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Name Analysis

Nightleap

I didn’t expect to love this as much I do, Nightleap is kind of a bum but she’s growing on me 😭

Night

Another common prefix, though a bit unusual for HoneyClan, Night is primarily given to black-furred cats. As expected, this name is associated with stealth—but it also carries an element of quiet anticipation. Nighttime is when the world is still and clans are at their most vulnerable, making it a fitting name for a cat who is a quiet observer or a reserved presence. It isn’t a name tied to movement or action, but rather to stillness, with a quiet dignity. Like many dark prefixes, it’s often chosen as a complementary name—paired with a light or active counterpart such as Day, Sun, Dance, or Song. It’s a name touched by StarClan, as Night is when Silverpelt is visible and the ancestors are said to be strongest. But in equal measure, some may consider it touched by the Dark Forest as well—a time when shadows linger and doubts creep in.

Leap

A less common, action-based suffix, Leap evokes quick movement, instinct, and sudden reaction. Unlike Step or Foot, which suggest steadiness or deliberation, Leap implies spontaneity—an immediate, often unthinking response. It is a name that hints at speed and agility, a natural fit for a plains-dwelling cat. However, Leap is not a combat-oriented suffix like Strike, Claw, or Bite—and because of that, some cats may interpret it differently. While it can suggest cleverness or nimbleness, others may associate it with fleeing or cowardice, an escape rather than a confrontation. It suits a cat who is quick and instinctive, but also one who may be viewed as reactive, or even evasive, in moments of tension.

Nightleap

Together, these names paint a conflicting portrait—reserved yet reactive, silent but sensitive. It’s an oxymoron of a name, one that might confuse or intrigue other cats. The image it conjures is of stillness followed by sudden, instinctive motion. To some, this is the name of a quiet sentinel—always watching, always ready. To others, it may imply indecision: a cat who hesitates too long, then overcorrects too hard. It’s a name that walks the line between caution and impulse, reverence and retreat. Perhaps that’s what makes it compelling—a name for someone who is always caught between staying and going, watching and acting.

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So what you’re saying is Lynx is the main character(as deserved)

-🐲

Lynx was literally born the main character 💖

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Name analysis:

Mallowstripe

This post goes over some aspects of Mallow’s name that I’ve discussed before but I really fuck with how this came out not gonna lie. (This also made me realize I’ve been subconsciously writing Mallow as this guy I have an unrequited crush on which is….a fun epiphany to have)

Mallow

A gentle yet meaningful prefix, Mallow is drawn from the coastal plant of the same name, known for its dual use in healing and food. With its soft, sweet scent and versatility, this name evokes an image of quiet strength, resilience, and subtle beauty. It is a favored prefix for kits born to clerics and cooks, professions rooted in care and craft, and is rarely given without thought.

The mallow plant thrives in poor soil near the sea, suggesting adaptability and endurance—a cat who makes the best of their surroundings, perhaps even one who blends in to survive. It is also an herb of comfort: used to treat coughs, soothe skin, reduce inflammation, and often combined with other herbs to bolster their effects. As such, a cat with this prefix is often seen as a supportive figure, someone who may not take the lead, but whose presence uplifts others.

In older traditions, the mallow flower is a symbol of protection, devotion, and love, sometimes given as a gift to express affection or to bless the sick. Among some clerics, it is whispered that a cat named Mallow will always carry some measure of healing in their spirit, even if they never touch an herb again.

Stripe

A common suffix, often overlooked, Stripe is pelt-based but steeped in ancestral memory. While some may dismiss it as unremarkable, Stripe is considered by elders to be one of the most rooted and revealing suffixes. Stripes are not surface deep—they run all the way to the skin. A cat with this suffix is marked not just by appearance, but by essence.

It is a name that emphasizes continuity and authenticity, symbolizing parts of the self that are permanent. It may be given to a cat who has endured hardship without losing their sense of identity—or to one who must be reminded of who they are. In this way, Stripe is a grounding suffix, one that amplifies the truth of the prefix it follows.

Mallowstripe

Together, the name Mallowstripe carries quiet weight. It speaks of a cat who is deeply woven into the fabric of clan life, not through bold leadership or renown, but through steady, essential care. The name conjures a cat whose value might be overlooked until it is needed most—like the mallow herb itself.

Stripe grounds the name, reminding both the bearer and the clan of his unchanging worth, even after loss or failure. That this name was given to overwrite a dishonor title makes it all the more meaningful: a public declaration of trust, healing, and purpose. It reflects a history of herbal knowledge, yes—but more than that, it embraces a new role in the clan’s heart.

Mallowstripe is a name for one who protects quietly, loves deeply, and adapts without forgetting who he is. It is not a flashy name—but it is a romantic name that endures

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Name Analysis:

Lynxdawn

And another one! This one was the first name deep dive I made but I wanted to sit and ruminate on it before posting. I really wanted these name posts to be similar to an anthropological article so I spent a lot of time editing this one. (Shoutout to my beta writer who shall remain anonymous for all his help!)

Lynx

A bold and storied prefix, Lynx carries a weight that extends beyond physical strength. Though lynxes rarely roam clan territories—preferring colder, wilder, twoleg-free landscapes—they leave behind an outsized mythos. Sightings are rare, and their scent lingers with a cloying, almost feline allure. This has led some to describe lynxes as half-wild cousins, distant kin who walk between the mortal and spirit worlds.

Due to this, Lynx is often associated with intuition, mystery, and spiritual beauty. Cats bearing this prefix are seen as touched by something old and knowing. It is a name frequently given to gib kits, reflecting the lynx’s association with wisdom, observation, and quiet power. Culturally, it is a name that implies grace and strength in equal measure—both in body and mind.

Yet the lynx is no gentle creature. They are apex predators, solitary and ruthless when provoked. In rare accounts of conflict, lynxes are said to decimate their foes without hesitation. Thus, a shadow clings to the name—a suggestion of cold instinct overpowering compassion, of a cat who follows fate even when it demands blood.

Dawn

Among suffixes, Dawn is one of the most culturally resonant. It symbolizes transition, rebirth, and resilience—the promise of light after darkness. It is commonly bestowed upon warriors and historians who exemplify quiet strength or who emerge as beacons during periods of hardship.

The name carries with it the weight of expectation. A cat named Dawn is seen as one who heralds change, even if they do not seek it. They are often looked to for guidance, even without a title, and the name suggests a kind of natural charisma—one grounded in hope, memory, and the cyclical rhythms of clan life.

While overwhelmingly positive, some elders view Dawn with caution. Change, after all, is not always welcome. And not all dawns rise gently.

Lynxdawn

Together, the name Lynxdawn evokes the image of a cat both otherworldly and catalytic—a figure of intuitive power destined to bring about profound change. It is a name that suggests divine purpose, one that would not be out of place in a prophecy or oral legend.

Though few know her true origins, those who meet Lynxdawn often feel the quiet gravity of her presence. She does not flaunt the mystique her name implies, but neither can she shed it. There is a dissonance between the enormity of her name and the humility of her demeanor—yet that contradiction only draws others in more deeply.

Her name, much like her life, is tied inextricably to the founding of SaltClan. Whether by fate, chance, or design, Lynxdawn is a cat whose story was written in the stars, even as she walks quietly among her kin.

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I’m spoiling y’all for sure but I plan to have Lynxdawn and Mallowstripe’s name analysis out by Sunday evening

I love the names dives @rippleclan does (breaking down the suffix and prefix separately and together from the clan’s point of view) and with how much work I put into the names I figured it’d be fun to do here.

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Name analysis:

Snowspeckle

I got bit by the creative bug (I smoked a lot of pot and laid on the ground with my cat trying to think how a clan cat would perceive the word ‘snow’ culturally) and now we have another post!

On another note I plan to come back to these posts and add the characters reference pics but my iPad is acting up so I can’t right now.

Snow

A widely used prefix among pale-coated cats, Snow carries with it a delicate symbolism. Unlike its harsher seasonal counterparts—Frost, Hail, Ice—Snow is the softest face of leafbare, representing not death or starvation, but the quiet before. Snow is the flurry, not the blizzard; the playful dusting, not the deadly drift. It is the first chill that settles over the forest, beautiful in its serenity, hiding the hardship yet to come.

Because of this, Snow is often given to kits born in peaceful times or during early leafbare, when the first signs of winter have arrived but the worst has not. It is a name of gentleness, youth, and fleeting peace, and among elders, it is associated with anticipation—both joyful and ominous. The unspoken message of this name is: the calm before something harder.

Speckle

As a pelt-based suffix, Speckle lacks the grandeur of names tied to action or legacy—but it is far from meaningless. In a culture that values patterns as markers of identity, Speckle is associated with cats who are socially dynamic, eclectic, and approachable.

The choice of Speckle over more structured alternatives like Spot or Dapple often implies a cat with a scatter of qualities—endearing but perhaps not reliable, warm but not weight-bearing. It is a suffix most commonly given to cats who are well-liked, but rarely those expected to lead. Some traditions hold that cats with this suffix are rarely made mentors, not out of distrust, but because they are thought to lack the grounding presence expected of teachers.

Snowspeckle

As a full name, Snowspeckle conjures an image of a gentle, playful cat, well-loved within her clan but unlikely to rise through its ranks. It is a name that evokes warmth and kindness, not command or clarity. In most clan cultures, a cat named Snowspeckle would be expected to live quietly—bringing comfort in the way snow brings stillness, and speckling the lives of others with light-hearted companionship.

Yet in SaltClan, the name Snowspeckle belongs to a high-ranking cat, a figure of strategy and steel wrapped in softness. Her name, mismatched to her role, creates tension in how others perceive her. Some may underestimate her, lulled by the gentleness in her name—only to find themselves outmaneuvered by a cat who embodies not just the softness of snow, but its silence, inevitability, and quiet force.

Though she may not bear a title like Storm or Claw, Snowspeckle is no less formidable. She is the flurry that signals change. The frost that arrives unnoticed. A reminder that names do not bind cats—but they do shape the stories told about them.

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“You talking about Shadows name and how it references obsessions with his goals, and looking to fill the void to to speak”

me looking at any of his interactions with Wolf ever”yeah that tracks lol”

-🐲

Oh Dragon we haven’t even begun to see the lengths that man is willing to go to for Wolf

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Name Analysis:

Shadowdive

Wow y’all surprise me more and more with each poll! I thought Lynxdawn would win the name analysis but y’all pulled through for my favorite lil guy Shadowdive!

Shadow:

A versatile and ancient prefix, “Shadow” predates the clans and carries a wealth of interpretations. It is most commonly associated with dark-colored cats and often implies stealth, cunning, or exceptional hunting skills. However, it also carries more ambiguous meanings—some see a shadow as mysterious and watchful, while others may interpret it as sneaky or deceptive. The name exists in the histories of both honorable and infamous cats, but notably, no leader has ever borne it, reinforcing its liminal nature.

Beyond its immediate meaning, “Shadow” also implies contrast. A shadow cannot exist without light, making it a name often given in balance with a sibling named after something bright or day-related. This makes it a popular choice for twins or paired kits. A cat with this name and no matching counterpart may feel, consciously or not, the absence of something—or someone—meant to complete them.

Dive:

An uncommon and striking suffix, “Dive” is a name of action, making it a bold choice for Wolfstar to give SaltClan’s first warrior. While it naturally evokes images of leaping into water—a significant symbol for an ocean-dwelling clan—it carries a deeper meaning. Unlike simple swimming, diving is deliberate and intense. It suggests fearlessness, a willingness to plunge into the unknown, and relentless pursuit.

In a hunting sense, “Dive” implies a cat who does not hesitate, who chases their prey with unwavering focus. But beyond the literal, it can represent a figurative chase—a cat who is driven, unflinching in their goals, and perhaps even relentless to a fault. It shares a root with “drive,” making it an apt choice for a warrior or code keeper, someone whose convictions push them forward at all costs.

Shadowdive:

Even without meeting him, Shadowdive’s name paints a vivid picture. It suggests a dark-coated hunter with sharp instincts and a singular focus. The pairing of “Shadow” and “Dive” creates an image of a cat in pursuit—whether of prey, purpose, or something deeper.

There is an undercurrent of longing in this name. “Shadow” hints at incompleteness, a presence defined by the absence of something else, while “Dive” suggests an intense effort to fill that void. In a more romantic or poetic sense, this could represent a cat seeking connection or meaning, someone who throws himself wholly into the chase for something missing.

However, this relentless drive has a darker edge. Shadowdive could just as easily be seen as a cat whose pursuits border on obsession—whether for loyalty, power, or purpose. His name teeters on a fine line between unwavering devotion and an all-consuming crusade. Whether he is a steadfast warrior or a force that cannot be stopped, his name leaves no room for hesitation.

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I love the names dives @rippleclan does (breaking down the suffix and prefix separately and together from the clan’s point of view) and with how much work I put into the names I figured it’d be fun to do here.

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You’ve probably already been asked this, but is there a post tag or somewhere I can access all of Saltclan’s character designs? I’d love to draw fanart sometime

I…do not have a list of refs BUT when I get home I’ll put together a list of all the janky pics I use as refs

(Technically I did make some refs but they weren’t colored or lined, it was just for proportions)

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I like to imagine that despite seeing them less often, Saltclan, especially the early members, are much closer to Jade and Capri then the other clan are

Arch star is such a guy(gender neutral usage) aren’t they huh

-🐲

Oh 100%! Honeyclan may (may) beat Saltclan bc they visit much more often and are fairly chill with loners/kittypets, some may have even been friends before joining the clan.

Wolf, Lynx, and Snow would visit to trade more if it wasn’t such a trek, they’re just to busy with all the others tasks needed to run a small clan to go more than once a moon.

I could see Honeyclan’s lackadaisical arrogance low key annoying Jade and Capri (mostly Jade tho). But Oakclan is very annoying since they’re constantly trying to recruit local cats while at the post and just ruining the vibe. Duskclan is…cordial, not quite polite more like professional, they’re not hostile, but definitely have an aura of ‘don’t approach’ that makes local cats uneasy. They also don’t visit often, once a moon if even, but when they do it’s a wealth of goods especially herbs and venison, so even tho they’re weirdos who bring an extra cat to act as a ‘guard’ Jade doesn’t hate those visits. (In fact o think if she and Jagged ever met they’d get along pretty well)

Meanwhile Oak and Honeyclan are there almost daily driving her nuts

Saltclan is just full of well meaning cats in general, but the fact that Wolf and Lynx met them as young cats makes them more endearing. They don’t just come to trade they also ask about their day, bring new treats to taste test, and just hang out for a bit and chit chat. Jade isn’t usually one for small talk but Capri loves it and she’s got a soft spot for the pair so it’s fine.

As for Archstar…they sure are something 💀

No but seriously they think they’re soooooo cunty, they love stirring the pot and seeing cats lose their composure. Meanwhile they’re just sitting there like this:

“Who me?” - Archstar after starting an argument probably

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Moon 17

Green Leaf

The half moon gathering was becoming less and less comforting as tensions rose between the clans. Lynxdawn noticed how once helpful, kind clerics suddenly turned cold toward each other. Mousefoot joined them less, and when he did, he kept quiet, avoiding Lynxdawn’s gaze. In his place, he sent Fogdapple and Butterflygaze, both cats already unfriendly enough.

Frostwhisper was snappish, stress seeping through their voice. They tolerated less and less each gathering, the scent of exhaustion and worry clinging to their pelt, but they shut down any questions. Crowpaw joined infrequently, staying behind their larger companion and shooting guilty looks toward Lynxdawn.

Even HoneyClan was beginning to crack. SaltClan’s ally started becoming less helpful, more secretive.

Lynxdawn worriedly reported these shifts to her clan but could offer few explanations.

She approached the HoneyClan border, crossing through the cool river rather than taking the stepping stones. Voices carried through the air ahead of her. Several cats were speaking. One was yowling.

"The figure!" a voice cried. "The shadow will return!"

"Keep your voice down," came a hushed response—Fernstorm, HoneyClan’s cleric.

"She wasn’t always lost!" The voice was thick with anguish.

Lynxdawn crept closer. It sounded like Junipersong, but she had never heard the molly sound like this before.

"Darling, please, control yourself," Fernstorm pleaded.

"She’s out of it, Fern," another voice said—light, songbird-like. It had to be Rosedrift. "The spirits must be loud in her ear, the poor thing."

"It’s not fair!" Junipersong wailed, her voice raw, warbled, and broken—like Wolfstar’s had been as her neck wound healed. "It’s not fair! It’s not fair!"

"Take her home!" Fernstorm hissed.

"But we need her to ask—"

"She’s useless in this state. Take her home and get her calmed down."

Junipersong’s chant of "it’s not fair" continued in the background, fading slowly as she was led back to camp.

Lynxdawn slowly backed up, praying to Fleetwhisker to quiet her steps, retreating toward the river. Only when she reached the edge did she make her move, leaping into the water with an intentionally loud splash.

By the time she emerged, Fernstorm was waiting on the bank.

Lynxdawn feigned breathlessness. "Sorry I’m late, my daughter was coughing, and I wanted to check her before I left."

She knew she had pulled it off when their face twisted with concern. "Oh, is she alright?"

"Yes, yes, she’s fine," Lynxdawn chuckled. "Turns out she tried Mallowstripe’s juniper-spiced tea. She doesn’t tolerate spicy well."

Fernstorm let out a light laugh, though there was wariness in their posture. Still, the pair talked politely as they trotted toward the OakClan border.

With greenleaf in full swing, Lynxdawn had to forage for herbs early in the day, her heavy coat intolerable to the sun-high heat. She wished the clan had caretakers like HoneyClan or OakClan—cats she could send out to collect herbs while she prepared medicine. Hopefully, they could even start a garden near camp for essential plants, but that was a long way off.

So she began her patrol just past dawn, the grass still dewy and soft on her paws. She stayed well within the territory, climbing the rocky slope leading to the cliffside graveyard. The clearing was calm and quiet as she checked for herbs. The honeysuckle planted over Fennelheart’s grave was starting to grow taller—Mallowstripe had been tending it well. A gentle breeze stirred the plants, but the usual peace of the place felt thinner, like an unseen presence was pressing against her senses. The failed protection ritual still lingered in her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was… off.

Her daughters planned to plant bluebells over their first mother’s grave now that they all knew the truth. It was the least Lynxdawn could do to show her gratitude to the late molly. She pulled the plantain overtaking the honeysuckle, yanking out the roots and discarding them absently, distracted by the gnawing unease prickling at her pelt.

The sun climbed higher, the heat pressing down. Lynxdawn checked a few more shaded spots, gathering red clover and sprigs of yarrow, but she couldn’t shake the creeping sensation that something was watching her.

She turned sharply, ears swiveling. The graveyard was empty.

Exhaling, she shook herself and decided to end her patrol early. The cool sand of her den and the ocean breeze would help ease her tension. Gathering her bundle, she cursed herself for forgetting a basket, then hurried down the rocky slope.

The scent of herbs masked it at first. It was only when her sharp eyes caught an odd shape—a cat trying to stay hidden—that she noticed. A dark figure, trembling, its back slick with blood.

Lynxdawn skidded to a halt, loose stones clattering down the trail. "Oh, shit! Are you okay?" She dropped her herbs and rushed to the injured molly.

The cat had no Clan scent beneath the blood. A loner? How had she gotten this far unnoticed? The stranger hissed weakly, trying to draw herself up, but shook under the effort.

"It’s okay, my name is Lynxdawn. I can help you. My Clan is close by—we can care for you until you’re better." She kept her voice calm, but her heart pounded. The failed protection ritual, the strange signs… had this cat been attacked? Was she a warning?

The loner flinched as Lynxdawn reached for her but didn’t resist as she was hoisted onto the cleric’s back.

Back in camp, Lynxdawn’s unease only grew as she assessed the stranger’s wounds. The deep gashes along her back were brutal, too clean for a predator’s claws. She cleaned and packed them tightly with dock leaves, comfrey, and nettles, working swiftly but gently. The molly never spoke, only watched her with sharp, wary eyes.

"Here’s some tea for the pain," Lynxdawn said, sliding a bowl toward her. "Willow bark and valerian—it’ll help with the pain and calm you. Tomorrow, I’ll change the bandages and add goldenrod."

The loner side-eyed her, lip curling. "Why are you telling me this?"

Lynxdawn met her gaze without flinching. "I like my patients to know what I’m doing. Who knows—maybe valerian makes you sneeze, or you want to know why I’m not using goldenrod yet."

The molly flicked an ear but didn’t argue. Instead, her gaze flicked to the entrance. "Your guests always get monitored this much?"

Lynxdawn sighed and turned to glare at the small crowd of cats—kits, apprentices, and warriors alike—watching them too closely. "What did I tell you all? Give us some space."

The spectators scattered, though Lynxdawn noted how their eyes lingered on the injured molly. The tension in the camp was thick, suspicion curling through the air like smoke.

"Sorry," she said, turning back to her patient with a small, apologetic smile. "They’re just curious."

The loner only hummed, finally taking a sip of the tea and settling deeper into the mossy nest. Lynxdawn was about to step away when the molly spoke again.

"So… is it bad?" She cast a glance toward her hindquarters.

"Oh, not as bad as I feared!" Lynxdawn reassured her, her voice warm despite the heaviness in the air. "You can still feel your hind limbs, which is good. You can even twitch your tail, though moving your legs or paws seems a bit harder."

She took the empty bowl and placed it aside, fetching fresh water instead. "At first, I thought your back was broken, but I’m sure it’s not that severe. In a few moons, you should be walking normally again."

The loner let out a slow breath, her posture finally relaxing. "That’s good."

A beat of silence passed before Lynxdawn tilted her head. "You never told me your name."

The black molly hesitated, but after a moment, with an ear flick, she spoke. "I’m Thistle."

Gatherings were tense since the strange signs began, but tonight’s was the worst yet.

SaltClan’s failed ritual left the clan on edge, something that didn’t escape notice. OakClan was bold, as always, about asking what was wrong. Robinswoop even confronted Otterpaw, though the apprentice politely told him to ask his mentor. The deputy didn’t get far with Shadowdive.

With Lynxdawn at camp caring for Thistle, suspicions only grew. Jaggedstar eyed her daughter warily—while the cleric’s excuse was true, it was thin. The sole cleric of a clan missing a gathering was a sign of instability. But the dark molly held her tongue; it wasn’t her place to advise, especially with her own deputy absent as well. DuskClan had their own issues—their stoic warriors fidgeted, shooting uneasy glances at their leader.

Archstar, ever observant, took the silence in stride before turning their gaze to Jaggedstar. Their tone was light, but their words were sharp. “Strange, isn’t it? How DuskClan has known about a ghost for moons, yet no one else has heard a word of it.”

The air around them stiffened, eyes flicking between the two leaders. Jaggedstar’s expression didn’t waver. “We don’t spread baseless fears.”

Archstar hummed, their tail curling neatly over their paws. “Fears are only baseless when there’s nothing to fear.”

Jaggedstar gave them a long, unreadable look, then turned her head. “DuskClan minds its own.”

Archstar let the conversation drop, but the ripple of unease it left in the clearing remained.

Every cat in attendance was anxious—some even looked at their own clanmates with suspicion. Clan updates were brief, no clan saying much beyond new warriors or elders. No open invites to trade despite the abundance of Greenleaf.

The gathering was over quickly, so few cats staying for the after-gathering that no one started a fire for cooking.

Wolfstar lingered on the leader’s rock. Archstar caught her eye, waiting until the other leaders descended to speak.

“You know, it’s been ages since I’ve seen the beach,” they murmured, a calm smile on their face as they stared out at the crowd.

Wolfstar’s tail flicked, silent as she watched them.

“I think it’s time I see it again.” They paused, finally facing her. “Why don’t you join me, Wolfstar?”

She balked at their boldness. “You’re asking me to join you on my own territory?”

They tilted their head, ears forward. “Yes.”

“Wha—” She sputtered, eyes wide. “Now?!”

“Why not?”

She nearly snapped, irritated and too hot, but she paused to collect her thoughts.

Finally, she sat back and gave them a bored look. “We can’t tonight. It’ll be too dark to see the waves.”

This made the silver tabby tremble their tail, blinking fondly as if they were old friends. “Oh, you’re so right. How about tomorrow then?”

“Are you asking to meet with me?” she asked slowly, as if she were speaking with a lout.

Archstar nodded, keeping their chin high and kneading the rock beneath them.

Fucking Stars, can’t you be normal for once? She sighed, her irritation only making them giddier. “Okay. We can meet at the beach, beside the half-bridge at sunhigh.”

From below, cats called out for them, Shadowdive’s gruff voice among them.

“See you tomorrow, Wolfstar.” They purred, tail curling over their back as they left her alone with a weird feeling in her stomach.

“What did they say?” Shadowdive prodded after she finally descended.

Wolfstar bit back the rush of nausea she felt, the world suddenly too fast. Planting her paws squarely, steadying herself.

“Nothing. Just the usual nonsense.”

The sunlight dances on the waves, and the sound of the ocean fills the silence as Wolfstar approaches Archstar, who’s lounging just out of the waves reach. Their sleek fur gleams faintly, and their posture is relaxed, almost lazy, as if they have all the time in the world.

It was nearly sun high when she’d left the camp, her mates asking her where she was off too. She’d turned down their attempts to join her solo patrol gently, gut twisting as she did. The sight of the cavalier leader made her skin itch.

Wolfstar flicks her tail, her tone calm but curious. “You wanted to meet me, Archstar? I assume this is about the strange behavior in DuskClan. Have you noticed anything unusual at your borders?”

Archstar turns to her with an unreadable expression, their eyes glimmering with quiet amusement. “DuskClan is always unusual, wouldn’t you say? But no, that’s not why we’re here.”

Wolfstar’s ears twitch in annoyance, though she keeps her voice steady. “Then what is it? You don’t just summon other leaders to secret meetings without reason.”

Archstar stretches languidly, their tail flicking as they look out at the water. “Do I need a reason to talk to you, Wolfstar? The ocean felt like a good place for... reflection.”

Wolfstar narrows her eyes, growing impatient. “I don’t have time for games, Archstar. My clan relies on me to—”

“To protect them? To lead them? To carry the weight of their expectations on your shoulders?” Archstar interrupts, their voice calm but pointed. They tilt their head slightly, as if studying her.

Wolfstar bristles at the shift in tone, her claws kneading the sand. “If you have something to say, just say it. You’re wasting my time.”

Archstar chuckles softly, a low, amused sound. “Patience, Wolfstar. You remind me of... someone I once knew. Fierce, proud, and burdened by things they couldn’t control.”

Wolfstar blinks, the words catching her off guard. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Archstar’s gaze meets hers, sharp and almost... fond, like they were kithood friends catching up. “Just that sometimes the answers we seek are closer than we think. But I suppose you’re right—this isn’t the time for games.” They rise to their paws, stepping away from the waves.

Wolfstar watches them warily, her tail lashing. “Then why call me here? Why waste both our time?”

Archstar pauses, glancing back at her with a faint sneer. “Perhaps I wanted to see how far you’ve come. Or perhaps... I was just curious.”

“Curious about what?” Wolfstar demands.

Archstar’s eyes soften, their tone lowering just enough to make her uneasy. “About the choices you’ll make when the truth finds you.”

Before Wolfstar can respond, Archstar turns and strides away towards the half bridge, leaving her staring after them, frustration and unease swirling in her chest.

It was Mallowstripe who caught her sneaking back. He waited at the training pools, his red tabby pelt stark against the pale sand. Wolfstar froze mid-step. From here, he could easily see the half-bridge. There was no way to deny it.

"You lied." His voice was low, but there was no mistaking the hurt beneath it.

"I didn’t—"

He cut her off. "I asked where you were going, and you said on patrol. A half-truth is still a lie!"

She flinched. He had never spoken to her like this before—not Mallowstripe, not her mate.

"You met with an enemy leader without telling any of us!" His yowl echoed across the empty shore. "It could’ve been a trap!"

Wolfstar gritted her teeth. "I know how to handle Archstar."

"That’s not the point!" His voice cracked. "You lied! You keep making these decisions alone!"

She tried to breathe, to steady herself. "I did it so no one would worry. So no one would try to talk me out of it."

"You can’t keep doing this, Wolfstar!" He jumped down to the sand, closing the space between them. "You can’t keep taking these risks alone! We’re your Clan! I’m your mate—me and Shadow are supposed to help you!"

She recoiled slightly at the raw pain in his eyes. They glistened in the sunlight, and she realized he wasn’t just angry. He was scared.

"Mallow, I’m sorry… I just—"

"I know why you did it." He huffed, shaking his head. "I know you care. But I can’t be your mate if you don’t tell me the truth."

The words hit her like a wave crashing against stone. She felt the sting of tears, the sun burning into her pelt like claws. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

Mallowstripe turned away, his tail flicking sharply as he stalked toward camp.

Wolfstar hesitated, then followed, her steps slow and heavy. "I’ll tell the Clan," she murmured. "And… I’ll give you some space. If you don’t want to be my mate anymore… I’ll understand."

Cat Allegiances:

Wolfstar- 23 moons. Leader. Responsible. Compassionate. Natural intuition. Apprentice- Ripplepaw.

Lynxdawn- 18 moons. Lead Cleric. Thoughtful. Loving→Faithful. Good teacher.

Snowspeckle- 34 moons. Deputy. Artisan. Loving. Thoughtful. Good singer.

Nightleap- 38 moons. Warrior. Insecure. Sneaky. Incredible runner.

Mallowstripe- 24 moons. Camp keeper. Nervous. Careful. Strange dreamer.

Shadowdive- 22 moons. Warrior. Blood thirsty. Loyal. Good swimmer. Apprentice- Otterpaw.

Ripplepaw - 10 moons. Warrior apprentice. Troublesome. Adventurous. Fast runner. Mentor- Wolfstar.

Otterpaw - 10 moons. Warrior apprentice. Insecure. Bouncy →Childish. Good swimmer. Mentor- Shadowdive.

Dropletkit- 5 moons. Skittish. Shy. Interested in clan history.

Kelpkit- 5 moons. Charming. Quiet. Plays in mud.

Coralkit- 5 moons. Noisy. Bossy. Never sits still.

Sandkit- 5 moons. Impulsive. Noisy. Moss ball hunter

Prev

Next

Moon 0

[salt-clangen]

Just read the bonus scenes and omg Jade mention??? Haven't heard about her nor her grandma in agess! I'd love any updates on Jade and Capri if you have any <3

Jade and Capri are doing great, they’re still in the same place as before trading goods between loners, kittypets, and warriors alike.

Capri has been slowing down a little recently, her joints are getting stiffer with age. So she’s been taking a back seat and letting Jade run the trading post. She’s also been hanging around the twoleg boat place more, the people there are friendly and feed her well.

Jade has been prioritizing trading for meds with the clan cats for her Grandma. She’s also convinced her sisters to visit more and help out with trades.

Saltclan meets with them about once a moon (less frequent than Oak or Honeyclan) for trades. They really only need a few things at a time, able to barter and trade for most of their needs with other clans.

Capri and her granddaughters are blissfully unaware of the current turmoil in the clans

[salt-clangen]

Your Honor, I love them

[salt-clangen]

Moon 16 bonus scenes

Green Leaf

Mallowstripe helps groom a hard to reach place for Shadowdive.

Wolfstar plans what she’s gonna say at the next gathering.

Coralkit and Sandkit ask some warriors how kittens are made.

Shadowdive gives Nightleap some advice after a failed hunting patrol.

Otterpaw is seen talking with a kittypet at the border who runs at the sight of the patrol.

Ripplepaw struggles to stay focused during his meditation.

Kelpkit has a bad headache and spends the day in her nest.

Dropletkit wonders if there’s more to life.

Snowspeckle and Shadowdive found a badger’s set in east forest-line, to see if it’s old or not they fill the entrance with branches and brush. They plan to return soon to see if the barrier has been disturbed.

Nightleap gets jealous when Jade flirts with Snowspeckle during their once a moon trade.

Coralkit is yowling in the clearing at sun high.

[salt-clangen]

Some you mentioned that cats from outside the clan get bathed to de-flea them I was thinking that it was probably done in salt water since salt would kill any parasites on the skin pretty effectively but the bathing process would be long to really make sure they really are all gone and then that got me thinking about how this cleaning in the ocean might be using in the far future as a welcoming ritual to any cat, not just loners, that want to join Saltclan. Like they have to greet the ocean before they can join the clan or something like that and it might be done by cats who just like the slow and methodical process to clear their minds. "Letting the sea clear away the messy thoughts" type thing. It could also be seen or made to be kind of rude to outsiders. Washing away their old lives so their new lives as Saltclan cats can really begin.

I love this idea of the bathing being a spiritual sort of ritual

The idea of salt baths (or other non salt alternatives) isn’t my idea, @bonefall has several posts about it and includes different options like lavender and mint (no self grooming afterwards bc it’s toxic).

For the kits and Fennel I imagine they used a large bowl with salt water and lavender oil to soak the cat while Lynxdawn works in the mixture.

[salt-clangen]

Been looking back on some moons to relearn some characters, and I'd love to know more about Lynxdawn's litter! I always feel like I forgot who's who's, especially on their designs. Luckily they've been appearing more in the recent moons but I still get confused from time to time.

Anything about their specific traits, relationships with everyone/cats their particularly close with, what their current role in the clan their the most interested in, etc.!!

Ypu obviously don't have to answer all, I'm just curious to know more about the little babies of the clan ^^

Yeah I can absolutely go over their profiles, I don’t think I ever posted their reff pics before.

So from left to right it’s youngest to oldest:

Sandkit, Coralkit, Kelpkit, Dropletkit.

Let’s start with Sandkit, she’s a very excitable kit and has adapted well to clan life. Despite being in the same litter, she’s definitely the runt, much small than her siblings even now that they’re eating cooked meals several times a day. She eats so much Lynx was worried she had a parasite, anytime a loner or kittypet joins (basically anyone who was out of clan territory and eating raw prey) they get dewormed and cleaned for fleas to help avoid a clan wide infestation. So the kits had already been wormed and bathed (most hated it lol), but Sand got two more doses of dewormer (a powder made of fennel seeds) bc of her appetite and slow growth. But turns out she just loves to eat and is a short lil lady. Sand plans to be a warrior and greatly admires Wolfstar and Snowspeckle. She’s impulsive and noisy, but well meaning, she can get ahead of herself a lot. She enjoys moss ball hunting and most physical games. She has a hard time focusing without some sort of visual stimulation.

Coralkit is a bit of a busy body, she loves watching others work and gives her opinions freely. She comes off as bossy, and she is, but she’s very in tune with other’s emotions. She is very observant and knows most of the adult’s patterns so she can tell when something is off. Some cats think she’s nosey, but she’s very sweet about wanting to help. She’s not sure what role she wants to apprentice in, she thinks she’d like to be a warrior or perhaps a camp keeper. She’s noisy, bossy, and can’t sit still for anything.

Kelpkit is very polite and quiet, but bring her some gossip or even just an update on one of the other clans and she is living. She’d love to meet Rosedrift and just listen to that cat yap. It’s not even mean spirited, most of the time, she’s a gatherer of information. She spends most of her days following her more extroverted sisters around, playing games with them, or spending quiet time with Droplet. She likes to ‘play artisan’ which means making a mess with the one muddy spot in the camp, she makes mud pies and grassy wreathes that she decorates with pebbles and feathers. She’s gotten into trouble for sneaking supplies from Snowspeckle’s craft corner. No one was surprised when she declared that she’d be an artisan.

Dropletkit is a funny girl, she’s got her mom’s flighty behavior, loner life would suit her. But she’s also a sentimental girl, she wants to stay close with her sisters and mom, she wants to love clan life. It’s hard for her though, she’s just a nervous kit, it’s ingrained in her bones. She spends most of her time watching, she’s observant like Coral, but where her sister is doing it subconsciously to be aware of other’s struggles…Droplet is doing it to predict if a cat is gonna hurt her. She’s mildly paranoid, but has some self awareness, she knows to an extent that the clan is full of kind cats who won’t hurt her or her sisters. But there’re times she gets panic attacks bc a warrior picked her up or Wolfstar spoke too loudly. It takes a long time for her to trust others but Lynxdawn has earned it. She doesn’t know what she wants to apprentice as…part of her wonders if she’d even make it as an apprentice.

And for funsies, here’s a ref for their parents! Their mom Sadie and dad O’Malley.

Sadie is very lean, which Droplet and Sand take after, while O’Malley is a plump fluffy kittypet, Coral takes after his body type. Kelp is a bit of a mix between the two, though her coat was more like Sadie. Sand is light tan like her sire, but her sisters are a bit more dark/greyish. Coral’s coat pattern and color are from her paternal grandmother while Droplet’s brown is from her maternal grandparents.

Sadie was a loner at heart, she liked being alone for the most part, though she’d stay with a one or a small group of cats occasionally. But she was always roaming and didn’t really have a plan for her life beyond traveling. She was a decent hunter but when she got pregnant and to a certain point she couldn’t hunt anymore and not to mention it was leaf bare. After birth her paranoia went through the roof, she didn’t trust anyone and refused to bring her kits to a twoleg or kittypet for fear they’d be taken away. She died of starvation after arriving at the abandoned nest, she likely didn’t even realize she was on clan territory in her weakened state.

By contrast O’Malley had an easy life, he’s likely still alive, but it’s anyone’s guess where he lives. Sadie would only vaguely remember spending sometime with him for maybe a moon or two before the itch to disappear got to her. O’Malley doesn’t know about his daughters or Sadie’s demise, though he does remember her fondly. They had fun together however brief, he would’ve liked her to stay with him but she was too flighty and left when he proposed the idea. His kits inherited his fluffy coat and agreeableness (aside from Droplet lol)