We have a lot of announcements to make this month, so make sure to check out the April announcements! We have a brand new, themed thread contest to celebrate all of the new members who have joined our lovely little cat land over the last months, as well as two event reminders, a new organized archives board, a weather update, and our usual round of monthly plot and clan updates. As the weather warms up with the arrival of spring, we also want to encourage all of our members to take some time and step outside! It's been a long winter, and we all deserve some time with nature. Cheers to all!
The Apostles is a warrior cats roleplay based in northern Wisconsin. On Lake Superior, the wild cats have made the Apostle Islands their home. It is on these islands - Rocky Island and South Twin Island - that the clan and tribe cats have lived in a peace and harmony that ebbs and flows with the tide.
But as the tides turn, so does the truce that binds them to one another; and as the water raises, a darkness follows, an evil that will end in bloodshed and violence.
The Redwood clan group concluded their arduous trek by the slapping of heavy paws. The weight buckled their knees against the shore. Collectively, they had: Mousepaw, Rockjaw, and herself. As much as Orchidshade wanted to bask in the reassuring embrace of land- land that was past the sandy banks- she knew they had to continue. The medicine cat wanted to assure this was a day trip only. Mousepaw's back continued to weep and the rest of the crew were not untouched. Immediately at the safety of the shores, Orchidshade submerged and cleaned their wounds. She used the vigorous rasping of her tongue. Despite the plain winces, no one complained.
Even worse, Lichenclan's last strike still echoed on their conscious. I hope the others will last long enough, she mused to herself. The medicine cat's chest hung with a heavier sense of apprehension than before. With a swiveling gaze, Orchidshade counted the party and they headed back onto their toes. Mousepaw still clenched a few stalks of Lungwort between her carnassial molars. Their weathered stalks hung apathetically- they had no awareness of their forbidden presence. This was the presence to return life.
Though, the journey before was different. Minnowstar's screeching rage echoed in their chambers. But then, it was easily drowned by the novelty. It was enticing to travel to distant and new lands where they were introduced to a unique way of life. Now, the journey had grown stale to the medicine cat; It was so sooner replaced by the crimson crashes of war. The tides of Lichen clan were growing more inclement. Meanwhile, what was of Thistleclan? The she-cat's ghostly veil held back the curling of her jowl. It threatened to ascend into a sudden sneer. Orchidshade remembered 1/2 moon. Lichen clan had seized the moon cave Thistleclan remained seemingly indifferent. Yet, when it came to matters of the tribe, which concerned Thistle clan little.... a battle broke on behalf of the conflict that churned inside their leader's slants. Almost instantly, Orchidshade thought back to Loudstorm and Shrewfur. The fact that she did not know their wounds ebbed at her consciousness with a relentless gnaw.
The cats padded towards the mainland. But, her brain was occupied as they continued her journey, luminous eyes centered onto a distant horizon line. The sun descended with a heavy sigh to pull the blankets of silverpelt across the heavens. Still, the thoughts intruded. The night-pelted she-cat narrowed her eyes to recollect each lesson the apprentice had gleaned. She strained to recall her attentiveness and demanded her imagination to relive those very moments- to find some sort of answer. The cool splash of a pool woke Orchidshade from these anxieties. Smallpaw was better than nothing, she determined. It would have to do because there was no changing fate now. They were here.
Orchidshade, stared at Rockjaw. Her brow threaded with the slight scowl that cloaked exhaustion. She was not much of a leader and the combination of this patrol devastated her spirits. Orchidshade would have to be the main source of information, but hopefully, she could rely on Rockjaw. "Please handle the courtesies for me." she mewed dryly. Only he could see the guarded smirk that awkwardly peeled back her visage. The she-cat swallowed and cast a forlorn glance. "Come now", her tail seemed to say, as she bounded towards the tribes' moorland. It came to roll past the trees with its hungry stretch. Tall grasses and rocks spotted the land with colorful bursts of wildflowers. It had grown in beauty and life come new-leaf. Though, this mattered little to Orchidshade.
When they finally arrived at the tribes camp it had only been after passing the many, small islands that dotted their mainland. In particular, one that stood out to Orchidshade was the stone for the sick. Cats mottled the rocks with their hunched, ghastly forms. The occasional coughing fit interrupted the orchestra of sniffling. Some lay in utter exhaustion, others, anxiously kneading into the rock's slate-like surface. Quickly, she hurried them past their curious eyes. There was still the chance now that the sickness could spread.
Orchidshade could not tell if the Tribe had improved since her last visit. She had delivered both catnip and the knowledge to accompany it. But, this was far from enough to fight this epidemic. Yellow-cough had come to own their bodies with its relentless grasp. It was one that submerged the unfortunate soul to drown beneath the waters of their delicate airways while their throats stayed ablaze.
They crept passed with solemn steps and headed into the dipping moors towards the high rock. The high rock was one of the few monuments that Orchidshade had grown familiar with. She padded down the ravine and headed for the distant, weathered rocks. However, they had not reached their destination before greeted by the deep cocoa pelt of Hemlock. He appeared to be doing well, his coat shiny and tail on a curious, but welcoming alert.
"Go with him and stay clear of the sick." Orchidshade mewed to Mousepaw with a phlegmatic mew. "Meet us back when the moon has reached silverpelt's apex." she added before parting with the she-cat. Hopefully it would not take long to find the tribes leaders. None of which Orchidshade found herself much acquainted with. Those whose hierarchy Orchidshade still led to fully comprehend. She would ask them this time. Depleted from her initial quest of knowledge, Orchidshade hoped to earn something to justify their investment beyond flexing a strong moral conscious.
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to make many ripples" -Mother Teresa
The tribe leader had been exiting the den of a sick member when the scent of the clans floated passed his nose. He paused taking in a deep breath then relaxed some. It was those of the Redwoodclan, but it mixed with pines, one he was not familiar with. Had they been accompanied by one of the other clans he had heard briefly about from Hemlock? He frowned then turned calling for one of the near by stone guards to gather Talon and a prey-hunter to go find Sunrise. He made his way back to the Tribe stone and sat waiting patiently, though the tip of of his tail twitched ever so slightly.
As the clan group crested the hill, he was not surprised to see Hemlock's black fur among them. He nodded his approval as Orchidshade ushered their youngest member off with the to-be. He watched them go and frowned seeing the bright gashes on the young she-cat's back. So they had been attacked. He turned his yellow gaze back to the medicine cat and the large form beside her. This one, just like the young cat that had just gone with Hemlock, was not one that had traveled with her before, but he still bore the forest scent of the Redwoodclan. "Greetings, Orchidshade," he said with a polite dip of his head as he stood, "It is good to see you again. I have sent for Talon and Sunrise, my head Prey Hunter and Stone Guard, so that we may all speak together. My den is plenty big to hold everyone i believe. Not used to seeing so many cats the size of our Talon so often."
He smiled some at the brown tabby then turned and led them into his den. It was a bit dimmer, but the small gaps between the stones that made his den let in enough light for everyone to see properly. The scent of fresh herbs hung faintly in the air as he had managed to recently find some on his last morning walk. It still wasn't what they needed to fight this illness that had taken over the tribe. He motioned for Orchidshade and the other cat to get settled and turned slightly hearing Sunrise's voice outside his den. His heart fluttered some and an involuntary purr left his jaws momentarily before he cut it off quickly.
"Come on in, Sunrise," he called out to her and was pleased to see the silver form of Talon with her as well, "Ah perfect. i was hoping you two would be found quickly. Come make yourselves comfortable. I have a feeling we have a lot to discuss with our visitors." He moved over and settled beside the medicine cat and seemed to relax a bit more once Sunrise picked a spot on his other side. He was glad his two Head members were here. Last time these clan cats had some his head had spun with all the information they had provided to him. It would be nice to have extra ears to catch something he might miss. "I saw the wounds on your young one," he mewed quietly, "Were you attacked on your way here?"
Word Count: 530 Tags: maxxwolfiedemonkaz Notes: let the information sharing begin
"...and that pissed me off, so I turned to look him in the eye, and I said, 'I don't care that I'm not a guard, I can fu-- huh?"
There were many ponds under the Tribe's care, but one of them seemed to be more tucked away in its own little microsom of it's own, as if passing through the bullrushes took one away from the mainland and into a world that consisted of it's still surface and the foliage around it. Sunrise and Talon could sometimes be found here, talking Tribe business, or indulging in whatever activity the current air presented.
Her story had been interrupted by one of the team, with one of Talon's guards close at hand. Usually, she'd shoo off whoever it was, as she was engaged in a conversation, but since a certain fishing lesson, she had stopped shooting the messengers, and started following them.
"Creek needs to speak with you" had taken on a bit of a new meaning. All the way back to the Tribe Stone, her mood lightened with each step. As they neared their stoneteller's den, she scented out the strange smell of cats from across the water.
The last time they were here, they had seen firsthand the unenviable state of their universe, as a case of redcough caused Swoop to leave it. Their leaser had vowed to return as they left their knowledge of catmint and crossed over the now torn curtain between the tribe and the rest of world, and since then, some things had changed.
No longer was survival in the forefront of each cat's mind. Since Redwoodclan's first visit, they had fallen in love, faced down danger, grew themselves into better people, and returned to fighting amongst themselves about their own issues. All this was starting to look like life as normal, even though the tribe still faced a large epidemic.
This was a sign that they were getting stronger, and as they did, they found themselves able to start asking questions about trust. A fair few of her tribemates harbored inhibitions, which were not unwarranted. Laxness and open mindedness were hallmarks of the tribe, but even they knew on some level there was no such thing as a free mouse. Creek was accepting a vast amount of help from cats they knew little about. The concern about the bill at the end of the feast was valid, and some among them wondered if that cost would outweigh the damage done by the sickness.
It seemed like part of her duties as of late had been to try to persuade her friends and family that they posed more of a boon than a threat to the tribe. She wanted to support Creek in his decisions, but even as in her own mind, wariness didn't seem to take flight.
It was the black healer she trusted. As for the rest of the world, she would have to jump in...cautiously.
Th faint smell of wounds met her nose as they approached the entrance, almost as if to refute her optimism.
"Come on in, Sunrise!"
At the sound of his cadence, she brightened again and her cheeks flushed slightly.
"You asked for her, and here she is. What can Sunrise do for you?" she asked with flair, bursting into the den.
The smell of wounds melded with the scent of lavender, and she turned to face the visiting medicine cat.
"Hey! Welcome back, Orchidshade, it's good to finally meet you. Not just the to be the recipient of your life-saving deliveries."
Talon filed in, and she took a seat, quite close to the marbled body of her leader.
In his usual good-natured fashion, Rockjaw was tempted many times to speak during their journey. It would have brought him great joy to lighten the mood with words of confidence or reassurance. Yet he realized as soon as he had caught up to his companions that opening his maw would only be a hindrance for this tiny patrol. Mousepaw and Orchidshade's own mouths were stuffed full of the life-giving herbs they had fought so hard to obtain and protect.
As such, he was uncharacteristically silent during their trek. His injuries were light compared to Mousepaw's, but even after Orchidshade had tended to all their wounds, his brow remained furrowed, head still throbbing. The tom's optimism seemed to be challenged with each tired step. Had he not taken this battle seriously enough? Could he have done better, done more?
He closed his weary eyes and smiled, shutting his mind to those doubts. Why dwell on what could have been? They were here now -- safe and alive. Instead, he focused on their surroundings -- equal parts alien and familiar. He recognized some of the plants that grew in RedwoodClan territory -- catmint, dock, and marigold. Yet some were not, like the flaming red cardinal flowers that reared into the dark sky. Though he was no medicine cat, the bright colors surprised him, lifting his spirits.
As they passed by a refreshing pool, the dark she-cat's request took him by surprise -- so long had they walked in the stillness of the coming night. "Oh! Courtesies. Of course." With that exchange, he picked up the pace, carrying his tail a little higher. What an honor to be RedwoodClan's spokescat!
As the trio passed through the next island, Rockjaw struggled to keep his protruding chin up. There were so many thin forms, wheezing into the cool night, despite the crispness of the air. As much as he wanted to offer comfort to these poor souls, he stayed close to his companions, jaw set firmly. It won't be long now. You'll all be better soon.
The tribe already knew Orchidshade, of course -- before he could step forward as the leader for their group, a small black tom greeted her. Mousepaw departed with the youngster, and Rockjaw continued on with Orchidshade. A mottled black and white tom was equally amicable in his welcoming.
Why would ThistleClan ever think that these friendly cats could be a threat?
Shaking his head, the tabby focused on Creek, nodding politely. Judging by the way he carried himself, Rockjaw understood at once that the speckled tom must be the equivalent of their leader. Their titles were a mystery to him -- two deputies? For all his wonderment, he tried to contain his questions -- at least until everyone was present. But until then, at the very least, he could say hello! His entire frame trembled with eagerness to share and learn.
"Sunrise, was it? Hi there ma'am," he chimed in as the flame-colored molly took her place next to Creek. "I'm Rockjaw, warrior of RedwoodClan. Pleasure to meet ya. And I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name, sir..." An awkward chuckle followed, then a courteous pause to allow Creek the opportunity to introduce himself as well. When that was all said and done -- with Rockjaw grinning at the interesting complexities of the tribe's naming conventions -- he made to answer Creek's question. "Yeah, ThistleClan tried to give us a good wallopin' on our way over, but we made it in one piece. Us and the herbs, all here, all safe. Nothin' to worry about."
Post by wolfiedemon on Aug 22, 2020 7:44:47 GMT -6
Talon could be seen sitting near the den he shared with Maple. With the help of the cats from the Clan called Redwood, she was doing much better. This brought some relief to his troubled mind. There was alot of things on it as of late, but that was one thing he could stop thinking about. With so many cats still getting over the sickness, the patrols that he had sent out were mainly of cats in teams of two or three. This wasn't bad, but he was sending out the same cats just about in each group. They needed a break. Talon himself had just gotten back and was hoping to atleast rest for a bit when he was informed that Creek needed to see him.
Talon rose and made his way to the leaders den. As he did, he saw Sunrise as well not that far ahead of him. He bowed his head in greeting to Creek before entering the den to see that the cat that had helped save his Tribe was there as well. Along with another... what was the title? Warrior. "Orchidshade, good to see you again." He said in greeting as he made himself comfortable on the other side of Creek. He decided to make himself comfortable by laying in a half crouch. With his size, he didn't want to tower over them, intimidate them. As he did, he listened to the cat named Rockjaw explain that they were in a fight but they still managed to make it to them in one piece. "Glad to hear that they didn't delay you too much Rockjaw." He then realized he never introduced himself. "I'm Talon, the Head of the Stone Guards."
"Hello,Talon. Hello...,Sunrise." The she-cat murmured, swiveling back to see the form of one familiar and one novel figure. Orchidshade remembered Talon with ease. He was unmistakable even to those with a fleeting memory. The tom's massive feathery build was larger than that even, of the average Redwood clanner. Beside him, a bursting ball of fiery orange boisterously laughed in confidence. In some ways, though not physical, she appeared just as large. Physically, though she was long and lean, her muscles attested with their rippling movements which flexed along her streamlined form-she was not a force to be reckoned with, and Orchidshade found herself at the very least, developing a sense of respect based on her groomed physique.
In some ways, the she-cat reminded her of the Redwood clan deputy, but after further inspection, this cat who called herself...Sunrise? appeared humorous and chatty. Orchidshade's tiny corners frowned. No. They were too different- she was probably just associating the names and familiar orange glow. Orchidshade snuck another peek at the newcomer, whose hazel stare sparked with an equivocal livelihood to her bold and rowdy echoes. It was dangerous to make so many connections between the clan and tribe. Their only universal factor should be.... that they were all patients. In that way, stars did not discriminate. Orchidshade ruminated in these judgments, eyeing them both with an unwavering, wide-eyed leer.
Thankfully, Rockjaw took the lead, and Orchidshade was quickly liberated from the courtesies of explaining their encounter with Thistle clan. Even still, her chest felt tight, the walls clenching from the vibrant greetings of these newfound faces. Every whisker twitch cascaded a ripple of unease beneath her night-cloaked pelt. Orchidshade excused herself from being pressed between her patrol, and the foreign tribe cats. With the slithering maneuver of a serpent, she made her way towards the outskirts to awkwardly huddle in the mollifying shadows. Her eyes fluttered in a gentle sigh, her body squatty and crunched into its littlest form. Beneath the rock, towering and stretching to disappeared into its own edges where the base lay flat, he she-cat felt comfortable. It was certainly quieter. The acoustics trapped beneath the corners and fell flat against the spongy mosses.
After the small talk had reached its close, which was, thankfully in good time, Orchidshade shuffled forward the stalks of lungwort. She waited for an opportunistic silence.
"What is your report on the illness?" she mewed. "And Maple? Maple, was one of your cats with yellow cough. This herb, lungwart is for her and the like. I'm sure you know to look for sore throats and raspy voices." she continued, her eerie stare indefinitely locked on Creek. Orchidshade still did not quite understand his position but did comprehend that he was the primary caretaker of the tribe.
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to make many ripples" -Mother Teresa
Creek was quiet and patient as the newer member from the clan explained that another clan had tried to stop them on their way over. He frowned slightly his spotted ear flicking slightly in worry. Hemlock had mentioned one hostile clan, but two? And from the sounds of it there were only three across the sandbar. Were these clan cats so close minded as to ignore other who might need help?
He didn't have much time to dwell on it as the small black she-cat turned her attention to him as asked him of the well-being of the tribe, mentioning Maple specifically. He wasn't sure what it was about the clan's medicine cat, but she unnerved him. It wasn't exactly fear, but the tribe leader felt like if she really wanted to scar him up there would be no doubt she would be able to do it, and she would probably do it without hesitation. Realizing he had stalled some he shifted and cleared his throat.
"Those who had minor symptoms seem to be doing better than the last time you were here," he started to explain, his voice not as shaky as he had anticipated on it being, "for them is seemed like a couple days of rest did them some good. Those that were worse off, Maple included have improved but they are still too weak to be joining the ranks of our tribe members yet. The spread has slowed considerably, but sometimes there is a spread. We've managed to isolate those sick in dens close to my own while healthier cats have taken residence in outer dens."
He paused in his assessment and looked at the lugwort the medicine cat had brought in and carefully pulled it toward him, sniffing it lightly. He was hoping perhaps they called it something else and it was a plant hidden somewhere secret on the island. Sadly he didn't recognize the scent and was disappointed in the small amount they had managed to produce. It would help no doubt, but he would have to be careful with amounts until they could get some more.
"This plant...is it why that clan attacked you on the way here?" he asked lifting his head again his ear flicking again as he thought, "I don't want your members or my own to cause more strife or tension among the other clans, but my members need this remedy. Have we done something to provoke this anger from the other clans?"
"Well, would you look at that! He called me Ma'am! Take notes, toms, we've got a real gentleman on our paws, aha. Nice to meet you too, Rockjaw."
After her exuberant reaction to her greeting, Sunrise exhaled small column of air from her nostrils. On the inside, it was a large sigh of relief. The previous encounter with the the clans, the first encounter with the tribe had ever had with the outside world, was marked by death, tears, disease, and dis-ease about their situation. As far as first impressions went, it was the worst imaginable. Now, here in a den becoming more familiar, she sat beside her trusted confidant's, representing more than a ragtag band of ill-fated naturalists. Today, they were once more on the receiving end of help, but at the very least, they were standing, talking, and trading pleasantries. Here, the help was being formally accepted, as the Tribe of Floating Stones.
"Yeah, Thistleclan....nothing to worry about."
This bit of information was closer to the disquieting feelings of the first visit, and it was backed up by their appearance. While they presented themselves much in the same way, there could be no hiding the recent marks of battle that adorned them. Their demeanor was friendly, but there were the subtle oscillations and winces of the face that reveal the discomfort of their wounds. There was a scent among them as well that was engrained in their wounds, a faint smell of pine mixed in with the blood.
"Well, maybe you can rest up for a moment, have Creek look you over and maybe I can catch you all something nice."
The black healer issued her greeting to her, and then was silent for awhile. Her words seemed to hang for a moment, as if there was something else on the healer's mind...a hang up she had gotten from toms over the moons, but never another she-cat. She returned her look with a tiny smirk, and then she peeled into the familiar shadows of a den purposed for medicine. Sunrise figured she must have been the introverted sort, reserved in speech, preferring to let their actions talk. In this way, she had already said so much.
"I'd better shut up before we scare her off."
A grander silence came over them, and Orchidshade used the opportunity to turn the conversation to more pressing matters.
"I don't want...anger for the other clans?"
She nodded her head in agreement with Creek's assistance.
"Right. The impression I got from Hemlock when he talked about his visit to your island, was that you all aren't exactly...like-minded about whether or not you want to kill us or help us. We're pretty peaceful here...we'd like to keep it that way."
It was quite a menagerie -- so many cats of so many shapes, sizes and colors. Rockjaw drank in the sight of the group like a glass of champagne, marvelling at diverse new flavor of companionship.
"Nice ta meet you too, Talon," he chimed back, bowing his head respectfully to the massive tom. As large as the gray male was, he seemed amicable enough.
Sunrise's bubbly exclamation brought a sheepish grin to his broad face. At the mentioning of free food, his smile became even wider, jutting teeth a wild contrast to the warmth in his eyes. "That'd be right sweet of ya, Sunrise! It would be lovely ta get off our paws and have a bite to eat."
Meanwhile, Orchidshade distanced herself somewhat from the group. Her discomfort didn't escape Rockjaw, but he didn't draw attention to it, either, allowing her the space she needed without objection. Small talk was never her forte, and he was more than happy to carry on a conversation while she collected her thoughts.
With the lungwort exchanged, good news of the tribe's recovery followed. It wasn't all sunshine and roses -- some cats needed more time, it seemed -- but there was hope, and that was enough for the optimistic tom. Creek's concerns about the skirmish were not unwarranted, however.
"Nah, it's not your fault 'bout ThistleClan." He frowned, though his displeasure was not directed at the current group. How could the other clans be so harsh against these innocent victims? "They don't take kindly to outsiders, see. And LichenClan, they don't take kindly to folks who..." His voice petered out as he mulled over his choice of words. He hadn't been in attendance at the Gathering where Hemlock had first made his appearance, but the tabby tom had heard plenty about Minnowstar's assessment of their new friends. "...folks who think different from them. But don't worry. If ya need more lungwort, we'll find a way to get it to ya somehow, come Dark Forest or high water. RedwoodClan will always help those in need." Perhaps it wasn't his place to make promises like this, being of no position of authority himself -- but if circumstances ever changed and Finchstar someday wished to withdraw their aid, Rockjaw knew he would fight for the tribe, just as he would fight for any cat who called for help. It was the right thing to do.
Post by wolfiedemon on Nov 22, 2020 19:50:55 GMT -6
Talon sat there in silence as exchanges were made between his fellow tribe cats and those of the Clans. His thoughts were elsewhere, thinking of those cats that still were in need of the medicine that these cats had to fight other clans just to get it here. It should have to be this way, he thought. If a group of cats, be it tribe or clan, is in need shouldn't they try to help each other? The island, now islands, needed the cats to help keep an eye on things. If one or more of the clans were wiped out, what kind of state would the islands be in afterward?
Thoughts like those were starting to plague the silver toms thoughts as of late. What if one of these clan cats decided to send a raiding party to the tribe? Would they have the strength to defend themselves? Talon himself was well enough to take on an opponent or two but it would take more then him to fight off a group of cats. Talon cleared his throat a bit to get the gathered cats attention. "Not trying to damper the mood but... Did any of this ThistleClan see where you crossed? Would they be able to come here on their own?" Talon didn't want to take any chances.
As he waited for an answer, he started to plan out patrols to keep an eye on the sandbar that connected the islands. He wanted to be prepared for anything, even possibly bringing up moving the cats that lived furthest out away from the tribe stone moving their dens closer until he was sure their would be no signs of outsiders showing.
With a deepening investment, Orchidshade listened to Creek's reports concerning the clan's condition. She determined at this point, there was no reason for them to be anything but veracious. always remain tactful, never let your guard down. And even moreso, since their return, it seemed Creek's confidence had subsumed. For a brief inkling, Orchidshade was colored skeptical of his true nature but it was not a concept that needed much rumination- they were here upon orders and a task. A task which she believed in: to help the ill.
"I'm glad to hear the one that you call Maple has improved," Orchidshade replied curtly. "I was deeply concerned about her condition." Though, the later part of his update grew some doubt within the she-cat. "Why do you keep the sick cats close." It was a statement more than a question. "I understand you are a healer, but you are also their leader. If your camp's directive is located at the center, you will draw healthy cats on duty strait to the belly of the ill. That is why it still has spread. Why not occupy beside the sick and remain outside the operations, let Talon handle the duties as he is well." The she-cat murmured with a sense of phlegmatic scorn. Her nose scrunched in an uncomfortable idiosyncrasy a heartbeat after delivery, though far from realizing perhaps her advice had been crass. I will not waste herbs on poor management, her mentality soured. She watched with a blank veil as the spotted tom, feeble but far stronger than once before, retrieved the purple herb. There was a sense of melancholy in his yellow eyes- yellow eyes with glowed like the omniscient owl's gentle leer beneath peridot twinkles. Orchidshade swallowed as she watched him drag the lungwort closer. At first glance, she thought the tom had rivaled her in moons, but when reflecting on her own silver fleck- though born early even for her age- she came to realize that the leader was possibly relatively younger than she. Her empathy dissipated.
After the exchange, the spotted leader inquired about the condition of their tardy. His inquire was one of objective empathy, that which Orchidshade respected. His thoughts equal parts weighed their impact on others (such as Redwoodclan and the other clans), and weighed the necessity to care for his own as a leader. Though naturally, he was curious if the other clans were provoked. If anger was bestowed from Redwoodclan's actions, to heal their sick, what more treachery could find its way across their sandbar. The ginger warrior chimed in, offering her perspective. And, it was precisely that. All that roamed the island weren't like-minded, even inside clans, and even more between. If anything, their ideologies to Orchidshade were farther from each other than the stretching tips of their shores.
But, before Orchidshade could answer the spotted warrior, Rockjaw, he did just as she had requested- spoke on her behalf. The black medicine cat's body rippled, merging into a stiff form of awkward tension, her shoulders hunched and legs stringent like birch. She was in a metaphysical pool of frigid ice-water, tossed by her own mistake. Thankfully, he did not drown them in the system's unveiling nuances at paw- no, he did so well to deliver kind words and a proper synopsis of the situation. It was the promise that worried her. The furs on her nap began to rise, her claws extending into the earth upon his words. more lungwort? who is to even say that there is more lungwart?, she bit back the retort, her pupils quivering into a clump of stretching high grasses that sporadically burst from an insignificant corner. It was a simple place to plaster her vacant veil as not to ripple unease upon the masses.
Orchidshade waited for the last of his delivery and said a silent prayer. She hoped that Redwoodclan would not always have to be solicited at their beck and call. She hoped that they could become self-sufficient. No, and with this knowledge... Perhaps they will be. Rockjaw has boiled the situation down to simple words and promises. Empty? Or just...optimistic. At the very least, they need that...from someone. It can't be me. She allowed the moment to fade before her nape came to flatten like the horizons- a distant horizon, the moment had passed—a moment's pause.
"Yes." She mewed during an opportunistic silence. "Thank you Rockjaw. I feel much more comfortable now." It was not entirely truthful, but regardless, it was important she continued her piece. Orchidshade cleared her throat with a single snort, as if to expel the social petrification bestowed upon her condition. The condition which longed for lonesomeness and loathed the congregation of others. The condition melted that when the pleasants were exchanged until finally, they could discourse at its source.
"That plant is called lungwort, and it only grows in the territory of a clan that we currently have political tensions. We did not know of your existence until Hemlock. The news was shocking, and discerning to some." not too much, not too little. unveil only what will benefit this moment. "The lungwort is very rare." Though her words would do little to placate the situation at paw, it was pertinent that he understood the case's direness. Rockjaw had handled the kindness.
And when Talon replied, Orchidshade turned to him, provoking a thought that had long escaped her. Her pale eyes widened as even the medicine cat was caught off guard by a piece of knowledge. This was a moment that perhaps she had failed.
"I don't know if they saw where we crossed." These mumblings were her half-backed reply. The black medicine cat met Talon's own yellow stare, deeper in color than his pale citrus gazed companion, where oranges fired beneath an acerbic leer though polite, his inquiry reflected the deepest of concerns. "I..would pray for the best to your gods, and come to expect the worst for your members. It has been many moons since the island's fantasized about the obscure concept you've come to name as.. peace."
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to make many ripples" -Mother Teresa
As the other cats spoke to one another, a growing knot had been forming in the pit of his stomach. Something off settling and he couldn't put his paws on it. It wasn't the cats before him, those that hailed from Redwoodclan, but something just beyond the horizon that he couldn't lay his eyes on that made him unsettled. He took the offer of more Lugwort with light consideration as he looked over the supply that had been delivered to him. It was small, but effective to things moving as far as healing those who needed the aid. He lightly pawed at a bit thinking quietly. That was until the black she-cat hissed at him with a bit of a reproach about their system of keeping the sick close.
He slowly slid his yellow gaze to her and waited a moment, his speckled tail twitching behind him, brushing the ginger one laying near by. "The cats were moved closer to my den on the premise that I could barely leave my own den when the decision was made," he said calmly but quietly, "We do have an isolated island not far that we normally take our sick to, where i usually have the aid of the Has Beens ,but with so many getting infected so quickly, myself included, our plans had to change. Talon did a wonderful job organizing everything while I was disposed and both he and Sunrise have managed to make a system where there is little interaction with sick and healthy." He watched the black cat with a steady gaze before allowing his tense shoulders to relax.
"I understand it isn't the perfect answer," he admitted shyly, "However this is my first major sickness as a Teller. MY teacher never really got the part of a wide spread sickness and how to handle it when you yourself get sick. We all did what we thought was best. We are all learning." He looked back down at the lugwort before him pondering a thought as he looked over the plant before him. "I understand that this plant does not come from your normal home," he started slower trying to piece his words together, "But do you know what kind of ground this plant is normally found in? Perhaps we have similar ground here and I can find a way to....grow our own supply, so you don't have to risk your own to come make deliveries."
Orchidshade's hardened stare did not lift with the hesitation of her spotted companion. But still, a gradual softening occurred of her features as she became more enveloped in Creek's report.
"Ah, yes. I suppose your own ailment was a pertinent factor." She cleared her throat awkwardly, gaze swiveling to the lower right. The ebony she-cat truly believed this notion and was caught in a muted fluster. She flickered back to receive his justifications. They ventured to celebrate Talon's leadership, something that meant little to her. The rest, empty excuses, relayed the misgivings on the teller's mentor.
With a barely audible sigh, her breath but a whisper on the currents, she parted her jowls.. "It is quite unfortunate to have a neglectful mentor." She mewed back with her maw dripping in a frown. Though her brother Marsh-heart had not tackled clan-spread illness to this degree, white and green cough was a typical pandemic come every leaf-bare. It was common knowledge to prepare. Perhaps just like the utopia of peace, isolation also sheltered these tribe cats from illness. Now, both that of disease and interclan hostility had breached their shores. However, Orchidshade could not find herself pitying them, as this was an unwavering reality of the clan cat's life.
The topic flipped to lungwart and Orchidshade was temporarily relieved not to dig into the politics of their management and customs. The exchange had been awkward, defensive on both sides under the air of oddly cordial. How painful.
"I'm not an expert on Lungwort. That's Lichenclan territory," Orchidshade prefaced, a bit defensively, before diving into the channels of her psyche. She thought back to her night excursions with the helpful Briarpaw, the Lichenclan's wet terrain that was less shielded and generous than their Redwoodclan forests. "Wet..." she finally replied, casting her chin to the skies. A moment's pause. "And I think, shaded." She continued, recalling the patch that cast in the birchwood's shadows. The she-cat dropped her stare. "I expect if you come to grow your own Lungwort, consider our generosity transformed into your debt." She finalized.
344 | Dreamer | this thread takes place, from my understanding, before "fermentation of the orchard's blend" which is kind of a transformative moment in Orchidshade's view on the tribe. Until, she has a much more hostile, martyring approach. I think Iris can mollify the concerns of Creek in the future as Orchidshade has become more open towards her
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to make many ripples" -Mother Teresa
Neglectful mentor. The words had stung in a spot that Creek hadn't realized was there and he did his best to keep his features composed although his claws did dig into the ground under the shadows of his tail. Rain had not been neglectful. She had been on borrowed time. In the few short moons he had with her, Creek had so much thrown at him that it would make any cat's head spin. Perhaps she had warned him of something like this occurring. Perhaps he had just forgotten or pushed it aside as a little folly as their island hadn't seen anything of this magnitude in moons. Either way, Rain had been anything but neglectful.
He was glad when his change in subject took hold and the matter of the Lugwort became the focus. The black she-cat held herself nobly but he could tell this plant wasn't exactly something she was accustomed to. He sighed softly at the mention of the other clan, one that seemed more hostile toward them in the least, and nodded ever so slightly. The information of wet and shaded helped quite a bit though. Perhaps he could speak to his sister soon. She had an unnatural ability for the nature of the island.
"It is always in my interest and the Tribes to help those that reach out a paw to help us," he said quietly with a nod at the she-cat's last words, "The information will help. I have a few cats that know these lands better than they know their own hides. We will figure this out i am sure and then share in the blessings."
He glanced at his two other leaders that sat near by and shifted almost awkwardly realizing he and the medicine cat had taken control of the conversation. It was how it needed to be sometimes, but he had wanted them here to be able to listen in on what needed to be done around the came. "We know your group risked a lot to bring us this. Perhaps we can get you some prey and a time to rest before you head on. I am afraid my duties here will not allow me to leave the confinements of the Tribe Stone today, but Sunrise and Talon are more than capable of showing you around and answering any questions you might have," he said turning his gaze to the large tom and then finally to the orange and white she-cat by his side. A faint smile pulled at his lips as a nod was shared and he looked at the group of clan cats.
"Truly, your kindness will not be forgotten. Not if I have anything to say about it," he said quietly and firmly, his tail wrapping around his paws ever so slightly.
Orchidshade's initial statements about the sickness sent a line of activity up her spine, and it felt as if a rod had been inserted from the tip of her tail, running straight through to the bridge of her nose, and the sensation caused the hair on the back of her neck to bristle as she listened to criticisms she saw as at best, uninformed, and ones certainly not welcome in her headspace.
The tension in the air was palpable as they attempted to speak on their mutual trade, but the thoughts in her own head were much less than cordial. It seemed like the healer had simply brushed the one she was seated by off, her speech unwavering and piercing to her as the she cat passed judgement on Creek's ability, decisions, her and Talon's own role in keeping the Tribe safe, and even the merits of their previous Teller's teachings, echoing a sentiment that seemed to come now from a few different directions. This was enough to darken the expression on her face, and she almost stood up when it had been uttered.
"I wanna see you do better at managing something you hardly understand. Do better than Talon at conducting the distancing, and I dare any among you to do better than me at keeping their bellies full." was the thought she wanted to put out into the world. A look over at Creek told her that while he was affected, he would react with his usual stoic approach, and she figured it would be in good form to do the same.
Of the comments Orchidshade had made, two stuck out to her the most. The comment about their indebtedness, and her seeming rely to her comment about peace. The medicine cat's aggressive comment took her aback more than she had expected. Ever since Hemlock had returned, she had been tossing the question of accepting their help around in her head, like many of her tribemates. The choice to her was obvious and there was always the looming shadow of a question of payment. There was nothing odd about that, as even they were not naive enough to expect things for free. The manner in which she delivered her sentence was with out a doubt, an omen, however.
The second comment gave her the first ever moment of doubt in the decision, the one that referred to the possibility of peace, or rather, its impossibility. Sunrise had stumbled onto the boundary of their similarities and differences. It was the first time a thing that walked on four legs and spoke with fangs and tongues felt truly alien.To her, peace was not simply an obscure concept that allowed them to subsist alone, blind to true nature of the world around them. There was no peace when she stood between a valued friend and a snarling coyote. There was no peace when her friends died by the denful to an invisible enemy, and there was no peace when she did battle with the elements, having to do what amounted to alchemy to transmute snow into prey. There was peace however, in the way the Tribe banded together to solve these issues, with their battles being a part of the natural order of the island. They had constructed a peaceful world while the clan cats beside them smelled of blood and conflict, and to her it showed that they had forgotten this ability.
Sunrise sighed, and let the sound of Creek's responses fill her ears, easing the flame inside of her. They were measured, and were filled with dignity and more respect than she could imagine herself showing.
"Thats why he's the Teller." she thought as she nodded in response to their Teller's directive to provide the clan cats some respite and familiarity. She would happily oblige, and try her best to show her the realness of peace if she accepted.
