Juncostar

shadowclan leader

(he/him)

Nerves on fire and stomach churning, Juncostar made his way back to camp after his meeting with Hawkstar. His eyes were dark as he entered the clearing, his tail hanging low behind him as he made immediately for the highledge to leap atop it. He didn't react to the greetings he received on his way there, which was entirely out of character. He had no jokes, no goofy smile, and he looked utterly miserable. Once he was perched upon the highledge, he raised his voice to call over the camp. It was getting late, and with the sun slowly beginning to set, cats were sharing tongues throughout the camp.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the highledge for a Clan meeting!" he called, taking a few steadying breaths as he waited for his Clanmates to do as he'd asked. His heart was hammering in his throat as he watched closely for Mercuryrose and Waspsight. Something about just knowing they'd be there was comforting; he didn't think he'd have it in him to fight this hard if they weren't with him. Breathing a small sigh when he saw them, Juncostar's head hung for a moment, and he briefly closed his eyes to prepare himself for his announcement.

"Look, every-cat, I'm just gonna be straight with ya," he began, grimacing as he saw the looks on his Clanmate's faces at his demeanor. "Hawkstar has declared war with ShadowClan," he announced, pausing just a minute to let the news sink in. "We are to meet them in three days in their territory, at their pointed stones. I'll need our best warriors with me; I will be taking volunteers, or I can paw-pick you myself. Those whose participation would be a conflict of interest are excluded from the duty," he reassured them, gaze soft yet pained as he cast a glance at Mercuryrose. Of course, he'd allow her to come along if she insisted; he couldn't very well stop her, after all. He just hoped she'd see reason and make the right choice for herself.