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 Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 8:33 pm
 She had heard the story from her father first. Her mother and brothers were long gone, and with them rested the rest of their clan. She had never known them — never known how glorious MountainClan had once been, but she believed the stories. The previous medicine cat had joined the half of the clan who left for SunClan, and now the clan was in dire need. Littlepaw had always known the future she wished for. She had always been adept with herbs and medicines, and her practice over time had led to some fruitful results.
The medicine cat den had not been touched in a long time; at least not anytime after her birth. Littlepaw was a naturally curious child at her birth and hadn't liked listening to her father or caretaker back in the day. Now that she was older the den looked more tempting, and it needed cleaning. Desperately. Littlepaw had the energy and time for it, and she wanted to see what herbs had made it.
She entered the den with a sneeze, head shaking as she brushed off the tingly sensation in her nose. Okay, she had her work cut out for her, but it just looked like a few bugs and dust had settled.
"Okay, this'll be easy, you clean out the elders den all the time," she murmured. She could have this clean by the end of the day if she was determined enough.
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Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 1:47 pm
 Dovetail had been walking among her clan since the day she died, checking up on every kit and cat alike, although powerless to do anything more. Gentle nudges and unheard whispers. No one saw or heard the snow white cat who carried the sun and the scent of herbs in her fur. Forlorn, she found her self curled up in her old nest, feeling not the stale grass or the scittering of the bugs that now slept there. With her chin on her paws, she sighed heavily, wishing hard that the dust would at least respond. And then, Littlekit entered the den. The white cat lifted her ghostly head, and though her eyes were closed, she saw the young apprentice. With a small smile, she watched, just as curious as the small split-faced shecat. Nymphiea Dovetail cannot be seen/scented right now.
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Blinded By Silence Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 4:02 pm
The first task was figuring out which medicines were off. It had been too long since the last medicine cat had been within her den and Littlepaw knew some would have reached past their prime. She didn't want to toss out all of them — even those a little too aged could have some usage, although they'd lose some potency. But the shriveled herbs and bug-infested leaves could go.
So, with a determined huff, she got to work, pulling each herb, leaf, and additional medicine aside to inspect fully. Unfortunately, more than half had reached far past their expiration date. Her heart sunk, ears flipping down. With the season changing soon, too, the ones that had survived would diminish more in size. They'd need to replenish the den, far more than was normal. Could it be done? What if someone needed something desperately and it was gone already?
No, they had hope. She needed to trust in Sunseer and SunClan, and she did. They'd recover. It could take months or years, but one day they'd return to their glory. It all could only start if they began rebuilding, and what she was doing right now? That was the first step to rebuilding.
With that done, Littlepaw turned her attention to the bugs and dirt that had accumulated. A frown tugged on her face as she eye-balled the den in determination. This would take days. She could do it. Her eyes swiveled towards the herbs she had slid back into the den, nose scrunching. No bugs on those, thankfully... but what was that? Littlepaw leaned forward, scrutinizing one particular herb with intensity. She didn't know this one -- shoot! If only she had someone to ask!
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:11 am
So diligent was the small she-cat. Dovetail felt a purr rumble pleasantly in the back of her throat, a feeling she hadn't felt in moons. She stretched, her long, white body still silent. But as her claws dug silently into the waste of her nest, her scent wafted into the air. It mingled with the tang of herbs, warm and earthy. The medicine cat walked over on silent paws, twisting around the young one with eager curiosity. Oh, if only she had lived just a bit longer, maybe this near-kit would have been her apprentice! She wished with all her heart that she could help her. Gently, almost without thought, she lay her soft tail on Littlepaw's back and in a comforting voice, spoke the first words she'd said since her death not too long ago. "Burdock, there's no mistaking that smell."Nymphiea Dovetail can be heard and scented, but is barely visible.
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Blinded By Silence Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:33 am
The scent hit her like a wall, sending cold shivers down her spine. Where had it come from? She didn't recognize it; it wasn't an herb or root. It was something reminiscent of another cat -- something alive. Something that could think and be just like her. She didn't have time to react properly to the smell before a voice, foreign and soft, spoke. She felt something against her back, but there was no substance. No weight, it just was/.
Of course, as most surprised cats do, Littlepaw showed her alarm in the most undignified way; leaping straight upwards. She smacked against the top of the den, crumpling to the ground with a soft 'omph' before she regathered herself. The scent wasn't dangerous, and the voice was kind. Comforting, even.
Could it be... did it belong to someone in Sunclan?
With an apologetic expression, Littlepaw looked about, noting only a soft haze where she had once been. She couldn't make a shape out, nor could she really see any hard lines, but it was the only thing different in the den. Most likely, it was something to do with the voice. She trained her eyes on it, a nervous but eager expression on her face. It had to be a medicine cat from Sunclan; who else would know the name of the medicine?
"Burdock?" She finally found the strength to speak, her own curiosity much stronger than any sense of danger she might have felt. She had wished someone could teach her, and here 'someone' was. It was the answer she wanted, even if only for a few minutes.
"Um, I'm Littlepaw, she began quietly, eyes narrowing as she tried to see the haze better. She had manners, of course! Names must be exchanged! "Are you... a previous medicine cat? If you are, I'm sorry for intruding... we recently lost our previous medicine cat and I've been trying to keep the den clean and stocked as I can... and help out. It's hard without someone to guide me, but... if it's not rude, or you're not in a hurry, and you are a medicine cat... could you explain what burdock is? What it's used for?"
She found herself talking faster and longer than she intended too, head dipping as her cheeks flushed. She was rushing, and probably being rude, but she didn't know what else to do. This was a once in a lifetime chance to her; something so magical she needed to experience the moment fully and leave with something. Any little bit of information she could learn about these herbs and roots would help her clan somehow, and this was the only way she knew of getting that information.
But the 'other' also deserved not to be bombarded with questions and requests the moment they made themselves known. Whatever or whoever it was, she immediately regretted pouncing on them with questions. She hadn't even asked them who they were, or why they were there.
"I'm sorry -- I got carried away! It's just, it's nice to hear a definite answer and not have to chase down a few cats and see if anyone remembers. I should have asked you who you are; who are you?"
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 10:50 am
Dovetail laughed as the tiny apprentice flustered about, a laugh that echoed softly, bell-like and tinkling. She shook out her fur, appearing more solidly as she did so. She flicked her tail, sending a shower of sun drops to dance with the herbs scattered on the floor. "I know who you are, little one. Or Littlepaw, I should say. I delivered you and your siblings not so long ago," Though her eyes were closed, she looked deep into the apprentice's wide eyes, "I am Dovetail, the last Medicine Cat of MountainClan."Dovetail offered a kind smile, "Thank you for caring for your clan, Littlepaw. It takes great heart to do so, especially without the knowledge needed." The touched the bundle of burdock with a small, dainty paw, though it did not move. "Yes, this is Burdock, the root of a tall plant with dark leaves," She tilted her head, "Do you know thistle? Whole, it looks like that, only darker and smells even more sharp." The white cat settled down on her haunches, her tail laid neatly over her front paws, "Once the root is dug up, you must wash it in clean water. Then, chew it into a pulp to apply to infections and open sores. It numbs them, temporarily removing the pain. Be careful, though. If you swallow too much, it will give you a terrible belly ache."
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Blinded By Silence Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 11:11 am
Wait, this was happening. This was real. She was Dovetail. She may not have remembered her, but Littlepaw had heard the stories. She had known who the den belonged to; who she was desperately chasing after to fill in their paws. Her heart hammered as Dovetail came into focus and flicked golden drops of sun, pupils dilating rapidly. She wasn't anyone of importance, and yet a Sunclan cat had stepped down to help her. It was help she had been praying for. Help she cried out for when too many cats came to her starved and sore and she didn't have the means to help them. It was here, in the form of the beautiful Dovetail -- seriously, what business did she have being so pretty? -- and Littlepaw couldn't be more grateful for the chance.
Her awe and admiration quickly spiraled into focus as Dovetail began to educate her. She knew thistle. Her ears perked higher as she eyed burdock, nodding. Oh, she knew about stomach aches -- there were plenty of times she had to experiment and see if a herb would help a cat and ended up chewing the wrong plant for such a task.
Her eyes lifted to Dovetail, still bewildered by the experience. "Thank you, I'll remember this, I promise," she mewled, eagerness in her tone and expression. "It's really an honor to meet you, Dovetail. I've heard about you; heard about how you helped the clan right before you..." She trailed off, unsure if it was rude to remind the dead of their passing. Was she being insensitive?
"We miss you," she added softly, paws kneading into the dirt. She had heard older cats mention how they wished Dovetail was there to help them. How she made things better. "I wish I had a chance to really meet you, too." It was hard living up to the image of a dead cat. A cat so beloved she was sure they would have been fast friends. Really, what she meant was she wished she had a chance to meet all the perished deaths of those who were supposed to be her clan-mates. Her mother, Dovetail, the previous deputy. But having Dovetail around would have prevented deaths she couldn't fix without training... and perhaps, Dovetail would have been willing to tell her about the herbs she always knew nothing of.
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 12:51 pm
Dovetail felt her own child-like excitement bubble up through her and a warm, friendly smile spread easily over her face. Dovetail's long white tail reached out and lifted the apprentice's chin, bringing Littlepaw's gaze to her own. "You are really meeting me, dear. I'm no different now than I used to be. Well," Her tail lifted straight through the young cat's nose, "Mostly. I still love my clan, and I'm willing to do everything I can to help them." She paused and tilted her head, looking deeply into Littlepaw's eyes. "The real question here, Littlepaw, is... Are you?"
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Blinded By Silence Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:03 pm
She hadn't expected the touch, although she didn't tense or pull away. Instead, the star-struck cat met Dovetail's gaze full on. When the tail reached through her she fought a sneeze, eyes narrowing against the feeling. Dovetail's devotion to the clan was evident, and Littlepaw resonated with that feeling. Of course she did. Mountainclan was her home; her family. It was in her roots and breath. Without it who would she be? Who would she become?
So when the last question was asked Littlepaw didn't need to think on the answer, although she did hesitate due to the question. Why would she be asked that? Were other cats not as willing to do what it took? Did Dovetail doubt her? Did Sunclan worry about her intentions? Or was there a deeper meaning -- something else the question was for?
"Of course," she answered, gently leaning her head away so she could view Dovetail in full again. Her voice held a sincerity one so young often struggled to uphold, but for an empathetic and young Littlepaw it was only natural. Of course was the only truth she knew.
"It's my home. Our home. It's where my dad met my mom and made me. It's where Sunclan once roamed and spread generations of life among. It's where I see those I call my friends and family, and where we come together as one. My clan is my blood, and I love them. I truly love them. I'd give anything for them. Do anything, even if I'm just a little paw. I know I'm not much, yet, but if I knew a way I'd do it -- of course."
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:33 pm
Her tail drifted down like a ray of sunshine, laying to rest on her soft white paws. She was fading now, slowly, but she knew she'd return. Her clan still needed her after all. Littlepaw needed her. "Oh, little one, if only you knew..." There was such sadness in her voice as she gazed past the cat before her and saw the many that would be impacted by the very near future. Her sightless eyes fell on Littlepaw once more, "Do you know what you would be giving up? You will not fight to protect your clan, but tend to them after the glory of battle. You will bring many kits into this world, but you will also send many to SunClan, far before you may think they deserve. There will be decisions that was ripple out from you that will change the lives of cats long after you've past."`She paused, "I can see it in you, Littlepaw. Your desire to help could very well make you the next Medicine Cat. But there is a cost." Her gaze softened, "I do not say this because I doubt you. I say this to make sure you know when that decision means."
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Blinded By Silence Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:56 pm
Her heart skipped, mouth parting as she realized what this was. This was a warning of the future. Of her future; the clans future. There was hope within Dovetail's words. There were future kits, a future that could mean something. A chance for her clan to survive - no, to thrive.
Although it didn't look like that'd happen anytime soon, and perhaps not even until after her last breath drew.
But, if her decisions and actions could ensure that one day this suffering would end, then she'd do it, for her family wasn't only the ones alive or recently deceased, but also the life that would one day take over her own duties and responsibility. They were all connected. The past, present, and future were all one in a way, and if she could take them a step closer to protecting the future then... well, she had no choice, did she?
Yet, the pain of understanding that she'd still see those she loved or could come to love die stung. She'd deliver kits, but also send them to the after. She'd see her friends die. She'd do what she could, but she wasn't naive enough to think she could save everyone. She was a child still, but she understood the weight one took upon being a healer. You couldn't save everyone, you just tried to save as many as you absolutely could.
It'd break her heart, but she both rather take that pain then let someone else feel it and also believed she'd do justice for the role. She could do it. She knew she could. It was in her, her paws ached to step forward and do something. She was young, but things needed to be done now. She didn't have the chance to experience kithood like the past had, and that was fine. She wanted future generations to get that chance.
'Your desire to help could very well make you the next Medicine Cat.'
She wondered if Dovetail had any idea how those words made her heart skip. How she tasted the desire on her tongue. She'd lose plenty, but what would the future gain? Would she be able to smile when she was taking her last breath and feel as if she did all she could?
She hoped so.
"I understand the role of medicine cat is a long and trying one. It is natural, even when the clan is flourishing, to expect loss. I never thought it'd be easy, however if I'm honest... I also didn't truly consider until now how much loss I'd see upfront. Especially now. But," Her head lowered, eyes narrowing as she fought to think faster. Dovetail was fading, she needed to get this out before she left. Before the cat she had admired for so long was gone.
"I rather sacrifice and experience loss then step aside and turn my back on it. I know what the clan needs, and I'd do anything to accomplish it. I know if, in the case I'm chosen, there will be decisions I can't even fathom right now. I know it'll hurt at times, and there will be times I wonder why I thought it'd be so easy, but I'll never ask 'why me?', because I chose it. I... I'm just a small paw with no formal training or real understanding, and I know I sound ridiculous, but I know I will grow into someone who can handle it. Someone who can do something good for their home."
Still, it didn't stop her from dreading the first death that would happen in-front of her own paws. It didn't quiet her chest tightening knowing someone she knew right now would end up in Sunclan soon. None of this made the pain any easier, but she knew she could push on.
Of course.
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 2:33 pm
Dovetail smiled, feeling the grip on her heart loosen and fall away. She nodded and stepped forward, pressing her forehead against Littlepaw's. "Then from this day forward, Littlepaw, I take you on as my apprentice.""SunClan, this young cat has decided to take on the life of a Medicine Cat. Shine your light on them so that they may see the path their paws must walk to best serve the cats who need them."She stepped backward and the room filled with a beautiful dazzling light. Her words echoed as she spoke them, as if she were far away. And with a smile and a breeze that carried the scent of sun dried herbs, the shining white cat faded. "Believe in yourself, Littlepaw. You'll do well."Nymphiea We can wrap it up here. This may count towards the roleplay requirement to be a Medicine Cat Apprentice. Once I get the forms up, I'll ping you and you can fill it out. :3
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Blinded By Silence Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 2:43 pm
The smile was relieving, as if that meant it'd be okay. Her eyes closed when their foreheads met, tail flicking gently and then freezing completely once Dovetail spoke her final conclusion.
Apprentice.
Her eyes shot open, head snapping up as the den filled with a light more beautiful than any she had seen yet. Sunclan -- her ancestors. Dovetail faded with a breeze of a scent she'd never forget from that day on and Littlepaw was left to sit in her shock and.... eventual joy. Her chest hammered as she felt her throat tighten. Dovetail had chosen her. Her -- Littlepaw. She didn't know it was possible. She didn't even know where to start with her feelings. It was a step closer to the direction she wanted to be, and it felt right. This was where she belonged, she just hadn't ever considered how she would feel when it happened.
She felt overjoyed. Elated. She needed to tell someone. Well, she had to tell Sunseer, of course. But, she also wanted to enjoy this moment, personally, for a moment longer. This was between her and Sunclan, and for a moment the warmth that radiated through her was intoxicating. She never realized how relieved she would feel.
"Thank you, Sunclan and Dovetail," she whispered faintly. She'd tell everyone soon enough... right now, though, she still had a task; clean the medicine cats den.
So with relief pouring into her chest and a smile on her face she went back to cleaning.
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