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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 2, 2024 18:38:11 GMT -5
Juniperpaw flustered at the sudden attention, but she managed to lift her head and puff her chest ever so slightly. "O-oh! Uhm, well. It wasn't all that hard. I mean, it wasn't a huge rabbit, or anything... but I did catch it." She shuffled her paws.
Stonepath gave a deep purr. "Be proud of your catches, each one feeds many of our Clanmates, and allows us to keep going each day. I'm proud of you both, and your progression."
---
Clovekit seemed to tip her head lightly at the mention of Harmonysong. For some reason, that name struck her deeply, and she shuffled her tiny paws. "I think that alot of cats are watching, all the time. From Starclan! That's why there's so many stars at night, right?" She looked at the newborn kit with bright eyes. "He's healthy, cause he's moving and making alot of noise." She recited.
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Post by thistle on Apr 2, 2024 19:14:42 GMT -5
The tabby tom kit snuffled around, blind and deaf, his squeaks falling silent as he burrowed into Fallowmeadow's fur and began to nurse, following his instincts.
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Post by Foxstar26 on Apr 2, 2024 19:55:49 GMT -5
Dawnshadow checked the little kit, making sure he was good before turning back to Fallowmeadow. “Alright looks like this is the last one. You’re doing great. Just need to push on more time.” She instructed the queen.
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Post by Willow on Apr 2, 2024 20:04:44 GMT -5
Sagefoot rumbled a purr in agreement, "Even small catches are good catches when it comes to feeding your clan. But, you two are still apprentices, don't be discouraged if you come back empty-pawed. There are many days that even the most skilled hunters come back with nothing. It is just the way of life."
~~
Fallowmeadow panted, nodding to Dawnshadow. "One more push." she murmured mostly to herself. With a few more deep breaths, she began to push once more and the last kit was born.
Swiftstar forced himself to look down at Clovekit, reminding himself that she would be nothing like her mother. Not if he had anything to do with it. "That's right, many of our clanmates watch over us from the stars and guide our paws forward. If you're going to train to be a medicine cat, you will get to meet some of those clanmates when you go to the moonstone."
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 2, 2024 20:32:43 GMT -5
“Have you ever come back to camp with nothing?” Juniperpaw asked her mother with a hint of reverence. She had only ever known her mother as the capable and respected cat she was now, unaware of any part of her from her youth. Her, or her father.
—-
Clovekit’s eyes seemed to glow with wonder at that. “I’ll get to see cats from Starclan?” She gave an excited little shuffle of her paws. “They’ll like me, right? Because I’ve got a whole lot of stuff I want to ask them. Do they have stars in their fur?” She chattered.
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Post by Willow on Apr 2, 2024 20:42:29 GMT -5
"Of course I have! Especially in the leafbare months. I have come back empty-pawed on many occasions. I am a decent hunter, but there are some cats that are much more skilled than me." Sagefoot mewed easily.
Larkpaw scented the air, hoping there would be a rabbit for her to catch nearby. "I came back empty-pawed last time. The rabbit got away." she admitted quietly.
~~
Swiftstar nodded, indulging Clovekit as Fallowmeadow labored more. "Yes they do. Their pelts are glittery with stars and they look almost see-through! You'll be amazed the first time you see the moors of Starclan. I know I was. You'll get to see it much earlier than I have did though, I didn't see it until my leader's ceremony."
Fallowmeadow blinked at the kit by her head, distracting herself from the pain. "Most cats never get to see Starclan until they join their ranks. It's a very special privilege."
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 2, 2024 20:57:41 GMT -5
“There is no shame in missing a catch. The only shame is allowing it to define you.” Stonepath mewed simply, unable to see his daughters but not needing to to smile proudly towards them. “Your aunt has caught way more rabbits than I have. But Grasslight has never beaten me in a spar. It’s a trade-off.” He humored.
—-
Clovekit felt her heart swell at the idea that she could be special enough to see Starclan so early. It made her desire to become a medicine cat even stronger. She found herself more and more huffy that she wasn’t 6 moons old yet. She wanted to be Dawnshadow’s apprentice so badly! She smiled. “I’ll be the best Medicine Cat Windclan’s ever seen!”
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Post by Willow on Apr 2, 2024 21:36:44 GMT -5
Larkpaw perked up as the faint scent of a rabbit drifted her way, she couldn't tell which side of the veering tunnel it was coming from though, "I can smell a rabbit, but I can't decide which tunnel it's coming from."
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 3, 2024 18:22:00 GMT -5
Larkpaw perked up as the faint scent of a rabbit drifted her way, she couldn't tell which side of the veering tunnel it was coming from though, "I can smell a rabbit, but I can't decide which tunnel it's coming from." "Think of the best way you can decipher which way the scent is traveling. What can you use to pin it down?" Stonepath tested, pausing to stop before the veering tunnel, able to feel the faintest of drafts from one, blowing in their direction. He hoped Larkpaw would be able to tell that the draft had to be blowing the scent towards them.
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Post by Foxstar26 on Apr 3, 2024 18:26:59 GMT -5
A small white Tom with golden tabby patches was born. He meowed weakly as Dawnshadow checked him over and began grooming him the wrong way. Once she was satisfied she placed him next to the other kits and let out a relieved sigh. “You’re done.” She purred. “Congratulations! 4 healthy kits.”
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 3, 2024 18:32:25 GMT -5
A small white Tom with golden tabby patches was born. He meowed weakly as Dawnshadow checked him over and began grooming him the wrong way. Once she was satisfied she placed him next to the other kits and let out a relieved sigh. “You’re done.” She purred. “Congratulations! 4 healthy kits.” Clovekit looked at Dawnshadow with bright admiration, impressed with how she was able to deliver all four of the kits so easily. Clovekit wanted to learn as much as she could from the other she-cat. She scooted closer to look at the kits, before she looked at Dawnshadow again and exclaimed. "That was amazing! You're the best Medicine Cat ever!"
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Post by Foxstar26 on Apr 3, 2024 18:42:55 GMT -5
Dawnshadow looked at Clovekit. She flinched inwardly, everytime she looked at her she saw the cat who murdered her mother. She shook her head. No clovekit wasn’t her mother and she was a medicine cat. She needed to stay away from those feelings. “Thank you.” She said a little awkwardly. “I don’t know about best but..”
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 3, 2024 18:49:12 GMT -5
Dawnshadow looked at Clovekit. She flinched inwardly, everytime she looked at her she saw the cat who murdered her mother. She shook her head. No clovekit wasn’t her mother and she was a medicine cat. She needed to stay away from those feelings. “Thank you.” She said a little awkwardly. “I don’t know about best but..” “Well, you’re the best one to me.” Clovekit decided, before she seemed to become a bit shy. She asked. “Uhm… I want to be a medicine cat like you one day. When I turn 6 moons old, can I be your apprentice?” She asked hopefully.
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Post by Willow on Apr 4, 2024 21:42:52 GMT -5
Fallowmeadow's tired purr rumbled through the nursery as she swept her tail around the kits.
Swiftstar stepped closer, looking at each kit with adoration. "Should we name them?"
Fallowmeadow nodded, "Yes, I was thinking Milkkit for this black and white she-cat."
Swiftstar purred, "And how about Specklekit for her almost twin?"
"I love it. Now the little golden tom. He looks like the stalks out near the twolegplace, so what about Wheatkit?" Fallowmeadow asked, looking back to the leader.
"Wheatkit, I like it." Swiftstar nodded, "And last but not least, how about Grousekit for the little white and golden kit."
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Post by Willow on Apr 4, 2024 21:44:46 GMT -5
Larkpaw perked up as the faint scent of a rabbit drifted her way, she couldn't tell which side of the veering tunnel it was coming from though, "I can smell a rabbit, but I can't decide which tunnel it's coming from." "Think of the best way you can decipher which way the scent is traveling. What can you use to pin it down?" Stonepath tested, pausing to stop before the veering tunnel, able to feel the faintest of drafts from one, blowing in their direction. He hoped Larkpaw would be able to tell that the draft had to be blowing the scent towards them. Larkpaw stepped forward to inspect each tunnel closer, she shivered as a quick burst of moor air rushed through the left tunnel, carrying the scent of the rabbit with it She giggled, feeling a bit like she cheated. "It has to be this one! The breeze brought the scent with it. The air in the other tunnel is stagnant."
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Post by thistle on Apr 5, 2024 9:10:21 GMT -5
Wheatkit kicked out one leg as he nursed, then tucked it back underneath him, oblivious that he now has a name.
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Post by Icefire15 on Apr 5, 2024 17:56:07 GMT -5
Specklekit squealed when she felt Wheatkit’s paw kick her side and wriggled away from her brother, finding a different spot at her mother’s belly to nurse at.
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 5, 2024 19:13:38 GMT -5
"Think of the best way you can decipher which way the scent is traveling. What can you use to pin it down?" Stonepath tested, pausing to stop before the veering tunnel, able to feel the faintest of drafts from one, blowing in their direction. He hoped Larkpaw would be able to tell that the draft had to be blowing the scent towards them. Larkpaw stepped forward to inspect each tunnel closer, she shivered as a quick burst of moor air rushed through the left tunnel, carrying the scent of the rabbit with it She giggled, feeling a bit like she cheated. "It has to be this one! The breeze brought the scent with it. The air in the other tunnel is stagnant." "I was just about to say that!" Juniperpaw stammered sheepishly, a bit embarrassed that Larkpaw caught onto the draft before she did. Luckily, Stonepath only seemed approving as he nodded. "Good. Always remember, tunnels carry drafts, and those drafts determine the direction of scents, just like if you had been up on the moors. In the tunnels, we can scent farther and with more accuracy, since we don't need to use our eyes." He nodded once. "Go ahead and lead us closer, Larkpaw."
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Post by Willow on Apr 5, 2024 20:26:27 GMT -5
Larkpaw nudged Juniperpaw's shoulder lightly, "Sorry, if we find the rabbit we'll catch it together okay?" She asked, not wanting her sister to be upset. Larkpaw followed her father's words though and took the tunnel that had the draft, carefully navigating with her whiskers just like she had been taught.
Sagefoot smiled through the darkness, glad that their kits got along so well. "You'll both have plenty of chances to show off your skills. No need to compete."
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 5, 2024 20:59:38 GMT -5
“Oh, uh… alright.” Juniperpaw nodded, her voice a bit shy but also grateful for her sister’s offer. She followed after Larkpaw, making sure to keep her pawsteps light.
Stonepath hid a rumbled laugh, tail flicking gently against Sagefoot’s side.
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Post by Willow on Apr 5, 2024 21:25:17 GMT -5
Fallowmeadow gently nosed Specklekit and Wheatkit apart, making them comfortable against her belly.
Wolfstep tentatively stepped into the nursery, purring as he looked as his younger siblings. "Hello little ones." he mewed warmly.
Milkkit squeaked, rustling further into Fallowmeadow's fur.
~~
Larkpaw's fur puffed with excitement as the scent of rabbit got stronger. "It's gotta be around her somewhere." she whispered.
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 6, 2024 17:47:40 GMT -5
Fallowmeadow gently nosed Specklekit and Wheatkit apart, making them comfortable against her belly. Wolfstep tentatively stepped into the nursery, purring as he looked as his younger siblings. "Hello little ones." he mewed warmly. Milkkit squeaked, rustling further into Fallowmeadow's fur. ~~ Larkpaw's fur puffed with excitement as the scent of rabbit got stronger. "It's gotta be around her somewhere." she whispered. Siltpath remained still as he sat near the newly restored camp wall. The gorse strands kept the harshest winds out, though his eyes trained on the nursery. There, Fallowmeadow had just had her kits, and he knew his mother was likely going to help care for them. After all, Mottledsong was content remaining in the nursery for her life here in Windclan, and Siltpath had always admired her for it. As young as he was, Starclan, did he envy Swiftstar, and Thorndash, and the other fathers who played with their kits. He wanted that so badly... Tinyflower, on the other paw, seemed to despise going near kits, her unpleasent attitude becoming worse and worse. It upset Siltpath, how distant Tinyflower was with him and their mother now. She looked at him like he was an annoyance, and not her brother, who she once looked at playfully when their world changed and Windclan became their new home. He sighed softly, content to watch the nursery from afar. --- "Shh." Juniperpaw suddenly shushed, her ears swiveling as she whispered almost silently. "I can hear it, down the tunnel, to the right. Scratching. I think it's digging." She reported, hoping that her training with Birchstep in locating exact sounds was impressive to her parents.
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Post by Willow on Apr 6, 2024 19:08:20 GMT -5
Jasmineheart smiled softly as she approached Siltpath with a nod, "I heard that Fallowmeadow was kitting. I was out on patrol. Do you know how many kits she had?"
Larkpaw stood up straighter, her ears straining to hear the faint sounds of digging from further down the tunnel. "This tunnel is one of the ones that loops around. I can make my way behind it and chase it to you?"
Sagefoot listened to their planning with pride, eyes shining for her kits.
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 6, 2024 19:37:20 GMT -5
“Judging by the gaps in her contractions, I’d say four.” Siltpath murmured lightly, though he startled when he realized that Jasmineheart had been the one to approach. He flustered a bit. “Er, I promise I’m not weird or anything… my mother’s pretty much an expert on all things kits, so. She taught me alot.” He admitted, before he looked at Jasmineheart with warm eyes. “I saw Violetpaw bring that rabbit in. You must be teaching her so well.”
“Good idea. Birchstep loves these kinds of tunnels.” Juniperpaw understood what her sister was offering very quickly. She turned to scout out the loop of the tunnel, preparing for when Larkpaw began the chase in the opposite direction.
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Post by Willow on Apr 6, 2024 19:54:18 GMT -5
Jasmineheart laughed, "I asked you for a reason Siltpath, I knew you spent a lot of time near the nursery. I did too when Rainfeather was there." she replied, her voice becoming a bit somber at the mention of her mother. "I miss being close with the kits, but I haven't gained enough courage to go back and see where her nest used to be."
Larkpaw grinned, scampering through the back tunnel on light paws in order not to spook the rabbit until it was time. Once the sounds of digging got louder she slowed, crouching down and preparing to begin the chase. She let out a yowl, leaping out at the rabbit and chasing it in the direction of Juniperpaw and their parents. "You can't damage our tunnels silly rabbit!"
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 6, 2024 20:59:18 GMT -5
“My mother keeps it tidy. Just the way it was before both Rainfeather and Swallowfeather…” Siltpath trailed off, releasing a soft breath as he looked at Jasmineheart. “Just know that there’s still a part of her there. I wish I knew how to make that kind of loss hurt less. For you, for Spottedclaw…” He looked down at his paws, fur warm whenever Jasmineheart was around. “I could visit the kits with you, if you like.”
Juniperpaw readied herself in her best crouch, before she heard her sister’s mew grow closer. With a sudden lunge of her front paws, she swatted and clung to the rabbit, feeling its soft fur in her claws. She scrambled to bite down on the prey quickly, though she yelped as the rabbit managed to bite her leg before she could finally kill it.
Stonepath quickly stiffened at Juniperpaw’s yelp.
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Post by Willow on Apr 6, 2024 21:24:45 GMT -5
"I think I would like that, we should give Fallowmeadow a couple of days to relax and settle in with them though, I don't want to crowd the nursery." Jasmineheart replied, settling beside him. "It would be better to have you by my side that first time, you're a good friend Siltpath."
Larkpaw hissed at the rabbit as she heard Juniperpaw's yelp, leaping onto it's back and cracking its spine. Once the rabbit was limp, she hurried to her sister's side, unable to see if Juniperpaw was hurt in the dark. "Are you alright?"
Sagefoot was at their sides in a flash as well, "What happened?"
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 6, 2024 21:44:30 GMT -5
Siltpath found himself feeling conflicted at that. Even being her friend was such a privilege. Her kindness was infectious, her gentleness inspiring. And yet, was it foolish to want to be more than just a friend? He wished he was braver! He gave a crooked little grin, chuckling. “Ah… you’re a great friend too, Jasmineheart. The greatest, even…”
“I’m fine.” Juniperpaw puffed, her mood soured by the sudden bite. It wasn’t deep at all, but it did draw a bit of blood. She heard her mother and father’s breathing and pawsteps increasing, and she quickly assured. “It just bit my leg a tiny bit, but I was just surprised, mostly. Uhm… I’m okay.” She tried to assure.
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Post by Willow on Apr 6, 2024 22:15:51 GMT -5
Jasmineheart beamed, "Well I'm glad you think so, lots of our clanmates think I'm too quiet. Anyway... Violetpaw was asking if we could go training sometime with you and Larkpaw. Would that be okay? Larkpaw is always speaking highly of your training."
Sagefoot frowned, getting her bearings on where they were. "Get a hold of the rabbit and go straight through the tunnel, there should be an outlet onto the moor up ahead. We'll check out your leg then, you can walk alright Juniperpaw?" she asked gently.
Larkpaw shuffled paw to paw, feeling guilty that Juniperpaw had been hurt.
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Post by Moonblazer on Apr 7, 2024 18:00:16 GMT -5
Jasmineheart beamed, "Well I'm glad you think so, lots of our clanmates think I'm too quiet. Anyway... Violetpaw was asking if we could go training sometime with you and Larkpaw. Would that be okay? Larkpaw is always speaking highly of your training." Sagefoot frowned, getting her bearings on where they were. "Get a hold of the rabbit and go straight through the tunnel, there should be an outlet onto the moor up ahead. We'll check out your leg then, you can walk alright Juniperpaw?" she asked gently. Larkpaw shuffled paw to paw, feeling guilty that Juniperpaw had been hurt. “How could I ever say no to that?” Siltpath gave a grin, eyes brightening at the thought of them training their apprentices together. “Larkpaw’s out with her parents right now, but we can totally do some training together. Tomorrow, if you like.” He offered hopefully. Juniperpaw hid her sting of pain with a small noise of understanding at her mother’s words, moving to pick up the rabbit. Stonepath listened carefully, his concern strong as Juniperpaw was clearly hiding just how much that bite had hurt.
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