[Hellion]

Gracklefire

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The darkness of her pelt shimmered as the senior warrior made her way into camp. In her jaw she carried a sizable newleaf mouse, a suitable meal for any member of her Clan. Her golden eyes scanned the small crowd of cats that enjoyed the comforts of camp, she was pleased to realize that majority of her comrades were out and about the territory. Newleaf has put a spring in their pawsteps, something they all needed.

Her eldest ebony daughter had confided in her that there would be an addition to the Clan toward the end of the season. Gracklefire was going to be a grandmother. The pride of the family is what gave a new kind of life to the once dull coated she-cat. The memory of her mate would always remain like a dull ache, but the life of her future grand-kits was enough to ease that pain.

However, pain still clung to the she-cat like a much undesired thorn. This pain wasn't emotional, instead physical and bothered the aging she-cat constantly. At first she thought it was simply the cold but as the newleaf season progressed and the ache in her hips didn't subside she knew it was something else. The pain was a reminder of her age, nature's way of proving she wasn't immortal. It took the sharp pain in her right hip when she hunted to finally force the she-cat to seek help. The prey she carried in her jaw was worth that ache.

Depositing the kill on the steadily growing pile Gracklefire turned and processed toward the medicine cat's den, doing her best not to show her discomfort. She was polite enough not to barge in calling up the alarm. Instead the matriarch eased inward and stood near the entrance.

"Smokefur? Are you busy? She asked, trying to pinpoint the cat's location within the somewhat darker den.

---

All you have is your fire,
And the place you need to reach
Don't you ever tame your demons,
But always keep 'em on a leash...

newleaf 12 | @poptart

[Deleted]

    Most cats would probably argue that Smokefur only had a few important duties within the clan, and she would be inclined to say they were probably correct. The health and well being of the clan was of the utmost importance, however Smokefur also believed she was responsible for spiritual and moral guidance for any cat seeking such things. Smokefur knew even though the list of her duties seemed short much effort would be expended seeing her mission accomplished competently. The grey furred medicine cat didn't figure many of her clanmates realized the kind of important details she had tucked away inside her head. When Smokefur heard Gracklefire asking for her she was less than surprised, she had been watching the aging warrior closely for a while. "Of course." Came Smokefur's quick reply before she turned and devoted her complete attention to her senior, she prided herself on her tactful nature with those approaching the role of elder as it always seemed to be a sore subject.

Hellion

[Hellion]

Gracklefire

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Gracklefire's memories of the medicine cat den were often filled with a nearly unbearable sense of anxiety. She saw her death in that dirty moss that was her bedding while she suffered from greencough and grief, but she had overcome that with the help of her kit. Despite not having been sick in the recent moon, she still hung back from venturing too close to that den, avoiding like it was it's own disease.

She was grateful of Smokefur devoting her attention, to her old bone face but she found it difficult to feel comfortable. "I would like to some help with my hip, I did something to it while hunting," She told the tabby she-cat, moving to lay on her unhurt side to give the healer full access. She simply waited for Smokefur to take stock of what was going on, but she knew deep down that the medicine cat might suggest the ebony matriarch retire.

---

All you have is your fire,
And the place you need to reach
Don't you ever tame your demons,
But always keep 'em on a leash...

@poptart