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noteclan · 3 months ago

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Noteclan Moon 2!

so uh. Here's that aforementioned written piece. I think this is probably the best place to put it given that I want the end of the post to be about the end of the update:

It's still early in the day when Oatdawn and Beechdream set out in search of herbs, padding down the mountain into the forest of the valley.

Birds chirp and flutter in the trees. Iron-mud-red squirrels dash through the leaf litter after each other, oblivious to the cats trodding steadily along nearby. This forest is probably the liveliest place in several kilometres, other than maybe the shore of the lake. It’d be lovely, if not for the fact that all the animal smells are making it hard to find herbs.

At least if they can’t find anything it’s not a long walk back to the cave, something she wouldn’t be able to say if she was by the lake. Oatdawn dreads things fairly often, and one of them is the walk back up the mountain if xe must get herbs from all the way down there someday.

She glances to Beechdream for a second. He went there just recently to get xir a fish. He doesn’t even like fish.

..This walk is rather lovely, actually.

The scent of a mouse hits Oatdawn’s nose. Yet another animal distraction, yet another small creature she wants to pause and watch. But her duties as a medic must come first, as always.

You could use the bile against ticks, her mind chimes, tempting her, though she knows..

She doesn’t realize xe’s stopped until Beechdream does as well, his head tilted in silent question.

Oatdawn flicks her tail to point to the source of the smell, and seconds later there’s a skittering in the leaves in that spot. She watches, amused(surely this twinge in her heart is that), as Beechdream lowers himself to a hunting crouch.

He fumbles the catch, which is probably for the best, though Oatdawn does struggle to believe that when xe catches a sharp bitterness in his eyes.

“When did you get so into hunting?” She asks, tone light enough to ease the edge in Beechdream’s eyes as he looks at xir. “I still remember- you used to hate it, didn’t you? And now you’re fishing and going after mice and challenging eagles, always out- when’d that happen?”

Beechdream stares at the ground for a second. “I got tired of not being able to.” He glances up to Oatdawn after a second, sees xir’s curiosity. “Like- skill wise? And from my job back home. I’m sick of being cooped in.”

��You did.." Oh, she wishes xir memory was better. "Camp security, yeah?”

Beechdream nods.

“You still went out to get brambles and stuff, though. Was that not enough?”

He shrugs. “No? I’m glad your plants are for you, but. Not for me.”

Oatdawn stills, considering. Xir eyes drift to where the mouse had been.

(That twinge in her heart, as xe watched Beechdream smoothly stalk along the forest floor, his movements precise and certain. Was that admiration or jealousy?)

Well. Even if she wanted to hunt, she doesn’t know-

“How do you.” She swallows, face hot. “how do you hunt?”

Any distance that’d been clinging in Beechdream’s eyes fades. “You-? Of course, you’re a medic. Ok, uhm-”

He launches into a very - dare xe say adorably - flustered explanation of a hunter’s crouch, glancing back at Oatdawn far too often(“I keep thinking- that clearly you know this so it’ll be rude to explain,” “snrk-, It’s not, I promise,”) for it to be a smooth process.

She does learn, though. And soon the mission of collecting herbs is forgotten, as Xe hunts for the first time. It takes a couple of tries but soon Oatdawn has a mouse clamped tight in her jaws and triumph settled nicely into that aching spot in xir chest.

She’s well familiar with having to talk around things, and lifts xir paw to set the mouse down on it to say “Thank you.”

Beechdream grins, and the two of them bask in the moment.

before Ochrewillow glances over his head.

“Oh. That’s rosemary.”

“..So it is, yes.”

Oatdawn stares for a second. “I should probably harvest some sprigs from that.”

So xe should probably give Beechdream the mouse.

Passing it to him is easy. It means that he stands there, apparently too busy holding it to help gather rosemary, but that’s fine. This is fine. He should get the credit for it anyway, he’s the warrior.

When she’s gathered as much as xe can easily hold in her mouth, Oatdawn turns to face him again. Beechdream pads closer, takes the mouse from his mouth with a paw and- sets it on her head?

“What? You’ve got good balance.” He says, grinning, and pads past her to start breaking twigs off of the rosemary bush. “Just- this size good?” He asks, holding a piece up.

Oatdawn goes to nod, then pauses, humming a m-hm instead.

this is really happening.

She really shouldn’t bring this back, Spirestar wouldn’t- Heronstar would. He would approve. They’re breaking out of the specialties now, aren’t they? Defenders and medics can hunt. Fighters can learn to build barriers. The kits are growing up without having to pick that strict a role, without a war.

Right.

She just did her first, and hopefully far from last, hunt.

and now we resume our regularly scheduled comicing, with a Veilbreak and Rainpaw patrol!

ah yes. neon orange. a sure sign that Plot lurks the area.

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For anyone who skipped the written scene, Sílexclan wasn't the only name dropped; Oatdawn also thinks of a cat named Spirestar.

I don't plan on doing the huge written pieces often, but I had a lot of fun exploring it. One thing I've Not been having a lot of fun with is keeping these damned lineless cats from blending into the background. if anyone has any tips they'd be much appreciated

I'm still like. Hoping to eventually start updating more frequently. The reason this took so long is in large part because I started college partway through making it. So far I'm relatively low on homework though so here's hoping

So yeah! Hope you all enjoyed and that you have a lovely day!

#clangen #noteclan moons #noteclan #heronstar #veilbreak #tallsilk #pipitpaw #oatdawn #beechdream #rainpaw #Sílexclan #the amount that I care about these digital cats. is truly ridiculous.#I have paced around the room so many times over them. I have cried so many times over them. I'm barely even started with this #my computer overheated the other day and wouldn't turn on and my Only thought was 'oh god I haven't backed them up recently'

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seedclan · 1 year ago

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Year 1 - Moon 3 - Greenleaf

Howlpaw's tail was held high as he followed after his clanmates through the grotto and to the beautiful flower field. He craned his neck, wide green eyes looking for a particular spotted tom. As he caught sight of his target, Howlpaw quickened his pace, falling in line beside his fellow apprentice.

"Softpaw! Hey, you didn't introduce me to the other apprentices at the last Gathering. Can I tail you when you go to say hi?" he asked earnestly.

Softpaw's ear twitched, the older apprentice looking incredulously at Howlpaw. "When I say hi? Howlpaw, I don't say hi. The Gathering is a formality, but there's no point making friends with cats you may have to fight."

"That's not what Kestrelstar said," Howlpaw argued, frowning as he flicked his gaze ahead. "Well fine, if you're going to be like that. I'll just introduce myself without your help."

A mrow of laughter caught Howlpaw off guard, Softpaw not even attempting to muffle his snickering as he rolled his eyes. "Ok Howlpaw. I'll see you at Dandelion Memorial. Good luck." Softpaw trotted ahead after Goldeniris and Honeyeagle, his tail tip flicking to hit Howlpaw's nose.

The gray apprentice jumped, swatting at the air where the tail once was, before huffing. As his fur began to lie flat, he gave himself a few quick licks before eyeing the gathered cats. He eventually noticed a smaller, younger looking tom. He was white and spotted with pale brown patches, standing alone.

Maybe he's nervous to meet other apprentices, just like me!

With a steady breath, Howlpaw trotted over with his head raised high, flicking his tail in greeting. "Hello there! I'm Howlpaw of SeedClan. Are you..." He paused only a moment, scenting the air. "...a SorrelClan apprentice?"

"I am." The tom's smile was small. He dipped his head in greeting to Howlpaw. "My name is Bumblepaw. I've been training for 4 moons now under Cranefang. You train under Kestrelstar, don't you?"

Howlpaw's eyes widened. "Wow, you know a lot!"

Bumblepaw purred with a small laugh. "Word gets around, especially when a leader trains an apprentice."

Pride swelled within him, Howlpaw unable to keep from flattening his ears with a show of embarrassment. He opened his mouth to speak further, but was interrupted by a flash of gray nudging her way between them, a bright smile on her face.

"Hi there! Socializing today, huh? Ooh, I'm glad there's a SeedClan cat willing to chat. That Softpaw is always telling me to bug off." She laughed loud enough to make Howlpaw duck his head, wary of others around them who glanced over with somewhat annoyed glances.

The dark gray tabby waved her plume-like tail. "I'm Rainpaw - CoyoteClan apprentice. I see you've met Bumblepaw. Got any scoop for me before the Gathering starts?"

Blinking at her in shock, Howlpaw stuttered. "I don't think uh- I mean I think that's Kestrelstar's job, not mine. That is uh..." He glanced away. While he was glad they were friendly, he hadn't exactly expected this.

"Rainpaw, quiet down," Bumblepaw whispered calmly. He nodded ahead to the Leaders, who stood proud as a hushed silence fell over the group. Howlpaw too straightened up, turning to pay attention.

The Gathering was starting.

Ryestar stepped forward, setting a Petunia down before his paws. "CoyoteClan is steadily recovering from the flood. Plummoon has taken up his deputy duties, but unfortunately we ran into a nasty fox that managed to mangle his leg. Lakeburn says he will make a full recovery." Murmurs of well wishes were exchanged, a few glances being cast towards Rainpaw, causing Howlpaw to glance at her as well.

Ryestar continued. "Rainpaw bravely finished chasing the fox off, and helped her mentor back to camp. I would like to acknowledge her tonight and thank her for protecting our new deputy."

Wow! Howlpaw gazed at Rainpaw with admiration. He couldn't imagine chasing off a fox and taking care of Kestrelstar like that. And her mentor was a deputy! Rainpaw was pretty amazing!

The she-cat noticed his look, puffing out her chest with a smile of delight. "You should've seen the way it yipped when it turned tail and ran. It won't mess with CoyoteClan again, that's for sure!"

As Ryestar stepped back, Whisperstar went next, the CherryClan leader dropping her pinkish colored flower to the ground. "For this Gathering, I bring Gladiolus. It represents strength and growth, which I believe CherryClan has been experiencing. We will not let hardships keep us down." Her voice sounded more powerful, making the raspy tone that betrayed her age. "CherryClan welcomes a new apprentice. Icepaw has been apprenticed to my deputy, Quiverwatcher, and we believe he will continue to uphold CherryClan's values."

Icepaw?

There was a new apprentice in CherryClan? That meant he was just a moon younger than Howlpaw! He'd have to say hi and congratulate him before they left.

"Icepaw! Icepaw! Icepaw!" the gathering cheered, Howlpaw raising his voice as he craned his neck and looked around for the apprentice.

He finally spotted him. A spiky white tom stood fierce and proud, a smile not even cracking his features. Howlpaw could see why he was named Icepaw. His eyes were like sunlit ice, and his cold exterior and white pelt made him fit for the chills of leafbare.

"We also have a new member of our clan. Apricotfeather has moved to the nursery with kits, but we have learned her mate is an outsider. As the code is to protect kits, we have taken him in to strengthen our ranks, as will the kits when they are born."

Chivestar's lips curled back in a snarl, and Ryestar even seemed surprised. "You took in an outsider, even after Bushclaw's death?" he asked warily.

"Churro has already proven his innocence," hissed Whisperstar, not explaining herself further. "Apricotfeather has suffered enough this past moon." Her fur bristled, before she stiffened and straightened herself. "And unfortunately, so have we. The truth is that twolegs came into our territory... and they managed to capture Tadpolefern. He was taken."

Everyone gasped, fur bristling as panic seemed to rise from the crowd.

"T-Taken?" a white SorrelClan she-cat timidly cried out

"Does CherryClan not protect their own?!" snarled Quillbeak.

"Silence!" Whisperstar cried, lashing her tail as her silver eyes betrayed the pain she felt. "CherryClan is feeling great shame. We loved Tadpolefern, and we have sent countless patrols out in search of Twolegs. But alas it hasn't led to any success..." She trailed off, sighing. "CherryClan is rebuilding, but with what is sounding like a large litter, we will be stronger than ever," she insisted, admittedly rather defensive.

"I also have a warning to my fellow clan cats." Whisperstar's voice was stern and serious. "As you may have noticed, our medicine cat Maplefern has been absent two Gatherings now. I'm informing you all now that she has been exiled from CherryClan."

Howlpaw's ears flattened as shocked whispers flooded the clearing. His pelt felt hot, knowing well where Maplefern was. He lowered his head, yet kept his eyes looking at Whisperstar as she continued to speak.

"As is the code of Healers, they must not take mates, nor carry kits, as it impedes upon their relationship with StarClan. When we learned she had been seeing a loner, she lost her rights to our support."

Kestrelstar eyed the white she-cat, frowning. Her demeanor did not go unnoticed, as Whisperstar glared back. "Do you have something to say, Kestrelstar?"

"Only if you're finished," Kestrelstar replied coolly, voice muffled by the large yellow flower she carried.

Whisperstar huffed and stepped back, eyeing the SeedClan leader with her silver eyes as they traded places. Kestrelstar set her offering down, raising her tail as she gazed upon the gathered cats.

"I have brought a Sunflower because SeedClan has unwavering faith, and are looking towards the light that is the sun. This past moon has brought change, but we are strong and certain in our actions." She took a soft breath, puffing out her chest as she spoke. "The truth is that SeedClan has taken in Maplefern."

"You what?!" Whisperstar bared her fangs, silver eyes blazing with fury. "Does SeedClan spat in the face of StarClan's word?"

"I should be asking CherryClan that," Kestrelstar hissed back without hesitation. "Does CherryClan leave kits to die and fend for themselves?"

Whisperstar sat upright in shock. "Kits? What do you mean?"

"Maplefern had kits with her. They appeared to be almost 2 moons old. She most certainly had to have been pregnant when you cast her out." Kestrelstar's amber eyes hardened. "Maplefern may have broken the healer code, but she is still a queen, and the code says to never neglect the innocent."

CherryClan cats spoke up, eyes wide with horror.

"We didn't know!" Icepaw declared, catching Howlpaw's attention. He was surprised a new apprentice would speak out so loudly. But the white tom stood tall, not even flinching as the other cats gazed at him. "CherryClan would never harm innocent kits!"

Kestrelstar waved her tail for silence. "We have been taking care of Maplefern and her kits. While it is Maplefern's decision, we believe the kits will grow into fine warriors of SeedClan, unless CherryClan wants to change their mind?"

A hushed silence fell through the air. A look of shame was plastered on Whisperstar's face. She lowered her head before shaking it. "We will start no conflict over the kits. I admit the wrong I have done to Maplefern." Her voice hardened as she met Kestrelstar's gaze though. "However, she is not welcomed back in CherryClan. While she should've been taken care of as a mother, she has chosen to flee rather than use the code that would've saved her. CherryClan wants no part of her, nor her kits after her banishment."

"I want to apologize too," Ryestar spoke up. The elderly tom would stand as she looked to Kestrelstar. "Maplefern came to CoyoteClan asking for herbs, but we did not give them to her. Her kits were no where in sight when she came, and she didn't speak of them to us. Had we known, we would've provided her the care she needed."

Kestrelstar appeared unimpressed, glaring at both of them. "She was injured. Did you not know that either?"

To her surprise, Ryestar shook his head. "She smelled like garlic actually when she came. She looked to be in fine condition, and merely left when we explained we didn't have herbs to spare. We weren't even aware of her banishment at that point in time."

Howlpaw tilted his head in confusion. Why would Maplefern not tell those around her the full story? She could've gotten help so easily it sounded like, and yet she hid her kits and what happened. It was like Softpaw had caught her or something.

Kestrelstar dipped her head, accepting Ryestar's answer, albeit with a still displeased expression. With a soft sigh, she continued to speak. "Softpaw completed his Border Trial, bringing him closer to becoming a warrior of our clan. This is where he found Maplefern, escorting her back to camp without conflict. With her came her three kits - Slatekit, Bluekit, and Hollowkit."

The gathered cats seemed restless, surprised still with all they had heard so far. However, as Chivestar stood up for his turn, his uncharacteristically hostile expression caused near everyone to hush up. As he set down the Forget-Me-Not, everyone seemed to stiffen.

"SorrelClan is in mourning. While our apprentice Bumblepaw completed his Training Trial, we bring unfortunate news of the death of our sole Healer, Fireleopard."

Most seemed to murmur condolences. The tom was rather old after all, but with no apprentice to follow in his pawsteps, what would SorrelClan do?

Chivestar continued. "We are not without a Healer though. Icywish has stepped forward, volunteering to become a Healer after Fireleopard's passing. She has already begun receiving additional training from Lakeburn of CoyoteClan, however Icywish has impressed us with her knowledge of healing and herbs she already knew."

Kestrelstar spoke up. "Chivestar, know if Icywish needs any further training, Fallendapple is very able."

"I'm afraid I'll have to pass, but thank you, Kestrelstar." Chivestar's voice was short and curt. Howlpaw noticed the way Kestrelstar's pelt prickled in surprise, before she dipped her head with a nod.

"But while Fireleopard was old, it was not StarClan who came for him," he declared, green eyes looking to Whisperstar. "We found Fireleopard on the CherryClan border. Do you care to explain yourself, Whisperstar?"

It was one surprise after the other, the cats bristling in shock as they begun to turn on each other. Bumblepaw remained calm as he sat with the other apprentices, but his green eyes shifted to look over at Icepaw, who was lashing his tail in fury.

"Are you accusing CherryClan of killing a Healer?!" Whisperstar spat.

"Well you're willing to cast out kits. What other rules of the code are you breaking?" Chivestar snarled back, lashing his tail as he approached the CherryClan leader.

"Chivestar!" "Whisperstar!"

Kestrelstar pushed herself against Chivestar, nudging him back with a growl. Ryestar's form towered over Whisperstar, pleading for the she-cat to not launch herself at the SorrelClan leader.

Whisperstar huffed. "I'm sorry for your loss. You have my condolences, really. But CherryClan had no part of it. Though perhaps if SorrelClan cats are such fox-hearts, they deserve to lose a life to even the score."

"Why you-!" Chivestar raised his haunches, but Kestrelstar blocked him, giving him a pleading gaze. The gray tom seemed to stare at her, before flattening his ears and looking to his clan.

"SorrelClan, we're leaving!" he called, trudging ahead and smacking his tail against Kestrelstar as he left. The SeedClan leader flinched, amber eyes wide.

Howlpaw shifted uncomfortably. He and Rainpaw both glanced over at Bumblepaw, who stood up without a word.

"Yeah, turn tail and run back to your camp!"

Looking up with a shocked gaze, Howlpaw saw the spiky white form of Icepaw pushing his way through the crowd. He bared his fangs, snarling at Bumblepaw, who was far bigger than the new apprentice. "Your leader is a liar. Fight me here and now and we'll settle this!"

Bumblepaw's expression barely shifted. It was only now that Howlpaw noticed his smile didn't reach his eyes, and that his green gaze was cold and lifeless.

"I wouldn't waste my time on a scrap of fur like you," he murmured, voice velvety smooth. He dipped his head to Howlpaw and Rainpaw, before turning to leave.

Rainpaw look stunned, mouth agape in a grin. Despite the terror sweeping through Howlpaw, Rainpaw seemed to be relishing in this animosity.

Maybe because it's not her clan...

Icepaw snarled, glancing at Howlpaw and Rainpaw before puffing himself up to look bigger. Even when he did though, he was easily the smallest still.

"Ah um, hi!" Howlpaw greeted, offering a nervous but friendly smile. Icepaw looked ready to claw his fur off, but Howlpaw wasn't sure what else to do. The white tom would glare before turning around and sauntering off, lashing his tail in annoyance.

Rainpaw craned her neck to watch him go, before snickering. "Wow, now that was a dramatic gathering. Phew, I'll have a lot to tell Plummoon about."

"Are you not scared? Or feeling um... bad for everyone?" Howlpaw asked, astonished at first before trailing off into a more meek and nervous tone.

"Well it doesn't affect my clan," she spoke simply. Rainpaw flicked her ear before nudging Howlpaw with a smile. "Yours just grazed some trouble though. Congrats on your new Healer and kit combo though. And hey, let's chat more next time." The dark gray tabby would perk up as a ginger she cat raised her tail to follow. "I gotta go, but see ya around, Howlpaw."

And just like that, he was alone. He saw the rest of his clan leaving, Kestrelstar at the helm. Her eyes looked troubled, trained ahead as her tail lashed with irritation. Howlpaw felt a knot within his stomach, tightening with every pawstep. He gulped, uncertainty clear in his dark colored gaze.

Maybe Softpaw was right...

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