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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 16, 2021 15:36:12 GMT -5
Thymestar
Thymestar looked up at Flamepelt and blinked a few times. "It hurts." Was all he could manage. He closed his eyes and let out a rattling breath.
Basilwhisker
At Flamepelt's words Basilwhisker jumped. He knew there was nothing he could do to geget the medicine cat there faster since he was sure she would be coming with Lionpaw back to the Warrior Oak. "I'm sure she's coming with herbs right now." He said resting his tail on Flamepelt's shoulder.
Oak and Web
"I know how you feel. At least you weren't hurt." She stepped away from the younger she-cat and walked over to where the prey was abandoned. "We should go." She said to Echo and Web.
Web glanced at the old tom and cringed when he said it hurt. He didn't look too beat up so it must have been something that couldn't be seen. She walked over and grabbed the rabbit. Glancing one more tome time over her shoulder she watched Flamepelt and Basilwhisker stand over the old tom.
Crowflight
Crowflight quickly followed Lionpaw his feet almost tangling a few times as he kept pace with the apprentice
He hated the idea of fighting a fox but hated it more that the others were fighting alone. He wondered at whether the intruders helped eith the fox or if they ran off.
Gazepaw
Gazepaw quickly grabbed the head of a nearby poppy and took off after the others. His pelt a silver streak while he ran trying to not spill the seeds that would give comfort to a probably injured cst.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 16, 2021 16:19:09 GMT -5
Flamepelt Flamepelt gave Thymestar a worried, yet sympathetic look. "Save your strength, Thymestar." The ginger tom pleaded. "Cloudear will be here soon." The deputy gave Basilwhisker a grateful glance. He knew the warrior was just as worried as him, but he was thankful for Basilwhisker's support. Lionpaw Lionpaw led the group to where he had last seen Flamepelt and the others. The apprentice went fast, though he made sure that Cloudear and Gazepaw could keep up while carrying their supplies. As they crossed the tree bridge, the young tom tasted the air, making sure they were going the right way. Cloudear Cloudear followed behind Lionpaw and Crowflight, making sure to keep a hold of her herbs. She balanced carefully as she crossed the tree bridge, landing gracefully as she jumped down on the other side. "Which way?" She muttered through the leaf in her mouth. Echo Echo picked up the mouse once again, giving a remorseful glance back at the old tom. She felt bad. The other cats had risked their lives to save them, and it didn't seem like the old one was going to make it. She turned around and laid the mouse down beside the strangers. "I know it's not much, but thanks for your help." |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 16, 2021 16:58:31 GMT -5
Thymestar
Thymestar lookef up at Flamepelt. "You're going to be the next leader. I know you will do great." He said closing his eyes again.
Basilwhisker
When Echo dropped the mouse Basilwhisker looked up at her. He just dipped his head looking sad. "Thanks for trying to help him" he finally said while pushing the mouse to Thymestar.
Oak and Web
Oak watched as Echo gave the mouse to the other cats. She waited for the young she-cat to rejoin them and then took off slowly back to their camp.
Web followed after Oak carefully. She carried the rabbit with it barely inches from the ground. She sniffed to see if she could still smell the fox but couldnt.
Crowflight
Crowflight paused when Lionpaw did and scented the air. The apprentice had said the warrior oak. He prepared to follow and hoped the fox had been chased off.
Gazepaw
Gazepaw stayed close to Cloudear the poppy head stuck in jaws. He prepared to run some more following Lionpaw.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 16, 2021 18:12:24 GMT -5
Flamepelt Flamepelt watched as the elderly tom's breath growing shallow. Flamepelt knew it wouldn't be much longer until he passed. With sorrow in his voice, Flamepelt murmured "Don't worry, Hollowclan's in good paws. May Starclan light your path, my friend." Lionpaw Lionpaw kept going, heading back towards Basilwhisker and the others. He could hear talking up ahead and knew they were close. "They're up here!" He called out. As they reached the patrol, Lionpaw was caught with a shocking sight. Thymestar was lying on the forest floor with Flamepelt and Basilwhisker nearby. The fox was no where to be seen, but he could see the intruders a ways away. Cloudear When Cloudear saw Thymestar on the ground, she rushed forward, dropping her herbs by his side. "What happened?" She asked Flamepelt in a brisk tone. "He jumped on top of the fox, but he was flung off." The deputy replied. Cloudear put her ear to the leader's side, listening to his breathing. It was shallow, raspy, and she could hear liquid in his lungs. She examined the tom's side and found that he had broken a rib. IT didn't take her long to piece together what had happened. The medicine cat let out a defeated sigh. "There's not anything I can do." She admitted. "He's bleeding internally." Cloudear turned to Gazepaw. "Do you still have those poppy seeds?" She asked the young tom. Echo Echo nodded to Basilwhisker before quietly following Oak and Web. She felt horrible about what had transpired and her tail dragged against the ground as she padded along behind the older she-cats. |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 16, 2021 19:02:37 GMT -5
Gazepaw
Gazepaw stepped forward and shook out a few poppy seeds from the head of the poppy. "These will help comfort you." He said quietly. He stepped back and stood beside Basilwhisker.
Thymestar
Thymestar took a few rasping breathes and opened his eyes. He licked up the seeds. "Take care of the clan well." He rasped to the cats around him before coughing up blood. He then closed his eyes and fell into a fitful sleep.
Basilwhisker
As Gazepaw stepped back Basilwhisker set his tail on the young tom's shoulders. This was probably the first cat he had lost in his training though it had been many moons since he started. "May starclan ease your pain and guide your path." He said tears threatening to leave his eyes. Thymestar had been his mentor afterall.
Crowflight
The tom sighed and walked away from the group around Thymestar. He was disappointed that the leader had been hurt so bad. But glad that he didn't have to fight the fox.
Oak and Web
Oak led the way back into the camp and set down the mouse she was carrying. She turned to Echo hoping to comfort the she-cat but she didn't know how so she left her be.
Web walked in and set down the rabbit. She turned away from where Echo and Oak stood and went to find her brother Spider.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 16, 2021 20:20:29 GMT -5
Flamepelt Flamepelt watched in solemn sadness as the leader closed his eyes. "You have my word." He promised. He remained calm on the outside, but his thoughts whipped through his mind like a tornado. What would they do without Thymestar? Would he really make a good leader? What if Thymestar made a mistake? Lionpaw Lionpaw watched on, shocked at what was unfolding in front of him. Thymestar was their leader. he couldn't die, he had nine lives, right? The golden tom gazed on in silence, unsure what to do. Cloudear The medicine cat took a step back. Sadness was raw in her voice as she said, "He goes to hunt with Starclan now." She refolded her herbs up in the leaf bundle. "We should head back. The clan will be worried." She gave Gazepaw a sympathetic look and rested her tail on his shoulder to comfort him. Echo Once they were back in camp, Echo sat down in the shade of the willow tree and began grooming herself, more to distract herself from thinking about the days events than to actually clean herself. |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 16, 2021 21:19:02 GMT -5
Thymestar
The fitful sleep became heavy slumber as the poppy seeds kicked in and finally Thymestar took his last breath. It came out like a sigh of relief.
Basilwhisker
Basilwhisker looked at the ground as Thymestar took his last breath. "We have to carry him back so that the clan can sit vigil over him. If someone lifts him up I can carry him on my back." He said gruffly while kneeling down.
Crowflight
Crowdlight had walked away from the group hoping to figure out his thoughts. He was devastated by the lose of Thymestar and wanted to make it better for everyone. He walked back over to the group and touched his nose to the leader's.
Gazepaw
The apprentice nodded at his mentor's words. He picked the poppy head up and tossed the empty husk away. He kicked the ground and sighed. Though his bedside manner wasn't the best he couldn't stand that there had been nothing to do for Thymestar but to watch him die.
Oak
Oak kicked herself for not catching the name of any of the cats that had helped fight the fox. She decided to go report the whole matter to Waspbite and Red hoping they were together so she could say it once.
Waspbite
Waspbite was sitting at the edge of the pond watching fish go by. He looked up as Oak approached. He dipped his head to the she-cat as she started in with her report.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 16, 2021 23:31:05 GMT -5
Flamepelt Flamestar felt a pain deep in his stomach as he watched Thymestar take his last breath. The loss, the newfound responsibility and everything else to come with Thymestar's death weighed down on him. He thought that for a moment his emotions would get the better of him but he took a deep breath, refocusing. He could grieve when they got back to camp. Right now, he needed to be strong. "I can help you, Basilwhisker." He stated as he began to lift Thymestar. Lionpaw The apprentice hung his head in sorrow as he gazed upon Thymestar's lifeless body. He had never seen another cat die before, but he felt partially guilty. "If only I had stayed, maybe this wouldn't have happened." The tom muttered under his breath. Cloudear Cloudear turned as Flamepelt and Basilwhisker lifted Thymestar. She let out a sigh. She would miss the stubborn old fool, no matter how much of a pain he might've been sometimes. She hoped that she might speak with him next time she visited the Moon Mushrooms. She felt bad that there was nothing to do for him and she regretted not telling him to stay in camp in the first place. Red Red was lounging nearby Waspbite. The tom didn't change positions but merely angled his ears to listen to Oak's report. |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 17, 2021 18:42:45 GMT -5
Basilwhisker
The tom grunted a little as the weight of Thymestar's dead body laid on his. He stood up and started toward the tree bridge. He was quietly mourning the loss of the leader he carried. He blamed himself for what he couldn't have changed.
Crowflight
Crowflight had walked back up to the group and just barely heard what Lionpaw had said. "I sounds like Thymestar did what he did before anyone could stop him. It was brave of him to fight like that and without Lionpaw the medicine cats wouldn't have been here to give Thymestar comfort at the end of his life." He didn't say this to anyone in particular but just to the air so anyone could hear it. He didn't look at any cat as he followed behind Basilwhisker in case he stumbled.
Gazepaw
"I've never seen a cat die" Gazepaw said quietly. He couldn't wrap his head around not being able to do anything to save Thymestar. "Do you think we will see him at the Moon Mushrooms? " he asked Cloudear hopefully.
Oak
Oak told the story about hunting and then the fox attacking on the way back to camp. She told them about how the other cats had joined them in the fight. "I don't know that we would have escaped that fox without their help. I do think that the oldest of their group probably died though." She left out Echo leaving the mouse behind for them in case it got the young she-cat into trouble.
Waspbite
Waspbite looked from Oak to Red. He thought about the story for a moment and decided they should avoid the area. "For the time being we should avoid the area. Don't want any more fox attacks. Plus we don't know if these other cats are friendly." He blinked a few times and then dissmissed Oak.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 17, 2021 21:01:07 GMT -5
Flamepelt Flamepelt followed behind Basilwhisker, making sure to help if the warrior started to lose his balance. The ginger tom distracted himself from the present by thinking about the future. Who would he appoint as his deputy? What should they do about the other cats? He figured that the three she-cats they had encountered were a part of a group, otherwise there wouldn't have been a need for them to bring back their prey. The real questions were how many cats did they have and were they planning stick around. Lionpaw The apprentice found some comfort in Crowflight's words, though he still felt bad. Thymestar knew what he was doing and knew the risks he was taking when he launched himself at the fox. As the group started to trudge back to camp, the young tom hung a ways behind Flamepelt, his eyes fixed on the ground below him as they slowly made their way back. Cloudear "I can't say for sure, but I have a feeling he'll be there." Cloudear replied, hoping to brighten her apprentice's mood, even a little. "Right now, I'm sure he's greeting his old clanmates in Starclan. He served Hollowclan for more moons than you and I put together. Now he can rest knowing that he did better for our clan than any cat could have hoped for." Red Red listened to Oak's report, eying the she-cat as she spoke. "We should figure out who those cats are." He suggested to Waspbite after Oak was dismissed. The tom licked his paw and drew it over his ear a few times before continuing. "If they're a threat to us, we should know what we're dealing with before they start causing us problems." |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 17, 2021 21:38:28 GMT -5
Basilwhisker
The pace was slow and somber for Basilwhisker as he carried a lot of weight with him both figuratively and literally. He was quite sad at losing both his mentor and his leader in one cat. He struggled to jump up onto the tree bridge and stumbled almost losing Thymestar's body to the stresm but he didn't. He jumped down the other side and stood waiting for the others.
Crowflight
Crowflight found himself going to the back od the group to protect the rear of the group in case the fox came back. He cringed as Basilwhisker tripped on the log. He sighed with relief when the other tom made it to the other side. He crossed the bridge when everyone else had made it across.
Gazepaw
Gazepaw smiled at Cloudear's words. He liked the idea that Thymestar was with old clanmates now instead of being in pain like he was here. He followed the group crossing the tree bridge when it was his turn.
Waspbite
"I agree that we should figure them out but maybe we shouldn't go looking for them. We don't need to act aggressively unless we find out they are out to hurt us." Waspbite said to his second in command. He sighed a little knowing that Red would probably disagree on his tactics but he made the final decisions himself.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 17, 2021 22:01:59 GMT -5
Flamepelt Flamepelt watched as Basilwhisker nearly dropped Thymestar, tensing his legs, ready to jump in if the warrior were to lose his balance. He relaxed as the tom regained his balance and hopped up onto the log after him. He focused on maintaining his balance as he walked across, leaping down on the opposite bank. Lionpaw Lionpaw followed behind his mentor, careful not to fall into the stream. He cleared the tree and continued following the procession back to camp. Lionpaw's legs were sore from multiple trips to and from camp, but he hardly noticed. Cloudear Cloudear followed the rest of the group, making sure not to drop her herbs in the stream. Half way across she looked back to make sure Gazepaw was okay, then continued to the opposite side of the stream. Red Red stared at Waspbite for a moment before dipping his head. "Fair enough." He still disagreed with him, but he could tell that Waspbite had made up his mind and that there'd be no use arguing the point, at least at the moment. "We should at least send a group to track down that fox. The last thing we need is another hunting patrol getting ambushed." |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 17, 2021 22:32:14 GMT -5
BasilwhiskerThe tom ached all over from fighting the fox and carrying Thymestarbut he stayed silent. "Flamepelt. I think you and the others should go ahead of me and warn the clan before I just carry his body into camp." He said his voice shaking a little.
Crowflight
Crowflight stood at the back of the group taking in each of the cats interactions with each other. He knew they were all a little downtroddenafter Thymestar's death but they all seemed to be pushing through it. They weren't the happiest but he could imagine them being much worse off.
Gazepaw
After corssing the bridge Gazepaw stood by his mentor. She kept looking back to make sure he was coming so he picked up the pace a little so she didn't haveto worry.
Waspbite
"Would you like to lead a patrol? Take as many cats as you see fit. Probably Web or Oak should go to show you where the fox had been. Just be careful. We know nothing about healing." Waspbite told his second in command. He was trying to be reasonable and let the other tom have some say in how things went.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 17, 2021 23:03:16 GMT -5
Flamepelt "Good call." Flamepelt replied, increasing his pace, though not by too much. He took the lead as they neared the camp. As they walked, he thought about what he was going to say. When the clan entrance was in sight, he took a deep breath and headed inside. The ginger tom leapt to a low hanging branch on the Guardian Oak and called, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather below the Guardian Oak for a clan meeting!" He waited to continue as cats filtered out of their assorted dens. Lionpaw Lionpaw followed close behind Flamepelt, increasing his pace as he did. When they entered camp, the apprentice stopped below the Guardian Oak, already dreading the reaction from the rest of the clan. Cloudear When cloudear walked through the camp entrance, she didn't wait for Flamepelt to summon the rest of the clan, but rather headed to her den to put her supplies away. "I'll be right back." She told Gazepaw before hurrying off. Brackentail Brackentail padded out of the Warrior's den at the sound of his brother's voice. Behind him trailed Rosefur and he spotted both Turtleheart and Eaglepaw already out in the center of camp. Willowtail was peeking out of the Nursery, though she was a little preoccupied dealing with Duckkit and Spottedkit. Red Red nodded, pleased that Waspbite agreed. He also wanted to use the opportunity to learn what he could on the other group of cats, but he wasn't going to outright disobey Waspbite. He looked around at the camp, seeing who was available. "Alright, I suppose I'll take Oak, Goose, Spider and Snowy as long as that's alright with you." |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 17, 2021 23:19:22 GMT -5
Basilwhisker
Basilwhisker waited outside the camp eith Thymestar's body hoping to delay the pain caused by the sight of him. Thankfully with the interal injuries his body wasn't too bad to look at.
Wishpaw and Coalpaw
The two sisters had been talking when Flamepelt called a clan meeting. They padded over together and waved for Gazepaw to join them.
Snowdapple
Snowdapple was laying outside of the nursery and she turned her body to look up at Flamepelt.
Gazepaw
Gazepaw nodded to Cloudear and then went and joined his sisters near the back of the group of gathered cats.
Crowflight
Crowflight padded into camp and settled down near the front of the group of cats under the Guardian Oak.
Palerose and Lichenheart
The two elders had been dozing in sunlight in front of the elder's den. They both walked across the camp and sat down with their pelts brushing.
Waspbite
The leader nodded not wanting to counteract any positive interaction he had with his second. He hoped he could trust the other cat.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 17, 2021 23:49:40 GMT -5
Flamepelt As the clan gathered below him, Flamepelt's gaze drifted across the assorted cats. "As I'm sure most of you are aware, Thymestar, myself, Basilwhisker and Lionpaw encountered a fox on our patrol. The fox attacked a small group of cats trespassing in our territory." He paused for a moment before continuing. "We managed to drive the fox away, but Thymestar was injured in the fight." A few whispered words sounded down below, but they stopped as he continued. "By the time Cloudear had gotten there, there was nothing she could do for him." His voice was nearly drowned out by the clan's reaction. "He was a noble leader and did the best he could for his clan. He died as he lived; serving his clan in any way he could." Flamepelt fell silent as he looked upon the sorrowful expressions amongst the clan. He hated to be the one to tell them, but it was his burden to bare as the new leader. Cloudear Cloudear quickly put her herbs away before heading back out, sitting near the back of the congregation of cats. She watched as Flamepelt informed the clan of Thymestar's tragic death. Brackentail Brackentail let out a surprised gasp at the news. He stared up at his brother, dumbfounded. It didn't seem real. Flamepelt's sorrowful expression said it all, though. The tom looked over to his mate, Willowtail, and found some comfort as she met his gaze. Red Red called out to Oak, Spider and the rest of the cats he had decided upon as he headed towards the camp entrance. Goose was the first one to come, abandoning a half-eaten mouse. "What're we doing?" Goose asked as he approached. "Just wait for everyone else." Red ordered irritably. |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 18, 2021 10:47:56 GMT -5
Basilwhisker
Thinking enough time had passed to allow the clan to be warned Basilwhisker walked into camp. He stood by the medicine cat den unsure of where to put the body.
Palerose and Brackenheart
The two elders looked distraught at the news and started to cry quietly. They would lay near the body when it was put down as they had grown up with Thymestar.
Gazepaw
When the news had dropped Gazepaw walked back to where his mentor stood. He looked disappointed in himself but he tried to hide it. Grief was evident on his face.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 18, 2021 13:48:59 GMT -5
Flamepelt The ginger tom hopped down from the Guardian Oak to talk with his brother. He padded up to Brackentail, who was gazing over at Willowtail. "Hey." He meowed, drawing attention. Cloudear Cloudear watched solemnly as the clan spread out, some going over to where Basilwhisker still held Thymestar's lifeless body, others going to talk amongst themselves or to just be alone. As her apprentice approached, she could see the grief in the young tom's eyes. She rested her tail on Gazepaw's shoulder for a moment. "This is why we do what we do. The better we can treat our clanmates, the more we take care of them, the less things like this happen." She paused for a moment before continuing. "When I was around your age, there was an outbreak of greencough in camp. The first cat I ever lost was my sister, Cherrypaw. As much as we want to blame ourselves, it's important to remember that sometimes we can't heal everyone. Sometimes, it's up to Starclan." Brackentail Brackentail whipped around at the sound of his brother's voice. He could see the sorrow in Flamepelt's expression and he felt sorry for his littermate. He rested his tail on the ginger tom's shoulder. "Thymestar was a smart cat. He knew what he was doing. He also knew what he was doing when he appointed you deputy." |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 18, 2021 16:17:32 GMT -5
Basilwhisker
Basilwhisker set down Thymestar where he stood and walked away. He wasn't sure that he could handle the clan mourning at the moment though he didn't want to be alone wither.
Gazepaw
Gazepaw nodded. "I know we lose cats sometimes but will it always be this hard?" He asked looking a little scared at the idea that he could go through this pain again so soon.
Palerose and Lichenheart
The two elders strode up to Thymestar's body and laid down nearby their tails tucking around their front paws. They begam their vigil that would end the next morning when they took him to bury him with their ancestors
Oak and Spider
Oak trotted over to Red when he called her ears perked up. Her paw was still a little tender from where it was pinned by the Fox's back. She stood alert and ready to follow Red.
Spider was talking to Web about the fox attack when he was called over. He nodded to his sister and went to sit in front of Red.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 18, 2021 17:21:39 GMT -5
Flamepelt The ginger tom lightly butted his brother's shoulder with his head. "I'll try to be a leader he and everyone else would be proud of." He replied. After a few moments of silence, he added, "I suppose I'll have to appoint a deputy by tonight, huh?" He scanned the camp, looking between the different cats. "Basilwhisker seems like the obvious choice." Brackentail stated. "You think?" Flamepelt asked as his gaze trailed over the tom. "He's definitely a hard working cat." "Plus, who else are you going to choose?" Brackentail pointed out. "I don't think I'd make a very good deputy, besides, if you picked me or Rosefur, they'd assume you were playing favorites. That pretty much narrows it down to Basilwhisker and Crowflight." "Good point." He admitted. "I'll give the clan some time to grieve before making the announcement, though." Cloudear Cloudear gave her apprentice a sympathetic look. "It's not every day that the clan loses a leader, but death is a part of life." She explained. "Find comfort in knowing that one day we'll all meet again in Starclan." Red Red watched as the cats he called over assembled. "Waspbite wants us to go track down that fox and make sure it's out of our territory." He announced. Looking at Oak, he continued. "Oak, can you show us where you encountered the fox?" |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 18, 2021 17:38:20 GMT -5
Gazepaw
The young tom nodded. He blinked a few times and a tear fell down his face. He could be gruff but Gazepaw was still young. He looked at where the clan gathered around Thymestar's body. "Should we prepare herbs for Flamepelt's journey to the Moon Mushrooms?" He asked.
Oak
Oak nodded and started to lead the cats to where they had encountered the fox. She made her way carefully not wanting to alert the creature to their presence.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 18, 2021 18:08:43 GMT -5
Cloudear The medicine cat looked at her apprentice and nodded. "Good thinking." She commented as she beckoned for Gazepaw to follow her back to the medicine cat den. "After everything that's happened, I'm sure Flamepelt will welcome some herbs to help him on his journey." Red As the group neared the area, Red crinkled his nose at the scent of the fox. "I take it this is the place?" He asked Oak, though he didn't wait for an answer. He stepped into the clearing, signs of the earlier battle obvious. He could also smell the other cats that Oak had mentioned, though they were no where to be found. "Which way did the fox go?" Red asked. (I figured we could have red, oak and the others encounter Flamepelt and whoever else on the way to the Moon Mushrooms, or possibly just have them spy on them for a bit, since the fox would've probably gone off in that direction.) |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 18, 2021 18:59:26 GMT -5
Gazepaw
Gazepaw beamed at Cloudear's praise. He followed her into the den to gather the herbs. "I wonder who he will pick to go with him." He said wondering if one of his sisters would make the journey with the soon to be leader.
Basilwhisker
Basilwhisker decided his best bet would be to mourn with the rest of the clan. He made his way up to Thymestar's body and buried his nose in the fur of his flank for a moment before stepping away crying some. He layed down near the elders who were still crying themselves.
Oak and Spider
Oal nodded that it was in fact the place where the fox had been. She thought for a moment sbout which way the fox had gone and pointed in that direction. She stepped that way carefully scenting the air for the fox.
Spider stood back with the group not knowing whether to follow Oak or not. He tensed as he saw blood on the ground and wondered what happened earlier in tje day to the other cats Web had told him about.
(Okay. Sounds good.)
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 18, 2021 20:49:32 GMT -5
Flamepelt Flamepelt padded over with the rest of the cats grieving for Thymestar. He stayed there for a little while, letting himself feel all the emotions he had packed away earlier. After what felt like it could've been a few moments or days, the ginger tom returned to the Guardian Oak to announce his deputy. He once again summoned the clan, watching as they congregated below. Cloudear Cloudear heard Gazepaw's wondering, though she didn't respond. Instead, she started getting herbs out, using her work to keep her mind occupied. She checked to see if she had much sorrel, daisy, chamomile and burnet for the journey. She was pleased to find that she still had enough, though they'd have to gather some more before the next full-moon. Red Red started heading in the direction that Oak had pointed to and started following the fox's scent. He signaled the rest of the cats to follow him, though he didn't stop to wait for them. Snowy Snowy stood just behind Spider, not really paying attention to the surroundings. She was more focused on the tom in front of her. She opened her mouth to say something, wanting to fill the silence that had descended upon the group, but she clamped her jaws shut, second guessing herself. She didn't want to say something stupid and seem awkward. |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 18, 2021 21:39:25 GMT -5
Basilwhisker
The tom had gotten deep into his grieving when he heard Flamepelt call out again. He stiffly got up and went to the Guardian Oak. He sat down and watched as the rest of his clanmates took their places around him.
Gazepaw
The young tom watched his mentor as she sorted out the herbs. He then turned and dtood outside the den to hear Flamepelt's words. He was excited to hear what he would say.
Oak and Spider
Oak followed closely behind Red scenting the air that was heavy with fox scent. She was nervous about running into it again but knew there were enough fighters there to fend it off again.
Spider felt a prickle in his fur as though someone were watching him. He turned and saw Snowy and dipped his head to her before following Red and the others.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 18, 2021 22:24:31 GMT -5
Cloudear At flamepelt's call, Cloudear paused gathering the herbs and followed her apprentice out of the den. She came to a stop next to Turtleheart, who was fussing over a frustrated-looking Eaglepaw. The medicine cat turned to look at the tom as he sat perched in the oak. Flamepelt Flamepelt took one last sweeping gaze across the gathered cats before he began. "We all mourn the loss of Thymestar, but the warrior code mandates that I, as the new leader of Hollowclan, must name our new clan deputy before moonhigh. As I intend to journey to the Moon Mushrooms tonight, I decided now would be the best time to announce my decision." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I did not make my decision lightly. The warrior I have chosen has served our clan faithfully for moons and I trust they will continue doing so for many more moons to come. I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of Hollowclan is Basilwhisker." Red Red followed the scent through the woods, winding through undergrowth and plantlife. An occasional splatter of blood implied that the fox was injured, though not anywhere near enough to cripple it. At one point the trail hooked back in the direction of camp before angling back towards the stream. Snowy Snowy froze up for an awkward moment before returning Spider's nod and following the group. She let out a short sigh, annoyed with herself for getting caught staring at the tom. He probably thinks I'm weird now! She thought. |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 19, 2021 12:49:01 GMT -5
Basilwhisker
Basilwhisker looked up in shock as he was announced the next deputy. He looked up at Flamepelt and dipped his head. "I won't let you down" he said. He turned and looked at his clanmates as they began to chant his name. It was a little muted since they were still in mourning.
Gazepaw
Gazepaw cheered with the rest of the clan as Basilwhisker was named the new deputy. He turned to watch the new deputy take the cheering in.
Oak and Spider
Oak followed after Red and felt satisfied seeing drops of blood from the beast that had attacked her patrol. She let her claws sink into the dirt below her for a moment before moving on.
Spider followed behind the others not really thinking of Snowy or the fact that she had been staring at him. He was focused on thinking about the fox ahead of them.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 19, 2021 13:42:17 GMT -5
Cloudear Cloudear joined in the chanting, though the celebration felt hollow. She didn't doubt that Basilwhisker would make a good deputy, but the loss of Thymestar still stung. She knew the reason for the rule requiring a deputy to be appointed before moon-high was so that, should something happen to the leader, the clan always had a clear path of succession, but that typically resulted in unmemorable and empty-feeling deputy ceremonies. Flamepelt Flamepelt gave Basilwhisker a nod in response, knowing that his words would've been drowned out by the chanting. As the clan grew quiet, the ginger tom raised his voice again. "As a part of their training as an apprentice, every warrior had to journey to the Moon Mushrooms. In addition to myself and Cloudear, I also plan on bringing Coalpaw." His gaze flashed towards the apprentice before continuing. "I know we all still mourn the loss of Thymestar, but we must carry on our duties. We need to organize hunting patrols, so if any cat would like to volunteer so that those closest to Thymestar may continue their vigil, it would be much appreciated." Red Red followed the scent, which brought them to the edge of the stream. He sniffed around, but found no continuation of the trail. "The fox must have crossed here." He announced, his gaze sweeping the opposite bank. "Let's keep going." The tom leapt in, easily wading through the weak current. Snowy Snowy shivered at the thought of jumping into the stream. Though quite a few of the cats were comfortable swimming, she hated to get her fur wet. She looked around for another route, but found none. |
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Post by Mother Dark on Apr 19, 2021 14:10:35 GMT -5
Basilwhisker
The new deputy looked around to see if any cats were stepping up to him to be assigned to the hunting patrol. He saw Crowflight get to his feet and come forward. As well as Wishpaw though the usually bouncing apprentice looked subdued today.
Coalpaw
When Flamepelt said her name Coalpaw stood and stretched. She was nervous bring alone eith two very important cats. She knew not to question the new leader but she worried sbout the fox coming back around. She looked to Brackentail, her mentor, for guidance.
Gazepaw
Gazepaw watched as both his sisters stood and prepared themselves for their assignments. He wasnt sure that he was comfortable being left alone to care for the clan by himself yet even if it wasn't for long. He looked up at Cloudear and sighed. "Are you really going to lesve the clan in my paws when you leave? Or at least their health." He let the worry show on his face plainly.
Oak and Spider
Oak splashed into the water after Red not caring about how cool it was against her skin. She made it across and shook the water off her sleek pelt. She continued to follow Red easing up a little when she though it smelled more strongly of fox.
Spider hesitated before crashing into the stream. He slippef on the rocks on the bottom and went sideways the slow current grabbing his head. He fought to stand and did manage it after a couple minutes of thrashing. He looked embarrassed and got to the shore trying not to make eye contact with any of the other cats. But he made eye contact with Snowy.
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Post by Fire the Watcher of the vale on Apr 19, 2021 16:22:39 GMT -5
Flamepelt Flamepelt leapt down from the Guardian Oak, nodding to Cloudear, letting her know he was ready to leave when she was. He gave himself a quick grooming, mainly focusing on his chest, then padded over by the medicine cat den to wait for Cloudear. Brackentail Brackentail padded over to his apprentice, giving her a reassuring look. "Don't worry." He said as he neared. "I promise you'll be fine." He lowered his voice a little bit. "And between you and me, Flamepelt's always been slow, even since we were kits. You'll have no problem keeping up." Giving coalpaw a nod, he headed over to Basilwhisker to volunteer to go hunting. Cloudear Cloudear saw Flamepelt head towards the medicine cat den, but she figured he could wait for a moment. She paused for a moment to think of what to say to her apprentice. "It'll only be for one night." She assured him. "Besides, I know you can handle it. You've done better than I could've at your age." Red Red hardly noticed as Spider struggled to cross, noticing that the scent of the fox had grown stronger than on the other side of the stream. "Quit messing around and stay focused. The fox should be close. Snowy Snowy watched as Spider struggled to his paws. She gasped, about to jump in before the tom managed to get his footing. She heard an amused snort from behind as Goose brought up the rear of the group. As her eyes met Spider's, she could see embarrassment in his expression. "Spider! are you alright?" She called out. Suddenly, she was bumped to the side by an annoyed looking Goose. "If you aren't going to cross, get out of the way." He jumped in, splashing Snowy. "Excuse you!" She remarked, rolling her eyes. |
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