09.30.2019 → There has been some exciting changes on CD lately! We've added a new monarchy to the groups of cats on the islands, as well as restructured the boards a bit to allow for some space - thus, redrawing the map! We've also promoted Nifty to Global Mod! There are some auditions open right now for JungleClan Deputy as well as for all of the new Kingdom of Mokuhau high ranks - Artemis
09.12.2019 → Unfortunately Elaedria is stepping down as administrator due to life being too busy to keep up! The site will be going through some restructuring in high ranks as well due to this. Effective immediately, the word count is now 100 minimum. Some more changes will be coming in the future - members have been emailed a survey to help us figure out what to change and how to get better. Thanks for your patience! - Artemis
WEATHER
Year 55, Scorching Sands 09.05.2019 → The temperatures of the islands are a steady 98° F on land/ high 80s in water. There is almost no breeze, the sun is uncomfortably warm.
Prey during the day is pretty scarce due to the heat, however is quite active after the sun goes down.
Lost in the dense jungles of scattered islands, facing perils unimagined by their ancestors, are three warrior groups - The traditional JungleClan, descendants of the original clans carried aboard a twoleg contraption from their home long ago and breaking new ground on old beliefs. Second, the curious TidalClan, made up of kittypets who chose to abandon their long since passed twoleg civilization ways for those of true felines. Lastly, the mysterious Tribe of Twisted Roots, hidden in the mist from others with their strange ways and a deeper knowledge of the land around them. Together they must learn how to take their fate into their own paws if they wish to survive this land of erupting mountains and roaring waters.
Join our crew and dive into an island-based Warriors roleplay - a twist on the original series by Erin Hunter. We are a semi-literate site with a minimum of 100 words per post.
Turtlehop knew she was the oldest of the three high ranking cats in Tidalclan. It was time she chose an apprentice to carry on the spiritual duties she had learned from her own mentor season ago. It was coming soon after the deputy trial, she knew. Another big ceremony for the clan to bond over, or perhaps be rifted apart over. She knew there was some mild upset from the older warriors who were upstaged by Sharksong, but she also knew he would do his utmost to prove himself to them as capable.
She had chosen to have this ceremony in the morning, the night before when she discussed the final decision with Tinystar. It had been a close call between Pearlpaw and Shellpaw, but in her gut, Turtlehop felt the young she-cat held more of a mindset that could lead to a strong connection with the gods and their ancestors. What better time to start this young cat's new life, than with the rising of the sun?
The healer swept out of her den as the darkness started to fade, ducking her head into the leader's den to softly mewl for Tinystar. "It's time," she purred, a hint of excitement in her usually calm voice. She had so much to show Shellpaw, and she could only hope she would be a good mentor to the she-cat.
The pair of females would head over to the Stone Wall together. For once, the healer allowed to sit atop it - on equal ground with the leader for this ceremony under the Gods' watchful eyes. Tinystar would yowl the call for their clan to gather, some sleepy faces emerging from dens, and early-rises coming forward curiously. Turtlehop, despite her mild nerves over getting the ceremony's words right, attempted to hold herself high, somewhat regal. She needed to match Tinystar's strength.
When the clan was gathered, she raised her voice. "As you all know, I'm getting on in years. I'm certainly not done checking you all for ticks yet, but it's time I trained a fledgling in my wake." Yellow eyes swept across the familiar faces, and she took a small breath. "The Gods work in mysterious ways. While there are no young kits to take on as an apprentice, I have been watching the young cats of this clan for the past few moons. I believe it is one fledgling's destiny to move from the path of a warrior to the path of a healer."
Her gaze landed onto the sleek form of Shellpaw. "Shellpaw, Tinystar and myself have agreed that you hold the potential to become Tidalclan's next healer. You will be trained by myself starting today, until you may hold the title of healer yourself."
Her tail beckoned the she-cat forward, though her eyes flicked briefly to Tinystar in an almost apologetic manner. It felt odd doing this all on her own, and not just watching the leader say the fighter fledgling words.
Turtlehop jumped down from the wall, and stood in front of Shellpaw. Her voice rang clear, with some effort on her part to not let her voice shake. "Do you accept the path of the Gods, Shellpaw, and renounce the ways of a fighter in its wake?" The apprentice could of course refuse, but the event was as unlikely as Sharksong refusing the deputy trials had been. It was an honor, and she was already mentally reciting the final words of the ceremony should the she-cat say accept her fate.
ulla
Swiftwave - Jungleclan warrior Rain that Blurs the Sky - Tribe navigator Turtlehop - Tidalclan Healer
"Shellpaw, Tinystar and myself have agreed that you hold the potential to become Tidalclan's next healer. You will be trained by myself starting today, until you may hold the title of healer yourself."
Shellpaw felt her heart was about to burst from her chest. Over the past couple of moons, she had spent a lot of time daydreaming about being selected as the next healer. However, now that it was actually happening—right here, right now—it almost didn’t feel real. She could feel the cool wind on her fur, hear the morning call of the birds, and see the perked ears of her clanmates as they listened to Turtlehop. Yet, Shellpaw still couldn't help feeling as if it all were a dream...a wonderful, exciting dream that she would never wish to wake from.
She stepped forward to meet Turtlehop at the base of the wall, her limbs practically shaking from shock. There was a part of her that felt there had to have been some mistake, that perhaps there was a miscommunication and it would soon be revealed that they meant to pick someone else. She wouldn't be surprised, considering how many of her fellow fledglings she thought would be good for the role, particularly Pearlpaw or Tangpaw. Regardless of her feelings, it was her name that was called, not Pearlpaw and Tangpaw's.
"Do you accept the path of the Gods, Shellpaw, and renounce the ways of a fighter in its wake?"
A moment passed where she almost thought to turn Turtlehop down. She felt this was too much of an honor, an honor that was being wasted on someone like her. She didn't think she deserved it and felt it would almost be wrong to accept. Although, with the whole clan watching, including their beautiful and brave leader whom she had always admired, Shellpaw felt a surge of confidence ripple throughout her body.
Tinystar knew that Turtlehop was ready to take her first fledgling. [break][break]The she-cat was her senior by some moons, and although she had many more moons of service ahead of her if the Gods were gracious, Turtlehop was ready to begin passing down her knowledge to the one who would hold such an important responsibility when the time came. The healer had brought up the strengths and weaknesses of Pearlpaw and Shellpaw as candidates, but from the way she spoke Tinystar knew Turtlehop had made the decision in her heart. It was clear that Shellpaw was going to be the fledgling healer.
[break][break]The familiar scent of the healer surrounded Tinystar as she ducked in to alert her of the ceremony. The calico-and-white she-cat smiled at the excitement noted in her voice - she was excited, too. This was an important life altering decision; a lot of responsibility for a young cat. She was sure that Shellpaw would rise to the occasion with grace, though. She padded beside Turtlehop, their pelts brushing against each other as they walked closely towards the Stone Wall. Tinystar halted at the bottom of the rock foundation so that Turtlehop could take the lead.
[break][break]Tinystar yowled the usual clan meeting words, her voice loud and clear. "Gather all who are old enough to catch their own prey for a clan meeting!" she called, watching as faces began to emerge around them. All of their eyes had curiosity glimmering in them - what was the meeting going to be about? She watched as their eyes all focused on Turtlehop. Tinystar shifted her yellow gaze to their healer and smiled as the older she-cat held her head high. The usually calm cat seemed very confident.
[break][break]Without further ado, the healer began the ceremony introduction. Once Shellpaw was named, the focus of the crowd shifted from Turtlehop to look for the newest fledgling healer. Turtlehop beckoned the fledgling forward with her tail, but not before a flicker from the healer to herself. Tinystar gave the healer an encouraging smile; this was her moment to shine. The healer was such an important role to the clan, Tinystar hoped her silent reply would reassure the she-cat that she need not worry.
[break][break]The ceremony of naming her as the healer's fledgling began - in a loud and confident voice Turtlehop asked Shellpaw before her clan if she would renounce the ways of a fighter and take on the large responsibility of training under her. The smaller she-cat stepped forward, trembling ever so slightly like a leaf in the wind. Tinystar remembered how she felt when she was named deputy - a very similar feeling. She, too, was in so much shock she could barely walk straight.
[break][break]A moment passed before Shellpaw responded in a confident voice that she did. Tinystar couldn't help but purr in happiness. She felt as though this was a choice blessed by the Gods themselves and knew that Shellpaw would do her best to absorb the wisdom Turtlehop had to offer. "Congratulations, Shellpaw!" She murmured softly - not wanting to take away from their moment. The ceremony between a mentor and their fledgling were just the beginning pawsteps of a long journey and strong bond to come.
[attr=class,notes] wanted to pop in real quick! Atari @seaoi
At first, Tangpaw was confused at the announcement of another meeting. It wasn’t long since the first one, with the announcement of their new deputy… so what could it be the second time around? It became clear only a few moments later. Tinystar called the meeting, then Turtlehop stepped forward. Was Turtlehop stepping down? Did she have an announcement from the Gods? Her thoughts were whirring in her mind, even before the healer spoke. She latched on to Turtlehop’s words, and she blinked in surprise. She was choosing a fledgling?
Tangpaw surveyed the clearing around her curiously, picking out all her denmates. Who could it be? Would it be someone young like them? Or would it be a someone who was already a fighter? She had a hard time believing that it could be, since fighter training was extensive. Could it even be possible that even after all that training, someone would want to become a healer? And a fledgling, at that? She shook her head.
She was briefly surprised when she heard Shellpaw called, but then at the same time she wasn’t. Shellpaw in the role somehow seemed to make sense… The thought made her smile. It was easy for her to get along with the she-cat, and she enjoyed the rapport that they seemed to be building with each other. “Shellpaw! Shellpaw!” she cheered as loudly as she could.
Her new apprentice was nearly shaking, she realized, as she stepped out of the crowd and walked towards her. Turtlehop's eyes held a soft, encouraging look. She believed in this young she-cat. She believed in a few seasons, Shellpaw would hold the respect of her clanmates, proving herself an excellent healer in her mentor's wake. There was the smallest pause while she waited for the fledgling to accept the title, but when she did, her voice held a tone of confidence that made the healer proud. Tinystar's purr made Turtlehop smile - they both were happy with this decision, and that was a good sign.
The tortoiseshell let her clanmates chant Shellpaw's name, knowing it was a special moment for her. Only when the voices died down, did she raise her tail high. The final words, sealing Shellpaw's fate, came next.
"We call upon the God of Shrieking Storms today to offer Shellpaw as the new Healer apprentice." Turtlepaw spoke, her voice ringing heavily as the Gods were called upon. These were powerful words, not to be taken lightly. This was a sacred position, between healers and their gods, and a connection was being forged unlike any Shellpaw's fellow fledglings would ever know. Her eyes flashed skywards, but no clouds marred the bright morning. A good sign, she prayed, turning her gaze once more to her apprentice. "She has taken on the heavy burden of sacrificing her destiny to the duty of the clan. Thank you for your sacrifice."
Only then would she smile, breaking the intensity of her gaze, and step forward to place her chin warmly on top of the young cat's head. Cats would come forward to congratulate her, and she would step back to allow the she-cat some space. But the morning was fading, and the clan had duties to perform. As they crowd slowly dispersed, she would beckon Shellpaw towards her.
"How are you feeling?" Turtlehop would question her softly, an understanding look on her soft face. She knew how overwhelming it was to suddenly have so much expectation put on your shoulders. The older she-cat would give her fledgling's ears a quick lick. "I know it's scary, but I promise - we wouldn't have chosen you if we didn't have faith this was your destiny."
Gods willing, Shellpaw would settle into her role comfortably.
@seaoi
ulla
Swiftwave - Jungleclan warrior Rain that Blurs the Sky - Tribe navigator Turtlehop - Tidalclan Healer
Shellpaw felt overwhelmed by the rest of the clan chanting her name. Part of her could feel her confidence rising at the sound of their cheers, yet another part of her had started to think again about how this might be a mistake. She knew how her siblings would likely react when she saw them next, which made her extremely worried. Yes, she was sure her parents were undoubtedly very proud at that moment, and it seemed like Turtlehop was too. However, as the chants faded and as Turtlehop recited the final message, thoughts of failure began swirling in the young cat's mind. This was no small undertaking, and Shellpaw felt the weight of the responsibility she had just accepted slowly start to sink under her fur.
"We call upon the God of Shrieking Storms today to offer Shellpaw as the new Healer apprentice." Turtlehop glanced up to the pale and empty sky, then quickly returning her eyes to rest upon her new fledgling. Shellpaw felt her heart flutter. "She has taken on the heavy burden of sacrificing her destiny to the duty of the clan. Thank you for your sacrifice."
Burden. Sacrifice. Destiny. Duty. Although the medicine cat was thanking her for taking on this role, Shellpaw felt the words hang over her like a dark cloud. She wanted to be excited, and thinking about learning all sorts of new things alongside Turtlehop filled her with such. However, with the whole clan staring, not to mention their fearless leader and her less than supportive brother and sister, the young she-cat couldn't help but want to run away. She said a small prayer in her head, begging the Gods to make her disappear.
Shellpaw was taken aback when Turtlehop leaped down and rested her chin on her head, shaken from her thoughts. The older she-cat asked Shellpaw how she was doing, which the young feline truthfully did not want to answer. Turtlehop licked the fledgling's ears, sending a surge of warmth throughout her body.
"I know it's scary, but I promise - we wouldn't have chosen you if we didn't have faith this was your destiny." The gentle words of the wise medicine cat eliminated a majority of Shellpaw's fear. Something about Turtlehop was so soothing and made her feel so safe. Shellpaw hoped she could provide others with that same warmth as she trained alongside her.
"Thank you." She replied softly. The word "destiny" lingered in her mind. She hoped that they were right about that.
As the crowd of cats began to disperse, ready to take on their daily tasks, Shellpaw looked up at her new mentor. A large grin spread across her youthful face. She still felt very uneasy about this new life she had accepted, but the excitement of learning about herbs and healing had started to become more prominent.
Turtlehop could only hope the soft-spoken she-cat would soon get used to this new life. She wasn't dense; it was obvious how shocked Shellpaw was at the sudden announcement. But as the older cat reassured the younger with a warm smile, she could begin to see the right attitude appear - excitement. The grin Shellpaw offered her showed it all.
A pleased purr rumbled in Turtlehop's throat. "That's the spirit!" she approved, tail flicking over her spine in happiness. Now, just to work out what to show her fledgling first. It did not take her long to decide. Despite never having her own apprentice, she had spent seasons interacting with them and watching their mentors teach. The basics were learning where everything was, and making the fledgling comfortable in their domain. Her muzzle flicked for Shellpaw to follow her towards the abandoned church. "First things first, let's show you your new den."
The pair would pad through the entrance, to be greeted by the dark, cool interior of the church. It held the aroma of fresh and dried herbs, pungent, but a pleasant and comforting smell to Turtlehop. She looked down somewhat apologetically to Shellpaw. "I know the smell can seem intense at first, but soon enough you'll barely notice. It'll just make you feel at home."
Not for the first time, she fretted over the possibility that Shellpaw never adjusted to this life. What if she hated healer duties? What if she'd made a mistake picking a cat who had already started training as a fighter? Who would want to give up that exciting life for an existence caring for fleas and sick cats? She swallowed, fretful. Perhaps she ought to have waited for a new litter of kittens in the clan, and picked an apprentice from them...
She realized she'd paused for too long. "Ah.. Anyway, my nest is over here..." She trailed off, padding over to the bundle of moss tucked into a well-sheltered corner. Her white paws began to work it into two bundles, dividing it into a bed for each of them. "One of your duties now will be to help me find moss on quieter days, and store it for when sick cats need to sleep in our den." Turtlehop nodded to space where she'd been keeping bundles of dry moss, tuck under a twoleg sitting place so rain would leak onto it. "You can help yourself to some, make your new bed a little extra comfy. I won't tell." She winked, trying to be extra welcoming and nice. The fear that Shellpaw would hate her new life was still trying to sneak up on her, so perhaps in a way the healer was trying to overcompensate.
ulla
Swiftwave - Jungleclan warrior Rain that Blurs the Sky - Tribe navigator Turtlehop - Tidalclan Healer
Shellpaw remained silent as she followed Turtlehop, taking in everything around her. She had only been in the healer's den a couple of times, and never long enough to truly appreciate the intricacy of the former two-leg chapel. She marveled at the carved stone and how beautiful it looked against the foliage that had since grown around it, weaving in and out of each crack and crevice. Her heart raced as she thought about living here every day, smelling the wonderful aromas and taking care of her fellow clanmates. Shellpaw listened as Turtlehop mentioned that the smell could sometimes feel a bit strong at first, but would eventually smell like home. However, with each passing moment, the den had already started to feel more and more like home to Shellpaw, more so than the fledgling den ever had. Perhaps becoming the next healer truly was her destiny after all...
Shellpaw almost didn't notice Turtlehop take a long pause between speaking, but she brushed it off instantly as she followed her new mentor to her nest. The young she-cat watched as Turtlehop split her own nest into two, creating a spot for her fledgling to sleep beside her. The excitement pounded in Shellpaw's chest. 'This is where I get to sleep! This is my new home!' Shellpaw felt as if she could jump for joy. She almost entirely forgot any doubts she had had before about being selected.
She eyed the pile of moss her mentor had gestured to, considering the older cat's offer to take some extra moss for herself. For a moment she thought of taking Turtlehop up on it, although, she then thought of how horrible she would feel if she took some and accidentally didn't leave enough for the next sick clan member. She'd rather just learn to like what she had than do something like that.
"Maybe when we get some more?" Shellpaw inquired. "I don't want to take too much and us not have enough left for others...unhealthy clanmates need lots of squishy moss to rest on! Not that I would take a whole lot, just...yeah, um...in case." Shellpaw glanced at the amount of moss Turtlehop had provided, deciding that the amount seemed just enough for the healer fledgling to be satisfied.
Shellpaw looked at her mentor and grinned. "We should go get some more soon! You can show me all the best places! I know of a really mossy spot by the lake and one in a small cluster of rocks by the beach, but I bet you know of even better ones!" The areas that Shellpaw had discovered were indeed decently packed with moss, perhaps enough for one or two nests. However, she figured that likely wouldn't be enough for their purposes—she was already thinking about how she could possibly stock up on lots and lots of bedding in case of a surprise emergency, or just to make things even more comfortable for their next patient.
Shellpaw was such a sweet cat. Turtlehop thought she had made the right decision, even if she was worried that the young female wouldn't think so right away. Declining the offer to take moss from her stores until they collected more was the kind of thoughtful thing a young Turtlepaw would have said, and made the healer's heart warm. "That's a lovely attitude," the older feline praised, tail curling over her back. "I suppose we could do with collecting some more, maybe tomorrow. That way we can a do little tour of the territory."
Now now, she knew that Shellpaw had been a fighter apprentice for a moon. But there was a difference between a fighter touring their lands, and a healer. They looked for different landmarks, and Turtlehop was surprised when Shellpaw could already remember two decent moss places. "I think I know the same two," she purred in reply. "That's impressive you remembered them!" Usually fighters payed more attention to prey trails and boundaries. "We can go see about collecting some at the beach, before the sun dries it up. I'll point out all the best herb patches along that route."
Turtlehop was perhaps feeling a little more at ease, now Shellpaw's shock was wearing into excitement. She bounded out of the nests, and padded over to her herb stores. They were tucked under the shelter of two old church pews, one toppled backwards onto the other so that it made a little sheltered tunnel between them. It protected the precious bundles from ever getting wet - sometimes the old building sprung little leaks in the time of Shrieking Storms. The bundles were lined in two rows, with an empty space in the middle so a cat could pad through them and choose which they needed, while exiting the other end of the tunnel without disturbing anything.
Her tail pointed to the spot. "The stores are here. Take a walk through, and get used to the scents. It's strong, but soon your nose will grow so accustomed to them that you'll be able to go through blind and know which are which."
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Swiftwave - Jungleclan warrior Rain that Blurs the Sky - Tribe navigator Turtlehop - Tidalclan Healer
Hearing Turtlehop's praise filled the fledgling with warmth, her tail flicking to and fro with joy. She felt she didn't deserve the healer's praise, a small voice inside her urging her to counter or deny Turtlehop's compliment. However, the gentle way that her mentor was looking at her made it easier for Shellpaw to ignore the promptings.
Shellpaw felt a surge of pride within her as Turtlehop mentioned knowing the same mossy areas that she had suggested. While training as a fighter, Shellpaw was indeed introduced to many of the best hunting grounds and trails, but in her spare time, she did a lot of exploring of her own. She liked to find interesting places that she could escape to and the thought of knowing she was potentially the only one in the know about their locations made her feel clever. Of course, this was an entirely different scenario. Turtlehop was the healer, so it was no surprise that she already knew about the spots Shellpaw had mentioned. Yet, the fact that the small she-cat had already discovered something that pertained to her new position made her feel far more clever than she ever had after finding a hidden location.
Shellpaw followed Turtlehop to the herb storage, the ever-present aromas increasing dramatically with each step forward. The fledgling wanted to ask her mentor about each and every herb, though she quickly figured that that knowledge would come in time. So, she simply did as Turtlehop asked, taking in the scents that swirled around her. She padded through the rows of herbs, sniffing each one individually. There were some that were much stronger than others, some that were sweeter, and some that were more bitter. Some had full leaves and some had holes in them, most likely from a hungry caterpillar. There was so much to take in that Shellpaw felt her excitement was becoming harder to contain. She imagined herself as a full-grown healer, knowing each herb better than the back of her paw.
'What a wonderful life that would be!' She thought.
After sniffing each herb, Shellpaw peered over the collection as a whole. "Is there a specific way you organize these? I think I can see a pattern, but I feel like there is something I don't see. Or, I guess, it's more of something that I don't know. But I would really really like to!" The she-cat looked up at Turtlehop with glee, her ears perked.
The young she-cat was coming to life the more they talked, and it warmed Turtlehop's heart like it hadn't been warmed in moons. Having Shellpaw in her den was going to make the church so much more lively! This was going to add so much more perkiness to the older cat's daily duties. Any worries about her not liking the new title were quickly being quieted, replaced by confidence that Shellpaw would eagerly learn what she needed to be taught.
The tortoiseshell followed after her slowly, watching her sniff each herb. They were all familiar to Turtlehop - but probably looked the same to Shellpaw. Only smells might differentiate them apart. But to her surprise, the fledgling caught on that there was a pattern. Her yellow eyes widened slightly in happy surprise. "Very observant!" Tunapaw had been in here just a few days earlier, and had messed everything up in his lack of understanding. Though she still adored him, of course.
The space was a bit tight, but she squeezed closer to Shellpaw to nose out what the younger cat was just missing. "See, it's being sorted by a few different categories. Most useful and used, and delicacy. I put herbs like coltsfoot and goldenrod closer to either entrance.." her tail, with some difficulty, flicked to either side of the benches where they opened back to the church. "Because I'm going to be grabbing them most often for sore pads and scratches. Then herbs like catmint and poppy seeds are in the middle, where they're even more protected." She pointed first to a green leafy herb that smelled very, very tempting, then to some delicate black seeds. "The catmint only grows in one spot behind one of the twoleg buildings, so it's very rare and precious. But poppy seeds are all over the old gardens, and is used often for cats who need to calm down or sleep. Why do you think they're in the middle of the store?"
Time to put her fledgling's observation to the test. Would she understand the tiny seeds could easily scatter all over if you weren't careful, and tucking them away from mischievous paws was the safest option?
ulla
Swiftwave - Jungleclan warrior Rain that Blurs the Sky - Tribe navigator Turtlehop - Tidalclan Healer
Shellpaw focused as Turtlehop explained how she had organized everything. The fledgling indeed had noticed the more common herbs (aka, the ones she had overheard other cats frequently mention in the past) toward the front, but other than that she couldn't really see any other pattern in Turtlehop's organization. Of course, as her mentor continued, Shellpaw felt as if she had been staring a rat right in the nose; she wouldn't have guessed they were organized by delicacy, but looking at it now it seemed obvious. Although, learning this only filled the she-cat's mind with even more questions: were herbs that were similar in function, similar in texture and firmness as well? If so, did that apply to Turtlehop's way of organization at all? If some of these really were more delicate, would there be any risk of damage while trying to gather them? Were there any that were delicate but didn't appear to be?
'The catmint only grows in one spot behind one of the twoleg buildings, so it's very rare and precious. But poppy seeds are all over the old gardens, and is used often for cats who need to calm down or sleep. Why do you think they're in the middle of the store?'
Shellpaw was pulled out of her mind at Turtlehop's question. Poppyseeds...poppyseeds. She shifted her gaze and eyed the small pellets intently, as if she thought they were going to tell her the answer themselves.
"Well, little poppyseeds...you are probably used a lot...maybe..." The fledgling gently flicked her tail in thought, careful not to disrupt any of the other herbs surrounding the two felines. "You are tiny and black... It's not because you're the same color or size as your neighbors...that's not applicable to being in the middle though, either." Shellpaw almost forgot her mentor was there as she thought aloud, the sudden call of a bird from above their shelter yanking her back to reality. She looked up at her mentor's kind eyes.
"Are they messy? Are they not used enough to be in the front but often enough to not be in the back?" The small tabby asked Turtlehop, hoping that perhaps she was onto something with either of her theories.
Turtlehop fell silent as the she-cat began to puzzle out the mystery, watching how she dealt with confusion. It was a good sign to see her doing her best to work it out, and not just giving up and saying she didn't know. Perhaps Shellpaw was trying very hard to impress her new mentor. If so, it was working, though Turtlehop was such a kind soul that even featherheads like Tunapaw were endearing to her.
She found it frankly adorable that Shellpaw was talking to the poppy seeds as if they were alive, the older cat struggling not to giggle. Turtlehop had mumbled to herself for moons in this den, but now it seemed there would be two cats with their head in the clouds thinking. They both ended up being startled by the cry of a bird, yet neither knocked anything astray in the tight space.
The tortoiseshell nodded at the final answer her apprentice gave, purring softly as she got it mostly right. "Exactly right. They're one of the more messy herbs," she explained, pointing to the little cluster with a claw. "If you happen to not be delicate, the whole pile goes spilling everywhere. If a kit comes wandering in, up to no good, they'll be less likely to make it deep enough into our stores to do so." She smiled approvingly. "They need a special technique to be handled too, lest you end up swallowing them and getting sleepy yourself!"
Oh wait.. Had she even explained their use to Shellpaw? Thinking back, she hadn't. Teaching apparently also had a learning curve. "I forgot to tell you what they do," she laughed, before licking the pad of her front paw and delicately papping the seeds. They stuck to the dampness, and she lifted two from the ground to show her fledgling. "That's how you pick them up. They're used to help cats who are in pain, shock, or need sleep. They numb you, and you'll fall into a dreamless slumber. Hence why you don't use too many, or eat them yourself while treating a patient."
She shook them off her pads, back into the pile. "Want to try picking them up? Takes a bit of practice not to get too many at once."
ulla
Swiftwave - Jungleclan warrior Rain that Blurs the Sky - Tribe navigator Turtlehop - Tidalclan Healer
Shellpaw was surprised she was right in her guess. She was proud of herself, however, this pride was short-lived; she got a little confused when Turtlehop continued to describe getting sleepy from the seeds. She hadn't an inkling of an idea as to what they were used for, and she wondered if maybe a lot of the other herbs made cats sleepy. Perhaps it was just a side effect to the medicines, one that was probably worth it if it meant being healed.
The young cat nodded as her mentor corrected herself. 'Ah! Yes! That makes sense.' She thought to herself. 'So, poppyseeds specifically make one sleepy...I wonder why not a dream-filled sleep? Naps with dreams are a lot better than without!'
Shellpaw grew excited to hear Turtlehop suggest trying to pick them up herself. Turtlehop mentioned needing practice, but as the fledgling watched the old healer pick up the poppyseeds so quickly and efficiently, she figured it couldn't be that hard, right?
Wrong.
Shellpaw definitely wasn't the most agile of creatures, but she definitely wasn't the clumsiest. However, as the she-cat licked her paw and went in to tap the pile of poppyseeds, the awareness of Turtlehop watching her every move became overwhelming. This made her try a little too hard to be gentle, deciding she needed to stand precariously on her paws and lean a little too far forward. She lowered her paw slowly, her balance rapidly degrading. Before she knew it, she lost her balance entirely and her little paw smashed right onto the pile, her other paw crushing the herbs directly beside her as she stumbled forward.
"Oops!" She mewed. She leaped backward, barely missing the herbs behind her. Her one paw was now absolutely covered in poppy seeds, and the other now had a strong odor she was not familiar with. The leaves she had stepped on seemed a bit flatter but were more or less intact.
"I didn't do it right...are those leaves alright? I think I may have ruined them..." She looked at her poppyseed-studded paw again, feeling her eyes moisten. The excitement of learning had vanished. She wanted to run away and never look at Turtlehop again. Yes, she knew this was probably a bit of a dramatic response, but with the thoughts of being a failure and that her being chosen was a mistake lurking back, Shellpaw felt that she would be justified in doing so.
The simple task of practicing picking up herbs delicately suddenly turned into a whole debacle. Turtlehop had expected a little clumsiness, but poor Shellpaw's effort to be extra careful seemingly did more to damage the operation than help. The healer kept her mouth shut for now, figuring that learning by doing would be more helpful than further blathering on her part. But that was a mistake that had them both stumbling around - Shellpaw in shock, Turtlehop in an effort not to get knocked into.
"It's okay!" Turtlehop meowed automatically, used to clumsy apprentices damaging her store. She was maybe a tiny bit disappointed that Shellpaw had done so terribly, but it was only her first try. She would have time to learn, and the healer wasn't about to be cruel with her criticism. "You just need to act less like a mother walking around a sleeping kit, hah! They won't run away, plant your paws."
She dipped down to sniff the herbs Shellpaw had stepped on, whiskers twitching. "A little crushed, but they're still usable. It's Coltsfoot, used for breathing problems but also cracked pads. So we'll just need to use it up quicker before it rots." There would still be more to collect, before the storm season was upon them.
For now, she leaned over and gave her apprentice a quick lick around the ears. "Don't fret sweetheart. You're learning, and when you learn accidents happen. Don't tell me you haven't ever missed a mouse on a hunt? That's the same as this." She lifted Shellpaw's paw up with her own, and gently began to nose the clump of seeds off and back into their normal spot. "You're still doing wonderfully." Her voice held sincerity to it - Turtlehop was more than pleased that the young she-cat was making an effort.
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Swiftwave - Jungleclan warrior Rain that Blurs the Sky - Tribe navigator Turtlehop - Tidalclan Healer
