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Upon waking from her educational dream in Starclan, Smokefur saw what appeared to be a very troubled Falconstorm. Attempting to work out the source of his stress, Smokefur wondered if perhaps he also had a less than pleasant time with his ancestors. There was also the possibility that Gorsetail's situation weighed heavily on Treeclan's medicine cat and a strong facade that had been put up before the meeting was failing. In either case Smokefur was more interested in the latter, the uncharacteristic behavior exhibited by Lionstar at the last gathering having given her plenty of cause for concern. Thus as the rest of the healers awoke and said their pieces Smokefur hatched a plan, and upon their departure she ordered her patrol to give Shadowchaser and herself some space before she fell in beside Falconstorm. She certainly didn't want Treeclan and Nightclan warriors in close proximity for any extended period of time, and Smokefur hoped she wouldn't be turned away and forced to rejoin her party. Without much hesitation Smokefur spoke up "I'm sorry if it's an imposition, and I hope I'm not too out of line... how is Gorsetail?"

Justice

[Justice]

He was strung out, wishing only to walk home with Kindleflare and discuss his horrible dream with her. The rules be blighted, he wanted this vision out of his head! Instead he was approached by the last cat he thought would wish to speak with him; the medicine cat of NightClan herself. Smokefur. He gave a sigh and shooed off his own escort when she asked her question, lest they speak up and cause a scene.

"He's healing, but he'll never be the same again." He was not going into specifics here, he didn't even discuss his patients with Kindleflare, and he liked her. He didn't like nor dislike Smokefur and her apprentice, but he also wasn't on friendly terms with the pair. He had no reason to be. Though technically a medicine cat was supposed to be neutral towards one another and above the hostilities of the clans, he still was a member of a clan that was about to go to war with her clan. The tension was heavy. "What makes you want to ask?"

@poptart

[Deleted]

Smokefur was not at all surprised by Falconstorm's response, she had expected just as much. TreeClan's medicine cat was fairly polite, no harsh words had been tossed in their direction, however he was clearly reserved. This was fair to say the least, it was uncommon for the cats to speak under normal circumstances, and these circumstances were far from normal. "I was concerned." Smokefur began as she attempted to articulate the compulsory feelings that had overtaken her right before she approached Falconstorm. "The way Lionstar carried himself at the last gathering... It was clear whatever had been done to Gorsetail was horrific." The senior medicine cat wasn't sure how long she would be allowed to carry on this conversation, and in direct response to this she attempted to get everything out before she could get cut off. "I have many moons experience, with some very unusual patients, and I wanted to offer my assistance."

Justice

[Justice]

"I'm trying very hard to keep to myself exactly what I think of Lionstar's actions at the last gathering, so kindly don't mention him to me on this matter." He knew it was inevitable with how much bad blood was between the two clans, but it had made them look bad in front of the clans to basically declare war in a place that was meant to remain neutral ground for the clans. But it was what it was.

He thought on the injuries of the other tom, and on how he'd woken up unable to really speak, though given how long he'd been unconscious he wasn't yet certain that wouldn't recover with some time and relearning how to speak. It could work, it didn't have to be permanent. He also would rather consult Kindleflare than the ancient healer Smokefur, though he realized rationally she'd be the better choice.

"Gorsetail is still recovering from his wounds. Physically he's going to be fine. He may never be the same as he was before, but he'll be able to continue his life almost where he left off before he was injured. He'll be okay, he has the clan to support him and help him."

@poptart

[Deleted]

Falcomstorm's response was tinged with a slight annoyance, if not hostility, however Smokefur wasn't surprised that he had strong feelings about the events that had transpired at the gathering. After the response she received from Falconstorm Smokefur wasn't sure she was going to get any more from the tom, however she was pleased that bringing up the most recent gathering hadn't shut the conversation down as the tom continued. TreeClan's medicine cat painted a picture that was restrained, yet still very powerful. Falconstorm made multiple references to how the former deputy would recover, but would likely never be the same. As Flaconstorm finished his assessment with a comment about how Gorsetail had the rest of his clan behind him Smokefur couldn't help but interject with her thoughts. "Respect for Gorsetail extends outside of TreeClan." Smokefur began before a small pause, "He has the support of many cats outside his clan as well."

Justice

[Justice]

"And many in yours that would like to see him dead." He didn't blame her for that, it was simply a fact. Their two clans were going to war, and nothing the medicine cats did would stop it. "Sometimes I think the only cats with common sense in this valley are we medicine cats, and sometimes even that isn't always true."

He referenced Swanfeather here, as the she-cat had seemed too hostile for the purpose StarClan had given her. How could someone claim to be neutral when they gave off the aura of one who disdained all who were not of their clan? It was possible he'd been imagining it, but somehow he doubted it. But that was the past, the she-cat was gone, and it didn't affect either of their clans in the present.

"Our clans fight like two kits over a cherished feather or a parent's attention. Neither one willing to stop the violence and neither one wanting to admit to what has been done wrong. Violence begetting violence and hatred begetting hatred in an endless cycle. I wish I wasn't the medicine cat in these dark times, but when are our lives ever peaceful for long?"

@poptart