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Post by Hellion on Apr 26, 2016 23:21:42 GMT -5
The early night was chilly, all warmth of the sun lost after it had set. She hadn't wanted to leave her little band of loyal cats but she knew what StarClan had required of her. She knew Ottersplash would be there, it was her duty as his mentor to grant him his status as full medicine cat. Swanfeather might not agree with the direction of RainClan with their new leader, but she did her best to uphold her duties. Ignoring the sharpness of the cold, the black and cream she-cat kept her pace brisk. She didn't want to be the last cat to arrive nor did she want to be by herself for too long.
Choosing to travel to Moon Tree without warriors as protection, Swanfeather was taking a risk. She hadn't wanted to leave the wooded cove unguarded. Their number were small already, they couldn't risk injury as well. Her blue eyes kept forward as her pace quickened, closing the distance between herself and the entrance she paused short once she realized she was in fact first.
Using this time to pick a smart near the mouth of the entrance, Swanfeather's attention turned toward the stars. The half moon was bright and offered her little comfort. She had already prepared a lie for her fellow medicine cats. She wanted to ensure the safety of her Clan even if it was currently divide.
[/font] Amber has until 4/28/16 to reply, if not it passes to Fawn in which case Ottersplash will not be made full medicine cat |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2016 23:49:16 GMT -5
As the sun set, the young medicine cat, still an apprentice in the eyes of tradition, prepared to make his trip to the Moon Tree. It was his first time travelling without Swanfeather, and he couldn't help be nervous. As he sorted out a few leaves of sorrel from his meager stores, he couldn't help but shiver at the thought of the flood that had washed everything away. Pawsteps outside his den alerted him that his escort had arrived, and he turned to greet them. Timberstar had chosen his escort, and he gave Russethawk and Gullswoop a nervous smile. He pushed a few sorrel leaves toward each of them. "I-it's not m-much, b-but it sh-should help." He swallowed hard at the nervous stutter in his voice before dropping his head and eating his own herbs. Once everyone had finished, he gestured with his tail for them to leave, following closely behind them. As they walked through the camp, Ottersplash saw Timberstar watching them, and he nodded once and dipped his head, watching her offer a smile before disappearing into her den for the night. Reaching the edge of camp, Otterspash pushed off with his hindlegs, clearing the stretch of water between the camp and the mainland. He glanced back to see the two warriors behind him, before setting his pace to the edge of the territory.
As they made their way along the back edge of StoneClan's territory, Ottersplash was lost in thought. He didn't know whether Swanfeather would be there tonight, and he didn't know what he would tell the others if she didn't show. A flick of a tail on his shoulder caused him to look up, and he realized he had fallen behind as he worried. He shook his head in an effort to clear it and picked up his step. They continued to travel in silence, and the half-moon was rising higher by the time they neared the cave. As they approached, Ottersplash began to make out a figure sitting near the cave entrance. His step faltered as he recognized the pointed cream she-cat. He felt more than saw the tensing of the two warriors with him, so he stepped up before any foul moves could be made. Flicking his tail to stop his escort, he spoke, surprisingly steadily despite his anxiety. "Peace tonight." He looked from Swanfeather to Russethawk to Gullswoop, letting them know he was speaking to all of them. After a few moments of silence, Ottersplash took a deep, steadying breath. Pushing down the urges to stay still and only shuffle his paws awkwardly, he tried to be brave. He stepped forward, slowly making his way to the path that would take him into the cavern and to the Moon Tree. Stopping just short of the cavern entrance, he turned his gaze to Swanfeather. He dipped his head a little and gestured with his tail, inviting her to go in before him, as a mentor leading her apprentice. |
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Post by Fawn on Apr 28, 2016 17:23:47 GMT -5
⇒Medicine Cat of LightningClan⇐
Immediacy was the only response to tasks he did not enjoy. The black healer's pawsteps did not falter, and he did not look back once over his shoulder as he ventured across the moorlands free of any living soul that did not belong there. The lush vegetation of LightningClan gave way to the barren scrublands of their neighbors, and Rookfrost accepted the transition with little more acknowledgment than an ear flick.
The pads of his feet were unaccustomed to so many jagged rocks and pebbles in his path, but he did not go slowly. Instead, he merely added it to the list of inconveniences these too-frequent trips to the Moon Tree caused him. With the health assessment Firestar had demanded complete, and herbs administered when and where they were needed, Rookfrost was out of excuses.
This time, he would have to 'mingle' with his peers if he was to keep up appearances, and it was important to LightningClan traditions (though he cared little for them) to indoctrinate Kindleflare into the Medicine Cat way of life. Which, of course, required an extensive ceremony and a more than generous portion of spiritual fatuity to properly count her as 'one of us'.
Scents he recognized as feline rode the night wind down to his sensorium, and Rookfrost drew back the discomfiting iciness of his being to something a little more fitting a social gathering.
"Good evening," he intoned to the RainClan escorts skulking by the entrance. Impatience for this entire ordeal almost led the black healer to plunge into the entrance of the cave without thought or compassion for Swanfeather and Ottersplash, who had arrived ahead of them.
Rookfrost refrained a cold retort sitting on the edge of his tongue. He did not spare his thoughts, however. Hurry up! If I am to be wasting an entire night on these idiotic rituals, then let me begin.
"Swanfeather."
It took some effort to dam up the mental vitriol and speak in a professional tone, from one expert to 'another'. But he managed. Rookfrost then looked to the slight-framed tabby tom that also bore RainClan's scent. He had met him once before, but Rookfrost did not recall the name—only the speech impediment.
He substituted his disinterest with a respectable, curt nod to the young cat, assuming him an apprentice.
Rookfrost intended to be settled before the Moon Tree by the time the three-or-more remaining healers finally arrived. That was the trouble with punctuality. He abhorred arriving late, and he abhorred others arriving late. And unfortunately for anyone involved, Rookfrost considered anyone arriving after him to be late.
And he did not appreciate their unprofessional behavior (delays not withstanding).
No wealth no ruin no silver no gold. Nothing satisfies me but your soul.
Word Count: 457 Words Tags: Hellion , Amber , BlooRey DVD , @zen , @poptart , @ghostlight , Insidious Notes: Left it open for Kindleflare to hop in! (Who is next?)
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2016 23:13:46 GMT -5
So let go, let go, jump in. Oh well, what you waiting for?
Blacksmoke trailed behind, giving the mother-daughter pair a bit of room to themselves as they traveled to the Moon Tree. Dawnblossom's daughter Petalrain was part of her little escort, and she was glad for it. She would be presenting herself before the other medicine cats as the new medicine cat of StoneClan for the first time. It had been moons since the calico she-cat had come to the Moon Tree as a medicine cat apprentice. She remembered how she had felt then, so full of faith and wonder as the Moon Tree glowed white in its dark cavern.
Petalrain brushed softly against her side, the young warrior giving her mother an encouraging purr as they padded on together, making their way higher into the mountains where her new peers would be waiting. Her fur prickled uneasily. When she had come here as an apprentice, she had been excited to meet the other medicine cats, but now... she could no longer bring herself to trust them as she once might have. Rookfrost especially. She remembered well how her Clanmates had talked of seeing the LightningClan medicine cat participating in the battle that drove her Clan from their rightful home in the valley. He had no right to call himself a medicine cat at all.
She wondered what the new TreeClan medicine cats were like. She had heard about Littletimber taking an apprentice from the last Gathering, though she hadn't attended herself. She knew nothing of Littletimber and certainly nothing of his new apprentice. Littletimber had not been a medicine cat during her short apprenticeship to Blackeagle. She felt little more trusting toward Swanfeather than she did Rookfrost, for her Clan's part in driving StoneClan away. NightClan's medicine cat was the only one she felt she might be able to trust currently. NightClan might not have the best reputation, and they certainly lent no aid during StoneClan's battle with StormClan, but from what little interaction she had had with Smokefur as an apprentice, she remembered that the other she-cat seemed compassionate and kind, at least, and very unlike her Clan's reputation might lead one to believe.
As she drew closer to the entrance to the Moon Tree's cavern, NightClan scent did not meet her on the wind, however. Instead there was only the familiar scent of StoneClan's neighbors. Her hackles began to raise uneasily. There was no TreeClan or NightClan scent at all. She tried to reason with herself. They were the farthest from the Moon Tree, after all. It would make sense if they had not arrived just yet. She herself was late due to her own nervousness at facing this alone. She had turned her back on the path of a medicine cat once and was unsure if StarClan would forgive her. They had already taken her mate and sons from her, and numerous Clanmates as well... perhaps that was enough atonement. She would not know until she laid down amongst the glowing roots of the Tree to share dreams with her starry ancestors.
Blacksmoke hung back as the RainClan and LightningClan medicine cats came into view, and Petalrain paused beside her mother, looking to her for instruction. Dawnblossom nuzzled her gently, “Wait with Blacksmoke. I will return soon enough.” She watched her daughter turn to join the smokey black she-cat away from the other escorts and took a deep breath before joining her peers at the entrance. She gave a curt nod to the older medicine cats, her gaze pausing on Ottersplash and Kindleflare, neither of which she knew but could safely assume to be apprentices. She sat silently, keeping her distance from the other four, and curled her feathered tail around her paws to keep it from twitching her nervousness behind her. She case her yellow-green gaze back the way she had come, hoping to see Littletimber or Smokefur. She did not wish to be alone with these cats any longer than necessary.
It's all right, 'cause there's beauty in the breakdown. @poptart
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2016 13:28:50 GMT -5
Smokefur didn't tend to think of herself in reference to the other medicine cats, so the discomfort she felt in regards to her lateness was simply non-existent. The reason for this loner attitude was fairly simple, she didn't trust most of the other clans' medicine cats as far as she could throw them. This didn't stop Smokefur from expressing her warm and caring nature towards most of the other medicine cats, however she just didn't feel the need to meet their expectations in any way. With any luck the new apprentices would bring a bit of compassion to a group whose hearts seemed to have grown cold over the many moons, if there was ever any heart to begin with at all. Looking at you Rookfrost. The grey she-cat wandered into the little medicine cat shindig with quite a bit of swagger, flaunting her confidence for all the others to see. Smokefur was surprised she wasn't the last to arrive, however she took pride knowing she was still pioneering the idea of 'fashionably late' in the warrior society. After observing the crowd already present she moved to sit beside Dawnblossem who had distanced herself from the rest of the group. "Good evening." Smokefur ventured in the kindest tone she could muster hoping to receive a favorable reception in return.
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Post by Hellion on May 17, 2016 22:56:27 GMT -5
Swanfeather
Swanfeather's eyes quickly looked Ottersplash as he arrived. Then the frozen blue turned to the cats that had joined him, two toms she knew didn't like her. A sense of uneasiness overcame her but she pushed it aside in order to save face, she didn't want the other medicine cats to pick on what was happening within RainClan's borders.
There was a widening of her eyes that was easy to determine as surprise. Dipping her head as a sign of respect for her apprentice, Swanfeather ventured in before him and found the sight of the moontree calming.
In the moon since RainClan joined with LightingClan to drive out StoneClan, Swanfeather remained uneasy around Rookfrost. There was nothing in him that told her he was safe to be around. In her gut she feared that he was something else, something that lingered on being called a monster. However, the black pointed she-cat remained polite and replied with a greeting of her own, uncomfortable around him. The apprentice that trailed after him looked grown, perhaps she wasn't the only one to choose a warrior as an apprentice. She knew this night would be filled with ceremony, not that she minded.
The scent of StoneClan had the she-cat turning to see a cat she knew very little about. The sight of Dawnblossom alone confused the she-cat. Was Ivywhisker ill? Did the she-cat perish in some way, was leaf-bare harder for StoneClan? Those questions would remained unanswered unless Dawnblossom felt it important to answer, they weren't on good speaking terms.
The last to arrive which irritated Swanfeather was Smokefur. The silver tabby that carried the stink of NightClan was enough to make Swanfaether's claws emerge. She wanted nothing more then to be away from the damned scent, but forced herself to stay.
"I feel that it is safe to conclude that TreeClan will not be joining us this evening, perhaps someone can check on them when they return home," Swanfeather ventured to say, looking to Rookfrost then Smokefur, as perhaps a nudge for either cat to take it upon themselves.
"I'd like to start this meeting off with a ceremony," Turning to look at Ottersplash, Swanfeather tried to muster up the courage to smile at him, knowing that deep in her heart she had not been the most noble of mentors in the recent moons.
"I, Swanfeather medicine cat of RainClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help he will serve RainClan for many moons." She paused for a moment, looking toward to the tree.
"Ottersplash, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and protect all cats equally, event at the cost of your life?" Swanfeather felt emotion cloud her words but she force them back. The words of the ceremony had been committed to memory many moons ago but with recent events within her Clan she released that she'd hadn't even held them up herself. Forcing herself not to think too much of it, Swanfeather watch Ottersplash and gave him amble time to respond.
"Then by the powers of StarClan you may keep your warrior name as a full medicine cat. StarClan honors your loyalty and abiltiy to see past the surface, and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of RainClan," Swanfeather took the time to carefully place her muzzle on her apprentice's head, wishing that she had the courage to ask for his forgiveness for all her transgressions, but knew in her heart she didn't deserve it.
all the lights are misty in the river
In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight
And all I see is him and me forever and forever
And I know it's only in my mind
Word Count:: 651 Tag::Amber Fawn @poptart @zen |
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Post by Deleted on May 22, 2016 13:16:08 GMT -5
As the other medicine cats began to arrive, Ottersplash's nervousness grew. He shifted his paws uneasily, giving a small nod to each as they arrived, before following Swanfeather into the cavern. As always, the sight of the Moon Tree, glowing faintly by what seemed it's own light, lit more by the light of the half-moon, caused his breath to catch in his throat. It was so ethereal, so alluring, and he wondered what it would be like to dance among its roots.
His golden-brown eyes were pulled away from the tree by Swanfeather's voice. She smiled at him, and he found it in his heart to forgive how weak it seemed. He kept his eyes on her as she spoke the words tradition dictated, following her eyes as she glanced to the tree.
"Ottersplash, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?"
There was little hesitation on his part. He had already accepted his duties, and if he was honest, was relieved that he didn't have to fight like a warrior. "I do," he said, his voice surprisingly steady.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, you may keep your warrior name as a full medicine cat. StarClan honors your loyalty and ability to see past the surface, and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of RainClan." Swanfeather rested her muzzle on his head, and he closed his eyes briefly and licked her shoulder. He was uncertain how RainClan would fare with the current divide, and somehow felt his and Swanfeather's days together were numbered. A small part of him feared that, with this final ceremony ending his apprenticeship to her, this could be the last time he would see her.
He shook the thought away, though, as he stepped back, listening to the chanting of his name. It was ridiculous to think that, and he convinced himself that Swanfeather had many moons ahead of her, and somehow this rift in RainClan could be mended and transgressions forgiven. He tried to ignore the little voice in his head saying Timberstar would never forgive Swanfeather's accusations, opting instead to focus on a foolish hope.
Despite their differences, he had grown accustomed to having Swanfeather around, and she had become a part of his life that he wasn't sure he was ready to lose.
, @poptart, @zen, Hellion |
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Post by Fawn on May 24, 2016 19:03:56 GMT -5
⇒Medicine Cat of LightningClan⇐
Festivities. Celebration. Exaltation by their benign ancestors—it was to the black cat's credit that he did not roll his eyes to the ceiling above, but remain fixed in position. Up until the customary chanting began, and he unhinged his tightly shut jaw enough to utter the name Ottersplash three times (after a single pause with which to let the others go first, where he would then hear the name and repeat it) as was mandatory.
When the dry swell of voices at last began to ebb, Rookfrost stepped forward, commanding their attention with his clipped, ordered speech; clearly he was not a cat who enjoyed wasting time. "There is another ceremony to perform. Kindleflare is my apprentice now." My apprentice. He did not like taking ownership of any cat, even in the metaphorical sense; he did not enjoy being attached to others, or referred to in any way that hinted at some kind of teacherly relationship between himself and another.
But apprenticeships were a necessary inconvenience, so he turned to the gormless ginger she-cat, holding her with a long, stern look meant to convey that she was to keep herself together.
"Kindleflare, is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat?"
He had never openly asked her if she even wanted to be a medicine cat, the tom now realized. Instead, she had been press-ganged into it by nothing less than his insistent, insensitive authority. He did not feel remorse then, and he certainly did not feel it now.
Tufted ears pricked, and he caught a timid response.
"I-I-It i-is."
'Mysteries' of StarClan. How they could stand, no, how they could revel in their own willful ignorance, Rookfrost had neither the patience nor the desire to find out. Perhaps it was simply the product of an unchallenged mind; this ease of acceptance his peers has for their blind faith in StarClan. While the she-cat shook a little less than she had moments before (Rookfrost assumed this was her way of 'composing herself'), the rest of the ceremonial words were unlocked and presented to the forefront of his mind, privately wishing he would never have to utter them again.
"Then come forward. Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this apprentice." He let a heartbeat pass, then continued. "She has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant her your wisdom and insight so that she may understand your ways and heal her Clan in accordance with your will."
With the ceremony completed, all that was left was to lie against the roots of the Moon Tree and 'dream with StarClan'. Rookfrost would, as always, go through the motions, but he would dream of nothing and no one, and feel no stirring of the soul the others experienced so ardently.
Swanfeather was leading this meeting, so he set frigid gray eyes upon the brown-pointed she-cat, watching for whatever cue she had to offer that they were to proceed.
No wealth no ruin no silver no gold. Nothing satisfies me but your soul.
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2016 20:59:14 GMT -5
So let go, let go, jump in. Oh well, what you waiting for?
Dipping her head respectfully as Smokefur arrived and settled beside her, she offered a soft smile for the NightClan medicine cat. Before she say anything to her, however, Swanfeather spoke up about TreeClan's absence. Dawnblossom's ears twitched, wondering if the forest dwelling Clan was in some sort of trouble for their medicine cat not to come to the meeting. TreeClan had, after all, been the the only Clan that had fought for StoneClan when they returned to claim their home from their treacherous neighbors. If Smokefur could not check on them, perhaps she would do it herself. She wasn't sure StoneClan would have won their fight to come home if not for TreeClan. They had MountainClan on their side as well, but it was a small ragtag gang of a cats and not any true Clan with real organization. She was grateful for the help they had provided, but she wasn't sure their fighting force would have been enough to drive RainClan and LightningClan from their territory.
She had little more time to think on it as Swanfeather began a ceremony, naming her apprentice as a full medicine cat. Pushing her grudge against RainClan aside for the moment, she added her voice to the calls for Ottersplash as he left the rank of apprentice behind him. She knew nothing of this young tom, but he seemed to be younger than her, and if that was the case he had nothing to do with the hardships his Clan had put StoneClan through. Rookfrost stepped forward as their voices died away, announcing another ceremony. Dawnblossom could not keep her gaze from narrowing at the dark medicine cat, her fur fluffing out slightly, unable to hide her distaste for him. He announced the little ginger she-cat shaking before him as his new apprentice and Dawnblossom could only feel sorry for the poor thing.
Silence settled briefly between the gathered cats and Dawnblossom took a deep breath and stood to draw every cat's attention to her, “I am sure you all must have guessed by now, but Ivywhisker has joined StarClan. Greencough claimed her after she overworked herself and refused any herbs so that they might go to our Clanmates instead.” Her voice hitched with emotion and she paused to take another deep breath, closing her eyes, “She saved many, and was truly a great medicine cat.” She glanced around at them all, “During the epidemic, I began to help her when I saw how overworked she was. I had trained as a medicine cat apprentice for a few moons previously before I wandered from that path, but StarClan has guided me back. Ivywhisker taught me as much as she could...,” her voice grew quiet, “I think she knew she would not make it.”
She raised her head, “I promised Ivywhisker that I would care for StoneClan in her place.” She turned toward Smokefur then, “I would like to take my oath as a medicine cat properly. I know my path now and I will never stray from it again.” She dipped her head to Smokefur once more, “I would appreciate it if you could perform a proper ceremony for me, so that I can give my sacred oath before the Moon Tree and Ivywhisker and all of StarClan will know that I am truly dedicated to the life of a medicine cat.”
It's all right, 'cause there's beauty in the breakdown.
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