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Post by Shortee on Nov 12, 2017 19:20:05 GMT -5
(No worries, glad you still got on)
Robinflight entered the nursery and rushed to her kits, surprised at how much she missed them. She licked their little heads, thanking Juniperheart in between her rapid strokes for keeping them warm. Robinflight sighed and plopped down, curling around her kits protectively. It had only been a few days since the kitting, and walking around had worn her out. Completely. Robinflight closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep, her kits suckling at her belly.
When she woke up, it was late. Probably midnight. Robinflight looked around the nursery, noticing Juniperheart and Flowerpetal were breathing evenly, along with their own kits. Maplekit laid literally on top of Nightkit, but they both looked happy in their sleep, so Robinflight didn't move them apart. Robinflight got up as quietly as she could and exited the den. When she got out, she stretched and looked up at the stars. The stars were shining bright, and a heavy wave of relief suddenly washed over her. It felt good to know that her ancestors were watching over her. She glanced at the Medicine Cat den, knowing that Crowfang could probably use Starclan's help much more. Shaking her head, she went back into the den and curled around her kits once more, bringing more warmth to their nest. Thinking about a random assortment of things, including the weather and the way mice walk, also that she couldn't speak to Crowfang for three moons, she fell asleep and woke up again in the morning.
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Solar
Friendship Rank 2
Posts: 103
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Post by Solar on Nov 12, 2017 19:54:54 GMT -5
The next moon passed quickly. The apprentices den was overflowing, the warriors took turns sleeping in temporary shelters against the cliff wall or against the bramble wall, and Finchleap and Seedshine were happy to finally become warriors. Fallenleaf had become a warrior a few dawns after her punishment began, but he was happy even though Leafpaw had to wait. She had twisted her leg falling from a tree and had to stay off it for awhile. Crowfang peeked out of the den for a moment and her gaze fell on Halfpaw. The soft spoken kit had become her apprentice the dawn before and was still asleep in her nest just outside the medicine den. Her brother Hollowkit was asleep with her. Crowfang felt a pang of sadness when she saw the little tom. He was blind in one eye now, thanks to his bright idea of climbing a tree a quarter moon before. He had landed in a bramble thicket the warriors were turning into another den and damaged his eye. Crowfang didn't think he'd ever see out of that eye again. Robinflight was across the clearing, playing with her kits in the morning sunshine. Juniperheart was with her, though her kits were going to be apprentices soon. Crowfang wondered how all the warriors could handle all the apprentices and shrugged. She was more concerned with her own kits at the moment. She had grown huge in the past moon, unable to leave the den now due to her size. Halfpaw knew she was expecting; she had asked Crowfang a few days before if she was ever going to go to the nursery and Crowfang had to tell her about the kits and why she couldn't ;eave the den. Halfpaw hadn't been bothered by anything Crowfang told her, and then suddenly asked about becoming her apprentice. Crowfang agreed, and silently told herself that as soon as Halfpaw was trained, she would become a warrior again. Secretly though, she was glad she was allowed to have an apprentice and allowed to talk to the young she-cat now. It meant she could send Halfpaw out if she needed anything, including help. Crowfang looked up as Dawnwhisker stumbled out of the warriors den. Her fur was grimy, she looked thin, and her tail dragged on the ground wherever she went. But she refused to visit the medicine den, and Crowfang knew if she didn't get help soon somehow, she wasn't going to the elders den, but to Starclan. Turning back into the den, she gasped suddenly as a pain raced through her body. She let out a low moan. Halfpaw was suddenly beside her. "What's wrong? Is it the kits? Their early aren't they?" The young apprentice looked scared. Crowfang started pacing as much as she dared. "Get.....someone.....one of....the.....queens! Now!" The apprentice ran out, slipping on some moss, and headed straight for Robinflight and Juniperheart. Crowfang panted and looked around wildly for something to help. She saw a drying piece of horsetail and clamped her jaws around it.
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Post by Shortee on Nov 12, 2017 21:14:19 GMT -5
Robinflight was pawing at Maplekit as Halfpaw barreled towards her and Juniperheart. Robinflight looked up and asked "What's wrong?" Halfpaw answered immediately, panic in her eyes "Crowfang is kitting early!" Robinflight took action right away. "Maplekit, Nightkit, go back to the nest and play there. Juniperheart, go and get a stick for Crowfang to bite on. Halfpaw, wet some moss and bring it back." Robinflight went into the medicine den and guided Crowfang to her nest and helped her lay down. At that same moment, Juniperheart brought in a stick. "Juniperheart, when Halfpaw comes, leave. I want her to experience the kitting, and it will be crowded in here with three other cats." Juniperheart and Robinflight had become good friends during their time as queens, and Juniperheart simply nodded her head and nosed the stick near Crowfang's mouth. Robinflight began to rub her paws rhythmically along Crowfang's belly, feeling for the kits. After a few moments, Halfpaw brought in wet moss. Without looking at the apprentice, Robinflight said "Give her a drink, then put the stick in her mouth." After Halfpaw had done that, Robinflight showed her how to move her paws on Crowfang's belly. They worked together that way, telling Crowfang when to bite the stick and rubbing to help bring the kits out. It took a long time, but Crowfang had four(?) kits. Robinflight helped to lick their fur and nosed them towards their mother's belly. "Halfpaw, grab... borage?" Crowfang laughed at her friend and nodded. Robinflight looked Halfpaw in the eye and said "You did very well. Thank you for helping me." Robinflight exited the den, running right into Juniperheart. Before she could apologize, Juniperheart said "I could hear you out side the den. I know you won't believe it, but you acted like a true leader. Well done." Robniflight thanked her for the kind words, and went to Maplekit and Nightkit. They still stayed in their nest, even after being told hours ago. Robinflight looked at her kits proudly and told them about the kitting. They were fascinated. After what seemed like a good amount of time, Robinflight made sure her kits went to sleep, then went to Crowfang again. Entering the den, Robinflight whispered "Did you name them?"
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Solar
Friendship Rank 2
Posts: 103
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Post by Solar on Nov 13, 2017 9:10:50 GMT -5
Crowfang looked exhausted. "Yes." Four drying little bundles were suckling happily. She pointed to each one with her tail. "This is Frostkit." The little pale gray she-cat had a white dot above her nose. "Ripplekit." A dark gray tom, larger than his littermates, with darker stripes that looked like ripples across the lake. "Leafkit." A tiny dark brown she-kit with darker paws. "And this is Fernkit." A silver tabby she-kit with black tipped ears. She purred. "Thank you for coming so quickly. By sunhigh, the clan will know about these kits and I will take their punishment, but if you could, please keep anyone but Sweetstar from entering. I know she'll want to talk to me." Halfpaw sat at the entrance to the den and flattened her ears. "Sweetstar's already here." The Thunderclan leader stalked inside. "Crowfang, I won't ask who the father is. But you have broken the medicine cat code by having kits. I think that once Halfpaw has been trained, you will return to being a warrior. Whatever Starclan says, I think that would be best." She paused and looked at the kits. "They are beautiful, and I will send an apprentice out for more moss for your nest. Robinflight, you may help Crowfang while she is nursing. Halfpaw won't be able to do this all alone, at least not for now. Crowfang, teach Halfpaw as best you can, but remember: as soon as she receives her medicine cat name, you are a warrior from then on." With a nod to the other two she-cats, she left the den.
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Post by Shortee on Nov 13, 2017 10:09:45 GMT -5
Robinflight waited for Sweetstar to leave. She looked at her friend and said jokingly "Well at least we can hunt together again soon. I'll be back to check on you daily, and Halfpaw let me know if she needs something. I'll leave you alone with your kits." Robinflight ushered Halfpaw out of the den, telling her to give her some space for a bit. Suddenly Maplekit and Nightkit bolted out of the nursery and climbed on top of their mother. "Give us abadger ride!" Robinflight mumbled under her breath "Fangstrike should be doing this." But she waited for her kits to cling to her fur and started lumbering around camp. Squealing, Maplekit and Nightkit were so happy. For a moment, Robinflight forgot all of her troubles, and spent the rest of the day with her kits until Crowfang asked for her.
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Solar
Friendship Rank 2
Posts: 103
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Post by Solar on Nov 13, 2017 11:02:53 GMT -5
Crowfang was asleep for a good amount of the day. She woke up when Dawnwhisker stumbled in, ushered by Halfpaw. Crowfang yawned and looked up. "Is everything ok?" Halfpaw looked up. "Dawnwhisker collapsed before going out on patrol. I thought she should come in here and have you look at her." Crowfang nodded. "Very good instincts Halfpaw." Leaving her kits for just a moment, she padded over to the deputy. Sniffing her over, Crowfang flattened her ears. "Halfpaw, fetch Robinflight. I need her to get feverfew, coltsfoot, and tansy. After you send her out, and she knows what they look like, come back here so you can help me." She went to her store for a moment and grabbed a small berry which was shriveled. "If she could find juniper berries, I would be amazed but this is the last one we have. It's used for soothing throats." She rolled it to Dawnwhisker, who chewed it slowly. Speaking to the she-cat, Crowfang looked unusually worried. "I don't care what you think, if you feel sick you need to come to me." Sniffing the she-cat over, she paused near the tail. "You have an infected wound.....it smells almost a quarter moon old!" Diving into her stores, she grabbed out a small pawful of berries and leaves. Muttering, she lashed her tail. "Almost out of everything....I hope herbs start growing soon.
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Post by Shortee on Nov 13, 2017 15:28:48 GMT -5
Robinflight was letting the kits suckle when Halfpaw tentatively poked her head into the warm nursery. Looking away from her kits, Robinflight greeted her warmly, "Hi, is something wrong?" It was funny that now that Halfpaw was a medicine cat apprentice, Robinflight only expected something bad when she came around. "Dawnwhisker is sick. Crowfang wants you to gather herbs, and I'll show you them." Robinflight glanced at Juniperheart, and she nodded in reply, already knowing that Robinflight was asking her to watch the kits. Licking Nightkit's head, she said "I'll be right back kits. Don't burn down the nursery while I'm away!" Halfpaw lead the way outside the medicine cat den, where she had three herbs waiting for her. Halfpaw explained their scent, what they did and what to look for when searching in great detail. Robinflight finally left the camp and started searching. She was soon able to find a little bit of each herb. Robinflight was at the lake before she knew it and, setting the herbs down, started drinking from the lake. As soon as she was bending down to pick up the herbs, barking errupted from the trees, along with the yelling of a twoleg. A large dog was running towards her, slobber dripping from its mouth. Robinflight thought about the situation quickly: she could run with herbs and lead it to camp, zigzagging to make it tired. She could climb a tree with the herbs and hope for the best, or she could fight. In a second, Robinflight raced towards the dog, leaving the herbs near the lake. Robinflight hoped racing towards it would confuse it. Her plan worked because the dog stopped in its tracks. Robinflight leaped up high, a few fox lengths off the ground, and tackled the dog. She scratched its eyes and back, remembering her kits and fighting for them. The dog turned its head and bit her leg, trying the drag her off. Robinflight screeched and digged her claws into its eyes, clearly blinding it. It threw her off and ran back to its twoleg, stumbling over its own paws. Limping, Robinflight picked up the herbs and trudged back to camp. Even though her leg felt like it was on fire, she was otherwise fine. She attacked the dog so it wouldn't come back. Finally, she made it back to camp.
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Solar
Friendship Rank 2
Posts: 103
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Post by Solar on Nov 13, 2017 20:46:40 GMT -5
Crowfang gasped when Robinflight showed up. "Lay in that nest, I need to see your leg." Her friends fur was ruffled and her leg almost looked like it was swelling slightly, but she took the leaves and turned to Dawnwhisker. Carefully, she explained each herb to Halfpaw. Almost the second Dawnwhisker ate the herbs, the kits began crying. Climbing into her nest, she instructed Halfpaw to check Robinflight. "Her leg feels hot around the joint, and shes missing a claw." Halfpaw looked nervous. "Would we use marigold on her claw?" Crowfang nodded and Halfpaw grabbed the last remaining marigold leaves and made a pulp. Smearing it over Robinflight's paw, she wasn't sure what to do about the leg. Crowfang thought for a moment. "Robinflight, I'm going to have Halfpaw wrap the joint in comfrey leaves and I want you to eat one poppy seed. No more. If it still hurts in the morning, we may have to try something else." The kits began mewling and Leafkit tumbled out of the nest. Quickly, Crowfang grabbed her up and sat her down against her brother and sisters.
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Post by Shortee on Nov 13, 2017 20:58:26 GMT -5
Robinflight sighed. "I'm sorry for causing trouble. I'll go look for more herbs again soon." Robinflight had laid the other herbs from earlier near the entrance to the den. She waited patiently for Halfpaw to wrap her leg in comfrey. Once she finished, Halfpaw asked "What happened?" Robinflight told the story for her "Well I was gathering the herbs and went to get a quick drink at the lake. When I was about to head back, a dog was running towards me. It must have ran away from its twolegs.." Robinflight continued telling the story, and noticed something out of the corner of her eye. Crowfang was helping Leafkit back into her nest, and the kits were mewling. Once she finished, Halfpaw was fascinated by the story. Robinflight got up, dipped her head and thanked the medicine cats for the help. As she was walking out of the den, Robinflight stopped suddenly and turned around. "Crowfang, this is just a suggestion, but do you want me and my kits to move in? We could help you with the kits. I know it may be crowded but we won't be in here for most of the day. And if this leg doesn't get better you could check on it this way. Nightkit would be fascinated by the herbs." Robinflight was hopeful. If Sweetstar allowed it, she thought it would be the best choice to move into the medicine cat den for a little while.
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Solar
Friendship Rank 2
Posts: 103
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Post by Solar on Nov 14, 2017 9:28:12 GMT -5
Crowfang shook her head. "No, for one it would be too crowded. And I already don't like having my kits in here with Dawnwhisker. The last thing we need is more kits that could catch whatever she has." She looked extremely worried about the deputy. "But thank you. If you would like, we could make the den outside the entrance bigger for you, your kits, and Halfpaw." Halfpaw bounced on her toes. "I can do that now!" She raced out to get some moss. Crowfang purred. "And thanks for getting the herbs, but unless someone else gets sick or hurt, this should do until the frost disappears. It's almost newleaf and some plants should be growing already. By the time the kits can be left alone for a short while, I won't be confined to my den anymore and I can finally start teaching Halfpaw about fresh herbs." Dawnwhisker coughed. Her eyes were glazed over and the heat coming from her pelt matched the chill of the remaining snow outside.
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Post by Shortee on Nov 14, 2017 19:14:33 GMT -5
Robinflight gave a worried look to Crowfang, then one to Dawnwhisker. "Ok, you know best. I'm going to go tell the kits everything." Robinflight limped out of the den, the leaves around her leg felt strange, but comfortable. Maplekit raced up to her when she saw her, leaving her game with Nightkit. Nightkit looked around, confused, then saw her mother and ran after her sister. As soon as Maplekit saw her leg, she asked "What happened?" Ushering her kits to the nursery, she explained the story to them once again. Nightkit looked terrified and Maplekit was almost bouncing. "Kits, there is one more thing. We're going to be moving in the den near the medicine cat den. I'm going to help Crowfang with her kits." Maplekit and Nightkit were both equally excited for once. Nightkit said "I'll help the kits as best as I can mother!" and Maplekit said "I'll make sure you feel ok, mom!" Robinflight looked at her kits with pride, they were happy to help! They would be fine warriors one day. "Come, I'll show you where we will be living for a bit. Halfpaw will be sharing the den with us to, so make sure to be polite." Maplekit shot out of the den and ran straight into the medicine cat, not even announcing her entering. Robinflight chuckled and walked over there, Nightkit on her tail. Once they got in, Halfpaw was working on the nest. Maplekit was sniffing everything. As Robinflight was about to sit down, she felt a small tug on her tail. Turning around, Nightkit was looking up at her expectantly. Quietly, she asked "Do you think I could ask Halfpaw something?" Robinflight bent down and licked her daughters head. "Of course you can. I think Halfpaw would be happy to answer." Nightpaw went over there, got Halfpaw's attention, and asked something about an herb. Robinflight went back to check on Crowfang for a bit.
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Solar
Friendship Rank 2
Posts: 103
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Post by Solar on Nov 14, 2017 20:13:39 GMT -5
Crowfang was sniffing Dawnwhisker. The second she saw Robinflight, she lashed her tail. "Stay back. I don't think anyone but me and Halfpaw should be near her." Her fur was bristling along her spine and her tail was twitching. "I think she might have yellowcough....but I'm not sure." Yellowcough was worse than whitecough, but it didn't kill as quickly as greencough. It usually involved puking up bile and a sick smell like crowfood. "I'm going to move my kits out with you when they open their eyes, but their too young now. I'm afraid of them being in the den with her. If she gets any worse, we may need to move her out into a special den outside the camp." Sweetstar stepped inside the den. "I heard about Dawnwhisker. Crowfang, do you think she should step down as deputy?" Crowfang glanced at Robinflight then looked at Dawnwhisker. The she cat was sleeping, but her breath was labored and foul. "Yes, I think you should choose a new deputy. I might suggest Volepelt or Addertalon." She cut a glance at Robinflight and Sweetstar nodded. I'll leave you to take care of Dawnwhisker, and when she wakes up, I want to talk to her." Sweetstar's eyes darkened. "I just hope she is the only one to get sick." Turning to Robinflight, she twitched her ear. "I saw that you are building a nest with Halfpaw? I assume its to help Crowfang. Once Crowfang is no longer the medicine cat, I want you to return to either the nursery or the warriors den and help her from there. But for now, this is fine." Nodding at both she-cats, she stepped out of the den and left them alone.
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Post by Shortee on Nov 14, 2017 20:57:24 GMT -5
Robinflight nodded her head and said "Well, I suppose I'll go and make a nest for your kits." Robinflight went into the smaller den, where Halfpaw was explaining what a medicine cat apprentice did. Maplekit's orange pelt stuck out near the dark moss, and Nightkit seemed almost apart of it with her black splotches, but the rest of her white pelt gave her away. Maplekit was listening with a curious stare, clearly confused, but Nightkit and her blue eyes were shining. When Robinflight entered, Halfpaw stopped and looked at her. "Can you watch them? I'm going to get more moss." Halfpaw nodded and continued talking. Robinflight exited the camp, her mind wandering, and absently picked at moss. She was thinking about the deputy. Volepelt would be the best choice in her mind, but she also knew him better. She had loved him for a long time, and new a lot about him. He was strong, but sensible. On the other paw, Robinflight and Addertalon were more of acquaintances. They were kind to eachother and said hello, but never really had a full conversation. Before she knew it, she was back in the den, sorting the moss into a neat nest. Maplekit and Nightkit were asleep together, and Halfpaw seemed deep in thought, so Robinflight didn't start a conversation. After a long moment, though, Halfpaw began speaking. "Nightkit seems very interested in herbs. She would make a great medicine cat." Robinflight smiled, but didn't look up from the nest she was making "If that is what Nightkit wants, she would tell Maplekit, and Maplekit will make sure it happens. Right?" Halfpaw chuckled. She was probably satisfied with the answer, because she said no more. When Robinflight looked up, she was asleep. Yawning, Robinflight curled around her kits and fell asleep too. She had weird dreams about Fangstrike, but could not remember them when she awoke.
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Solar
Friendship Rank 2
Posts: 103
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Post by Solar on Dec 4, 2017 17:18:55 GMT -5
(idiots working on some pipes cut the internet line for the entire apartment, took them forever to fix it, I am so sorry. I would've posted sooner but my 4G didn't work so I went almost this whole time without any internet DX)
Crowfang woke up at dawn to hear Sweetstar's call. "Let all cats old enough to hunt gather beneath Highledge for a clan meeting." Crowfang stood at the entrance to the medicine cave and waited. She hoped Sweetstar had caught her meaning the evening before. She was aware of Robinflight next to hear. Sweetstar's gaze swept over the clan. "Dawnwhisker must step down as deputy. She has contracted yellowcough. If you need the help of the medicine cats, ask Halfpaw for now until Crowfang leaves the den with her kits. Crowfang may help, but since she must keep an eye on Dawnwhisker, she may not be leaving the den much for now. If you are sick, tell the medicine cats immediately but never, and I mean ever, enter the medicine den until the sickness is gone." She narrowed her eyes. "Crowfang has agreed that once Halfpaw receives her medicine cat name, she will become a warrior once more as punishment for breaking the warrior and medicine cat code." The clan waited as she paused. "The new deputy will be Addertalon, but I will let the clan know this, and Addertalon has agreed, that he is stepping down once the deputy I wish becomes available and is ready to take the position." The clan broke into worried murmurs as she dismissed them.
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Post by Shortee on Dec 4, 2017 19:11:54 GMT -5
(Oh dang that's awful! Don't worry about it though, I've been keeping myself busy!)
Robinflight tilted her head as she heard Addertalon called as deputy. Her head tipped even further as the clan was told he would step down as soon as the cat Sweetstar wanted was available. She quietly asked Crowfang "Should I move the kits soon?" While waiting for an answer, Robinflight popped her head in to still see Maplekit and Nightkit sleeping. She smiled softly, then turned back to Crowfang. Her mind was still slightly on the fact Volepelt wasn't chosen as deputy, but Robinflight tried to ignore this. Of course, knowing her mind, she couldn't just push that in the back of her thoughts. Everything she was thinking happened all at once, but this didn't bother her, it was completely normal, really.
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