[Fawn]

curiosity is not a sin...

...but we should exercise caution with our curiosity

Shadowchaser

Chestnut paws left damp prints on the cavern floor of NightClan's camp. The weather had taken a turn for the cooler and cloudier, and Shadowchaser envied the longer, denser coats of denmates such as Bonetail and Honeywhisker. With a thick bundle of chickweed held delicately between his teeth, the dark brown tom slipped into the medicine cave he shared with Smokefur.

That 6 days was all that stood between his status as a medicine cat's apprentice and his status as a fully fledged one still sent Shadowchaser's thoughts spinning. He sometimes had to catch his breath whenever a Clanmate called him by his new name; the pride and appreciation he felt over the recognition was something he wanted to... keep to himself.

He didn't want others to think him vain. Or in any way a glory-hound. He didn't do this for the glory.

"I found the chickweed," mewed the slender tom after setting the bundle down beside his mentor for storage. "I had to cross the border into RainClan for a moment. I don't know if I'll ever get used to that." The diplomatic immunity was quite nice, though Shadowchaser doubted that small thrill of disobedience he felt every time he set foot in another Clan's territory would ever go away.

Focus settling onto Smokefur, he watched her with a gently analytical stare. She seemed melancholic, which wasn't like her. Shadowchaser's curiosity burned at him, but he could not pry.

medicine cat of nightclan

@poptart | jk rowling | background image | table by phoenix

[Deleted]

Shadowchaser was nothing if not observant and Smokefur was indeed acting different than she had prior to the tom receiving his full medicine cat name. It was not only a big moment for Shadowchaser, it was a big moment for Smokefur as well. It was the first step in a what could be considered a passing of the torch, and Smokefur was coming to grips with what it meant for her. In their time together Smokefur had come to know Shadowchaser well, at least so she thought, and she was well aware that he wouldn't push too hard. Of course the older medicine cat had no intention of putting any of her doubts on her former apprentices shoulders, however there were things that she needed to vent to someone. Deciding that a story was a safe enough approach Smokefur launched into the tale as she sorted and stored the herbs Shadowchaser had brought, "You know I was around your age when my mentor passed away..." Perhaps it wasn't going to be the most subtle story.

Fawn

[Fawn]

curiosity is not a sin...

...but we should exercise caution with our curiosity

Shadowchaser

"You know I was around your age when my mentor passed away..."

The about-face Smokefur made of the conversation had Shadowchaser's ears prick forward in alarm. The young tom, painfully aware of the age difference between them (and that she was now closer to the elders' den than the apprentices'), forced a smile as he countered. "If this is you gently telling me you plan to retire now, can I refuse to accept it?"

It was too soon for that. He was by no means ready to become the medicine den's sole occupant. You didn't think you were ready to become a full medicine cat either, said a little voice, logic demanding he look at both sides of the argument. Shadowchaser brushed those thoughts aside. He stood by his word. It was too soon. Did Smokefur think herself no longer useful to the Clan, now that he was a full healer?

Shadowchaser couldn't imagine how she came to that conclusion. Her knowledge, her seasons of experience were invaluable to the Clan. Especially after that conflict with TreeClan; Shadowchaser hadn't known how to treat the kind of injuries Pinestar had - but Smokefur did. And their leader was in a lot less pain because of it.

medicine cat of nightclan

@poptart | jk rowling | background image | table by phoenix