|
|
Post by Fawn on Oct 25, 2020 17:38:54 GMT -5
Leaf-fall, Year 8
Day 14: A day of heavy cloud-cover and bleak skies. Leaves crackle underneath, making hunting a challenge. The skies are clear for tonight's Medicine Cat Meeting.
The large black she-cat made her way silently through the barren territory of Stoneclan like an inky shadow, the faint light of the moon illuminating her stature in brief glimpses as the moon passed in and out of sight due to clouds. Her companions padded softly either by her side or a few paw-steps behind her, keeping their eyes and ears alert for any possible predators that could cause their single healer harm during her trek to the Moon Tree. There was much on the young she-cat's mind, though the one prominent thing that kept peaking through her list of occupying thoughts was the harsh tone of a starry cat that had awoken her several nights previously during a rather... personal dream.
It had made her skin crawl that she had been caught, the feeling of guilt once again rising within her chest as she remembered the subtle scent of the tomcat in her sleep and the soothing feeling of being curled up against his flank. "Everything okay?" The warm breath of Viperstrike touched her ear as the slender black she-cat stopped next to where Ebonyheart had paused her movements. She hadn't even realized that her padding had come to a stop due to her relieving the startling horror of being awoken by some unknown Starclanner. Perhaps she'd get answers tonight when she shared tongues with their deceased ancestors, or at the very least, find some comfort in the non-judgemental gaze of Mintleaf.
"It's nothing." Ebonyheart said in her sharp tone, dismissing whatever problems were bothering her as she continued on past the border of their clan and up into the mountain terrain that guarded the snow white tree in which Medicine Cats gathered every half-moon. The faint light in the sky illuminated her pale green pools for a moment, but no emotions were caught within the mossy hues as she searched for the faint outline of ears of other healers among the rocks ahead of her.
Cats: Viperstrike, Hazelcloud and Kestrelclaw
Sagepaw trots behind the medicine cat pair on graceful lady-like paws. She doesn't want to give Falconstorm any reason to find fault in her, so she keeps close behind her mentor, although her thoughts dwell on an ominous sensation she feels looming over her Clan. She senses something changing in the Valley, and not just the season, and she hopes her dreams with StarClan will guide her paws. She arrives with friendly aplomb toward all the other medicine cats. Upon seeing them, she bounds ahead like a kit and greets them with chirps. Her astute eyes find NightClan’s healers; she gives Smokefur and Shadowchaser a low bow of respect before taking her proper place amidst the group.
Attending: Cougarclaw, Brackenstride, Sunwind
The journey is quiet for the ginger and white healer, her mind preoccupied with a dear friend. Dainty paws hesitate at the border of TreeClan, dark amber eyes scanning for a familiar face. When he finally appears, another smaller figure at his side, she releases a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Falling into step with the TreeClan healer easily, the group meander down a path she's come to know quite well. Their respective escorts remain back, one patrol walking a few steps ahead, the other a few steps behind as the LightningClan healer leans part of her weight against the bigger tom. Together, they step forward to meet their equals.
Attending: Cloudpaw, Ravenpaw, Tallsky, Galestorm
Time seemed to march on without taking into consideration the needs and feelings of those subject to it's ravages. The time had indeed come to put an end to an era in Nightclans' history. Smokefur had met with Shadowchaser and discussed her plans, and pushed through his assurances that she didn't need to burden herself with the rigors of travel that came with meeting their peers. The ancient medicine cat knew if there was ever a time to do it right, now was that time. This final meeting with the medicine cats meant the world to Smokefur, and she intended to cherish every ache filled moment. Smokefur diligently consumed the herbs she had insisted upon personally gathering and departed with her apprentice and their entourage. They would attempt to make the journey as fast as Smokefur could manage, which sadly wouldn't be blistering by any means.
Shadowchaser kept a careful pace beside her, not concerned so much with making good time as with ensuring Smokefur made it to the Moon Tree in one piece. The darker healer felt the comforting presence of their guards around him, and they were even more appreciated when the hoot of an owl sounded close by. Before too terribly long, they reached the mouth of the Moon Tree’s cave, where the others were waiting. Greetings were exchanged, and they collectively entered the cave’s cool, moonlit embrace.
Attending with them: Moondance, Sablefoot, Bonetail
Two silhouettes, flanked by an additional four, padded through the darkness, dark clouds blocking out light from the half-moon. It had been quite some time since Dewfrost made this journey alongside anyone but her escorts, but this time she had another at her side. Rustpaw, tail twitching and flicking with excitement, almost had to hold back the combination of eagerness and nerves that built up in her chest. As they arrived at the Moon Tree, the escorts remaining behind with the others, Dewfrost and Rustpaw took their places among the other Medicine Cats, the white and brown she-cat offering a nod to each respectively. With a light nudge, the rusty Apprentice at her side did the same, a smile on her face.
Attending with them: Falconheart, Carpleap, Waterstep, and Piketooth
 Rules - You must post within 48 hrs of it becoming your turn. - First rounds: ceremonies, Second Round: dreams, Third Round: [if desired] camaraderie/discussions/going home. Posting Order: -Dewfrost (NPC, controlled by staff) -Rusetpaw - Abyss- Smokefur - @poptart - Shadowchaser - Fawn - Kindleflare - BlooRey DVD - Ebonyheart - Ghost the Undead Goddess- Sagepaw - KARAZHAL |
|
|
|
Post by Fate Admin on Oct 26, 2020 23:10:06 GMT -5
[googlefont=Dancing Script] Dewfrost She held off on telling Rustpaw the names of her fellow medicine cats; for one, memorizing names without faces to match was a terrible way to learn. Two, she had no idea who might be bringing an apprentice as well. "Be polite, be respectful. Your ceremony will happen before the dreaming. After the dreaming, you can socialize." Dewfrost flicked her tail, leaving their escorts behind as they joined the small throng of cats at the mouth of the cavern.
Brief greetings were given, and Dewfrost gave a curt smile to Shadowchaser. She was anxious to get to the dreaming. Always. When they gathered under the gleaming light of the moonlit tree, Dewfrost cleared her throat. "I have brought my apprentice, Rustpaw, with me to tonight's meeting. If there are no pressing matters, I will start her ceremony."
Upon facing no objections, Dewfrost turned to face the young she-cat who had made this journey with her. Dewfrost appeared to take a bracing breath - or perhaps say a little prayer in her head - before speaking the ancient words.
"Rustpaw, is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat?"
Their healer kin waited expectantly for Rustpaw's answer. Dewfrost flicked an ear when it came.
"Then come forward. Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this apprentice. 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."
Shadowchaser was the first to speak up, quickly beginning a soft chant of the newest fledgling healer’s name.
, @poptart, Fawn, BlooRey DVD, Ghost the Undead Goddess, KARAZHAL |
|
| "Monster is a relative term. To a canary, a cat is a monster. We're just used to being the cat." |
| |
|
Staff
GorgeClan Leader
MistClan Medicine Cat
INVENTORY
|
Post by Abyss on Oct 27, 2020 18:48:26 GMT -5
Rustpaw Rainclan She-Cat I'm talking with a big smile A small red and brown-striped head nodded eagerly at what she was told. In addition, she nodded once to herself, repeating these directions in her head to solidify the memory.
Ceremony and dreaming first, socializing later. Ceremony and dreaming first, socializing later.
As the two herb-scented felines departed from camp, the young she-cat thought back to her previous discussions with her mentor about the intricacies of Medicine Cat meetings. These meetings occurred every half-moon once a season, and each Medicine Cat from all five clans attended. It took place somewhere called Moon Tree, which she had heard vague rumors of in the past. Apparently it was a tree in a cave that was super white and glowed, which sounded like something that could come from a dream.
Upon reaching their destination, she found that the rumors had been true. Pushing through the stone opening within the mountain, a dark path led she and her mentor to an opening, one that upon entering had blinded her at first. Allowing her eyes to adjust, the young she-cat looked onward with wide amber eyes and a gaped mouth. It was gorgeous, like nothing she had ever seen. Pure white bark that shimmered with the glimmer of moonlight that filtered in through the dark clouds. Shiny textures like ice covered its leaves and the bark itself, giving it the effect like what she had heard: it glowed.
It took her a moment of staring before the realization that she was not alone returned to her. Looking back down to where Dewfrost now stood, she glanced momentarily at those who accompanied them. Her first instinct was to greet each of them and find out who they were, but that phrase repeated in her head, as well as the orders that she had been given beforehand.
Ceremony and dreaming first, socializing later. Be polite, be respectful.
Taking in a deep breath, the small she-cat lifted her head and pushed out her chest slightly, attempting to appear more professional as she padded forward. The tip of her tail twitched as she went against the urge to turn and peer at the other Medicine Cats, but she ignored both. A smile threatening to pull at the corners of her jaws, she slowly lowered her rear into a sitting position in front of Dewfrost and looked to her mentor. Despite her body and mind forcing her to stay calm and respectful, those bright eyes didn’t hide her inner excitement.
Dewfrost spoke, addressing the others briefly before the ceremony began.
As the white and brown feline spoke, Rustpaw pointed her ears and focused in on what was said and asked. Was it her wish to become a Medicine Cat? The smile began to break through, but it didn’t get far.
“Yes.” It took all of the strength and will in that tiny body not to burst out the answer, but she did it. Gotta stay polite.
The words Dewfrost spoke next caused her ears to perk further as she called on their ancestors. With that little ounce of mischief poking through, the rusty she-cat couldn’t help but glance upwards as though she would see the ancestors looking at her through the leaves of the tree. Upon seeing that this was not the case, she looked back down just as her mentor’s voice came to an end.
With this, unfamiliar voices began to call to her from either side, causing her gaze to turn to both sides. Similarly to a regular Apprentice ceremony, the other Medicine Cats began to say her name, which she couldn’t help but flash a tiny toothy grin at, cheeks pushing up against her eyes.
Usually Apprentices only get to hear their -paw name chanted once, but I’m getting it twice! It’s kinda weird, but it makes sense. These other cats don’t know me after all.
Her mind went blank for a moment, realization crossing her features quickly before her face softened, eyes closing.
Thank you Dewfrost and Starclan for picking me. I promise I will work as hard as I can.
Upon opening her eyes once more, she happened to catch a glance of two particular faces, one of a somewhat large black she-cat and the other a smaller she-cat with a pelt like her own, only a different color. She remembered these two from the other day! Ebonyheart and Sagepaw, if she remembered correctly. She exchanged an excited glance with both of them before her eyes fell back on her mentor, unsure of what she was to do next now that the ceremony was over. but they haven't got a clue. 760 | @poptart | Notes |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2020 10:04:33 GMT -5
Smokefur watched the apprentice ceremony unfold before her, and she was distinctly aware it would likely be the last time she ever saw an aspiring medicine cat become apprenticed. In Smokefur's mind she couldn't have imagined a more fitting way to start her last meeting, there was always a feeling of renewal after a new apprentice joined their ranks. After chanting Rustpaw's name in a show of support Smokefur quickly cut in, the crowd of gathered cats was likely eager to begin dreaming after all. "Before we move on I have an announcement." Smokefur began figuring most of the gathered cats knew what was coming. They had to. "I have been attending these meetings for as long as I can remember, and I have seen a lifetime's worth of faces come and go from our ranks. It is with a heavy heart, and to little surprise I am sure, that I must say my journey has just about come to an end." Pausing for only a moment she searched the faces of her peers before shifting her gaze to meet Shadowchaser's, finding a profound sense of comfort there. "I fear this will be the last meeting I attend, the journey has become too taxing for my aging bones. I am filled with a deep sense of pride to have walked this path with each one of you, and I sincerely hope that this is not the last time we meet. I trust Shadowchaser more than any other cat I have ever known, and I am grateful to him for making this decision so easy." Smokefur wanted to say more, and she felt like she could have rambled forever just to keep the moment from ending, but she was distinctly aware she had said enough. |
|
|
|
Post by Fawn on Nov 11, 2020 17:52:51 GMT -5
curiosity is not a sin... ...but we should exercise caution with our curiosity Shadowchaser The finality of the moment hit him like a fallen tree limb. Shadowchaser, throat tight but his eyes glimmering with warmth and love and a fair amount of sadness, bowed his head to his newly retired mentor. "Thank you for seeing my potential all those moons ago. Thank you for helping me serve my Clan in the way that suits me best." He glanced left and right, seeing the gathered faces and believing them trustworthy. Letting go of that hesitance, Shadowchaser continued. "It's no secret that strength and bravado and toughness are what's favored in NightClan. Thank you for showing me a different kind of strength."
The journey here had been hard on Smokefur, and he already regretted that he could not ease the pain in her joints for the way back. The travel herbs would do only some of the job; what Smokefur deserved now was rest. Though the part of Shadowchaser deep inside that still wanted to be a kit, eagerly learning and absorbing everything she taught him, wanted to cling to her senior status a little longer - Shadowchaser knew better.
The chestnut-black tom lowered his head graciously, before stepping up to the silver tabby elder and pressing his muzzle into her shoulder. Behind him, he heard Dewfrost began a soft, reverent chant of Smokefur's name. This ceremony was unofficial, but it deserved the same seriousness, the same sacredness as Rustpaw's welcoming ceremony.
Shadowchaser smiled, his heart a storm of pride and sadness and love, as he added his voice to the others.
"Smokefur! Smokefur! Smokefur!"
It was her last meeting. Shadowchaser sent a silent prayer to their ancestors. Please make this final dream of hers a great one. medicine cat of nightclan |
|
| Conquer the monster in your head, and then you'll fly |
| |
|
GaleClan Medicine Cat
INVENTORY
|
Post by BlooRey DVD on Nov 21, 2020 23:04:43 GMT -5
"Some people see scars, and it is wounding they remember.
To me they are proof of the fact that there is healing.” KIndleFlare She watched two ceremonies, both of very different kinds, unfold before her. Rustpaw's ascension to medicine cat apprentice brought a bittersweet squeeze to her heart. It was good for RainClan, undoubtedly. Yet it only served to remind her that she'd lost her apprentice. That she now stood here alone. She stifled a shiver from where she stood... Alone. Another squeeze of her heart as she realized each of the other medicine cats bore a partner next to them for this meeting. All, but her. Though it would seem that too would change soon.
A gentle smile curled the edge of her lip as she listened to Smokefur's retirement announcement. It was the end of an era for NightClan, something that surely would be felt in the coming future. Still, it was a fitting end. One she too hoped one day to have, once she had fulfilled her duty as medicine cat. That would mean training another apprentice. She gulped, the sorrow lingering in the back of her mind threatening to creep back. It had been some time since she'd lost Tigereye, but that didn't mean her pain had simply vanished.
Her heart did warm, however, as she thought of a black furred warrioress that would be waiting for her when she returned back to camp. A she-cat who'd repeated her words when Kindleflare had admitted 'I love you'.
She nearly missed the moment the other medicine cats stepped forward to begin dreaming. Warming under her fur slightly, she rose to her paws and gently pushed her nose against Falconstorm's shoulder before settling down next to the Moon Tree. The chill seeped into her from where her nose rested against the strange tree, and soon the ginger and white healer felt herself slip into the beginnings of a dream.
A landscape long since familiar emerged from the haze of darkness. Dark amber eyes blinked open slowly, the ginger she-cat stretching slightly before glancing around. It took a moment before her eyes found the familiar face of her former apprentice stepping out of the starry landscape. Her heart simultaneously leapt and squeezed in her chest at the sight of him, though the edging sorrow didn't stop her from running to close the distance between them. A purr rumbled in her chest as she pushed her forehead against his, pulling in his scent even if it was mixed with a foreign coolness.
She'd noticed it before, when Shadowchaser had dreamed with her back in Greenleaf. It had been the first time she'd let herself dream since Tigereye had passed on. It was easier now, since she'd taken that first step. And she would be eternally grateful to the NightClanner for that. Now, she could meet Tigereye here with less trouble than before. "T-Tigereye!" She rasped, pulling away just enough to meet the ginger tom's gaze. He purred in return, smiling softly at her. "Hi Kindleflare! How have you been?"
A flurry of excitement began in her chest, like the wings of a sleeping butterfly finally emerging from the haze of slumber. "I-I'm.. I'm g-good, a-at least I think? I m-miss you, a-a lot." She whispered, a twinge of sadness in her voice. "I-I wish you c-could be h-here a-and m-meet Batear. Sh-She's so wonderful T-Tigereye! I s-still c-can't believe it s-sometimes, e-even on the m-mornings that I w-wake up n-next to h-her!" She giggled suddenly, a strange and undeniably giddy noise, as if she were an apprentice all over again and not a medicine cat with several moons over her head.
"D-Did y-you know that h-her pelt looks s-silver in the m-moonlight? I-It's incredible! Sh-She's all b-black in r-regular l-light, b-but she l-looks like she w-walked straight out of S-StarClan wh-when it g-gets dark! N-Night is m-my favorite t-time n-now... C-Cause she's a-all done with her w-warrior duties b-by then and I c-can have her a-all to m-myself! I-Is that s-selfish? A-And... I-Is it b-bad that... I d-don't really c-care if it is?" Her ears tipped back in the slightest show of remorse for her admission. But the airy-fairy daze in her eyes proved that she'd have said it over and over again if only to keep what she had now.
Tigereye laughed softly, touching his nose to her chest in a motion he'd done so many times in life. He settled into a sit, inviting her to sit next to him. She went as far as to slide into a laying position, one which Tigereye mimicked easily. She could feel his cool tongue rasping over her shoulder as she continued.
"I s-still c-can't believe sh-she f-felt the same. It's... It's r-really s-surreal. I th-think you'd r-really like her, T-Tigereye. Sh-She's s-sweet, but s-strong. A-And r-really curious i-in her own w-way. Th-The w-way she looks at th-the world.... I c-could listen to her a-all day. I th-think she w-would have r-really l-liked getting to kn-know you t-too." She murmured, her continuation briefly interrupted by a yawn as it split her maw. Ironic, yawning in a dream.
The rhythmic pattern of Tigereye's tongue in her fur lulled her into a comfortable daze as her words slowly faded into little more than mumbling sounds. As darkness crept back into her vision and the dream world began fading away, she could feel her consciousness pulled back to her physical form. But not before she caught Tigereye's voice as he whispered to her. "I'm sure I would have loved to meet her, Kindleflare. How could I not, when she makes you this happy..."
Dark amber eyes blinked open to the dim light of the Moon Tree. She could already feel the tug of grief, that knowledge she missed Tigereye with all her heart. But she knew that he knew she loved her. She knew he loved her. And that he would be waiting for her whenever her time would come to join StarClan. For now, she had a job to do, as medicine cat of LightnignClan. A nagging thought, about picking up a new apprentice, bloomed in the confines of her mind. She knew it was what Tigereye would have told her if she'd given him even a moment to speak. I-I'll s-start looking s-soon. She promised both him and herself.
But first, she had an ebony coated she-cat to return to. Medicine Cat of LightningClan |
|
| "If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks." |
| |
|
GaleClan Leader
GorgeClan Medicine Cat
INVENTORY
|
Post by Ghost the Undead Goddess on Nov 22, 2020 0:05:56 GMT -5
Ebonyheart, Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams The young healer watched from where she stood near the warm bodies of her fellow healers, those pale pools of her practically unreadable as she watched the first ceremony and then the second. There was a wave of nostalgia that passed through the ebony feline's chest as Rustpaw was officially named the new medical apprentice of Rainclan.
A little over twenty moons ago, she herself had stood there staring up at Sandblaze as the same words fell from his maw before Starclan and the others.
It honestly seemed like such a lifetime ago. Ebonyheart had pushed through her training with hard word and the ever present quirk of curiosity. She had learned beneath not only her own mentor but that of Skyteller from the tribe and Falconblaze... before the apparent shift in his temperament that peaked through from time to time. Though more-so when it seemed to come to his own young apprentice.
Even Smokefur's ceremony brought a wave of familiarity, as the ancient she-cat finally stepped down from her age long post as Nightclan's head healer. Unlike Sandblaze, when the red tabby had to step down due to failing hearing, the Nightclanner had reached a luxurious age where she could finally just rest and let the clan care for her as she had for them.
Perhaps even one day Ebonyheart would experience that same position.
Flicking her short nub, the black healer lifted her head and respectfully called out for both Rustpaw and Smokefur before the aging healer from Lightningclan moved to lead the rest down towards the stark white roots of the Moon Tree. Ebonyheart's pale gaze ran over the alabaster bark as the silver orb in the sky caused it to practically glow.
It was a unique experience to be there that night, one she-cat would dream for the first time with their ancestors while one she-cat would dream for the last time.
It didn't take the large molly long to find the familiar spot in which she curled up between the stark roots of the ancient tree. As her pale gaze slowly drooped, Ebonyheart faintly felt the soft warmth of Sagepaw's body curling up next to her. Something that silent had become a thing since the young Treeclanner's first visit with Starclan and the other healers of the valley.
It didn't take long for her to doze off, and with a deep breath the inky black feline re-awoke to the sparkling surroundings of Starclan's brilliant forest. Unsurprisingly, it only took seconds for the bouncing form of Mintleaf to appear, the brown tabby features accented by the stars that lined her pelt and glowed within her bright emerald gaze.
"Hi Ebonyheart!" The young she-cat bounced up and down as her tail flickered behind her. Though her age had never been brought up, the growing healer of Stoneclan was sure that by now she was past the young moons in which Mintleaf had joined Starclan.
"Mintleaf." A proper response as always, the black feline dipping her head in the same greeting she gave every time she dreamed among the Moon Tree.
The young, opaque she-cat stood there with a smile upon her maw and her tail waving around behind her casually. "Looks like everyone is getting apprentices." She purred, casually hinting at the fact that it was a possibility that both Kindleflare and Shadowchaser would soon be looking for replacements for those they had lost.
"When I'm ready I'll find a cat to mentor." Ebonyheart's tone was stiff, as if she wasn't entirely ready to pick up that mantle. She was still young herself, and while she knew it was best to train a cat while she was still spry, somewhere within her heart, the black she-cat knew she just wasn't ready for that commitment yet.
"Oh, of course. When you are ready." Mintleaf mocked the living she-cat for a moment before chuckling and waving away the question from earlier with a flicker of her ear before jumping on a different subject. "So, what about Birdstar, huh?"
Ebonyheart's pale gaze burned with an unprepared wave of embarrassment at the fact that her spirit guide was prying into a personal subject that she, herself had yet to figure out. Though all that look gained her was a loud cackle from the younger Starclanner as she rolled around on the starry grasses below her.
"W-what about Birdstar?" Ebonyheart attempted to regain her composure, but the tone of her voice couldn't help but portray the fact that she had been caught completely off-guard by such a question.
"Oh, come on Ebonyheart." Mintleaf rolled back to her soft belly and looked up with a purr rising within her chest. "You two cant just sit there cuddling while staring up at the sky and expect a cat like me not to see." A wave of heat rolled below the ebony she-cat's lengthy pelt as she remembered the night the two high ranking felines had sat with their coats pressed against each other while the older tom reminisced about his deceased sister.
"T-that is none of your business." Ebonyheart found her voice growing sharp and terse at the intrusion into her personal life.
There was a flicker within Mintleaf's green gaze as the sudden child-like nature of the young molly shifted into something of an ancient she-cat who had seen much and experienced even more. "It is my business... but I can't tell you how to lead your own life. Your paws must find their own path." She said, the hint of age wriggling into her light tone. Ebonyheart felt like she was now talking to Mintleaf the elder, not Mintleaf the young fully named cat who had the unfortunate luck of joining Starclan so early.
"It's not easy, Ebonyheart. Being a cat on the sidelines dedicated to only the health of the clan." Her tone grew soft with sorrow as if she could remember all the nameless cats within the clan's history who had missed out on the part of life that involved love, romance and family.
The inky healer had known this going in, her paws set perfectly along that of medicinal purposes... but now the matte gray leader seemed to cause a fork within her path and it muddled all the emotions within her heart.
Instead of responding, Ebonyheart let her pale gaze lower to her flat paws as she gave a sigh. When she looked back up, Mintleaf had that carefree brilliance within her gaze again as she smiled. "Starclan has their rules, but I think he's a pretty handsome tomcat myself." Her giggle rose from her chest as the surrounding scenery shifted and blurred around the dark coated Stoneclanner.
Shifting, the chilliness of Leaf-Fall returning to her length fur, Ebonyheart lifted her head once the remnants of her dream faded from the depths of her mind. Mintleaf's words still echoing within her brain as her heart hammed within her chest. Those pale pools of hers unreadable as she glanced over to watch Kindleflare shift from her position while Sagepaw moved next to her flank.
Starclan has their rules...
27 Moons StoneClan Medicine Cat |
|
StoneClan Leader
TreeClan MCA
INVENTORY
|
Post by KARAZHAL on Nov 23, 2020 0:39:16 GMT -5
As she'd done at the last half-moon meeting, Sagepaw took up a spot in the gnarled roots, although with far more confidence than she had the first time. She did not bother Falconstorm when he went to his usual spot but instead looked toward Shadowchaser and Smokefur, who she noticed was as old and creaky as the hollow sycamore still standing in the glen. She had to be helped by her own apprentice to her spot, and Sagepaw's expression softened with both sympathy and respect. Secretly, she wished that someday Falconstorm would allow himself to rely on her like that.
The blue Somali tucked in her paws with the same graceful poise as Ebonyheart, the lady-like StoneClanner clearly rubbing off on the young she-cat. She watched as Dewfrost approached the group with her russet-colored shadow. Sagepaw smiled winsomely to Rustpaw and chanted her name with the others. She gave the youngest apprentice a welcoming nod; it was good to see Rustpaw confirmed by the mortals but only after their dreams would they know if StarClan too had accepted her. Then, the mood of the meeting shifted as eyes swiveled upon Smokefur. The wizened she-cat seemed to slip into her dream the fastest of them all.
Sagepaw lowered her head down to her paws. In a flash, she stood in the valley once more, walking through a purple-pink sky and misty ground. She quickened her pace in an attempt to find that friendly she-cat she had met the last time. The more she ran, the steeper her ascent into the mountains. Sticks clung to her fur as she broke through the undergrowth. Growls suddenly rippled around her to a fevered pitch. Sagepaw ran as if she were being chased by Demon himself.
She closed her eyes as she burst through an opening in the thicket, and her feet skidded to a halt on soft moss. Hot breath suddenly plumed against her face. She didn't dare open her eyes to the great yawning maw of teeth before her. The fangs clicked together, and another gusty breath snorted loudly through huge nostrils. Slowly, Sagepaw peeked and nearly dirtied her legs in fear at the sight of two huge cats, not large like fluffy or stocky, but big like the ancestors of yore. The smaller of the two stood in front of Sagepaw, taking in her scent briefly but keeping its eyes upon the bigger one wearing an enormously fluffy pelt around its head and chest. She thought the two were going to attack each other by the way they were staring at each other, but to her surprise, the big one backed down and walked away into the starry mist, leaving her with the cougar.
"Well. Is that it?" she asked when the silence stretched for longer than a minute, and an owl flew overhead.
"You must become the sturdy tree that stands even without a forest around it. Your voice matters," someone said, but it did not come from the puma's mouth. It came from the starry void above them, and after she glanced up at it, she saw that the big cat had disappeared, blinking out rather than walking to the stars like the lion had. Strange. She blinked, and then she was awake. |
|
|
|
Post by Fate Admin on Dec 2, 2020 2:13:37 GMT -5
[googlefont=Dancing Script] Dewfrost To say she was eager to dream with StarClan was a gross understatement. If Dewfrost had her way, she would sleep every night beneath the sacred tree, hungry for that connection with Swanfeather and more faces from the past. Where she did not feel so isolated in her views. In the attachment she had formed for the old, formerly exiled healer. Dewfrost, aware in the back of her head of Rustpaw like she'd be aware of a thorn in her pad, curbed her haste long enough to acknowledge that this was the younger she-cat's first time here.
"Just step forward and lie down beneath the Moon Tree. Your choice to touch the roots or not. StarClan's dreams will find you regardless." Dewfrost uttered those words, her tone calm and a little cool, as though touched by the frost just the same as the Moon Tree's bark. Her namesake had been well-chosen. As the other medicine cats gathered around, she chose a spot a little away from the others but nearer to Shadowchaser, finding stronger kinship with the dark-furred NightClan cat than the dark-furred StoneClan cat who had taken over for Sandblaze.
Waiting only long enough to see Rustpaw join her from the corners of her eyes, Dewfrost finally allowed herself to tune out the world around her. Eyes closed, excited heart slowing into something more peaceful. Slumberlike. It was hard at first, and then it wasn't.
Dream and memory twined together like reed nests, carrying her into the velvet waters of StarClan's embrace.
, @poptart, Fawn, BlooRey DVD, Ghost the Undead Goddess, KARAZHAL |
|
| "Monster is a relative term. To a canary, a cat is a monster. We're just used to being the cat." |
| |
|
Staff
GorgeClan Leader
MistClan Medicine Cat
INVENTORY
|
Post by Abyss on Jan 4, 2021 15:55:00 GMT -5
Rustpaw Rainclan She-Cat I'm talking with a big smile Within her nine moons of life, the ruddy red she-cat had seen a few ceremonies of varying sorts within Rainclan. But one ceremony that she had never bore witness to was an Elder ceremony, or a name-changing one, or whatever it was considered. When she thought about it, did a cat becoming an Elder actually get a ceremony or did they just become an Elder at random? Maybe that was something she could ask Dewfrost on the way home.
But, even though she had nothing to compare it to, she had been caught off-guard by what began the moment her short yet sweet induction ended. Just as she moved to the side along with some of the others, a voice chimed in from the other side, darker red ears perking.
The cat who stepped forward was one she hadn’t seen previous to today, a smaller and quite clearly older gray tabby she-cat. Moments before she had briefly acknowledged this older cat, but she hadn’t actually been able to tell which clan she was from or if she was alone. But when she stepped forward, the young she-cat took note that she had been sitting next to another, a tom it seemed. His pelt, much like Ebonyheart’s, was pure black, but they were surprisingly easy to tell apart.
When the older Medicine Cat spoke, Rustpaw was surprised to find that while she herself was joining the ranks of the Medicine Cats, another was leaving those ranks. There was a tinge of sadness that started in her chest at this idea; she wanted to get to know all of the other Medicine Cats, but now one of those she wished to know was stepping down. It wasn’t as if she could protest or anything, nor would she want to even if she could. It was clear that this she-cat was one of the oldest within the group of cats, and she now knew herself that the trip to the Moon Tree was difficult. She was sure it couldn’t be easy for an Elder either.
She waited a moment to hear the name that the others began to chant before she chimed in, calling out Smokefur’s name, just as the clan did when a cat earned their new name.
With both her own ceremony and Smokefur’s finished, Rustpaw wasn’t sure what to do next. Bright amber eyes looked to Dewfrost, but not for long as Ebonyheart stood from the group, approaching the roots that stuck out from the tree. The itch to rush forward was strong, but she held it in, waiting for her mentor to move before she did. She didn’t pay too much attention to who laid next to who, instead choosing to just play it safe and lay down near the brown and white she-cat. From what she had been told, all you did was lay down, close your eyes, and you would begin dreaming. But surely dreaming wasn’t that easily, was it? It always took her a little while to fall asleep. Her unsure gaze shifted back to Dewfrost, who was already curled up with her eyes closed. They turned to her other side next, spotting Sagepaw and Ebonyheart not too far away, both also curled.
Oh no, are they already dreaming? Am I too late? Slightly panicked, she quickly laid her head on her paws, closing her eyes. At first it felt as though she were just laying there, but just as fast as she had laid down, drowsiness fell over her, her small head lightly falling to the side as she too fell into sleep.
When her eyes opened, she found herself in a new place, somewhere that wasn’t the Moon Tree. Had all of that been a dream, or was this a dream? Scanning the land around her, it was as though she were back in Rainclan’s territory, sitting on the Sandbar at the center of the river. Though, unlike the scenery back home, this place almost seemed mystical, the river a light blue-purple rather than light blue and the trees silver in color. If it weren’t for the fact that everything was perfectly lit up from an unknown source, she would had thought it was night time. Rustpaw leaned forward slightly, peering into the water of the river to see her reflection. Despite the river clearly flowing, as water did, her reflection was still, very few ripples swirling through.
“Ah, you have finally arrived.” A low-pitched yet melodious voice spoke, though the direction wasn’t entirely discernable. Rustpaw blinked a few times, glancing to the side in confusion. She turned her eyes back to the water, though this time another reflection joined her own. The young she-cat quickly turned to her left, spotting another cat on the Sandbar not far from her.
The cat that stood before her was a surprisingly large cat, a she-cat from what she could tell, who seemed to radiate grace and wisdom. Her pelt was a bright ginger in color, similar to the sky when the sun began to fall, with darker orange-brown stripes and white markings. The patterns of her pelt were gorgeous and hard to look at, but it was something else that caught the young she-cat’s sights. Those eyes! This other she-cat’s eyes were rounded and shaped almost like an oval-grown leaf, the color an entrancing blue color. In her time of knowing others, she had seen blue eyes, of course. Both Silverstar and Dewfrost had bright and vibrant blue eyes that were easy to get lost in. But this blue was different. She wasn’t even sure how she would describe it accurately. The blue was light, but also dull in a good way. They reminded her of what it might be like to look into a still lake with no bottom, a lake whose water was both clear and cloudy at the same time.
Rustpaw was already lost after just a few moments of locking eyes with the other she-cat, her mouth opening but unable to speak. The other feline chuckled, seeming to have predicted this would happen.
“Rustpaw, I welcome you to Starclan.” Amber eyes widened further, finally pulling away from her trance to look around her. This was Starclan? Just as she turned back to speak, the other she-cat spoke again. “My name is Farsight.”
Even now, the rusty-red she-cat wasn’t sure what to say. “I...you...how....” It took her a moment to clear her thoughts, speaking again only when she pulled herself from her own confusion. “How do you know my name?”
“Dewfrost presented you to us moments ago. In addition, I have been keeping an eye on you since the day that she chose you.” The larger she-cat turned her captivating gaze away, looking to the other side of the river at the shore. She lifted herself from her sitting position and began to walk, paws touching the water, but not pushing through. Rustpaw’s eyes widened, watching as this cat walked over the water without any effort. A small burst of curiosity and excitement flooded her, bringing her to turn quickly and move to the edge of the sand. She put her paw out, surprised to find that she didn’t push through either. There was a ping of doubt about the safety of this, but it seemed Farsight had no problem, so she shouldn’t either. Swallowing down her fear, she walked forward, paws causing ripples on the water’s surface, but not breaking through it.
“Although I’m sure that Dewfrost has told you the rules of being a Medicine Cat, I too must ensure that you know them, and make sure that you are willing to take on this role.”
Amber eyes flicked to the orange tabby curiosity. “Of course I am willing to. I did say yes during my ceremony?”
“Indeed, you did. But that has not stopped others in the past from backing out once they reached this point.”
Rustpaw blinked in confusion, trotting momentarily to catch up. What sort of rules would make someone not want to be a Medicine Cat anymore? She found herself growing nervous at this idea, but she tried to focus on listening.
“All Medicine Cats follow their own code, separate from the Warrior Code. Our code is connected directly to Starclan, so it is a code that can not be broken without serious consequences.” This is starting to sound kind of intense…
“The first rule of the Medicine Cat Code is that no Medicine Cat may take on a mate or have kits. This is meant to prevent any bias when it comes to the healing of others. The second is that a Medicine Cat may not retire from their position until their Apprentice is prepared to take over as the primary Medicine Cat. Third, a Medicine Cat may only share dreams with Starclan. And finally, the discussion of dreams and any communication with Starclan can only be discussed with other Medicine Cats and with your clan’s Leader. No one else is to know of what happens or what is said within these meetings.” Farsight’s paws stopped, peering back at Rustpaw. “Do you understand?”
Although she was listening, an intense expression displayed on the ruddy Apprentice's face, many thoughts running through her head on all of the rules.
A Medicine Cat is never allowed to have a family? I mean I guess that makes sense? And retiring, that means that Dewfrost could retire when she thinks I am good enough to be a Medicine Cat by myself. But what if I never get to that point, or what if she just never decides to retire? What does it mean you can only share dreams with Starclan? Share how? And no talking about dreams?
A chuckle fell from Farsight's maw. "Do not overwhelm yourself too much, little one. You are fully welcome to step away if you don't believe yourself able to follow our code."
Large and round eyes quickly darted upwards to meet captivating blue. "No, I can follow it! I know I can! I don't want to back out from this, especially not after saying yes for my ceremony. I don't want to disappoint Dewfrost. I just...I guess I just don't fully understand the code, or these rules."
"I am glad, but do not worry. You do not have to understand right away. It takes time to fully know the code and ensure that you follow it. But as long as you do not give up, you are sure to do well." There was a moment of silence that passed between the two felines.
By this point, Rustpaw had completely forgotten that they were still walking. When she finally escaped her thoughts of the Medicine Cat Code and her relationship with Dewfrost, she looked around to find that they were no longer walking over the water of the river, nor were they at the sandbar. In fact, it didn’t even seem like they were in Rainclan at all. This place reminded her a lot of Starclan’s Claws, though there were five trees that circled the clearing rather than five large stones. Each tree seemed slightly different, a few with small leaves, the others with larger. A few with brightly colored bark, and a few with dark. She couldn’t tell exactly what sort of trees they were, or really what they represented, but regardless of their differences, each let off a faint glow.
Before she could even attempt to take in any sights further than the trees, there was movement out of the corner of her eye. When she turned, Farsight was sitting in front of one of the trees, one with small leaves and a bright silver bark that glowed a faint blue in color.
“Although I wish we could speak longer, we do not have time. For you, I have one final question.” Ruddy ears perked, the Apprentice’s small head nodding quickly. “You may doubt yourself now, but I have seen you and your determination, as well as your optimism. You have your moments of weakness, as we all do, but you always pull yourself through. Take the time to learn and listen, and you will surpass your expectations of yourself, as well as Dewfrost’s. But, with this in mind, my question for you.”
Another moment of silence, as Rustpaw leaned forward slightly in anticipation.
“Rustpaw of Riverclan. Do you agree to uphold the Medicine Cat Code and dedicate yourself to your clan and to Starclan?”
It was a very serious question, one that she likely couldn’t take back once her answer was decided. Not that she would back away from all of this. But it was still extremely important. At that moment, she wished for Frozensong, but she knew this wasn’t the time. She was an Apprentice, on her way to becoming an adult within the clan. She could not depend on her adopted guardian to make her decisions anymore, or anyone else. This was her decision to make, and hers alone. Her answer to this question would determine her path in life, her future. In was time for her to decide her fate. And, although she did have her doubts, as Farsight said, she knew her answer.
With a spark in her eye and a small wave of seriousness in those amber pools, Rustpaw straightened her posture and lifted her head, holding her chin high.
“I do.”
A warm smile crossed the ginger she-cat’s face, those endless blue pools looking right through the Apprentice’s soul.
“Allow me to be the first to welcome you as an official future Medicine Cat.”
A bright smile, breaking the seriousness on her small face back into her normal bright self, and a flick of her tail sent a warmth through her small body.
“From this point forward you will be able to hear and communicate with us. You will receive messages, signs, omens, and advice. It is up to you to listen to our words and determine their meaning in times of need.” The large feline stood from where she sat, walking a few steps forward to stand right in front of Rustpaw. She had taken brief notice of it before, but it wasn’t until she was this close that the small red she-cat realized exactly how small she was compared to Farsight. She momentarily wondered if she would grow bigger, but she pushed that thought to the back of her head. “This will not be our only meeting together. You will see others, but I do hope to speak with you again soon.”
“Yeah! Me too!” There was enough time for her to see another smile cross Farsight’s face before her eyes began to glow. At first it was faint blue, just like the tree behind her, but a second later it grew so bright that the young she-cat had to close her eyes. For just a moment, a strange buzzing filled her ears, and then silence.
When her eyes began to open again, she saw the faint silver glow of the Moon Tree, the light silhouette of Dewfrost, and the darkness of the cave. but they haven't got a clue. 2512 | @poptart | Notes |
|
