Write about or draw a scene about your clan’s camp
Describe your leader and deputy’s relationship
Cougarstrike looked around the clearing where the few cats he’d managed to rescue were gathered. The roar of the StarFalls thundered behind him. It had been the first place he’d thought of to go after the fire. It just seemed like a safe place, for some reason.
They had been here for two days, now. Two days since the fire destroyed their camp, and he had fled with a few others. So few. There had been no sign of any other members of the clan. Even Eaglestar was missing. Is this all that’s left of my clan?
“Robinfrost!” An overjoyed cry came from the far side of the clearing.
A silky white-and-fawn she-cat stepped out of the forest and was greeted by her mate. He had been even more quiet than usual, Cougarstrike had noticed. But now, the huge dark tom was purring so loudly that Cougarstrike could hear him from where he sat.
The rest of his band of refugees gathered around Robinfrost, peppering her with questions.
“How did you escape the fire?”
“Where have you been?”
“Are you all alone?”
“Have you seen Eaglestar?”
Cougarstrike approached. “Who are they?” he asked, indicating two figures, still hiding on the outskirts of the clearing. He had seen them follow her there.
“I’ll tell you all everything, I promise.” Robinfrost said wearily. “First, I want to introduce my new friends. Everyone, this is Sage and Willow. They helped me find you.”
Two she-cats tentatively stepped forward, seemingly uncomfortable under the gaze of so many strangers. Both were small and soft-looking, a fluffy gray tortoiseshell and a sleek spotted tabby.
“They’re… or, they were barn cats,” explained Robinfrost. “But their home was destroyed in the fire, just like ours.”
Barn cats? Practically kittypets! thought Cougarstrike.
The fluffy one, Sage, met his eye. She must have sensed his disdain, because her amber eyes were hard, defiant.
***
“I still can’t believe StarClan chose you to be the new leader,” Cougarstrike growled. “You can barely defend yourself!”
Sagestar got back to her paws, breathing heavily. That same defiant look was in her eyes again. “I do just fine,” she spat. “As long as you don’t resort to dirty tricks.”
“Enemies won’t fight fair, Sagestar,” he replied. “You should get used to that.”
“Fine,” she huffed. “Let’s go again.”
Without warning, she sprang at him, but he easily sidestepped her.
“Slow. Just what I’d expect from a kittypet.”
***
Cougarstrike landed hard on his back, his breath knocked from his lungs. Fluffy gray paws pinned down his shoulders.
He pulled his hind legs towards his chest and with a mighty heave managed to shove his opponent off of him. She landed awkwardly and stumbled, falling to the ground.
“You’re slow today, Sagestar. What’s wrong?”
Sagestar got to her feet. “I guess I’m just distracted,” she said.
“Something on your mind?”
“It’s nothing… I just heard some of the elders talking earlier today. About Eaglestar. I’m… I’m nothing like him, am I?”
“No, Eaglestar was a very different cat than you are. You probably wouldn’t have gotten along very well,” he added with a chuckle.
Sagestar frowned. “What am I doing, Cougarstrike? I’m no leader. I’m no better than a kittypet.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Sagestar. StarClan chose you.”
Sagestar sighed. “I think they made a mistake.”
“I thought so too, at first,” he said, giving her a playful nudge. “But you’re exactly what JuniperClan needs. You’re a great leader.”
“Thanks, Cougarstrike. You’re a great deputy.” She nudged him back. “Not a bad friend, either.”
“Shut up, kittypet,” he said with a smile.
Describe your clan’s reputation
Historically, JuniperClan hasn’t interacted much with other cats. They’ve never encountered another clan, but do see occasional rogues or the rare kittypet.
Before Sagestar became the leader of the clan, the clan’s reactions to Intruders was highly inconsistent. Depending on the day, a stranger could be viciously attacked, simply ignored, or invited to spend a few days at camp as a guest. This was confusing for cats, especially when they expected a warm welcome only to be greeted with teeth and claws.
After Sagestar took the position of leader, she began the work of restoring the clan by returning to the warrior Code. Under her leadership, Intruders were to be challenged, but not immediately engaged in battle if they weren’t hostile. Cats in need would be able to receive help from the clan, but otherwise strangers would be either escorted or chased off of JuniperClan territory.
With the return of the Code, JuniperClan’s reputation changed from being a group of wild, unpredictable cats to an organized and strong Clan who were willing to help cats who needed it.
JuniperClan 