Mistyheart gladly followed her new representative into the gathering without qualms or doubt. She wouldn’t deny she was a little nervous for their sake, seeing as this was their first gathering in their new position and there was much tension between the clans - if the last gathering was anything to speak of. Still, Heatherstar had always seemed a patient and fair leader from Mistyheart’s stand point, and the other clans had much lesser issues with Riverclan. Thunderclan and Shadowclan were tangled up in their own issues as it was, and Darkclan had to put enough effort into just keeping their heads above the current of hate, something the young medicine had to admit Ravenstar was doing an admirable job at. Still, Mistyheart couldn’t help the pause in her step as she gazed up upon the new head of their clan, ears twitching to catch the words passed between them and their fellow leaders. Yes, it would seem pleasantries would be maintained, for now. A pleased smile touched Mistyheart’s face at this, and she pushed her nerves aside as best she could.

Ears pricked alertedly and tail swaying softly behind her, Mistyheart made her way over to where the medicine cats sat, curling her tail neatly over her paws as she settled. It wasn’t until then that her gaze was drawn toward Mistypelt, still looking quite nervous despite the comfort her leader appeared to give. The Windclanner had been a sole medicine cat for longer than Mistyheart herself, but still Mistyheart did note that each gathering she seemed considerably anxious. It had taken a little time for her to cease the emotions of the other triggering her own anxiety, yet even still, compassion compelled her. However, rather than moving from her spot, the Riverclanner simply sorted her expression, and aimed to gently meet her gaze with a warm smile the moment she should glance her way. However, it seemed for the moment Mistypelt’s attentions were otherwise occupied.

Soon enough, the rest of the clans arrived, Thunderclan’s deputy announcing sickness and drawing a pang of sympathy from Mistyheart and well wishes from the other leaders. However, Mistyheart didn’t get much opportunity to dwell on the matter, for Sagewhisker joined her side and spoke in familiar, warming tones. A soft smile gracing her features, Mistyheart turned her gaze upon her fellow medicine cat and offered a nod of respectful greeting in turn. “Yes, it has been...rather difficult. However, my clanmates serve for great support, and my role does well to hold the fondest of memories.” A reflective look dawned upon her at that, before she shook it aside with a look of compassionate query. “I do hope your leader recovers well, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need.” While borders separated the clans, medicine cats abided by Starclan first and foremost, the ties between them running much deeper. Besides, Riverclan had a sufficient herb stock, and the fall of any leader could be damaging to all the clans, especially with the coming of Leafbare.

Attentions drawn briefly away from her companion, a smile was offered to Mistypelt at the Windclan medicine cat’s approach, a gentle reassurance alighting her gaze. “Mistypelt, you are doing well, I hope?”

Rune, Thorne

Mistypelt took comfort as all the Medicine cats gathered together, her shaking subsiding, and a smile carefully curling her maw. Yes, this was better. Here, she could focus on the wishes of Starclan, and not concern herself with the mounting tensions around her. It wasn't until Mistyheart adressed her that she dared to speak again, "Yes. I'm still learning to keep my calm, for it is difficult without my Mentor, though my Clan gives me their strengths daily. I can only hope that you're well as well?" Her head bowed to both Spiderface and Sagewhisker, contenting herself with their presences. This was nice, having a gathering of cats who cared for all cats, "What of the rest of you? Has all been well?" Her tail curled delicately about her feet, she settling to sit and talk now.

Lynxstar thundered through the valley, with the fury of a badger. He was just fine, Sagewhisker couldn't make him stay in camp because of whitecough, nonetheless, from a Gathering. As Thunderclan Leader, he was to represent Thunderclan with strength and pride! So what if he couldn't make it through a couple of sentences without hacking up a furball? He was going to the Gathering, whether Sagewhisker liked it or not!

As he finally made it to Five Stones, his exhaustion gave way to anger and hate. That band of rouges was here, along with their so called "Leader" Ravenstar. He never did believe Starclan granted her nine lives, he always thought she lied so she could seem just as powerful as him. He huffed and looked away from her and her so called "Clan". That wasn't why he was here. He turned his golden gaze to Duskstar, a growl erupting from his throat. His lips curled back as he stared up at the Shadowclan Leader, marching right up to his own stone and leaping up next to Briarsong. He trotted up to Duskstar until he was barely a mouse-length away from him, giving him his most intense stare. "You crowfood eating, foxhearted, territory burner! You and your clan!" he yowled, his tail lashing about in anger behind him.

izumakoto

A growl erupted from Lynxstar's throat. "Of course, I am well. It is my duty as Thunderclan Leader to attend these gatherings." he said. "The time has passed for us to be civil, Duskstar. Your fire elementals burnt half of Thunderclan territory to a crisp! It took my growth patrol a half moon to restore our territory back to what it was and another quarter moon for the prey to return!"

He unsheathed his claws and scraped them again the Thunderclan stone. "It could not have been Windclan of Riverclan, could it? Riverclan hardly has any fire elementals and Windclan has no need to tame their fire elementals with our forest. Which means Shadowclan had to have started it, and I will not rest until you take the blame for what your clan has done."

He snorted, "I do not need to prove the likes of you wrong, when we all know I am right. So stop being a coward and face me like a tom!"

izumakoto

Lynxstar threw his head back and gave Duskstar a barking laugh. "Am I sure, he asks. Am I sure?" He met Duskstar's gaze with a wide smile. "How could it have been a wildfire when it is no secret that Shadowclan trains its fire elementals on the Thunderclan border. If that was a secret you were trying to keep, you were not doing a very good job at keeping it!"

He spat as Duskstar continued to deny his actions. He was glad this foxheart was chased out of Thunderclan, if this is what he would've grown up to be! "Well, then, if it was not Shadowclan, then who else could it have been?" He turned down to the sea of cats below him. "Speak up! Do not fret! The one who burned Thunderclan territory will only have to face judgement from me! Show yourself now or face the consequences!"

He waited a few heartbeats before he turned back to Duskstar, his smile gone and replaced with a harsh scowl. "What proof do I need when Shadowclan is the clan of fire?" he growled. "I do not want to go war if I do not have to, but it seems there is only one solution to this." He stood nose to nose with Duskstar now, his muzzle wrinkling in disgust as he took the Shadowclan Leader in for his full size. "Admit your clan set fire to Thunderclan territory." The earth beneath him began to shake, as if his rage was becoming sentient.

"Or else."

izumakoto

Lynxstar hesitantly took a step back as Duskstar's shadows began to spread, wrapping around his body and wisping over his fur. He gave a snort of disgust. "Lie? You dare accuse me of lying?" he snarled. He gave a harsh stomp with his front paw, a pillar of earth shooting up from the ground below and dissapating Duskstar's shadows.

"The only one lying is you, Duskstar." he growled. He turned around and leapt down from the Thunderclan stone. "So be it. Thunderclan will not stand down, Duskstar and if you will not admit your wrongdoing, then next time we meet shall not be at a Gathering, but on the battlefield." He whipped around to meet Duskstar's gaze once more. "But once Thunderclan defeats you, do not ask for mercy, do not ask to be spared. Thunderclan has given you the chance to stop this but you refused to listen. And it will be your ignorance that will be your downfall." he hissed.

He looked into Duskstar's eyes for a few more moments before he turned back around lifted muzzle to the sky, glaring up at the clouds covering the moon. "Thunderclan! We are leaving!"

izumakoto

---

Fernbreeze shrank at her leader's call. She didn't think Shadowclan was innocent, not for a heartbeat. But was this truly necessary? There was no need to be so angry at one another, especially not now. The clans needed to be at peace with one another, with the rouges trying to make a statement. She rose to her paws, heaving a resigned sigh.
Oh, well.

The word of her leader was just as important as the will of Starclan and she couldn't ignore him, even if she wanted to. She trotted after Lynxstar, looking over her shoulder once more.