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Smokefur was more than a bit happy to have Featherpaw in her life, she was what the medicine cat so desperately needed. It seemed even as much as she loved her sister she felt uneasy all the time because they were so different in how they handled things. Smokefur had tried to tell herself that as leader Ravenstar couldn’t be as soft and gentle as she was but deep down she feared there was a part of Ravenstar that was just cruel for no reason. She loved her sister and wished it wasn’t so but hadn’t come up with a definitive answer yet, all she knew was she had felt like different from her clan for a while. Now that she had an apprentice to bond with and teach everything she knew while hopefully instilling a spirit of kindness and soft hearted nature the lonely feelings were lifting from her already. She pondered this as she groomed her apprentice in the early morning light, it might not have been consensual but it was what Smokefur wanted to do before they started their day so it was happening.

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Her first night in the medicine den had been easy for Featherpaw, and while she'd been somewhat uncertain about how Smokefur would receive her at first, her fears were soothed when Smokefur helped her set up a nest close beside her own. Giving her the evening to settle in, Smokefur had given her a tour of the cavern that was to be her home. Reassured, Featherpaw had slept soundly, her paws treading in the starry forest for a few heartbeats before Molepelt had appeared and kindly guided her to a dreamless sleep. She awoke feeling rested, and hadn't had to wait long before her mentor stirred.

She found herself sharing tongues with the she-cat, her mentor's grooming gentle and comforting. Content to listen to the tabby's words, Featherpaw rhythmically groomed Smokefur's soft pelt, pausing only to ask, "Which herbs are the most valuable?" her green eyes filled with thoughtful curiosity.

Character; Featherpaw
Word count; 150
Notes; ~

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Smokefur was pleased that her apprentice had taken to the new surroundings quickly, she was afraid there would be a bit of awkwardness between them the first few nights. None was to be found however as they seemed to get along famously, this pleased the medicine cat as she was sure she was the one that would be creating the uncomfortable situations. She hadn’t had another sleep beside, except for the odd nights with Ravenstar, since her beloved mentor had passed. It wasn’t until she was close to dozing off the first night with Featherpaw she had ever dared admit to herself how lonely she was living in the medicine cat den by herself. This comfort lead to a very restful night of sleep which she awoke from bright and early to find Featherpaw already awake. She was surprised and wondered if her apprentice was an even earlier riser than herself; the thought excited her as she realized how much she was looking forward to learning everything about the younger she-cat. Many things raced through her mind as they began to share tongues, what was her favorite prey? What excited her most about being a medicine cat? Was she afraid of her new job? However her hesitance to ask allowed Featherpaw to interject a question first, Smokefur answered on pure reaction without having to think at all. “Catmint is important in the colder winter months, it is the only cure for greencough and treats the symptoms as well. This makes it important but it is also valuable as the plant from which it grows is very fragile.” She hoped Freatherpaw was already starting to mentally catalogue the information she was soon to be giving out in droves.

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There was something profoundly reassuring about the den she now shared with her mentor. It was somewhat similar to the apprentice's den, but she realized it wasn't the actual structure as much as the state of her presence there. For once, she felt like she belonged. The herbs punctuated the cool, still air with aromas she found fascinating. The young she-cat was rather awed by Smokefur; she must be a special cat, indeed. Catmint. The gray tabby answered with such ease it sent shivers down her spine. Pale green eyes shone with admiration as she looked up from her grooming for a moment.

She absorbed the information with enthusiasm, knowing that she would never forget about catmint for greencough, nor the fragile nature of the plant. Content, Featherpaw fell quiet, comforted by the companionship growing between she and the medicine cat. Feeling fortunate, and even a bit loved, she silently thanked the stars for guiding her paws to a place where they might fit.

Character; Featherpaw
Word count; 164
Notes; <3