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Post by Owl on Jan 4, 2020 22:14:51 GMT -5
Unease prickled at the pads of Myrtleleaf's paws like thorns as she padded back into camp after completing a border patrol. A winded warrior had caught up with her patrol and stopped her, telling her that Mintheart had wanted to see her. She had asked the messenger to join the patrol in her place and immediately set her sights back to camp, familiar paths letting her travel quickly through the forest. It was sad to see her home so burnt and empty looking, but she knew that the plants would grow back greener and lusher than ever before. Her parents and old mentor had never seen a forest fire like that one, save for one in their youths before Myrtleleaf was even born. But even that had not been so severe or far-reaching. Still, her clan plowed on. They were finding enough prey in other parts of the forest, and just having to cross a few of their old borders and take up fishing to fill the empty places. The calico blinked as she ducked her head into the lower of the two medicine dens, where the cats who required treatment slept. The nests were empty, and she withdrew herself when she saw that her medicine cat was not in there. She leapt up onto the ledges chiseled into the stone of the warriors den to get to where the herb storage and sleeping den was, chuckling softly as she saw that she could still make it up in a single bound. My bones aren't mousemeat yet. It always brought her a surge of triumph, like she had conquered aging yet again. "Mintheart?" Myrtleleaf meowed as she entered the higher den, easily picking out the ghostlike shape of the white-furred cat amidst the darkness of her surroundings. She ventured in further and settled beside her friend between the stacks of leaves and herby smell. "Mintheart, you asked to see me?" Her heart still throbbed whenever she said that name, it reminded her of her brother. He had never gotten a name. Her heart sunk even further. They never got names either. She fought back a tide of grief that bit at the backs of her eyes. I have work to do. Fighting against her dry mouth and wet eyes, she cleared her throat and swallowed again. She doesn't need me to break down again. She's heard it all before. It's me who needs to change... yet every time I smell her and I smell these herbs, it just brings me back. Tags: Fen Notes: sorry for the wait! was fixing her template <3 |
once i had a child, she was smiling like sunshine she could see it all, like she'd been here before
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Fen
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Post by Fen on Jan 5, 2020 2:29:40 GMT -5
Mintheart sighed as she sorted through the few herbs they had left, it surprisingly hadn't taken long to go through a lot of them, so she had to constantly look for more. However, since the fire began, it was getting harder and harder to find more herbs. Especially the ones they used a lot. It was getting to the point where she was even beginning to feel slightly panicked about it, she had never seen such a thing before. It wasn't long until she heard pawsteps entering her den, and luckily she knew exactly who it was. It was exactly who she had wanted to see. "Mintheart, you asked to see me?"Mintheart smiled, and nodded. "I know you were probably very busy, but there is something that's been bothering me, and I feel I need to show you in real time exactly what I mean." Mintheart switched her gaze back to her herbs, frowning. She didn't want to be so blunt about it, but there was no other way to do it. She was panicked. She genuinely feared for her clan. "Myrtleleaf, these are all of the herbs we have left. I've also had quite a few patients today, most were apprentices, and I will probably have even more. There aren't many more places that I can look for herbs at, unless I go further out than where I have been going, preferably with a warrior, who could get injured in the process and throw everything off even further. Even if that worked, I can't see us having enough when leafbare comes. And we all know how hard herbs are to come by in leafbare." Mintheart sighed. Her head hurt, she felt like she could do so much more, even though she had tried everything to find more herbs. The medicine cat looked back at her leader, now settling down beside her again. "And half of the apprentices faking sick to get out of training isn't helping, either. It wastes time and even resources if I don't catch them and end up giving them an herb they don't really need, and I can't exactly tell them that without everyone worrying." Mintheart gave her leader a gentle lick on her back, and sighed again. "Sorry for rambling, you're just the only cat that I think would listen to me talk, and at least understand where my worries are coming from." Mintheart hid her face in her paws, and let out a groan. "What do I do?"
Owl,
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Owl
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Post by Owl on Jan 9, 2020 22:34:29 GMT -5
Myrtleleaf could feel the worry radiating from Mintheart in waves. The white molly smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. She knew her friend well enough to be able to read her mood before she even spoke. The air in the den was different. Beneath the overwhelming herb smell there was something more sinister. I hope someone isn't sick. I can't lose anyone. What if she's sick? The clan's gone though so much this just moon already. Worry made her frowning face deepen. "I'll always have time for you, Mintheart. You're my medicine cat. Don't be afraid to tell me what's on your mind. It'll always be important to me." The molly leaned over and briefly touched her nose to the other cat's cheek, a sign of support. She pulled back and met the molly's blue eyes. Their expressions mirrored one another, sober until Myrtleleaf offered a smile. She was too concerned for it to do much but soften the lines of her mouth. "Or show me. What's going on?" The tortoiseshell van watched as the medicine cat's paws gestured towards the array of herbs before them. At first, it looked like quite a lot. But one who had the eye of a medicine cat, which being friends with the healer led you to have, you would notice that this was not ideal. Some of the herbs were rotting, wilting, or just too old and dry to be very potent any longer. The ones that the leader recognized were few and far between, and not because she didn't recognize a number of herbs. It was because they were missing, or in piles small enough that her eyes skipped over them. She listened solemnly and nodded along with Mintheart. She was relieved that no one was dying, but the fact that the clan's herb stock was so was perhaps even more worrying. Cats can still die. No one in clan should die because of this. I can't let this happen. She waited until the medicine cat sat back down beside her with a sigh before speaking. "I'll send a patrol out to-" Mintheart cut her off, though not intentionally she knew. The other cat often got lost in her thoughts and took moments of pause before continuing. She also rambled, especially when she was tired or worried. Myrtleleaf would guess that both causes were in effect right now. I should have known better to wait before responding. I just wanted to reassure her before she gets herself in a tizzy. Sure enough, the white cat had hidden behind her paws like an upset kitten. "Oh, dear." She murmured, nudging the other cat's ear. "Come, get up, we'll work something out. We always do." Her tone was firm but encouraging, and she accompanied it with another nudge, this time to the molly's side. She waited until Mintheart rose again and had calmed herself slightly. "This is a totally understandable thing to be worried about. If you weren't worried, I'd be worried for you. I'll send out a patrol of warriors to explore the territory outside of the burnt range. Could I send them to you so you can teach them what our most needed herbs look and smell like? I need you to stay here. And I'll have a talk to the apprentices. Back when we were young, our mentors would skin us 'til we looked like baby mice if we faked something to get out of a lesson. They should be taking their training more seriously." She sighed, bending to flatten some of the fur on her chest. The cat was always worried about looking grubby, which was easy with a white coat. She didn't know how Mintheart always managed to keep her coat as pristine as leafbare's first snow. "Don't be afraid to send some of those apprentices away, or just not give them herbs until you're sure their symptoms are real. A bit of rest and time always does a bellyache some good. Maybe threaten them with borage leaves." Myrtleleaf let out a chuckle. "I know you care about everyone deeply, and you should never change, but do have maybe just a bit of doubt when a young cat comes in complaining about a cough when it's greenleaf, Minty."Tags: Fen Notes: yEET |
once i had a child, she was smiling like sunshine she could see it all, like she'd been here before
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Fen
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Post by Fen on Feb 12, 2020 12:55:23 GMT -5
"I know you care about everyone deeply, and you should never change, but do have maybe just a bit of doubt when a young cat comes in complaining about a cough when it's greenleaf, Minty." Mintheart had already felt ten times better, with the presence of Myrtleleaf. To her, she acted very confident, as if she already had everything figured out. She wished she could be like that. "Of course! I just feel bad turning them away, they make me feel bad if I do that. They remind me too much of helpless kits, even though they are on their way to being full grown warriors." She usually made an effort to not even mention kits around Myrtleleaf, and when she realized she had slipped up, she let out a tiny squeak, looking away at her herbs as if she was lost in thought. "I think we should do whatever you think is best, if you need to send warriors to me so i can show them what to look for, that would be perfect! I'll also need to point out some things that we don't need, but they most likely know what not to mess with at that age, hopefully." Mintheart gave her friend a gentle tap on her shoulder with her tail, and gave her a subtle, but concerned frown. "I'm just worried about everything. If it's not one thing, it's another. I wish I could be more like you, you keep everyone confident. I'm not very good at that, even still." She was rambling again, she didn't know why she got like this at times. She chuckled, trying to brush off her own thoughts. "Just... if you start feeling unwell make sure to say something. Even if it's just a small sneeze. I don't want to hear it, we can't have you getting sick. I worry about you sometimes." The she-cat gave an awkward smile, and tilted her head to the side. "Now, since I told you everything that's been bothering me, is there anything you would like for me to know? Or is there anything bothering you? Your job isn't easy either, you look like you could use a nap just as much as I could."
Tag: Owl, Notes: SO SORRY THIS IS SO SHORT AND YET IT TOOK ME SO LONG I hope her rambling, nervous self makes up for it c:
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Owl
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Post by Owl on Feb 12, 2020 20:57:16 GMT -5
Myrtleleaf smiled sadly and nodded her head. She knew the feeling too well, she always saw apprentices as kittens until they suddenly were a full turn of the seasons old and ready to become warriors. Sometimes she felt that the young warriors were still apprentices, despite earning their names moons ago. I will always see everyone younger than me as someone to be protected at all costs. And I'm only getting older, everyone else seems to be getting younger. This'll only get worse as I age. I'll be seeing fullgrown warriors as new apprentices next, huh? "I know it makes you feel bad... I understand that. I'll talk to them, and see if I can knock some sense into their mentors as well. Cats should be able to tell when their apprentice is faking something, most aren't exactly good actors..." The leader trailed off thoughtfully, thinking about her own apprentices. She knew them all very well, as they trained with each other every day. She couldn't imagine not liking your apprentice, or an apprentice not liking their mentor. She always did her best to pair up kittens with the best warrior who would fit their personality, but everyone made mistakes sometimes. She had never hesitated to take on cases herself, either. If a kitten was having a tough time, or was a troublemaker, she'd take them on. She could always trust herself to do her best and always be gentle and supportive, or give them space if they needed it. And I never regret it. We always turn out to be great friends. "You could also teach me. Hanging in here has rubbed off on me, but I'd need my memory refreshed to recognize them all." It was true, she did pick up on a few more herbs than the average warrior. She had always been curious about the art of healing, but had really been too busy to sit down and learn. Or she never had a reason to learn other than just finding it interesting. And there was always something else more "important" to do. It was always good to have as many cats in the clan know about herbs as they could. Anyone was allowed to stop by and ask Mintheart for a lesson if they found the time. It's time that everyone doesn't have enough of, or else we would practically all be medicine cats. The van lay a comforting paw on top of her friend's as the white cat confessed how worried she was. "It's okay to be worried, I already said so. It's practically our jobs, to be worriers. The thing that makes a difference is that you must also be a do-er. If you're worried, then do something about it. There is a solution to every problem if you think long and hard enough. That's what makes me confident. Because I know that no matter what challenges the clan faces, I and everyone inside it will give our alls to make things right again." She meowed encouragingly, smiling back at Mintheart. It's not just that. "It's also the cats in my life. Like Burnetroot, and Blueblossom, and Icemask, and you. The whole clan. Everyone encourages me to do my best, and knowing that they believe in me helps me stay strong. Let their belief in you fuel you to act. Think of how proud they would be, and how proud you would be of yourself. If it helps, I certainly believe in you, Mintheart. And I bet my tail that everyone else in the clan does too." Myrtleleaf stopped and smiled wider at that. She really did thunk so. I really do. I have never seen anyone quite as passionate and dedicated Mintheart, and she shows it because she worries so much. All the cats in the clan see that, and respect her for it. "I'm honored to be the subject of some of your worries." The molly said with a laugh, showing she was a tease. "Really, I would tell you if I were to become sick." She could anticipate the other cat giving her a doubtful look at that. I do have a... track record of getting sick and not telling Mintheart until I'm hacking up a lung or a river is running out of my nose. Someone has to nag me to come and get treated, but I'm trying to get better. The calico let out a heavy sigh as the white cat asked her what was on her mind. There was plenty on her mind., but she was hesitant to start. I don't want her to worry any more than she already is. She's already worried sick, look at her. "I'm just tired, that's all. It's been a long few days since the fire. I've been hunting as often as I can and I have to manage patrols so everyone has something to eat. It's greenleaf, I'd hate to see anyone go hungry. I just need a good night's sleep and then I'll be fresh as a daisy. Though I wouldn't say no to a nap right about now." She finished, raising a paw hide her face as she stifled a yawn. I really should get back out there, someone's bound to need me... I suppose they'd know where to find me if they did need me.Tags: Fen Notes: no worries <33 I love these dorks sm id wait for them forever pff |
once i had a child, she was smiling like sunshine she could see it all, like she'd been here before
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Fen
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Post by Fen on Feb 14, 2020 10:40:11 GMT -5
"It's also the cats in my life. Like Burnetroot, and Blueblossom, and Icemask, and you. The whole clan. Everyone encourages me to do my best, and knowing that they believe in me helps me stay strong. Let their belief in you fuel you to act. Think of how proud they would be, and how proud you would be of yourself. If it helps, I certainly believe in you, Mintheart. And I bet my tail that everyone else in the clan does too." Minthearts face had turned a bright red at that. It makes sense that cats would believe in me, it just feels weird. It makes me feel happy. I just hope I can live up to their expectations. "Th- thank you, Myrtleleaf. For believing in me, I mean. Really that's all I need." Mintheart gave her friend a gentle lick on her shoulder, showing her appreciation. I can't believe that she believes in me, after everything. She really is good. She only has the best intentions in mind, I wish everyone could be like that. Everything would be so much easier. "Really, I would tell you if I were to become sick." Mintheart gave her a confused look. Of course, she had doubted that. She had noticed a few times that she had become sick enough that Mintheart could have stopped it before it got to that point, if only she had came and spoken to her when she started feeling symptoms. "You know I don't bite, you don't have to lie to me. It's not like you're in trouble, I just want you to be more careful. Imagine if I got sick and didn't treat myself and no one knew. It wouldn't turn out too good, would it?" She meowed, gently scolding the leader, though there was a bit of amusement in her tone as well. "I'm just tired, that's all. It's been a long few days since the fire. I've been hunting as often as I can and I have to manage patrols so everyone has something to eat. It's greenleaf, I'd hate to see anyone go hungry. I just need a good night's sleep and then I'll be fresh as a daisy. Though I wouldn't say no to a nap right about now." Mintheart could feel that her own eyes were heavy. She couldn't imagine how tired Myrtleleaf was. She did know one thing, though. It wasn't healthy to go without sleeping, especially with how hard the she-cat had worked. She also knew how constant she worked herself, just to be the best leader she could be. "Well, as your medicine cat, Myrtleleaf, I'm telling you, you need some rest. You can even sleep in here so no one bothers you, if it's not anything too important. I've got a fresh nest over here with both of our names on it, and if anyone needs us, they know where to find us. There's nothing wrong with taking a nap to regain some strength." The she-cat chuckled, flopping down on her nest, beckoning over Myrtleleaf. Owl,
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Post by Owl on Feb 18, 2020 16:08:45 GMT -5
Myrtleleaf sighed breathily. She knew the other molly was right. It's different... if Mintheart died, all the knowledge she held would be lost. If I died... the clan would be able to move on. But we're not talking about death, just getting sick. While I'm leader, I need to be healthy so I can serve my clan to the best of my ability. I cannot waste my time being sick. Plus, being ill sucks. I must keep myself healthy not because I deserve better treatment than my clan, but because they need me to be able to lead them. "You're right. I don't know why I argue with you. I promise I will come and tell you if I start feeling under the weather." She meowed, flattening some of the fluffed out fur on Mintheart's back. The other molly fluffed out like a baby bird when she felt any emotion, which was honestly most of the time. She feels everything so strongly, I strive to be this passionate about life. I often worry that I do not feel enough these days. She had to hide genuine surprise when her white pelted friend stood and walked over to her nest, beckoning Myrtleleaf with a twitch of her tail and a flick of her whiskers. I mean, if it's doctor's orders it's not like I can refuse. "You know I'll never say no to an invitation." The molly meowed, letting herself purr. The torbie rose and padded over to join her friend, settling down beside her in the moss with a sigh. She always found it hard to sleep alone; whenever she took naps in the middle of the day or had to fall asleep without Burnetroot at her side she was restless. It always took her longer to fall asleep, if she was able to sleep at all. She had always had someone at her side, from kithood through now. She remembered how much trouble she had had as a new apprentice until Bluepaw and Burnetpaw offered to put their nests all together into one big one. Then she had slept as sound as a kitten after that. "Promise me you'll let them wake me up if anything happens." She said before she put her head down, cuddling a little closer into her companion's side. She was a heavy sleeper, and wouldn't wake up unless someone shook her awake. I partially wish I didn't sleep like a log, but it's not something I can change. It's probably due to my poorer than average hearing. And thank the Goddess I've learned to live with that. More like my companions have learned to live with me. She waited for the other cat to promise her before speaking again. "Sweet dreams, Mintheart." Myrtleleaf gave the white cat a lick on the top of her head and then set her own head down on her paws. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she let the rhythms of their breathing lull her to sleep. Part of me thinks I should be doing more about the problem at paw... but I cannot do anything if I am exhausted. The herbs can wait just a little bit longer. Long enough for us to catch a few winks of sleep.Tags: Fen Notes: aaaand thats a wrap! i'll start their next thread in a bit <3 |
once i had a child, she was smiling like sunshine she could see it all, like she'd been here before
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