarily, and then away, from the youngest apprentices to the elders, they all seemed to buzz with excitement. He yowled to the heavens again with his final words.

"I say these words before StarClan, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of ShadowClan is Violetwhisper!"

[violetwhisper]

Violetwhisper

The evil fell from your pretty mouth, wrapped in your classic voice
Angelic in your syntax, demonic in your motive

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Her eyes fluttered open as she heard the call to the clan. She lifted her body from her nest, shaking the bracken and moss from her fur, and turning to look over her sleek black coat. She smiled grooming quickly as she waited for the rest of the clan to gather outside. Her coat soon gleamed and shown like the feathers of a raven reflecting every color of the rainbow, but still seemed to absorb all light, sucking it into herself and making her seem darker than a shadow, even here during the day. She took a deep breath looking over her fur once more. Satisfied she stood and slid from the den the branches in the entrance brushing her pelt down and smoothing it even more. She stepped out into the sunlight and let felt the sun, weak as it was, warm her black pelt. She looked up at Hawkstar, and felt a faint flutter of excitement in her chest. She inclined her head here and there to the other warriors as she picked her way between apprentices and elders, stepping over tails and paws, making her way toward the front of the group.

She looked up at Hawkstar as her spoke again and then dropped her gaze in a good imitation of sadness and grief. She played her part well. None would know that she was not your average Shadowclan warrior. She lifted her head and looked into Hawsktars eyes. These next few moments would be crucial to her passing off as an excited warrior, new to her duties. She needed to act as though she wasn't expecting to be made deputy. She needed to act ads though it was a surprise, even being slightly humble would be good. But less important because she was in Shadowclan not Thunderclan. As the leaders words rang out over the clearing, and she heard her name she let her mouth drop open slightly, feigning surprise. Then she quickly composed herself and feigned an excited flash in her eyes followed by a slightly triumphant and willing and determined look. Well done She praised herself before moving forward toward Hawkstar and dipping her head to him.

"I promise to serve Shaowclan and Hawkstar all the days of my life." She said her eyes flashing with determination again. She looked out over the clan and dipped her head to them her tail standing high over her back. Or at least until Crimsonstar takes over... She thought suppressing a chuckle and looking back at Hawkstar. Something flashed in her stomach, but the feeling was so abnormal for her she brushed it off, not wanting to know what it was or why she'd had it. This was your worst mistake yet old man... She thought and smiled up at him her eyes flashing with gratitude and a hint of nervousness. She was the perfect spy in the perfect place to give Crimsonstar information. They were another step closer to getting Crimsonstar complete control of the forest.

Your pretty eyes don't know that
The water flowing from this well isn't fresh

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(Lyrics Credit to "Swept Away" by Flyleaf)