πππππππππ !!
# of cats; 74 (β: 36 / β: 38)
servings req'd; 12 servings (76)
next moonpool visit; any time
β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬
π ππ ππ π π πππ ,
GroveClan's lake had never been more lively. Gleeful shouts and cheerful laughter rose in a cacophony from the shallowest shore, where a group of cats were gathered. Featherpelt was stretched languidly across the sun rocks, enjoying the warmth of late Newleaf, while Harrierstreak, Wolverinejaw and Adderstorm splashed and chased the rowdy group of apprentices around. Emberpaw, the oldest apprentice, had wandered more toward the lake's northern shore in chest-high water, watching her paws carefully. Dusklight, meanwhile, had abandoned the chase, gaze set over the horizon, due south, toward HazeClan's territory.
"Fox tooth for your thoughts?" He jumped, before smiling fondly as his sister sidled up next to him, the pair of them glancing out toward the southern border. "Haven't you heard? I'm a meathead with absolutely nothing in my brain. I doubt my thoughts would be worth a fox tooth." The ginger molly snorted, shoulder-checking her brother. Once upon a time, it would have sent him stumbling with one of his airy laughs. Now, he barely swayed, grin rampant on his features. She was easily as tall as he was, but Dusklight had grown into a significant amount of muscle. It tugged at her heart, sometimes, just how much they'd grown. How far they'd come.
"They're always worth something to me," Dawnblossom said, "I know I coddled you a bit too much with the whole eye thing but I... you're my brother. And I hope that doesn't change anything between us." Dusklight turned to her, eye wide. "Of course not! Dawnblossom, you're still my number one. You always will be. It's always going to be us, okay? Dawn and Dusk, day and night, light and darkness. We go together. We've been partners in crime since the day we opened our eyes and there's not a single thing, no dark forest, no high water and certainly no silly eye that could ever come between us," Dawnblossom relaxed, and Dusklight's expression softened, "worried about me, huh?"
"I feel like we don't talk as much as we used to. Like maybe you think I can't be trusted as much as you used to."
"You know that's not true, furball." He shoulder-checked her, hard enough to make her stumble. She narrowed her blue eyes, lunging back at him and knocking him off-balance. He laughed his airy laugh, arcing water at her with his paw in a surprisingly graceful manner. She shook the droplets out of her fur with a good-natured huff, pressing close to his side again as his attention slid back toward the southern mountains. "I met someone."
"You did? When? Where? Who?"
"His name is Gorseberry, he's from QuickClan- south of Haze, you know. We met at a gathering a few moons back, and we just... we just clicked. We started meeting up when we could, but then... I lost my eye." He cleared his throat. "Mousestone knows, because she met him at a gathering and she helped sneak him in to see me, and then helped sneak me out so we could still hang out. No one else does though, just her. And now you, I guess."
"That's where you were, the night of the blizzard."
"Yes. We got stuck in a barn on QuickClan territory together. It was... scary, to be honest, not being able to be with you and make sure that you were okay but... it's also one of my best memories. It's funny how two-leg structures have this kind of... serenity to them. The barn was old and rickety, but it was howling outside and inside it was... warm. Warm and quiet. It was like being in the eye of the storm but all the time."
"And he makes you happy?"
"Yeah," Dusklight smiled fondly at the thought of him, "I never thought I'd fall for a cat like that, you know? I always imagined I'd find someone as high-energy as me and we'd go around causing all sorts of havoc but he's... not like that. He's calm and shy and kind and so incredibly smart. He's passionate about helping cats and he has so much love in his heart to give and I just- I hope that I can claim some of that love for myself. Because I love him."
"Have you told him that yet?"
"No, not yet. I want to be sure, this time. There's still time for you to steal him out from under me." Dawnblossom made an offended noise, shoulder-checking Dusklight again as he cackled. "That is not fair!" She huffed, flattening her ears at her brother. "I know, I know. And besides, you know I don't blame you for Halfpond not returning my feelings. In a way... I'm kind of thankful. If he hadn't rejected me, I never would have had the chance to connect with Gorseberry. And he just... he feels right, you know? Like he's a piece of me I didn't know was missing."
"I'm happy for you, Dusklight, I really am," Dawnblossom touched her nose to her brother's cheek, "you deserve happiness. You deserve to be loved, and if you think otherwise you really are a meathead with mush for brains. But... can I ask why you've been keeping this a secret? You know Badgerstar wouldn't be upset with you. QuickClan is an ally clan, and he trusts you."
"I know, it's not that it's just..." Dusklight shrugged, "I like having this, this thing that's just mine that I don't have to explain to anyone else. If it gets more serious than it is right now, then I think I'll start telling the rest of the clan, but for now I'm happy just to be with him. Every minute we have together is a gift and that's more than enough for me. Plus, it'll be suuuuper awkward if I tell him I love him and he doesn't say it back, so the less cats know, the more minimal the damage." Dawnblossom laughed at that.
"If he doesn't say it back, he's stupider than even you are." Dusklight didn't respond, but a fond smile crossed his face as Dawnblossom leaned against his shoulder, the pair of them watching the clouds shift across the sky in the warmth of the Newleaf day.
β β β
"Again, thank you so much for this... Ashenstrike, was it?" The anxious tom scurried along next to Ashenstrike, who just gave him a kind smile with a nod. "Of course. Harepuddle, right? Our leader isn't big on turning away vagrants. Even if the clan's filling up, the more the merrier tends to be his philosophy. Try not to worry too much, okay? You and your son are all but guaranteed a safe home here, if you choose to stay." Harepuddle gave him a kind smile, weary and a tad bit watery, before he stiffened at the sound of voices in the brush beyond the border patrol.
"I don't suppose you'll be available again any time soon, Sootface? Your help has been... invaluable." Spidernose brushed through the shrubs, with Sootface chuckling in his stead. "Any old cat could do it for you," he purred, "but if you need me, I'll be around. Just clear it with Longriver to make sure I'm not needed on any... patrols. Ashenstrike."
"Sootface," Ashenstrike's smile was wide, "nice walk you're having?" Sootface's eyes narrowed, maw opening for a teasing rebuke when Harepuddle stepped forward, eyes wide. "Spidernose?" The black tom lifted his eyes, bewildered, before they lit up. "Harepuddle! By StarClan, I'd all but given up hope of seeing another GraveClan cat again." He placed down his bundle of herbs, hobbling forward to touch noses with the ginger tom. Harepuddle purred, tail waving excitedly. "And Quailpaw! Look how big you've gotten!" Quailpaw ducked his head, shyly.
"You know these cats?" Dustfang asked, tilting his head to the side. Spidernose nodded. "They're from my old clan. Harepuddle and Quailpaw are good cats, I promise," his eyes trailed over the strange molly following the group, "but... I cannot speak for her." She smiled, but said nothing. Ashenstrike nodded to the remaining patrol members. "Sootface and I have got it from here. Kererucall can come with us. Get back to checking the borders, we'll make sure Badgerstar sees our newest stragglers." Dustfang gave Ashenstrike a look, as if he was amused by his bossiness, but nonetheless, he turned and headed deeper into the forest with Sedgefire and Fircloud on his heels.
"It's so good to see you," Harepuddle mewed as the group started back toward the camp, "how have you been? How did you find your way here?" Spidernose chuckled a little at the barrage of questions. "I was wandering aimlessly, really- slow going on my leg you understand- before a patrol picked me up and guided me to the leader. Badgerstar is wonderful, if you're worried. He's... very lenient, and his focus is on building a sense of community. It's not at all like GraveClan here and that is... refreshing."
"He's been fighting a war of wills with our resident senior medicine cat," Sootface said, sounding amused, "it's taken him a couple moons to realize that her will far surpasses his, but it's been an entertaining match." Spidernose glowered at him without any heat, and Ashenstrike laughed. "It's easy to underestimate Goldleaf, but whatever these two say about her... she's great. Cranky and stubborn for sure, but she's brilliant. And great with kits."
"I will give her that, her soft spot surprised me. There's another medicine cat too, Mousestone, but she's- she's on a mission at the moment. I think you'd like her, Harepuddle, she has a bright spirit." Harepuddle smiled, with a nod. "I think I'll like this clan in general. Everyone's been very kind so far."
"If you think we're nice," Sootface's tone betrayed his almost laugh, "wait until you meet Badgerstar."
β β β
"Not bad," Ashenstrike grinned as Juniperpaw gave him a smug purr, "I've gotta say, this is probably the most successful any of my apprentices have been... if you don't count Longpaw flunking to save your dad's life." Juniperpaw shoulder checked him, and he laughed, settling next to her. "Seriously, I'm proud of you. I look forward to getting to work with you on patrols as an equal."
"That might be a while yet," Juniperpaw said, "Lionheart's kits are coming soon and everyone knows you'll be stuck to her like tree sap until she tries to take your ears off." Ashenstrike gave her an offended look, swatting lightly at her ears. "You know you're not quite not my apprentice, right? You still have to be nice to me until you get your full warrior name." Beside her daughter, Maplefall laughed, shaking her head.
"You haven't changed a bit," her eyes twinkled with merriment, "I can't believe it, my babies are going to be warriors! You two did a great job, thank you so much for everything you've taught them." Pinefeather and Ashenstrike exchanged smiles, giving Maplefall twin nods of acknowledgement. "It was my pleasure," Pinefeather said, "Midnightpaw gave me his fair share of cardiac troubles but I'm proud of him. He's worked hard, and he's going to make a wonderful warrior, if not one with a terrible habit of being self-sacrificial." Midnightpaw stuck his tongue out at his mentor.
"You all tease, but I'd still save Hornetpaw a hundred times over at the end of the day. It's the best thing I've ever done."
"We know, it's a love story for the ages," Juniperpaw rolled her eyes, missing the pained flash behind her brother's eyes. He purred instead. "You're just jealous that you don't have anyone," he retorted. Juniperpaw narrowed her eyes, maw parting to respond, when a throat cleared from behind them. All eyes in the group turned to Thunderspark.
"Hey," she mewed. Juniperpaw lit up. "Hi, Thunderspark," she said with a rumbling purr, "long time no see." The grey and white molly rolled her eyes with a light snort. "It's only been a moon, drama queen," she said, before her expression turned shy again, "but... I'm excited to be your denmate again. I saved you a nest next to mine... if you want it. You know, after your vigil and everything. I thought it could be like the nursery." Juniperpaw ducked her head shyly.
"That would be great, thank you," she and Thunderspark smiled at each other, before the warrior ducked her head and scurried back toward her siblings. Midnightpaw smirked at Juniperpaw, and she rolled her eyes at him, swatting a pawful of dirt in his direct, which he nimbly leaned back from.
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath Highbranch!" Badgerstar's voice rang out across the grove, and instantly attention turned to him as cats began to group nearer to hear the announcement. Pride glittered in his eyes, head held high and tail lifted like a banner. "Today is a very special day for me, because as you all must know by now, it is the day that my children become warriors. Many moons ago now, I asked you all to hold a moment of silence for their fallen littermate, Twilightkit. If she were here today, she would have been named Twilightwing. I ask you now to send her name to StarClan, so that she may be reunited with her siblings in spirit." Yowls of the fallen kit's full name went up, the clan tipping their heads back to give their most powerful cries. Some part of Midnightpaw thought he saw the first stars breaking through the haze of dusk glint, and he and Juniperpaw shared a smile.
"I, Badgerstar, leader of GroveClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these apprentices. They have trained tirelessly to understand the way of the code, and I recommend them to you in their turn. Juniperpaw, step forward," she she-cat stepped out of the group, chin raised proudly, "do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to defend your clan, even if it costs you your life?" Juniperpaw nodded, resolute.
"I do."
"Then from this day on, you will be known as Juniperstorm, for the strength of your spirit. StarClan honours your resilience, your bravery and your righteousness. Welcome, as a full warrior of GroveClan." Cheers went up from around the camp, with Maplefall and Midnightpaw yowling loudest of all, proud smiles on their maws. "Midnightpaw, do you too promise to uphold the warrior code, and to defend your clan even at the cost of your life."
"I do!"
"Then I give you your warrior name: Midnightpool, in honour of your rescue of Hornetpaw of Highgarden, and for your gentle nature. StarClan honours your bravery, your kindness and your intelligence. Congratulations, you are a full warrior of GroveClan." Now it was Juniperstorm's turn to cheer for her brother, as the pair exchanged the customary gestures with their father. His eyes shone with pride as the rest of the clan converged on them to offer their congratulations. Maplefall sidled alongside her mate, twining their tails together.
"Look how far we've come," she said, with a sigh and a smile on her face, "did you ever think we would get to be here?"
"I knew from the first moment I saw you," Badgerstar pressed his nose to her cheek, smile bright, "or, at least, I had hoped." Maplefall laughed, bright and tinkling as she leaned against him, warmth settled deep in her chest.
"It certainly took you long enough to say anything."
β β β
"So... they definitely take after Dad, huh?" Silvermoon gave a tired little chuckle, smiling up at her son. Halfpond's eyes were full of fondness where he was crouched between Ripplemist and Frostbranch, with Sedgefire between the latter and their father. "I suppose they do," she mewed, touching her nose to her newborn kits, "only time will tell if they inherit the countenance of their father as well, but with how Sedgefire turned out, it seems almost sure." Her brothers chuckled a little as Sedgefire rolled her eyes, fond smile on her face.
"What did you decide to name them?" Frostbranch asked, curiously. Silvermoon leaned back against her mate, and Flintburr shifted closer to bracket her more carefully. "The rowdy one is Ravenkit. She yowled until I thought she was going to burst your poor mother's ears, so I'm sure she'll be trouble when she's old enough. The one who looks just like her is quieter, and that's Crowkit. The little diva is Starlingkit. We're still trying to decide on the name for our last tom. I've never seen any creature with such a perfect little patch of white on the throat like he has."
"Tui," said a voice from across the den. All eyes turned to the blind warrior that Ashenstrike had wrangled in earlier, along with Spidernose's old clanmates. She was undergoing Goldleaf's routine checks in the corner of the den, and the medicine cat paused, giving the gathered family a shrug. The warrior- Kererucall- simply smiled. "In the land across the water, there is a bird known as a Tui. They're beautiful creatures; black until the sun shines on them and their feathers look iridescent in greens and blues, and they sing too. They have a wattle, a white patch on their throats. It's what your son reminds me of."
"Tuikit," Silvermoon mewed, glancing fondly at her newborn son, "what do you think of that, Flintburr?"
"I think it's the perfect name," Flintburr said, "thank you, Kererucall. I hope he lives up to the beauty of his namesake." Kererucall's smile stretched wider on her maw as she let out a pleased purr. "If he shares the spirit of his parents, I have no doubt that he will."
π₯π πππͺ,
Mousestone lifted her head from the sleeping body of a sick EchoClan cat, blinking back the weariness that settled in her bones. The past few moons in EchoClan had showed her more horrors than she had ever needed to see, but the young medicine cat Crowcloud was quick-witted and diligent, if not a tad bit shy, and the warriors she had taken with her from GroveClan ran tirelessly, day and night, submitting to her every whim without question. Mousestone's sleep was fretful and fractured without Novella at her side, but she had no time for luxuries.
"Do you need rest?" Stonepatch ducked into the warrior's den after her. Mousestone had made Crowcloud help her relocate the sick cats to the warrior's den- the biggest- for quarantine, while those who showed no signs of sickness took up other residences outside the camp. He placed a bundle of herbs down next to her growing collection in the corner. "Running yourself ragged isn't going to help anyone. When was the last time you slept?" Mousestone's face creased in a weary smile.
"I suppose it was a good plan to bring an actual father along," she teased, a yawn catching her toward the end of the sentence, "I know you're right, I just... I don't want to leave them. There's still a lot to do, what with Crowcloud and the boys gone to try and find that flower." Stonepatch nodded, touching his nose to her forehead. "I know," he said, "but Novella and I can hold down the fort while you rest. She's got your medicines memorized, and I can keep herb hunting. You'll be alright to nap for a while." Mousestone hesitated for a second, before she nodded.
"Okay," she said, jaws parting in a yawn, "I'll see you in a few sun movements." She padded from the den and into the sunlight, making her way to an overhang in the camp. She settled beneath it, curling into a tight ball as her mate trotted across the camp with a bundle of herbs and vanished into the den. Shortly after, Stonepatch emerged and exited camp, on his way to collect herbs like he had promised. Mousestone's eyes drooped, and a smile curved on her maw as she finally let herself fall into blissful sleep.
β β β
Adderstorm's slender form stood at the base of a tree, head craned back to watch Wolverinejaw nimbly scaling the branches with their apprentices close on her heels. The crunching of twigs behind her made an ear swivel back, but the figure was approaching from down wind of her, and the scent was familiar. She couldn't help the happy smile that crossed her maw, as she turned to blink at Squirrelwhisker as he drew up alongside her.
"Not on patrol today?" She mewed curiously. He smiled and shook his head. "No, not today. I hope you don't mind, I thought you might like some company, although I suppose this isn't exactly a lesson I can be much help with." Adderstorm shrugged, taking a step closer to him so that their pelts brushed properly. He smiled in his shy way, ducking his head. "Well, as I remember it, you always were a better climber than me." His eyes twinkled.
"Be still my beating heart," he mewed, "did you just admit I was better than you at something?" She rolled her eyes, lightly shoulder-checking him. "If you keep that up, I'll rescind my praise. Wolverinejaw seems to have it under control, though. The apprentices are picking it up fast." Squirrelwhisker nodded, tilting his head back to watch as they clambered up after the rusted black molly.
"How is having an apprentice? I feel like I haven't seen you as much since you started mentoring." Adderstorm laughed, nodding in agreement. "Well... it's not exactly something you can go halves on. It's time consuming but it's... good. I feel like I have a purpose, you know? I like waking up in the morning and making plans for what I'm going to teach Oakpaw. He's kind of shy, I'm trying to get him to break out of his shell."
"If anyone can do it, it's you," Squirrelwhisker smiled at her, "you're... incredible, I hope you know that."
"And you're a terrible flatterer." Adderstorm nudged him, and then leaned against his shoulder as he snorted. "But... thank you. For always believing in me."
β β β
"I must say, it's been nice having someone else around the den," Redrunner grunted, leaning on Fallowshimmer as the other tom helped him take a large step onto the ridge above, "it would have been much harder to sneak out if it had been just me." Fallowshimmer chuckled, a rich purring sound. "Yes, well, we're not totally in the clear yet. We'll still have to deal with Goldleaf and the fallout when she finds we've snuck out."
"Snuck out... doesn't it make you feel like an apprentice again?" Fallowshimmer laughed, nodding his affirmative. "It does... although quite honestly I find it difficult to envision a Redpaw. It seems to me like you must have always been a cranky old tom." Redrunner glared at him without any malice, Fallowshimmer's eyes twinkling in amusement.
"Har har," said Redrunner.
"Yes, I am quite funny," Fallowshimmer mused in reply, before he flicked his tail and started forward, "come on." The pair walked in relative quiet through the forest. Greenleaf sun beat down upon their backs, warming their old bones and chasing away the stiffness as the shore of the lake came into view. Redrunner tipped his head back and sighed, content. The breeze wafted through his ginger and white fur and he paused, letting the sensation take him.
"I missed this," he said as Fallowshimmer hauled himself up onto the sun rocks, Redrunner a pace behind, "I suppose I did my time but... well. I just wish I could have done it for a while longer." Fallowshimmer nodded, stretching out over the warm stone. "It's odd, isn't it? Not to have to wake up at dawn. Half the time I don't know what to do with myself... so. Thank you, for encouraging me to come out today."
"Makes an old tom feel young again, doesn't it?" Fallowshimmer hummed, his maw curving into a smile.
"Yes, yes it does."
β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬
β¦ servings consumed
12/12 - x3 birds, x1 mouse, x1 squirrel
β¦ clan events
lionheart is kitting! ashenstrike is the father. goldleaf stays in camp to help her.
maplefall is kitting! badgerstar is the father. spidernose stays in camp to help her.
βͺ please refer to the genetics chart
note: using x5 kit litter bonus from december comp. for maplefall
harrierstreak, featherpelt & harepuddle teach their apprentices the battle skill
dusklight teaches emberpaw advanced battle
adderstorm and wolverinejaw teach their apprentices to climb
dawnblossom teaches hazelpaw hunting
mousestone's convoy remains in echoclan for another moon
groveclan receives x1 mouse, x1 bird, x1 feverfew & x1 watermint from hazeclan
β¦ patrols
hunting -
1 - sootface, elkbounce, burrcall, willowthroat, sparkfur, frostbranch
2 - hawkthorn, acornstream, shadowtail, dustfang, avocetnose, sandcatcher
3 - longriver, fawnrunner, mistcreek, deerstripe, ripplemist, halfpond
4 - pinefeather, roseclaw, fircloud, burningcloud, meadowfang, kererucall
border -
1 - flintburr, sedgefire, boulderflame, grouseclaw, thunderspark, juniperstorm
# of cats; 74 (β: 36 / β: 38)
servings req'd; 12 servings (76)
next moonpool visit; any time
β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬
π ππ ππ π π πππ ,
GroveClan's lake had never been more lively. Gleeful shouts and cheerful laughter rose in a cacophony from the shallowest shore, where a group of cats were gathered. Featherpelt was stretched languidly across the sun rocks, enjoying the warmth of late Newleaf, while Harrierstreak, Wolverinejaw and Adderstorm splashed and chased the rowdy group of apprentices around. Emberpaw, the oldest apprentice, had wandered more toward the lake's northern shore in chest-high water, watching her paws carefully. Dusklight, meanwhile, had abandoned the chase, gaze set over the horizon, due south, toward HazeClan's territory.
"Fox tooth for your thoughts?" He jumped, before smiling fondly as his sister sidled up next to him, the pair of them glancing out toward the southern border. "Haven't you heard? I'm a meathead with absolutely nothing in my brain. I doubt my thoughts would be worth a fox tooth." The ginger molly snorted, shoulder-checking her brother. Once upon a time, it would have sent him stumbling with one of his airy laughs. Now, he barely swayed, grin rampant on his features. She was easily as tall as he was, but Dusklight had grown into a significant amount of muscle. It tugged at her heart, sometimes, just how much they'd grown. How far they'd come.
"They're always worth something to me," Dawnblossom said, "I know I coddled you a bit too much with the whole eye thing but I... you're my brother. And I hope that doesn't change anything between us." Dusklight turned to her, eye wide. "Of course not! Dawnblossom, you're still my number one. You always will be. It's always going to be us, okay? Dawn and Dusk, day and night, light and darkness. We go together. We've been partners in crime since the day we opened our eyes and there's not a single thing, no dark forest, no high water and certainly no silly eye that could ever come between us," Dawnblossom relaxed, and Dusklight's expression softened, "worried about me, huh?"
"I feel like we don't talk as much as we used to. Like maybe you think I can't be trusted as much as you used to."
"You know that's not true, furball." He shoulder-checked her, hard enough to make her stumble. She narrowed her blue eyes, lunging back at him and knocking him off-balance. He laughed his airy laugh, arcing water at her with his paw in a surprisingly graceful manner. She shook the droplets out of her fur with a good-natured huff, pressing close to his side again as his attention slid back toward the southern mountains. "I met someone."
"You did? When? Where? Who?"
"His name is Gorseberry, he's from QuickClan- south of Haze, you know. We met at a gathering a few moons back, and we just... we just clicked. We started meeting up when we could, but then... I lost my eye." He cleared his throat. "Mousestone knows, because she met him at a gathering and she helped sneak him in to see me, and then helped sneak me out so we could still hang out. No one else does though, just her. And now you, I guess."
"That's where you were, the night of the blizzard."
"Yes. We got stuck in a barn on QuickClan territory together. It was... scary, to be honest, not being able to be with you and make sure that you were okay but... it's also one of my best memories. It's funny how two-leg structures have this kind of... serenity to them. The barn was old and rickety, but it was howling outside and inside it was... warm. Warm and quiet. It was like being in the eye of the storm but all the time."
"And he makes you happy?"
"Yeah," Dusklight smiled fondly at the thought of him, "I never thought I'd fall for a cat like that, you know? I always imagined I'd find someone as high-energy as me and we'd go around causing all sorts of havoc but he's... not like that. He's calm and shy and kind and so incredibly smart. He's passionate about helping cats and he has so much love in his heart to give and I just- I hope that I can claim some of that love for myself. Because I love him."
"Have you told him that yet?"
"No, not yet. I want to be sure, this time. There's still time for you to steal him out from under me." Dawnblossom made an offended noise, shoulder-checking Dusklight again as he cackled. "That is not fair!" She huffed, flattening her ears at her brother. "I know, I know. And besides, you know I don't blame you for Halfpond not returning my feelings. In a way... I'm kind of thankful. If he hadn't rejected me, I never would have had the chance to connect with Gorseberry. And he just... he feels right, you know? Like he's a piece of me I didn't know was missing."
"I'm happy for you, Dusklight, I really am," Dawnblossom touched her nose to her brother's cheek, "you deserve happiness. You deserve to be loved, and if you think otherwise you really are a meathead with mush for brains. But... can I ask why you've been keeping this a secret? You know Badgerstar wouldn't be upset with you. QuickClan is an ally clan, and he trusts you."
"I know, it's not that it's just..." Dusklight shrugged, "I like having this, this thing that's just mine that I don't have to explain to anyone else. If it gets more serious than it is right now, then I think I'll start telling the rest of the clan, but for now I'm happy just to be with him. Every minute we have together is a gift and that's more than enough for me. Plus, it'll be suuuuper awkward if I tell him I love him and he doesn't say it back, so the less cats know, the more minimal the damage." Dawnblossom laughed at that.
"If he doesn't say it back, he's stupider than even you are." Dusklight didn't respond, but a fond smile crossed his face as Dawnblossom leaned against his shoulder, the pair of them watching the clouds shift across the sky in the warmth of the Newleaf day.
β β β
"Again, thank you so much for this... Ashenstrike, was it?" The anxious tom scurried along next to Ashenstrike, who just gave him a kind smile with a nod. "Of course. Harepuddle, right? Our leader isn't big on turning away vagrants. Even if the clan's filling up, the more the merrier tends to be his philosophy. Try not to worry too much, okay? You and your son are all but guaranteed a safe home here, if you choose to stay." Harepuddle gave him a kind smile, weary and a tad bit watery, before he stiffened at the sound of voices in the brush beyond the border patrol.
"I don't suppose you'll be available again any time soon, Sootface? Your help has been... invaluable." Spidernose brushed through the shrubs, with Sootface chuckling in his stead. "Any old cat could do it for you," he purred, "but if you need me, I'll be around. Just clear it with Longriver to make sure I'm not needed on any... patrols. Ashenstrike."
"Sootface," Ashenstrike's smile was wide, "nice walk you're having?" Sootface's eyes narrowed, maw opening for a teasing rebuke when Harepuddle stepped forward, eyes wide. "Spidernose?" The black tom lifted his eyes, bewildered, before they lit up. "Harepuddle! By StarClan, I'd all but given up hope of seeing another GraveClan cat again." He placed down his bundle of herbs, hobbling forward to touch noses with the ginger tom. Harepuddle purred, tail waving excitedly. "And Quailpaw! Look how big you've gotten!" Quailpaw ducked his head, shyly.
"You know these cats?" Dustfang asked, tilting his head to the side. Spidernose nodded. "They're from my old clan. Harepuddle and Quailpaw are good cats, I promise," his eyes trailed over the strange molly following the group, "but... I cannot speak for her." She smiled, but said nothing. Ashenstrike nodded to the remaining patrol members. "Sootface and I have got it from here. Kererucall can come with us. Get back to checking the borders, we'll make sure Badgerstar sees our newest stragglers." Dustfang gave Ashenstrike a look, as if he was amused by his bossiness, but nonetheless, he turned and headed deeper into the forest with Sedgefire and Fircloud on his heels.
"It's so good to see you," Harepuddle mewed as the group started back toward the camp, "how have you been? How did you find your way here?" Spidernose chuckled a little at the barrage of questions. "I was wandering aimlessly, really- slow going on my leg you understand- before a patrol picked me up and guided me to the leader. Badgerstar is wonderful, if you're worried. He's... very lenient, and his focus is on building a sense of community. It's not at all like GraveClan here and that is... refreshing."
"He's been fighting a war of wills with our resident senior medicine cat," Sootface said, sounding amused, "it's taken him a couple moons to realize that her will far surpasses his, but it's been an entertaining match." Spidernose glowered at him without any heat, and Ashenstrike laughed. "It's easy to underestimate Goldleaf, but whatever these two say about her... she's great. Cranky and stubborn for sure, but she's brilliant. And great with kits."
"I will give her that, her soft spot surprised me. There's another medicine cat too, Mousestone, but she's- she's on a mission at the moment. I think you'd like her, Harepuddle, she has a bright spirit." Harepuddle smiled, with a nod. "I think I'll like this clan in general. Everyone's been very kind so far."
"If you think we're nice," Sootface's tone betrayed his almost laugh, "wait until you meet Badgerstar."
β β β
"Not bad," Ashenstrike grinned as Juniperpaw gave him a smug purr, "I've gotta say, this is probably the most successful any of my apprentices have been... if you don't count Longpaw flunking to save your dad's life." Juniperpaw shoulder checked him, and he laughed, settling next to her. "Seriously, I'm proud of you. I look forward to getting to work with you on patrols as an equal."
"That might be a while yet," Juniperpaw said, "Lionheart's kits are coming soon and everyone knows you'll be stuck to her like tree sap until she tries to take your ears off." Ashenstrike gave her an offended look, swatting lightly at her ears. "You know you're not quite not my apprentice, right? You still have to be nice to me until you get your full warrior name." Beside her daughter, Maplefall laughed, shaking her head.
"You haven't changed a bit," her eyes twinkled with merriment, "I can't believe it, my babies are going to be warriors! You two did a great job, thank you so much for everything you've taught them." Pinefeather and Ashenstrike exchanged smiles, giving Maplefall twin nods of acknowledgement. "It was my pleasure," Pinefeather said, "Midnightpaw gave me his fair share of cardiac troubles but I'm proud of him. He's worked hard, and he's going to make a wonderful warrior, if not one with a terrible habit of being self-sacrificial." Midnightpaw stuck his tongue out at his mentor.
"You all tease, but I'd still save Hornetpaw a hundred times over at the end of the day. It's the best thing I've ever done."
"We know, it's a love story for the ages," Juniperpaw rolled her eyes, missing the pained flash behind her brother's eyes. He purred instead. "You're just jealous that you don't have anyone," he retorted. Juniperpaw narrowed her eyes, maw parting to respond, when a throat cleared from behind them. All eyes in the group turned to Thunderspark.
"Hey," she mewed. Juniperpaw lit up. "Hi, Thunderspark," she said with a rumbling purr, "long time no see." The grey and white molly rolled her eyes with a light snort. "It's only been a moon, drama queen," she said, before her expression turned shy again, "but... I'm excited to be your denmate again. I saved you a nest next to mine... if you want it. You know, after your vigil and everything. I thought it could be like the nursery." Juniperpaw ducked her head shyly.
"That would be great, thank you," she and Thunderspark smiled at each other, before the warrior ducked her head and scurried back toward her siblings. Midnightpaw smirked at Juniperpaw, and she rolled her eyes at him, swatting a pawful of dirt in his direct, which he nimbly leaned back from.
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath Highbranch!" Badgerstar's voice rang out across the grove, and instantly attention turned to him as cats began to group nearer to hear the announcement. Pride glittered in his eyes, head held high and tail lifted like a banner. "Today is a very special day for me, because as you all must know by now, it is the day that my children become warriors. Many moons ago now, I asked you all to hold a moment of silence for their fallen littermate, Twilightkit. If she were here today, she would have been named Twilightwing. I ask you now to send her name to StarClan, so that she may be reunited with her siblings in spirit." Yowls of the fallen kit's full name went up, the clan tipping their heads back to give their most powerful cries. Some part of Midnightpaw thought he saw the first stars breaking through the haze of dusk glint, and he and Juniperpaw shared a smile.
"I, Badgerstar, leader of GroveClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these apprentices. They have trained tirelessly to understand the way of the code, and I recommend them to you in their turn. Juniperpaw, step forward," she she-cat stepped out of the group, chin raised proudly, "do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to defend your clan, even if it costs you your life?" Juniperpaw nodded, resolute.
"I do."
"Then from this day on, you will be known as Juniperstorm, for the strength of your spirit. StarClan honours your resilience, your bravery and your righteousness. Welcome, as a full warrior of GroveClan." Cheers went up from around the camp, with Maplefall and Midnightpaw yowling loudest of all, proud smiles on their maws. "Midnightpaw, do you too promise to uphold the warrior code, and to defend your clan even at the cost of your life."
"I do!"
"Then I give you your warrior name: Midnightpool, in honour of your rescue of Hornetpaw of Highgarden, and for your gentle nature. StarClan honours your bravery, your kindness and your intelligence. Congratulations, you are a full warrior of GroveClan." Now it was Juniperstorm's turn to cheer for her brother, as the pair exchanged the customary gestures with their father. His eyes shone with pride as the rest of the clan converged on them to offer their congratulations. Maplefall sidled alongside her mate, twining their tails together.
"Look how far we've come," she said, with a sigh and a smile on her face, "did you ever think we would get to be here?"
"I knew from the first moment I saw you," Badgerstar pressed his nose to her cheek, smile bright, "or, at least, I had hoped." Maplefall laughed, bright and tinkling as she leaned against him, warmth settled deep in her chest.
"It certainly took you long enough to say anything."
β β β
"So... they definitely take after Dad, huh?" Silvermoon gave a tired little chuckle, smiling up at her son. Halfpond's eyes were full of fondness where he was crouched between Ripplemist and Frostbranch, with Sedgefire between the latter and their father. "I suppose they do," she mewed, touching her nose to her newborn kits, "only time will tell if they inherit the countenance of their father as well, but with how Sedgefire turned out, it seems almost sure." Her brothers chuckled a little as Sedgefire rolled her eyes, fond smile on her face.
"What did you decide to name them?" Frostbranch asked, curiously. Silvermoon leaned back against her mate, and Flintburr shifted closer to bracket her more carefully. "The rowdy one is Ravenkit. She yowled until I thought she was going to burst your poor mother's ears, so I'm sure she'll be trouble when she's old enough. The one who looks just like her is quieter, and that's Crowkit. The little diva is Starlingkit. We're still trying to decide on the name for our last tom. I've never seen any creature with such a perfect little patch of white on the throat like he has."
"Tui," said a voice from across the den. All eyes turned to the blind warrior that Ashenstrike had wrangled in earlier, along with Spidernose's old clanmates. She was undergoing Goldleaf's routine checks in the corner of the den, and the medicine cat paused, giving the gathered family a shrug. The warrior- Kererucall- simply smiled. "In the land across the water, there is a bird known as a Tui. They're beautiful creatures; black until the sun shines on them and their feathers look iridescent in greens and blues, and they sing too. They have a wattle, a white patch on their throats. It's what your son reminds me of."
"Tuikit," Silvermoon mewed, glancing fondly at her newborn son, "what do you think of that, Flintburr?"
"I think it's the perfect name," Flintburr said, "thank you, Kererucall. I hope he lives up to the beauty of his namesake." Kererucall's smile stretched wider on her maw as she let out a pleased purr. "If he shares the spirit of his parents, I have no doubt that he will."
π₯π πππͺ,
Mousestone lifted her head from the sleeping body of a sick EchoClan cat, blinking back the weariness that settled in her bones. The past few moons in EchoClan had showed her more horrors than she had ever needed to see, but the young medicine cat Crowcloud was quick-witted and diligent, if not a tad bit shy, and the warriors she had taken with her from GroveClan ran tirelessly, day and night, submitting to her every whim without question. Mousestone's sleep was fretful and fractured without Novella at her side, but she had no time for luxuries.
"Do you need rest?" Stonepatch ducked into the warrior's den after her. Mousestone had made Crowcloud help her relocate the sick cats to the warrior's den- the biggest- for quarantine, while those who showed no signs of sickness took up other residences outside the camp. He placed a bundle of herbs down next to her growing collection in the corner. "Running yourself ragged isn't going to help anyone. When was the last time you slept?" Mousestone's face creased in a weary smile.
"I suppose it was a good plan to bring an actual father along," she teased, a yawn catching her toward the end of the sentence, "I know you're right, I just... I don't want to leave them. There's still a lot to do, what with Crowcloud and the boys gone to try and find that flower." Stonepatch nodded, touching his nose to her forehead. "I know," he said, "but Novella and I can hold down the fort while you rest. She's got your medicines memorized, and I can keep herb hunting. You'll be alright to nap for a while." Mousestone hesitated for a second, before she nodded.
"Okay," she said, jaws parting in a yawn, "I'll see you in a few sun movements." She padded from the den and into the sunlight, making her way to an overhang in the camp. She settled beneath it, curling into a tight ball as her mate trotted across the camp with a bundle of herbs and vanished into the den. Shortly after, Stonepatch emerged and exited camp, on his way to collect herbs like he had promised. Mousestone's eyes drooped, and a smile curved on her maw as she finally let herself fall into blissful sleep.
β β β
Adderstorm's slender form stood at the base of a tree, head craned back to watch Wolverinejaw nimbly scaling the branches with their apprentices close on her heels. The crunching of twigs behind her made an ear swivel back, but the figure was approaching from down wind of her, and the scent was familiar. She couldn't help the happy smile that crossed her maw, as she turned to blink at Squirrelwhisker as he drew up alongside her.
"Not on patrol today?" She mewed curiously. He smiled and shook his head. "No, not today. I hope you don't mind, I thought you might like some company, although I suppose this isn't exactly a lesson I can be much help with." Adderstorm shrugged, taking a step closer to him so that their pelts brushed properly. He smiled in his shy way, ducking his head. "Well, as I remember it, you always were a better climber than me." His eyes twinkled.
"Be still my beating heart," he mewed, "did you just admit I was better than you at something?" She rolled her eyes, lightly shoulder-checking him. "If you keep that up, I'll rescind my praise. Wolverinejaw seems to have it under control, though. The apprentices are picking it up fast." Squirrelwhisker nodded, tilting his head back to watch as they clambered up after the rusted black molly.
"How is having an apprentice? I feel like I haven't seen you as much since you started mentoring." Adderstorm laughed, nodding in agreement. "Well... it's not exactly something you can go halves on. It's time consuming but it's... good. I feel like I have a purpose, you know? I like waking up in the morning and making plans for what I'm going to teach Oakpaw. He's kind of shy, I'm trying to get him to break out of his shell."
"If anyone can do it, it's you," Squirrelwhisker smiled at her, "you're... incredible, I hope you know that."
"And you're a terrible flatterer." Adderstorm nudged him, and then leaned against his shoulder as he snorted. "But... thank you. For always believing in me."
β β β
"I must say, it's been nice having someone else around the den," Redrunner grunted, leaning on Fallowshimmer as the other tom helped him take a large step onto the ridge above, "it would have been much harder to sneak out if it had been just me." Fallowshimmer chuckled, a rich purring sound. "Yes, well, we're not totally in the clear yet. We'll still have to deal with Goldleaf and the fallout when she finds we've snuck out."
"Snuck out... doesn't it make you feel like an apprentice again?" Fallowshimmer laughed, nodding his affirmative. "It does... although quite honestly I find it difficult to envision a Redpaw. It seems to me like you must have always been a cranky old tom." Redrunner glared at him without any malice, Fallowshimmer's eyes twinkling in amusement.
"Har har," said Redrunner.
"Yes, I am quite funny," Fallowshimmer mused in reply, before he flicked his tail and started forward, "come on." The pair walked in relative quiet through the forest. Greenleaf sun beat down upon their backs, warming their old bones and chasing away the stiffness as the shore of the lake came into view. Redrunner tipped his head back and sighed, content. The breeze wafted through his ginger and white fur and he paused, letting the sensation take him.
"I missed this," he said as Fallowshimmer hauled himself up onto the sun rocks, Redrunner a pace behind, "I suppose I did my time but... well. I just wish I could have done it for a while longer." Fallowshimmer nodded, stretching out over the warm stone. "It's odd, isn't it? Not to have to wake up at dawn. Half the time I don't know what to do with myself... so. Thank you, for encouraging me to come out today."
"Makes an old tom feel young again, doesn't it?" Fallowshimmer hummed, his maw curving into a smile.
"Yes, yes it does."
β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬β¬
β¦ servings consumed
12/12 - x3 birds, x1 mouse, x1 squirrel
β¦ clan events
lionheart is kitting! ashenstrike is the father. goldleaf stays in camp to help her.
maplefall is kitting! badgerstar is the father. spidernose stays in camp to help her.
βͺ please refer to the genetics chart
note: using x5 kit litter bonus from december comp. for maplefall
harrierstreak, featherpelt & harepuddle teach their apprentices the battle skill
dusklight teaches emberpaw advanced battle
adderstorm and wolverinejaw teach their apprentices to climb
dawnblossom teaches hazelpaw hunting
mousestone's convoy remains in echoclan for another moon
groveclan receives x1 mouse, x1 bird, x1 feverfew & x1 watermint from hazeclan
β¦ patrols
hunting -
1 - sootface, elkbounce, burrcall, willowthroat, sparkfur, frostbranch
2 - hawkthorn, acornstream, shadowtail, dustfang, avocetnose, sandcatcher
3 - longriver, fawnrunner, mistcreek, deerstripe, ripplemist, halfpond
4 - pinefeather, roseclaw, fircloud, burningcloud, meadowfang, kererucall
border -
1 - flintburr, sedgefire, boulderflame, grouseclaw, thunderspark, juniperstorm
- leader:
badgerstar | 49 moons | β | π·
Lives: β β β β β β°β°β°β°
deputy:
longriver | 35 moons | β | π·
medicine cat:
goldleaf | 71 moons | β | π·
spidernose | 44 moons | β | π·
apprentice:
mousestone | 28 moons | β | π·
warriors:
flintburr | 85 moons | β | π·
hawkthorn | 59 moons | β | π·
shadowtail | 59 moons | β | π·
acornstream | 59 moons | β | π·
dustfang | 64 moons | β | π·
ashenstrike | 70 moons | β | π·
stonepatch | 46 moons | β | π·
fawnrunner | 45 moons | β | π·
harrierstreak | 37 moons | β | π·
boulderflame | 33 moons | β | π·
burrcall | 33 moons | β | π·
roseclaw | 81 moons | β | π·
sootface | 53 moons | β | π·
pinefeather | 79 moons | β | π·
dawnblossom | 27 moons | β | π·
dusklight | 27 moons | β | π·
novella | 27 moons | β | π·
halfpond | 31 moons | β | π·
sedgefire | 31 moons | β | π·
willowthroat | 37 moons | β | π·
grouseclaw | 37 moons | β | π·
wolverinejaw | 34 moons | β | π·
burningcloud | 66 moons | β | π·
meadowfang | 66 moons | β | π·
squirrelwhisker | 23 moons | β | π·
featherpelt | 71 moons | β | π·
adderstorm | 22 moons | β | π·
archibald | 27 moons | β | π·
fircloud | 83 moons | β | π·
rivuletflight | 31 moons | β | π·
ripplemist | 25 moons | β | π·
frostbranch | 25 moons | β | π·
cormorantpath | 22 moons | β | π·
sparkfur | 22 moons | β | π·
sandcatcher | 16 moons | β | π·
avocetnose | 15 moons | β | π·
ternflutter | 15 moons | β | π·
elkbounce | 14 moons | β | π·
thunderspark| 14 moons | β | π·
mistcreek | 14 moons | β | π·
deerstripe | 14 moons | β | π·
juniperstorm | 13 moons | β | π·
midnightstream | 13 moons | β | π·
harepuddle | 41 moons | β | π·
kererucall | 73 moons | β | π·
apprentices:
emberpaw | 13 moons | β | π·
falconpaw | 9 moons | β | π·
cinderpaw | 9 moons | β | π·
sleetpaw | 9 moons | β | π·
oakpaw | 9 moons | β | π·
hazelpaw | 8 moons | β | π·
quailpaw | 8 moons | β | π·
queens:
woodbloom | 23 moons | β | π·
silvermoon | 68 moons | β | π·
maplefall | 45 moons | β | π·
lionheart | 70 moons | β | π·
flowershine | 36 moons | β | π·
kits:
dahliakit | 4 moons | β | π·
willowkit | 4 moons | β | π·
sparrowkit | 4 moons | β | π·
twigkit | 4 moons | β | π·
wrenkit | 4 moons | β | π·
finchkit | 4 moons | β | π·
crowkit | 1 moons | β | π·
ravenkit | 1 moons | β | π·
starlingkit | 1 moons | β | π·
tuikit | 1 moons | β | π·
elders:
redrunner| 143 moons | β | π·
fallowshimmer | 136 moons | β | π·
inventory wrote:medicine store;
catmint [2] | greencough
chervil [5] | wounds/aches
marigold [5] | wounds
tansy [2] | coughs
goldenrod [5] | wounds
catchweed [3] | poultices
poppy seeds [3] | pain
cobwebs [5] | bleeding
fennel [6] | pain
raspberry leaves [5] | kitting
ragwort leaves [4] | strength
alder bark [1] | toothache
beech leaves [1] | use ???
chickweed [4] | coughs
parsley [1] | bellyache
rosemary [1] | burial
willow bark [1] | pain
bindweed [1] | binds sticks
blackberry leaves [1] | bee stings
borage leaves [1] | milk
bright-eye [1] | cures coughs
burdock [1] | infections
broom [2] | breaks/wounds
burnet [4] | strength
celandine [4] | eye infections
horsetail [1] | stops bleeding
oak leaves [1] | stops infection
comfrey root [1] | wounds
daisy leaves [1] | aching joints
dock [1] | soothes scratches
chamomile [1] | strength
cob nuts [1] | unknown
coltsfoot [1] | breathing
dandelion [1] | bee stings
elder leaves [1] | sprains
fresh-kill pile;
mouse | x9| 1 servings [9]
vole | x8 | 1 servings [8]
rabbit | x8 | 2 servings [16]
bird | x3 | 3 servings [9]
fish | x8 | 2 servings [16]
squirrel | x6 | 2 servings [12]
capacity: 70 servings (5 posts)
relationships wrote:mentors;
dusklight | emberpaw [3]
βͺ hunting, battle, swim, skill
harrierstreak | falconpaw [3]
βͺ hunting, tracking, swim, skill
wolverinejaw | cinderpaw [3]
βͺ battle, hunting, swim, skill
featherpelt | sleetpaw [3]
βͺ hunting, tracking, swim, skill
adderstorm | oakpaw [3]
βͺ battle, hunting, swim, skill
dawnblossom | hazelpaw [2]
βͺ battle, swim, skill, skill
harepuddle | quailpaw [1]
βͺ hunting, skill, skill, skill
deceased cats;
twilightkit ; murdered by dante
family/mates;
flintburr β₯ silvermoon
βͺ halfpond & sedgefire, crowkit,
ravenkit, starlingkit, tuikit
tawnycloud β‘ shrikecry
βͺ shadowtail & hawkthorn
dustfang β‘ tanglestep
βͺ boulderflame & burrcall
hawkthorn β₯ acornstream
βͺ squirrelwhisker, woodbloom,
hazelpaw
ripplebound β‘ junipernose
βͺ dawnblossom & dusklight
eagleleap β‘ dewfeather
βͺ harrierstreak & mousestone
badgerstar β₯ maplefall
βͺ juniperstorm, midnightstream,
twilightkit; due now!
cherryflower β‘ frostjaw
βͺ roseclaw & lionheart
roseclaw β₯ pinefeather
stonepatch β₯ fawnrunner
βͺ elkbounce, thunderspark, mistcreek
& deerstripe
longriver β₯ harrierstreak
featherpelt β‘ seneca
βͺ avocetpaw & ternpaw
pigeoncall β‘ reedwhisper
βͺ grouseclaw & willowthroat
shadowtail β₯ dustfang
βͺ falconpaw, cinderpaw, sleetpaw
& oakpaw
burningcloud β₯ meadowfang
mousestone β₯ novella
ashenstrike β₯ lionheart
βͺ due now!
boulderflame β₯ flowershine
βͺ due in two moons
woodbloom β₯ jayfur
βͺ dahliakit, willowkit, sparrowkit,
twigkit, wrenkit, finchkit
niobe β‘ lancer
βͺ novella & archibald
fircloud β‘ callie
βͺ rivuletflight
silvermoon β‘ whitefoot
βͺ ripplemist, frostbranch
burrcall β₯ willowthroat
harepuddle β‘ clovertail
βͺ quailpaw
