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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 23, 2022 22:00:07 GMT -5
Morningpaw smiled at her father, “okay!” She mewed, trying to sound like her old enthusiastic self. She followed him happily, nothing in the world made her happier than hanging out with him. She watched around for prey, more specifically a mouse. Slowly remembering all the hunting tips that Silvermist had given her and her siblings when they were younger, he always told them he couldn’t wait to watch them grow into warriors. Heart stinging from the memory she felt herself flinch, everything reminded her of them. Not one second could go by without her siblings or father on her mind, her heart was tired from aching. But she lifted her head and kept searching for a mouse, she had to catch one for her father. Morningpaw crouched and walked slowly, her eyes observing a mouse eating seed under a tree, I gotta get it! Her mind running with all of the things her father has told her, she pounced onto the mouse gripping harder than she did with the previous mouse. Too much excitement ran through her and it slipped from her grip but she dived quickly into the grass and gripped it with her teeth, finally making a killing bite. Out of breath she stood quickly and looked at her father, “I probably did that all wrong, but I caught one!” She mewed slightly proud of herself, it wasn’t her expertise but it was fun.
Duskpaw nodded at Frostpaw as he scanned the area for prey, “that sounds like a good idea, I need some time away from Azreal.” He confessed to his sister. Azreal had been draining him and making the pain from leaving the clan worse. His hopes for what she had planned for them were completely wrong, I’ve turned into a servant. Even his sister could tell he was a pushover, he had to change. His mother, the one who only told him she loved him one time, didn’t deserve him or his sister, let alone kindness. There was something he had to do, he had to change. He would never be his old self again, and he couldn’t stay the same pushover he is now. Shaking his thoughts away he focused on hunting, impatient to get his mouth on any forest kill.
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Post by Reden on Jan 23, 2022 22:22:58 GMT -5
Silverist sat down as he watched Morningpaw, forcing himself to look only at her. He stood up in excitement when she pounced on the mouse, ready help as it slipped away but she had been quick to recover it. "Great catch!" He purred, trotting over to her quickly. He looked at the mouse for a moment, he bite was almost perfect, he gave a satisfied nod of approval. "Mice are hard to catch." He told her as if she was his apprentice. "They don't listen for, you feel for you, so you have to keep your paw-steps as light as a feather." He crouched down to demonstrate. "By doing that, you will catch them more off guard and their reaction will be slower, allowing you to finish them off quickly." Silvermist then stood and smiled, having temporarily forgotten his sadness, happy to teach his kit something. "Sorry, I don't mean to lecture you. You're almost a medicine cat now, you don't need your father giving you silly hunting tips."
Frostpaw nodded, her gaze remaining on her brother for a moment. She glanced up at the sky, it was almost sun high already, the day seemed to have gone by quickly. "If we get separated, I'll meet you back here when the sun hits that tree." She told him, pointing her nose towards a large tree in the distance, she remembered being able to see it from the island. It was by far the tallest tree in the forest. She glanced back to Duskpaw to make sure he knew the one she was talking about, not wanting to get separated from her brother, but she knew that they could end up going different ways while hunting. She didn't want them to be calling out for each other in unknown territory, who knew what could hear them. "Let's go, I smell a shrew nearby." She said, trying her best to not sound too excited.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 23, 2022 22:46:50 GMT -5
Morningpaw listened to Silvermist attentively, “who knows, maybe one day it will come to use.” She commented, knowing unexplainable things can happen. She let out a purr at her fathers lit up face, it felt like forever since she had seen him smile. She pressed against him, “what should we do next?” She asked, not letting him slip away into his own world thinking about Duskpaw and Frostpaw. Even though she wished herself she could search for them, but who knows where they could be by now.
Duskpaw nodded at Frostpaw so she knew he was listening, following after her after she mentioned the smell of a shrew. He stopped walking and took a deep breath, he could smell a distant finch. It reminded him of his last training session with Oakpelt, he had caught his first bird which was a finch. And boy did it taste good. he followed the smell of the finch, not straying far from Frostpaw. Duskpaw felt a rush of excitement once he spotted the finch, and made an effortless kill. The blood made his mouth drool when he made the killing bite. More excitement rushing through him once he remember he only had to hunt for himself. He made his way back over to Frostpaw, walking quietly to ensure he didn’t scare away her catch. He laid down near a tree and watched her as she hunted, waiting to eat his catch with her.
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Post by Reden on Jan 23, 2022 23:04:57 GMT -5
Silvermist felt the warmth of joy at her reaction, she already seemed much happier than she was a moment ago. He felt like he was getting his life back on track, even if it was just one step at a time. He looked around and glanced to the water beside them. "We could catch some fish, the clan would appreciate it." He suggested, not wanting Morningpaw to stray too far from camp. He remembered discussing Briarshine's kits, surely Morningpaw would want to be there. "It's a lot different than catching a mouse, but you were a very good swimmer when you were younger." He told her, remembering that they were only a few moons old when they got a chance to swim, the water was starting to get chilly but they were all so eager anyways. The water was full of fish this time of year, so surely she would be able to catch at least one.
Frostpaw stared a the shrew that sat under a nearby juniper brush, it's back towards her. Slowly, she crept forward, the whole forest around her disappeared as she eyed the small creature. She kept her paw steps light with each step, then paused as she got in range. She inhaled, readying herself to pounce. With a mighty push, she leaped forward, claws ready to snag her prey, but the moons of hunting in the twoleg place had caused her to get used to less aware prey. Her movements caught the shrew's attention and it rushed to get out of her reach. She managed to swipe at it, causing the rodent to tumble a few paw lengths away. She pounced a second time but before she could reach it, the creature vanished into the undergrowth. "Foxdung!" She growled, frustrated with herself. Her hunting skills were always poor, but she had thought she had been improving. She glanced at her brother then looked away in embarrassment, realizing he had seen everything. What was she going to do if he got sick and couldn't hunt for himself? They would both starve at this rate.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 23, 2022 23:16:53 GMT -5
Morningpaw glanced down into the water, feeling a bit unsure about catching a fish. She didn’t mind the water, but she doubted she had the skill to catch one. Looking up to Silvermist with a hopefully gaze she spoke, “you better go first, this looks tough.” She admitted and looked back at the water, feeling a bit intimidated. But she was determined to at least try for the sake of her father wanting her to. She stood still waiting for him to watch one, knowing he’d flawlessly catch one. He was always such a good hunter, and full of life.. her thoughts always found the way back to reality, reminding her the hurt would never be over.
Duskpaw gave his sister a hopeful glance as she looked at with him embarrassment, “you can’t catch every one. Try again.” He called to her, not wanting her to lose hope. Hunting was a lot different the past few moons, the prey in the streets wasn’t as fast as out in the forest. Let alone they could usually only find mice or rats, which he wouldn’t place a paw near one of those things. They found themselves eating a lot of left overs as well, something Azreal had shown them. Which was one of the most disgusting things Duskpaw had ever ate, he refused to let himself live like that. Frostpaws hunting was just rusty, she would get the hang of it again.
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Post by Reden on Jan 24, 2022 17:49:51 GMT -5
Silvermist nodded and walked over to the water’s edge. He crouched as he watched carefully. “The fish are never exactly where they appear.” He told her quietly, “depending on the flow of the water, depth and light, they may be further or closer than what you see.” When he spotted a fish, he pointed it out with his nose, wanting her to watch carefully. As soon as it was close enough, he drove into the water. The tom remained before the surface for a moment before he rode up with a green and yellow fish in his mouth. The silver cat pulled himself up with ease and shook the water from his coat. Placing the fish down before ending it’s suffering with one bite. “Do you see how I didn’t dive straight down? I instead glided into the water to make up for the distance between the fish and I. A fish will always out swim you.” He explained, a serious tone to his voice, but his eyes were still kind.
Frostpaw flicked her ear and nodded, thankful her brother hadn’t teased her. She walked deeper into the woods, keeping Duskpaw in her sight. Soon she found a mouse. Unlike with the shrew, she acknowledged that the mouse would be more aware of its surroundings than what she had became accustomed to. She was able to subdue it after a speargun pounce and killing bite. Happily, she trotted back to Duskpaw with her mouse dangling from her jaw. When she realized how silly she must have appeared, she changed the motion of her walk to a more serious and less bouncy one. She wanted to keep a strong image for her brother, not wanting him to worry about her.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 24, 2022 18:27:01 GMT -5
Morningpaw watched as her father dove into the water and brought back a fish, she was quite impressed with how quick he was. “I see! Good job!” She mewed excitedly to the tom. She highly doubted that she could swim and catch a fish at the same time, she could hardly sort herbs and listen to Owlwing bicker at the same time. “I should leave the fishing to you.” She joked as she looked at the toms soaking wet pelt. Although she wasn’t joking, there was nothing that could make her dive into the water for a fish. But she enjoyed this time with her father, and was eager to hear any more hunting tips or tricks he had.
Duskpaw watched his sister closely as she walked back, waiting for her to sit with him so he could begin to eat. “Good catch.” He mewed and began to eat the finch he had caught, appreciating every single bite. You can’t find prey like this in the streets, he thought as he finished the finch rather quickly. He glanced over to his sister who was still eating, and decided to start cleaning his pelt. Thinking back to the last normal meal, which was a finch. The morning that they left the clan… His stomach turned to knots as he thought about it. Why did he leave? He couldn’t even tell himself why, who was mousebrained enough to act on impulse without an actual reason? Duskpaw glanced over to his sister again, observing her pelt and the bones that slowly now showed on her pelt. Her posture was different, the way she spoke was different, am I changing that way too?
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Post by Reden on Jan 24, 2022 18:40:30 GMT -5
Silvermist blinked a few times as he processed what she said. “I guess I should let the medicine cat be a medicine cat.” He purred, dropping the fish down in front of her. “Here, way, you need to keep up your strength; once those kits come you and Owlwing won’t get a moment to rest. You will have to be doing daily check ups, plus answering questions on Briarshine’s behalf.” He told her. He thought for a moment and realized that she had never seen any new born kits, Redpaw had been the youngest in the clan for so long. “The whole clan will be bugging poor Briarshine. I’ll catch one for her as well, I’m sure she would appreciate it if you brought it to her. Mother’s are always nervous and protective of their kits, so it would be good to take the time to build a relationship with her.” He told her, diving into the water once more and coming back up with another similar fish. He knew that Morningpaw probably already knew everything he was saying, but he felt the urge to teach her what he can.
Frostpaw are quickly, the mouse seemed like the best meal she had ever had, she noticed her brother’s staring and looked up at him. “What is it?” She asked between bites, her blue eyes remaining on the black tom as she waited for his response. “You don’t need to feel guilty.” She soon said before he could answer, assuming that was what it was. He was always looking at her with such pity and guilt, it didn’t bug her as much as it made her worry.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 24, 2022 19:40:14 GMT -5
Morningpaw nodded to Silvermist, “okay!” excitement rushing though her when she thought about Brairshines kits. It was even more exciting she would be side by side with Owlwing helping her through the whole thing. She watched her father once again make a flawless catch and come up from the water, “best fisher I’ve ever seen.” She boasted the tom, who seemed a little bit more at ease than usual. Comfort wrapped around Morningpaw when she looked at him and his eyes shown slight happiness.
Duskpaw looked away from Frostpaw as she looked at him, everything was already his fault, he could barely look her in the eye sometimes. He took a deep breath, “How can I not feel guilty?” He finally spoke and looked at her in the eyes, “everything’s my fault. This is the best meal we’ve had in moons, because of me.” He let out a shallow breath and closed his eyes, he should’ve never let Frostpaw go along with him. If something had happened to her he would blame himself for the rest of his life, he had find a better home for them. “I promise I’ll find us a better home.” Duskpaw mewed with confidence in his voice, they weren’t apart of any clan, and Azreal couldn’t control them forever. Though he had no plan, he knew he would figure it out along the way.
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Post by Reden on Jan 24, 2022 20:08:34 GMT -5
Silvermist smiled, glad that Morningpaw seemed in a much better mood. He placed the second fish at her paws. “I’m just okay.” He told her, feeling proud but bashful. “My pelt gets heavy quickly.” The tom added as he sat down and started to dry himself off. It had been many moons since he heard Morningpaw laugh so much. It felt good to know he was making his daughter so happy. He looked up to the sky, it was already well past sun-high, the time seemed to have gone by so quickly. He looked to Morningpaw. “Well, is there anything you would like to do?” He asked, giving himself one last shake to dry off as much as he could.
Frostpaw shook her head. “We’re still together, as long as you’re safe and by my side it will be okay.” She told him, finishing her mouse eagerly. She began to clean herself, happy to rid her pelt of the grime that clung to it. “When Azreal is off our tails, we can try to return to the clan, but I don’t trust her. Until then, we just have to stick together.” She told her brother. He often spoke of leaving their mother behind but Frostpaw still held her doubts that he would commit to it. She didn’t trust Azreal, and was sure that if they tried to return to the clan, she would make it difficult. “Let’s go find a place to rest for the night. We can try to hunt some more and gather moss.”
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 24, 2022 20:32:23 GMT -5
Morningpaw shrugged and looked into the water, “not that I can think of..” she trailed off watching the fish in the water, “have you ever tried to catch them with your paw?” she asked him and put out her paw in a grabbing motion. “I’m not coordinated enough,” she admitted and let out a small laugh. The fish got fairly close to the surface, she was sure he could catch one without diving in. She thought about trying, but knew she’d either fall in or scare all of the fish away.
Duskpaw looked at his sister with sorrow, it shouldn’t be so difficult to go back home. But Azreal was worse than he ever thought, every cat they had run into and had trouble with knew the she-cat. He pushed the thoughts away and nodded at Frostpaws suggestion. He stood and shook his pelt, waiting for her to be by his side before beginning to walk. He wasn’t sure which way to go but began walking deeper through the forest, looking to his sister frequently in case she wanted to go a different way.
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Post by Reden on Jan 24, 2022 20:55:14 GMT -5
"If it's shallow enough." He told her, walking to stand beside her. He looked down at the water for a moment, watching all the fish of various shapes and sizes. "If you coordinate with other cats, you can have some lead the fish into the shallows, then the other cats can pick them off." He explained, looking back to her for a moment as he talked. "Fish can swim in whatever direction they want, up, down, left, right. They aren't bound to that path in front of them." He added then released a light chuckle. "That sounded more...inspiring in my head. What I want to tell you is to not feel like the path in front of you is the only one you can take."
Frostpaw remained quiet as they walked, keeping an eye out for any sign of a good place to rest. The forest was getting thicker as they walked, the branches of the trees around them were blocking out most of the sunlight. The damp darkness was refreshing, she felt as if she could breath better than she had in moons. The air was fresh and crisp, the forest around them was flooded with insects and small animals, scattering around in the undergrowth. "This is nice." She told her brother as they walked, finding herself feeling homesick. She missed her sister and brother. She missed her father dearly, and Moonstar too. She even missed Owlwing and his nagging and Redpaw always tagging along with Aspenpaw. "I'm glad that I have you by my side."
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 24, 2022 21:28:18 GMT -5
Morningpaw let out a small laugh, one again another thing reminding her of her siblings. “I see,” she replied to Silvermist. “How about we go back to camp and eat some prey? It’s about time- but first I’ll give a fish to Brairshine.” She suggested to the tom, hoping they could eat together like they use to- but without Duskpaw and Frostpaw. She jumped up and rubbed her pelt against his forgetting his pelt was still wet. She let out a small laugh, “we should do this tomorrow.” Today had felt good to her, and it felt like so long since her last good day.
Duskpaw pressed against Frostpaw and took a deep breath of the fresh air, the forest was always his favorite. “I’m glad I have you too.” He said genuinely, he had no idea what he would do if she hadn’t of come. But she shouldn’t have, the guilt alone was his punishment for leaving with his so-called mother. He tried to enjoy the forest but his thoughts were too persistent with guilt nagging at every inch of his body. He caused himself and everyone around him pain, except Azreal, but he didn’t care for her. “Will the full moon come fast enough?”
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Post by Reden on Jan 24, 2022 21:40:51 GMT -5
(You reached 500 posts!)
Silvermist nodded, letting Morningpaw take the lead as they walked back to camp. He glanced at the tree line one last time before retreating into the opening of the reeds. The camp seemed so empty now, he could feel all the emotions flooding back to him. He took a breath breath and pushed them all to the back of his mind, walking towards the fresh kill pile and picking out a small finch, not feeling very hungry. He laid down in the clearing, not at the spot that they used to sit, but closer to the entrance of the camp. It didn't feel right to sit there without his whole family. The tom gave his paws a few licks and watched Morningpaw as she disappeared into the nursery.
Frostpaw pressed back into Duskpaw when she felt him against her. Releasing a small, barely audible purr. She continued to look around with each step but soon set her sights on a mound not very far from them. The pale she-cat gave Duskpaw a nudge before motioning to the fox set with her paw. "I don't smell fox." She stated, looking to Dustpaw, hoping that he would agree. She found that her sense of smell had reduced since they started staying at the twoleg place, perhaps it was all the smoke from the monsters that would run past their "den", but she couldn't be sure. She glanced around again, wondering if there was any water nearby, while she wasn't very thirsty, it would be great to taste some fresh water.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 24, 2022 22:58:06 GMT -5
(Wooo!  ) Morningpaw trotted with the fish in her mouth into the nursery, “Brairshine? I thought you would like a fish.” She mewed and set the fish in front of the she-cat, she would be having her kits any minute. But it was so exciting to her, it would be something new to learn and would be good experience before she gets her medicine cat name. “How are you feeling?” Morningpaw asked the queen, she thought it would be a good idea to ask her before she left the den. Duskpaw nodded in approval to Frostpaw and approached the fox set, observing everything around him just in case. “Yea this looks great, looks like nothing is staying here either.” He said and kept looking around, eyeballing the trees to see if there was any moss around. “Well we should get some moss, but we’ll need to find some water.” He glanced up and observed the trees, trying to figure out where in the forest they were so he could pinpoint a source of water. But all he could think of was the water at the end of the island, “if we go towards the end of the island from here do you think we will cross into Forestclan?” Duskpaw asked Frostpaw, still trying to figure out where they were. |
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Post by Reden on Jan 24, 2022 23:29:07 GMT -5
Briarshine gave Morningpaw a smile as the apprentice placed down the fish. "Thank you Morningpaw." She said gracefully. The ginger she-cat was renown for her beauty and elegance, even when she was so close to having kits, she had a refined air about her. Briarshine used her forepaw to pull the fish closer, though she did not take a bite. "I'm well, they are moving a lot though, I'm sure that they will be born soon." She said with a purr, looking down to her swollen belly. "This will be your first time seeing a kitting, correct?" She asked, looking at Morningpaw with a gleam of curiosity in her eye.
The pale she-cat glanced aground, trying to figure out where they were. She had never been this far mainland. When they left the camp, they followed up the river to the twoleg place. "We will just have to be cautious, and keep an eye out for scent markings." She told the black cat, admitting that she wasn't sure on their exact location. Finding their way back to the twoleg place would be simple, but they would have to rely on scents and sounds to fine their way through the forest. She thought for a moment before speaking again. "We should just say we're loners." She told her brother firmly, though there was a risk of being recognized. Both of them ad attended a gathering before they left Isletclan.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 24, 2022 23:49:21 GMT -5
Morningpaw nodded her head at the queen, “it will be. You’ll be in great hands, Owlwing is the best medicine cat out there and I’m his apprentice,” she boasted herself confidently to the she-cat but quickly giggled at herself. She dipped her head at Brairshine, “enjoy your meal, I will I be nearby if you need me.” She mewed and exited the den heading straight for the fresh kill pile. She grabbed a mouse and trotted over to Silvermist, she dropped her mouse and looked around the camp for Aspenpaw. Morningpaw just wanted to have one meal with all of them, oh well. She quickly realized how closely to the entrance her father had sat, so she laid in front of his view of the entrance and began to eat her mouse.
“Okay, hopefully we won’t see anyone.” Duskpaw mewed and led the way towards the end of the island, the trees and brush would be thick all the way until the water. So either way they wouldn’t tell which way they were going until it was too late, but he was sure he was going the right way. Soon he could hear the faint sound of the water hitting the shore and followed it, looking back to Frostpaw to signal they were getting close. Duskpaw suddenly heard a faint crunching of the under brush, he quickly looked to his sister and signaled to move quickly towards the water. He waited until she was next to him as they trotted rather fast to the water, he silently hoped they wouldn’t have to cross paths with any cat- especially a Forestclan cat.
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Post by Reden on Jan 25, 2022 19:03:32 GMT -5
Briarshine simply nodded without a word and watched as Morningpaw left, taking the chance to finally enjoy the fish in front of her.
Silvermist noticed where Morningpaw had sat but said nothing, not wanting to upset her again. He began to eat quietly, keeping an eye on his daughter. he wondered where Aspenpaw was, but assumed he was out and about with Redpaw somewhere. "How has Aspenpaw been...Since everything?" He eventually asked. He had been with his kits almost everyday, but only physically. They rarely talked, normally they just sat and ate and sunbathed. Nothing like how it used to be. Aspenpaw had appeared fine every time Silvermist saw him. The dark tabby would always be hard at work or playing, but he had always been sensitive, and tended to act over the top to hide that about himself.
Frostpaw walked quickly and quietly, following Duskpaw's lead without question. When they reached the water, she looked around and took watch to allow him to have a drink. She also kept an eye out for moss, hoping to bring it back to the fox set. "I didn't notice any scent markers." She told her brother, though she did not relax. Forestclan cats, loners or rouges could attack them regardless.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 25, 2022 19:31:19 GMT -5
Morningpaw shrugged at Silvermists question and scanned the camp once for her brother but seeing no sight of him. Her stomach turned, every time they weren’t in her sight she didn’t feel right. “I ask him and he says he’s fine, I doubt it. I know I’m not…” she trailed off and took a few bites of her mouse before speaking again, “but he and Redpaw are close so at least he has someone he can talk to.” Now thinking about it her and her brother seemed to have drifted further, but she still tries to hang out with him when she can. She knew it wasn’t enough, she wasn’t Duskpaw or Frostpaw, she couldn’t make everyone’s pain go away.
Duskpaw nodded at Frostpaw and got close to the water to take a few drinks. The water tasted so fresh and clean, he reminisced on being able to drink this water everyday. He stopped drinking and watched the water, oh how much he missed the island. Noticing the fish he glanced over to his sister, “have you caught a fish yet?” He asked her, not knowing of his sisters hunting abilities. A fish sounded so good to him, but the water weighed his pelt down and made it difficult.
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Post by Reden on Jan 25, 2022 19:40:43 GMT -5
Silvermist stared at his food and nodded while she spoke. Aspenpaw did have Redpaw, the two were like brothers. He however, spent almost every minute of everyday with Frostpaw and Duskpaw, he couldn't imagine that Aspenpaw was ignorant to the hole the two had left in the clan. "He's strong." Silvermist soon mewed, looing back to his daughter with a gentle smile. "I'm sure he's hurting but he's not the type to let that get in his way. If anything, I bet it pushed him to try harder and be better." Silvermist gave the she-cat a small nod, as if he was confirming his own thoughts.
Frostpaw shook her head as she walked to the water, taking a moment to lap up the cool liquid until the tart taste the coated her mouth was washed away. "I can hardly catch a shrew." She stated, though she did not lift her head as he watched the small fish that swam around beneath her. " I can try though, you'd be wet for days if you jumped in." She added. She sat up and looked around again, nervous that something would attack them while she was fishing. "Did you want me to?" She added, looking to her brother. She figured that now would be the best time to do it. She had seen her clanmates fish, how they glide, not leap in. She was sure with trial and error, she would manage to catch at least one fish.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 25, 2022 20:12:58 GMT -5
Morningpaw watched her father as he spoke, noticing him ignoring his food. “You should eat.” She mewed to the tom and took the last few bites of her mouse. Nothing would ever be the same again, the empty place in her heart would surely be filled one day. Her father could no longer suffer alone and she would make sure of it, he needed her and Aspenpaw.
Duskpaw shook his head at her, “yes try to.” Not only did he want to get his teeth on a fish, she needed to do more hunting now that they were on their own. He walked closer to her so he could watch her and make sure nothing happened to her. Being out in the streets had made him fairly paranoid, the thought of every possibility comes to his mind with everything he does.
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Post by Reden on Jan 25, 2022 20:40:38 GMT -5
Silvermist nodded and finished his food. He then stood and looked around. "I should go see how Redpaw is doing." He told her, forcing himself to not look beyond her and to the entrance. He had been ignoring Redpaw's training, and Moonstar had taken it upon herself to make up for it. "You should probably see if Owlwing needs anything, I want you to get back on track as well." He told her. He didn't want his kits to fall behind due to his own problems. Now was the time for them to learn and thrive, something he didn't wish to take away from them. "We can all eat together for we retreat for the night." He added hopefully, wanting to spend more time with her and Aspenpaw. He missed them dearly, even if his mind often wandered elsewhere. "I think that would be good for us." He added bashfully.
Frostpaw nodded, she studied the water before diving in seamlessly, after a few moments, she rose to the surface on the other side of the river and pulled herself up onto the banks. No fish to be had, but she had a look of determination as she began to piece together the technique. She watched the water again, waiting until the fish gathered as if nothing had happened. She once again dove in, missing again. She got out of the water and stood beside her brother, ready to try for a third time. "Almost got it." She said, eyes not leaving the water's surface. Once again, she disappeared into the river, this tome however, her head rose in the middle, a silver fish in her jaws. She paddled over to her brother with eyes wide from excitement. Dragging herself back up, she dropped the fish onto the riverbank before finishing it off. "So I can't hunt, but I can fish." She said with a breathless laugh.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 25, 2022 20:52:13 GMT -5
Morningpaw nodded, “I think so too.” She mewed and glanced over to the medicine den, she would be so busy with Brairshines kits soon she just wanted to be outside. But like always, her father was right, and she rose to her feet and made her way to the medicine den. “Hey Owlwing, thanks for letting me go out. Is there anything you’d like me to do?” She asked the tom kindly, appreciating his kindness to her lately.
Duskpaw twirled in a circle when his sister brought a fish out of the water, “good job, I’m proud of you.” He praised her and looked back out to the water, if his pelt hadn’t got so heavy from the water he’d probably live in it. “That’s a good thing, since I love fish.” He teased her and pressed his pelt against hers, if she was all he had for the rest of his life it would be fine with him. He counted himself lucky to have her by his side, especially since she didn’t deserve this life that was dealt to her because of him. Duskpaw noticed some moss at the corner of his eye and climbed the rocks to get to it. He quickly gathers quite a bit and set it next to Frostpaw, “well there’s our moss.” He said with a smile.
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Post by Reden on Jan 25, 2022 21:30:54 GMT -5
Owlwing didn't look up when she entered. "Go organize the dried herbs." He told her as if nothing had happened the past few moons. Morningpaw had continued her work despite everything that had occurred, making his decision to be lenient on her more simple. He continued to work for a while before speaking again. "Did you check on Briarshine?" He asked quietly, his amber eyes focused on the small packages of herbs that were in front of him. He was getting everything ready for the kitting, wanting it to be as easy as possible. Luckily, this wouldn't be Briarshine's first litter, which made the chances of something going wrong.
Frostpaw purred at his praise, feeling better about her poor performance earlier. She watched her brother as he climbed the rocks for some moss, nervous that he may slip and fall. "Be careful." She mewed, shifting her gaze to see if there were any dangers nearby. She was glad that things seemed to be working out so well for them. A chance to sleep in the forest with a full belly was more than enough to make her happy at this point.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 25, 2022 21:52:05 GMT -5
Morningpaw padded over to the herbs and began organizing them. “I did, I also took her a fish to eat,” she replied to the tom as she worked. “Any minute now,” she mewed a bit excited. Every learning experience was exciting to her for one day she would be the medicine cat with an apprentice. As she sorted the herbs she reflected on how well she really had been doing at her job, she had been so blinded from everything that happened that she just did the job without thinking.
“Let’s get back to our nest?” Duskpaw mewed referring to the fox set they had found earlier. He grabbed the moss and stood right next to Frostpaw letting out a purr. He began to walk the way that they came, he felt a bit of excitement to be making a moss nest in the forest. Maybe if Azreal kept her distance they could live in the fox set, or even go back home. But that’s unrealistic given the she-cat would come looking for them.
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Post by Reden on Jan 25, 2022 22:08:21 GMT -5
Owlwing nodded his approval, glad she was taking initiative to making Briarshine comfortable. He knew the queen would be kind to Morningpaw, she had a soft-spot for apprentices and kits. Part of him wished that Briarshine wasn't such an excellent patient, worried that it would make Morningpaw's expectations too high in the future. Most queens, even the kindest ones, would hiss and grumble constantly. Not a pleasant experience, but one that every medicine cat would experience at some point. "Once your done that, we will go examine Briarshine, I don't want to try to sleep if the kits are coming tonight." He told her flatly, turning to look at the silver tabby as he spoke.
Frostpaw nodded, quickly, she gathered some of the moss and held it into the river, not wanting them to have to move in the middle of the night to get a drink. She followed closely behind her brother, feeling more excited than she showed. She felt a bit like how she did when she had first became an apprentice, getting to move into a brand new den, starting a new point in her life. When they reached the den she placed down the moss neatly on a nearby rock, then searched around for ferns and other leaves they could use for more bedding and to block the entrance. "We can use these to hide the entrance better." She told her brother, managing tp up root a fern plant. She wanted to feel safe, something that she now considered a luxury.
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 25, 2022 22:26:08 GMT -5
Morningpaw finished up organizing the herbs and turned towards Owlwing, “alright, I’m ready.” She mewed and padded towards the entrance of the den, looking around the camp while she waited for Owlwing. Everything was so quiet now which made her even more excited to have new kits in the camp. Kits were lively and hyper, they make the heart of the clan. Just like her and her siblings once did.. She pushed the thoughts to the back of her head as she hear Owlwing walking behind her. She began to lead the way to the nursery and waited for him to the enter the den first.
Duskpaw nodded at Frostpaw and began to grab leaves, finishing up the bed and beginning to work on the entrance. “This feels good, hopefully Azreal can leave us alone.” He commented to his sister. Not only was it nice to be in the forest but it was nice to freely talk about what he wanted to. He didn’t feel like talking about the clan or anything at all with Azreal and Foxspots around.
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Post by Reden on Jan 25, 2022 22:56:27 GMT -5
Owlwing entered the den with a quiet greeting to Briarshine, sitting down to look back at Morningpaw, wanting to ensure that she was paying attention. He looked back to the red queen when his apprentice was close enough. "How are you feeling?" He asked, his eyes examining her from where he sat.
Briarshine nodding in greeting, and looked to Owlwing, not paying much attention to Morningpaw. "Well, lots of movement." She stated.
Owlwing nodded his head a few time. "I'll be assisting with the kitting, but Morningpaw will be observing. I want her to help with your exam though. I want to make sure we are well prepared." Once he got Briarshine's approval, he moved closer, motioning for his apprentice to stand next to him. "Place your paw here, and see how much lower the kits had dropped. This indicates that Briarshine will be expecting soon. I don't think it will be today though. There's movement, but only from the kits, not from her own muscles." He explained in a very serious tone, his eyes remaining on Briarshine's belly. "We will be able to sleep normally tonight, but I expect that we will have to sleep in shifts starting tomorrow." He added before removing his paw, nodding his thanks to Briarshine.
Frostpaw helped eagerly, eying her fish that was ready to be eaten. She used the motivation of food to encourage herself to work faster. When they were finished, she looked over the den. "Maybe we can live here." She said quietly. The den was looking quite nice already. With some brambles placed and the interior cleaned up it would perfect for the two siblings. She grabbed the moss and placed it in the den, which was cool in the greenleaf heat. She emerged after she had adjusted some of the bedding. She walked a short distance away, and looked back at the den, ensuring herself that it was well hidden. "Shall we eat?"
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Post by Dawnmist on Jan 26, 2022 17:09:51 GMT -5
Morningpaw placed her paw on Brairshine’s belly as Owlwing instructed her to, feeling how much lower the kits have dropped. Nodding as he explained, “okay.” She mewed and gave the queen a sweet smile as she stepped back towards the entrance. “Do you need anything else to be prepared?” She asked Owlwing, wanting to make sure she was helping out enough.
Duskpaw admired the small den, an exciting feeling lingering inside of him. “Maybe we can,” he mewed, thinking of all of the possibilities. They could even go home eventually, the thought made Duskpaw smile. “Yes, I’m so glad you caught a fish!” He mewed and let out a purr as they sat next to each other to share. He waited for her to take the first bite before he took any for himself. He appreciated the moment for all that it was, as well as the feeling of happiness he hadn’t felt in moons.
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Post by Reden on Jan 26, 2022 18:37:08 GMT -5
Owlwing shook his head as he walked, not looking at Morningpaw. "We just have to wait, make sure that Briarshine is eating well and getting enough water. I've already prepared all the herbs we will need. I'll show you." He lead her back to the medicine cat den. There he had a neatly packed bundle of herbs that he had been working on earlier. "Borage, fresh, for helping her produce milk, raspberry leaves for bleeding and infections, and some more burnet for strength before labor, we will be checking on her often. If she shows signs that she will expect the kits very soon then we start giving her the burnet more often. I already gave her some at sun high. She will get more at sun rise." He glanced over to two other herbs that had been left to the side. "Goatweed and parsley...Just in case. It's always best to have these ready, even if it seems like it will be fine." He told her, he gave her a look that indicated how serious it was. Unfortunately, it was common for kits to not make it, even if everything seemed fine. "You do not tell her that we have these, you never tell a queen that." His tone was very strict, showing that he would not relax this expectation. Morningpaw had to realize how important it was.
Frostpaw smiled back and nodded, glad of his approval. She sat down beside him and took a bite of the fish. She licked her lips, it was the most delicious thing she had ever ate. She purred happily, glad to be enjoying this moment with her brother, and glad to be free from their mother, even if it was only for a moment. She silently wished that her siblings and father were here, but didn't dare to say anything to Duskpaw, worried that it would make him upset again.
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