cherrystar

[attr="class","arrgenMAINTEXT"]Cherrystar is by no means an inexperienced leader. Though she took up the mantle quite young, she has more than proven herself capable of the position. Not only is she a sort of a natural leader and heavily responsible, she's also very personable to those around her. Rather than thinking of herself as above her peers, she considers herself no greater than any member of Thunderclan, and considers everyone to be her family. She's very compassionate and willing to put her duties aside to assist those in need. Of course, only those in Thunderclan tend to be recipients of her big heart. Even as a warrior, Cherrystar was always a loyal and devoted cat, putting the well-being of her clan above her own. Though she does have a habit of perhaps working too hard, and it can be hard to get her to settle down. Once she gets involved in something it can be difficult to regain her attention.

Cherrystar has always been notoriously adventurous, especially in her youth. These habits have not died out even as she aged, and she always loves a good adventure. She's fairly popular with the young cats for being quite laid-back, for the most part, and never punishes too harshly. She's always been a fair and just leader, and tries to lead fairly in turn. She sometimes struggles with the more serious consequences, but up until recently, her loyal deputy has given her lots of invaluable advice that she still holds dear to this day. Cherrystar is very outgoing and friendly, and is always making efforts to interact personally with her clanmates. She even still leads a fair amount of patrols herself, even if she is getting on in moons. She's never been a fan of just laying back and letting others do all the work. She's a bit of a workaholic that way. But with her natural charisma and sense of humor, she gets along well with just about anyone, and she doesn't worry about others' opinions of her, either.

It goes without saying that Cherrystar is incredibly stubborn. When she has her sights set on something, she will work and work and work as long and as much as possible in order to achieve her goals. Failure is not an option for this molly. It can be hard to get her to settle down, but not impossible. She's very serious when it comes to decision-making and thoroughly goes over all her options with her deputy to make sure they are both in agreement before making a decision officially. Her deputy's feedback is incredibly important to her-- they're not just her second-in-command, but someone that she can rely on to help keep the clan in order. She greatly values their input. Of course, she can be rather hot-headed, and has an incredibly short temper. She tries not to blow up on clanmates, but any outsiders or cats from other clans have most likely seen her bad side on multiple occasions. When she gets fired up, she has a hard time stopping herself.

The one thing she won't tolerate is any direct attacks on her clan. Thunderclan is her biggest priority, and she will be quick to annihilate any potential threats to her clan's well-being. She's extremely vengeful, and has harmed and even killed multiple cats over the years-- namely cats that have harmed her clanmates, or loved ones. It's hard to stop her when she goes into a blind rage. Thankfully, it's easier to reign her in when she's in the company of some of her peers. In general, Cherrystar is easily irritated and it's actually rather easy to get under her fur, despite her trying hard to keep a neutral face. She has given others a fair share of biting remarks and snide comments in her youth, though she's not proud of it, but she's trying to do better as leader. In general, she has a hard time fully trusting others. Particularly, those outside of Thunderclan. She tends to keep the other clans at an arms' distance, refusing to fully involve herself with them, and is adamant on not letting any outsiders into the heart of Thunderclan. The risk of betrayal runs too high for her to take that risk.

[attr="class","arrgenMAINTEXT"]0 MOONS
Cherrykit, Strawberrykit, and Raspberrykit are born. One beautiful calico molly and two sturdy ginger mollies. Cherrykit was singled out right off the bat by their mother, who was determined to mold Cherrykit into the perfect warrior. She quickly gained a reputation as the rowdiest of the three, and the largest to boot. She never lost in a sparring session-- at least, not without intentionally throwing.

5 MOONS
Cherrykit begins to feel the pressure of her parents' expectations on her shoulders. Her sisters work hard to earn their parents' attention, but to little avail. They begin to hold a resentment towards Cherrykit for taking the spotlight. In turn, Cherrykit begins to turn towards the other kits in the nursery for more playmates, being drawn to a timid little silver tabby named Mintkit. The two are like peas in a pod, and soon become practically inseparable.

6 MOONS
Cherrypaw, Strawberrypaw, and Raspberrypaw are named apprentices. While her sisters are assigned to well-respected senior warriors, Cherrypaw is assigned to none other than Oakfrost, the clan deputy. Her parents are pleased by the development and are certain he will mold Cherrypaw into the perfect warrior. In the beginning she is aprehensive, aware of the pressures that came with being trained by one of their high ranks. But she and Oakfrost actually get along quite well. He seems frosty on the outside, but he's actually quite caring once one gets to know him.

11 MOONS
Cherrypaw quickly excels in her training, leaving her sisters behind in the dust. With her best friend Mintpaw in tow, she begins to prepare for her impending assessment and is confident that she will ace it with little effort. Her parents are impressed by the effort, and even Oakfrost praises her occasionally.

12 MOONS
When the time comes for her assessment, Cherrypaw passes with flying colors. Her sisters pass too, but they get little attention from their parents. The three are named Cherrybriar, Strawberrywhisker, and Raspberryclaw. Cherrybriar basks in the shouts of her clanmates, somehow finding Mintpaw's gaze in the crowd. Her best friend looks beyond proud of her, and Cherrybriar feels her heart swell with a rush of pride... and something a little bit like affection.

16 MOONS
Mintpaw's warrior ceremony is held, and she earns the name Mintsong. Cherrybriar cheers the loudest for her best friend. Days after the ceremony, Marigoldbreeze is found dead in her nest, likely due to health issues that stemmed from her old age.

20 MOONS
After spending more time with Mintsong, Cherrybriar soon realizes she has fallen in love with her best friend. Yet, unable to truly articulate how she feels and getting too nervous every time she tries, she keeps this information hidden and takes comfort in being by her friend's side.

25 MOONS
After moons of dancing around each other, Mintsong finally takes Cherrybriar aside and admits that she's in love with the calico. Cherrybriar is overwhelmed with emotions and is barely able to choke out her reciprocated feelings. The two are unsure of where to begin-- but soon, they feel comfortable enough to call each other their mate.

26 MOONS
Cherrybriar is assigned her first apprentice, Owlpaw. A cute little tom with a bright spirit. Though the two clash sometimes, he is obedient, and is attentive when Cherrybriar is speaking. She finds that his strength lies in tracking, and that he's very observant.

32 MOONS
A scuffle on the Shadowclan border results in the death of Oakfrost, and several warriors are injured. Bearstar names Cherrybriar his next deputy, sensing the promise in the young molly. She humbly accepts the position, glad to have made her parents proud. Her apprentice is made a warrior the next day for his bravery during the fight, given the name Owlnose.

34 MOONS
Only two moons after becoming deputy, Bearstar passes away suddenly due to old age. Cherrybriar feels vastly unequipped to take his place at such a young age, and with such little experience, but doesn't allow herself to bow under the pressure. With Mintsong's support, she is escorted by Willowleaf to the Moonstone, where she earns her nine lives. She returns as Cherrystar, and names the respected senior warrior Beechthorn as her deputy.

40 MOONS
Cherrystar struggles briefly as she tries to accommodate to her new duties. With Beechthorn's help, however, she is able to get into a routine. Mintsong often sneaks into Cherrystar's nest and the leader falls asleep curled up in her mate's soft, warm embrace. It's enough to get her through the hardest days.

71 MOONS
Thunderclan are visited by Shadowclan seeking aid as a pandemic strikes the latter. However, Cherrystar refuses to give them aid. Thunderclan's herbs are also low, and are necessary for their survival. Cherrystar believes that Shadowclan must find a solution on their own. This raises tension between the two clans.

86 MOONS
A sudden wave of illness plagues Thunderclan. While it is not vital or deadly, they lack the necessary herbs to combat the illness. Cherrystar is at a loss as to what to do and tries to confer with Beechthorn and Mistypetal.

89 MOONS
Cherrystar is shocked and devastated when her trusted deputy is suddenly found dead, crushed by a fallen tree. She hears the rumors that there is foul play behind this, and secretly, she agrees. She names Crowheart as her deputy and now must decide what actions to take from here.

LIVES:
Life One - Rosefang (grandmother) - pride - lost to an angry fox
Life Two - Smokestep (father) - courage - lost to illness
Life Three - Oakfrost (mentor) - justice - lost to starvation
Life Four - Mottleshine (mother) - determination - lost to infected wounds from a border scuffle
Life Five - Pinebelly (grandfather) - honor
Life Six - Dawnflower (aunt) - patience
Life Seven - Leopardthroat (uncle) - strength
Life Eight - Willowleaf (medicine cat) - loyalty
Life Nine - Bearstar (leader) - compassion