Elmtail

Elmtail the Steadfast Branch, Captain of Oak Colony, or simply Elmtail or Captain Elmtail, is the Captain of Oak Colony. He is the former mate of Beechleaf, the current mate of Stagcharge, and the father of Rowanstorm.

Appearance
Elmtail the Steadfast Branch, Captain of Oak Colony, or Elmtail, is a brown and white tabby tom with many scars and gray patches of messy fur. He is thin and hunched, has knobby limbs, a crooked tail, graying fur, and chewed up ears. His fur is scruffy and messy, pointing in various directions and often out of place.

He used to be well-muscled and heavy, but age took a lot of his bulk, making him rather frail. As a kitten, his fur was brown, but it grew darker with age, gaining him gray fur around his muzzle.

Personality
Elmtail is the relaxed and amiable Captain of Oak Colony. He does not find unbound cats to be a threat in most cases, having invited unbounds into the colony on more than one occasion. To some, it looks as though he is "collecting" outsiders with no consequence, contributing to Oak Colony's reputation as "bleeding hearts" with loose rules.

In fairness, there is an element of truth to that rule. For example, Elmtail was fairly lax on the rule banning herbalists from having kittens. It was later reinforced by Frondsway's actions, however, and at the urging of his Second, Brackenfoot, Elmtail reluctantly enforced it. Oak Colony is known for sharing their herbs with other Colonies as needed, regardless of tensions, and with Elmtail as Captain, they will even share with unbound cats.

Elmtail is a very easygoing and good-natured old tom. While many cats scorn him, viewing him as weak, senile, or a pushover, there are many more who love and respect him for his achievements and mellow outlook. Elmtail tends to keep high hopes and spirits, and along with Hawkshell, he ended the moon-long conflict between Oak Colony and Marsh Colony. He may be very old, but his age has made him wise. While he might choose to appear on the outside as a silly elder, he is really an intelligent and peace-loving Captain with a heart of gold.

Pre-Series
Elm grew up as an orphan, raised collectively by Oak Colony.

More coming soon...

Synopsis
Elmtail made his debut in Shifting Roots: Chapter 1. He and Oak Colony were the first to arrive at the Moonlight Gathering, and Elmtail was seen sitting on the Great Oak when Field Colony reached the island. Hazelfur and Rainfall joined him on his branch, and once Hawkshell and Marsh Colony arrived, Elmtail greeted his old friend cheerfully and teased her for her ungroomed fur, but his joking was not well-received.

He listened as Rainfall started off the Gathering, and nodded approvingly when Hazelfur shot her a pointed remark. After Hazelfur had finished, Elmtail glanced at Hawkshell, as it was her turn to speak — but seeing that she wasn’t yet ready, he went in her place, announcing the death of Brackenfoot, Redleaf’s promotion, and the new names of Larkwing and Aspenbreeze. He seemed shaken and concerned upon hearing Hawkshell’s news, and was the one to point out when clouds covered the moon. After Rainfall and Hazelfur had gone, Elmtail hesitantly tried to offer his sympathies to Hawkshell, but she turned away from him. Understanding that she needed space, Elmtail only jumped off of the branch to lead his Colony home.

Hawkshell
Hawkshell is the Captain of Marsh Colony and a good, longtime friend of Elmtail's.They have been Captains for a long time together, and have fostered a great relationship between their Colonies. They are more lax on their borders with one another and offer assistance whenever the other Colony needs it. After the death of Hawkshell's son, Sunfire, Elmtail expressed concern and sympathy for her.

Stagcharge
More coming soon...

Beechleaf
More coming soon...

Rowanstorm
Rowanstorm is Elmtail's son. He seems to have a good bond with him and supports his potential relationship with Dawnfrost.

Dawnfrost
Dawnfrost is one of Oak Colony's envoys and a good friend of Rowanstorm's. She sees Elmtail as a father figure and looks up to him for help and advice. Elmtail keeps an eye on her, keeping tabs on her skills and knowing that she has what it takes to be a good Captain one day.

Rainfall
Coming soon...

Hazelfur
Coming soon...

Brackenfoot
Coming soon...

Redleaf
Coming soon...

Trivia

 * Elmtail is the oldest living cat in the current Lake Alliance.
 * Elmtail shares his voice actor, Mel, with Orangebrook.
 * Elmtail was named for his mottled light brown fur.