#Speckleback

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 0 - BEFORE THE CLANS

Finch never really wandered outside of the forest that she had called home. She was born in this forest, she would likely die here.

Hazelstreak had been very persuasive. This forest also used to be her home- but also a home to many cats. The orange-furred cat gestured a paw to the roots of the tree Finch had used as her home, eyes glinting.

"You," Hazelstreak had said, glee in her aging blue eyes, "have taken residence in what was once the Leader's den." Her look got a bit far away at that point, and a laugh that sounded more sad than anything came out of her. "I was only an apprentice before things fell apart."

Finch had asked what she meant. Hazelstreak didn't answer.

But the thought of the Clans, of being together, having a collective group to care for each other... She was already doing that with Lichen. Lichen, a small cat with light brown fur and a darker brown stripe going down her back, was following behind her, eyes glancing around the new pathway the two had never taken before. Finch made sure to be a little slow for her- and Lichen was happy about it.

Finch had happened upon Lichen, alone in a tree trunk, and had cared for her ever since. 

If that could happen on a wide scale? Caring for each other? Having something to be their own, instead of fighting over small little things? Finch would like that. And she wasn't one to back down from a challenge.

Finch pushed through the last of the bushes, dark brown fur brushing against leaves as she finally made her way to the meeting place that Hazelstreak described. Lichen followed closely behind, only for her eyes to widen as she spotted... other cats.

In the center of a large pool, across a series of rocks, was Hazelstreak... and three other cats. Two of them seemed about as old as Hazelstreak, while the last of the quartet seemed about as old as Finch, except... he seemed to struggle to walk at times. There were old wounds wrapping around his legs.

Around the pool sat multiple small groups. 

Finch did remember what she was told- to gather the cats open to the idea. Seems like she wasn't the only one told that.

One of her group bumped into Lichen- Lightning, almost fully grown, but not quite done growing. Orange fur with dark orange stripes at the side of his face and tail, highlighted by dark blue eyes. One of the others laughed at this, and Lightning turned back to roll his eyes.

The group of cats closest to Finch's group was led by a cat Finch had seen more than the others- one who often ran across the plains that were the closest to the forest. Her eyes were mismatched- blue and yellow staring back at Finch.

"You, as well?" She asked, voice low. She glanced to the cats in the center of the pool, then to Finch. Next to her, similar to Lichen's own position, was a small brown cat with a few darker brown tabby spots lining their body. 

"I suppose so." Finch's eyes glanced over across the pools. It was clear which cats were called by the cats in the center and which cats were simply following those cats- One cat was mostly white with gray ears, and another was a truly battle-scarred tom which she had never seen before, who was mostly white with black patches coming down from his ears to cover his eyes. 

The youngest of the quartet in the center stood up straight. "Loners and rogues, thank you for believing in our chosen four!" He yowled, which immediately drew Finch's attention. His plain light brown coat reminded Finch of Lichen. "If you're here today, I am sure it is because you're curious about what Clans mean for you!"

"... Some of you..." One of the other cats, mostly white with brown tabby patches, opened her eyes. They were barely seeing. "May have had strange dreams. Or a gift with herbs."

Finch sensed one of her own, Speckle, a tom with black speckled fur, tense up. 

"A Clan is not complete... without one who can care for those injured." A smile. "I was... once... one of them."

Hazelstreak nodded, orange tail flicking. "Our Clans fell due to fighting, spreading to the winds. We are their last survivors." A pause, and she slammed her paw down. Finch even saw the wince. "Today, we are not reviving their clans. Today, we are making new ones." Hazelstreak lifted her head up. "Today! You will become something new! A start of a new generation! Fighting for a group is truly an experience you will not want to miss out on!"

"From a group of loners, a group of clans rises. Friendship and fighting, but nothing quite so life and death like the lives you may have been living before." The last of the quartet spoke, his voice soft but still reaching. He was mostly gray, with a speckled gray tail. It wrapped over his paws. "Our lives are ending soon."

Finch felt her eyes going to the youngest of the quartet. Judging by how said cat lifted his head up, so did the other cats.

"Even me, yes." The light brown cat said. "It is... a miracle of Starclan I got this far."

Confused stares.

"You all can determine for yourselves what your clan names are. But whatever it is, it must represent your clan in some way." The quiet one spoke.

"But not Starclan." The barely seeing cat closed her eyes again. "Starclan... are your guides. Your dead companions, littering the sky at night." A laugh, choked. "I will soon meet with my family again."

Hazelstreak nodded. She pat the rocks she and the others were sitting on. "This place, we have determined for a meeting place. Every full moon, the leader and a group of selected cats go to the gathering to discuss clan going ons. It's peaceful, or else..."

The other cats shivered.

"Speaking of leaders..." The light brown cat glanced towards the battle-scarred tom. He blinked back. "Will the four who have gathered the grouped cats today please step forward? Alone."

Finch glanced to Lichen. Lichen nodded her head forward. Finch stepped forward. As she expected, the cats she noticed leading each group stepped forward with her. Hazelstreak's smile grew bigger.

"Starclan works in mystical ways." They all said, at the same time, and the overlapping voices held so much more power in it than Finch thought. Finch shot a glance to the gray and black swirl cat next to her, who gave a worried glance back. Hazelstreak approached, and instead of the dark blue eyes she was used to, they were filled with stars.

"These cats are your leaders, the one who will continue to guide you." Again, a chorus. Again, an echo. Finch couldn't look away from the starry eyes staring back at her.

Hazelstreak touched noses with her, and-

---

"...Finch... Finch!"

Finch's eyes opened blearily, to a worried Lichen over her. Petunia, with his dark gray coat, was a comforting sight.

Barely next to her, Finch saw the gray and black swirl cat lift up her head to a few other cats gathered around her.

Finch pulled herself to her paws.

She understood a whole lot more, now. Her limbs felt like they could've run a hundred more miles, and that they already had. Her head pounded. 

"... You know, I never really understood why Hazelstreak had two parts to her name." Finch said, shaking out her pelt. Lichen looked relieved. "But... While I don't have everything... I now am confident in saying that it's related to being a clan." Finch glanced down at Lichen, who was staring up curiously at her.

Her and Lichen. Mentor and Apprentice.

"Related to being a clan?" Petunia questioned, ears perking. "So... we'll have names like that?"

"Yes." Finch nodded. "And... Well, I think I have introductions to make."

[lichenaday]

Punctelia borreri

Blinking speckleback lichen

This foliose lichen grows in rounded rosettes up to 10 cm in diameter. It has rounded, contiguous lobes which grow closely attached to the substrate. The upper surface is gray-green to place gray in color, and speckled with white, punctiform pseudocyphellae. It produces granular soredia out of those pseudocyphellae and out of capitate soralia. The lower surface is black toward the center and brown toward the lobe margins, with simple, black rhizines. It only very rarely produces apothecia which are bowl-shaped, and have a red-brown disc. P. borrei typically grows on the bark of deciduous trees in mild-temperate and humid climates. It is considered cosmopolitan as it is found pretty much all over. Also, here is a super cute historical drawing of it done in 1808 by Dawson Turner for its original description:

Future tattoo idea maybe?

images: source | source | source

info: source | source | source

[chilled-soul-speaker]

In-Character Interview!

Rules:

1. Choose an OC.

2. Answer them as that OC.

3. Tag 5 people to do the same. (Tag as many as you wish)

I was tagged by: @ariela-of-aedyr (thanks!!)

1. What is your name?

Snærún Dökkvatn. Technically, Dökkvatn was the name of my clan, not my last name. Many documents here in the Dyrwood were very insistent that I have a last name.

2. Do you know why are you named that?

From what I have been told, I was given my name by my parents as a way to wish for success in life. I was slated to become the next Runecaster, what is considered to be a Wizard in the rest of Eora, and so the name I was given roughly translates to “Snowy Rune”.

3. Are you single or taken?

Single.

4. Have any abilities or powers?

I have trained in metaphysics and have a decent understanding of how to manipulate arcane energy with spells, and about a year ago I gained the powers of a Watcher.

5. Stop being a Mary Sue.

…What is a ‘Mary Sue’?

6. What’s your eye color?

It’s brown, but recently I’ve been observing that they sometimes appear purple. This could be caused by liberal use of my Watcher abilities…*leans elbows on table with a serious expression* It might be worthwhile for me to contact Adaryc and compare…*trails off*

7. How about your hair color?

*snaps back into focus and sits up straight* Ah…it’s white, like most of my clan members.

8. Have any family members?

…Technically, no. The other three children that survived my clan’s destruction were adopted by other clans and are no longer considered my family. I do consider my friends that I traveled with this past year my family now.

9. Oh? How about pets?

It seems I have many. *sighs* Edér seems to have snuck in many dogs and cats into the keep over the past year, but after some training, most of the dogs have turned into fine guard dogs, and the cats do well with managing the local rodent population. I don’t consider my wurm, Nils, a pet though. He is also one of my companions and is beginning to learn Aderyan.

10. That’s cool, I guess. Now, tell me something you don’t like?

Well, that’s a broad question. I’m not fond of the weather here in the Dyrwood, it’s too warm for my liking. But, if I’m being honest, I haven’t been satisfied with anywhere I’ve lived temperature wise, with the only exception being my visit to the White March.

11. Do you have any activities/hobbies that you like to do?

I like to keep my hands busy, so I have quite a few that I focus on. When I’m not studying, I work on leatherwork, enchanting, alchemy, and herbalism.

12. Have you ever hurt anyone in any way before?

It is my belief that you cannot live without harming someone. It is kith’s nature to harm one another, even if it is unintentional.

13. Ever… killed anyone before?

*sighs irritably* Yes, but only if I was forced to and the assailant threatened me or my companions. I do not take pleasure in killing, but I do not shy away from it either.

14. What kind of animal are you?

*sly smile* I’ve been told by my new acquaintances in the nobility that my adversaries assume that I am a lamb; naïve and innocent, unknowing of the world due to my beginnings in the Wend. They soon learn that I use that façade to make them underestimate me. I have heard whispers that I am called the ‘White Wolf’ by those that survive my attacks.

15. Name your worst habits?

*thoughtful look* Edér has told me that I have a habit of expecting people to understand me without me explaining anything. This has caused some problems between me and my friends a bit. I’m working on improving this. I also tend to make quick judgements on kith and situations without taking much consideration into the larger picture.

16. Do you look up to anyone at all?

I look up to my friends for different reasons. They all have something different that I admire about them (excluding Durance) and I strive to emulate those aspects in everything that I do.

17. Are you gay, straight or bisexual?

…I suppose bisexual. I have had relationships with both men and women.

18. Did you attend school?

*long sigh* I was supposed to attend Bragganhyl with support from a patron but…things happened, and I burnt down that patron’s ship. So, I am mostly self-taught, with some tutelage from past employers as well as help from Aloth.

19. Ever want to marry and have kids one day?

Marriage…possibly. I’m not against it, but I think my partner would have to be the one to bring it up. I don’t believe the need of some sort of binding ceremony for partners to prove their loyalty to each other. And…kids? *sharp exhale* Never. I don’t deal well with being around children.

20. Do you have any fangirls/fanboys?

If I understand what the Steward reports to me, I am well respected by my employees and some of my fellow acquaintances in the nobility if that is what you mean by ‘fan’?

21. What are you most afraid of?

Heights is the easiest thing to say. I absolutely abhor having to climb up and down with a sheer drop nearby. But, to be completely honest…*long pause* Gods, it sounds ridiculous saying this out loud…children. It is nothing against them, but seeing children brings back horrible memories from my childhood.

22. What do you usually wear?

If I am training, usually just my trousers and breast band. If I am expecting guests or otherwise working on the upkeep of the keep, I have a loose dress. When I travel outside of the keep, I have the same leather armor that I had when I first left the Wend, modified for the hotter weather, of course.

23. What’s one food that tempts you?

I haven’t had it in many years, but I do miss the flavor of Ysae. It is a fish from the waters near the Wend with a very sweet taste. I prefer it pickled like many Glamfellan along the coast make it. The closest to Ysae I’ve had in the Dyrwood have been the speckleback fish that we caught in the March.

24. Am I annoying you?

…This interview has gone on for quite some time. I’m beginning to tire.

25. Well, it’s still not over!

*slow exhale* Well, continue then.

26. What class are you (low/middle/high)?

Due to my travels, I have lived in the low and middle classes. I suppose that currently with my ownership of Caed Nua and its surrounding lands, that I would be considered high class now.

27. How many friends do you have?

A few close ones.

28. What are your thoughts on pie?

*wrinkles nose* It’s either too sweet or too bland. I can eat the savory pie from Guilded Vale, but that is never my first choice for a meal.

29. Favorite drink?

I make my own blends of tea from the herbs I grow here at Caed Nua. *quiet laugh* I have been told by my friends that they are too bitter for them to drink without anything to sweeten the drink.

30. What’s your favorite place?

…That’s a difficult question for me to answer. At the moment I would consider Stalwart my favorite place. It reminds me of my homeland.

31. Are you interested in anyone?

*long pause and looks away* Yes…but I believe that we need to find who we are outside of a countrywide crisis before I consider pursuing him. We were, and are, dealing with our own personal problems. Plus, he had a mission that he took on, and I could never be selfish and keep him from that call.

32. That was a stupid question…

*looks back and narrows eyes* Maybe you should have considered your questions more carefully before coming here.

33. Would you rather swim in a lake or the ocean?

The lake. The ocean’s saltiness irritates me, and I hate washing off dried salt.

34. What’s your type?

I assume you mean in romantic relationships. I prefer people who understand that I am flighty and not likely to stay in one place for too long. Loyalty, bravery, and a clear head have always attracted me. Someone who can sit with me to spend time with me quietly, or someone that I can talk to for hours on end about an assortment of topics would be ideal, I think. I could go on, but I would not bore you with that.

35. Any fetishes?

That is an inappropriate question.

36. Camping or outdoors?

…Both? This is not a very clear question. Do you not camp outdoors? Or are you asking if I prefer to sleep in a tent or under the stars? If that, I prefer a tent. There are a number of unsavory bugs in these northern countries that I will not stand being near me as I sleep.

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 0 - FIRST NIGHT

"... So the second parts of their names are either for appearance, or for a skill, or their personality..." Petunia meowed, ears perked up with interest. "Huh. That actually sounds rather nice."

Speckle, at Finchstar's other side, was quiet. He looked to be deep in thought. Finchstar glanced over to him, frowning. "You okay, Speckle?"

"... I had those dreams, before you joined me." He mumbled. "But- ancestors interacting with our every move? I don't know if I like that." Speckle glanced up to Finchstar, and his fur caught the sun for a moment. "But I do have... some knowledge of herbs." Speckle frowned, once again out of the light. "Not sure if I quite have enough, though..."

"You'll learn." Finchstar said, brushing past a bush. With that, they were near her den- and near the camp. Finchstar could see why this was once used in the past, even with some of the dens no longer being there. She smiled, hopping up the tree that made up her den. "Alright, clan cats! Come and gather!"

Daisy, the cream she-cat with a single darker stripe down her back, who had taken the kits from Finchstar when informed of what their parents had done, pulled the kits along with her. The black and white kit with mismatched eyes, Riverkit, cuddled up to Daisy, and the speckled pale tom with copper eyes, Currentkit, stared up at where Finchstar was.

There was a sparkly presence at her side. Finchstar focused in front of her, ignoring it. "We are gathered here, in our future Clan's camp. Thank you for sticking with me through... all of that." A few laughs from the small crowd. "Today, we become a part of a whole. Today... I'm granting you your new names."

"Shouldn't we name the clan?" Lightning said, loudly. Lichen's tail stuck straight up.

"Maybe. But what I want to do is to name ourselves first, then name our clan, making our first step as a clan as our new selves. Yeah?" Finchstar nodded. "Yeah. So... first off... our kits."

Daisy used her tail to nudge the kits forward a little. "Their mothers should be ashamed of themselves." She spat. "Leaving River and Current behind?"

"They will be Riverkit and Currentkit. Our young will have those names." Finchstar nodded to Lichen next. "Those of..."

A whisper. Six moons.

"Six moons and older, and training under another are our Apprentices. Apprentices..." Finchstar met eyes with Lichen. "Have the second part of their names be paw. Lichen, you are Lichenpaw, and you will still be training under me."

Lichenpaw nodded, smiling.

Finchstar glanced at the other two cats who were young, but not kit age young. Lightning, the orange cat with a striped tail, and Holly, a pale gray dappled tom who stared up with amber eyes.

"Lightning, you are now Lightningpaw. You will train under..." Her eyes met with Whisker, the white and gray spotted tom. "Whisker.

Lightningpaw blinked, then padded over to Whisker. The two of them stared for a bit, before Whisker touched noses with him. Whisker purred. "A pleasure, Finchstar."

"Holly. You are Hollypaw." Hollypaw stood to attention. "You will train under Daisy."

She seemed reliable and caring. Hollypaw, taking from Lightningpaw's lead, stumbled over to Daisy and touched noses with her. He then moved to sit beside the kits. 

"Now, our fighters." Finchstar lashed her tail. "You will be more complicated." She stood up. "After all, I just met some of you last moon!" She laughed. Whisker and Petunia both laughed as well. Daisy just tilted her head. Speckle sighed. "But I will try my best to name all of you."

"Petunia. You will be Petuniaclaw." Finchstar hopped down from one branch. "Whisker, you will be Whiskershadow. Daisy, Daisyshadow."

"Why are we sharing names." Daisyshadow said, curt.

"Both of you surprised me when we met." Finchstar said, and Whiskershadow snorted. Daisyshadow rolled her eyes. "Besides, it's only a part of your name. The whole is different." Another hop down a branch. "Speckle... You will be Speckleback."

Speckleback glanced at his back. Then back to Finchstar. "Clever...?"

"I know, I am." Finchstar responded, back down on even ground with the others. "Everyone can rest for today. Tomorrow, we wake up a new clan... and we can think of what we're named."

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 13 - FADE AWAY

Whiskershadow's body was left out in the middle of camp.

It was still. Not even his usual raspy breathing was coming from it. Speckleback stared down at the unbreathing body, his tail curled up against him. Wasn't fair. He did all he could, he was told that by everyone and everything possible, but that didn't change what had happened.

Whiskershadow was dead. A cough, all-consuming, taking and taking until all that was left was a husk, conversing without his heart in it. They both knew it. But Speckleback wanted him there.

Finchstar wandered by, tail curling around him. Speckleback jumped, turning to glare, but Finchstar's own saddened expression made the words that were climbing to his teeth slip away unsaid. Finchstar managed a smile.

"I have to appoint my next deputy." Finchstar meowed. "Already. I'm... sorry to ask you this, but..."

"I'll put him back into the den." Hidden away. Not like the smell of death wasn't hitting the air. He needed to gather more rosemary. "And then we'll bury him." It was a demand, and not a request. 

Finchstar smiled at him, and then grabbed Whiskershadow's body by the scruff. Speckleback helped pull the body towards and into the den, laying him back onto the corner nest. If Speckleback closed his ears, he could even pretend that Whiskershadow was just sleeping.

"You have an apprentice to train soon." Finchstar reminded, once the body was laid back on the nest. "I promise I'll help you bury him."

"I would too, if my bite was gone." Daisyshadow offered, irritation in her voice at the still festering snake bite. It was a wonder she was still kicking.

Speckleback huffed. "It's fine. I promised. You do not have to keep reminding me-"

"That we're here for you, like clanmates are?" Finchstar meowed, loud. "Like we're supposed to be? We were there for Lichentooth, and now we're here for you."

Speckleback didn't say anything else. He just pulled himself out of the den again. Daisyshadow shuffled over to the entrance, and Batpaw stumbled over her trying to reach the entrance, too.

Finchstar wandered over to the roots that made up her den, hopped up, and then hopped up to her announcement branch. She cleared her throat. "All cats of Needleclan, gather for a clan meeting!"

The kits burst out of the nursery, and they had obviously been looking forward to this. Boughkit even looked directly at Speckleback, who was more a part of the center of the camp this time. The warriors and the apprentices came out next, and the sight of them made Finchstar inhale. Riverflight was looking rather distant from Currentdash, but she was still glancing up at Finchstar, waiting. Currentdash glanced to Speckleback, then glanced away. Hollyspike looked as if he was growling. Lichentooth was attentive, but deliberately trying to stick to the edges of the crowd. Bogpaw and Goldpaw were sticking together, while the other apprentices, Graypaw, Larkpaw, and Buzzardpaw went around them.

So many apprentices. So little warriors to apprentice them to.

"Yesterday, Whiskershadow faded away from his greencough." Finchstar announced, as if everybody didn't already know. Speckleback despised the glances he got, and also the ones he didn't. "Life... has to go on. I will appoint a new deputy."

Riverflight, Currentdash, Lichentooth, Hollyspike.

Daisyshadow's snake bite still wasn't healing, so not her. Only the former apprentices, the ones that had been around since the start of the clan.

She knew her choice. Was it the right one?

"Riverflight."

Gasps. Riverflight blinked.

"You will be our new deputy. Your level head will mean great guidance as our deputy."

After a few moments of shocked silence, Currentdash shoved himself into her, purring. "You did it! You're deputy!"

The others cheered. Bogpaw laughed, nudging herself into Goldpaw and chattering about something Finchstar couldn't pick up on. The kits bounced on their paws.

"That's not the only thing I had to announce!" Finchstar's voice boomed, and everyone went quiet. Finchstar grinned. "We have some kits to promote to apprentices. Why don't you three step up?"

Tricklekit was the first, followed by Rindlekit and Boughkit. Speckleback took that as a cue to step up as well, and everyone's eyes followed his dappled pelt.

"First... I will let Speckleback speak for me."

Speckleback nodded. "I have-" Oh, his voice was shaking. Not great for his appearance. "Boughkit will become my apprentice. Instead of fighting out there for the clan, Boughpaw will be at my side, helping to harvest and heal."

"And talk with Starclan!" Boughpaw said, walking forward. She carefully stepped around and to Speckleback's side. "So... yeah. I'll be another healer."

Finchstar laughed. "Thank you, Boughpaw. Now, Tricklekit. You are now Tricklepaw."

The black and red apprentice nodded her head, gaze fierce.

So few warriors to go around.

"You will be apprenticed to Hollyspike."

Tricklepaw padded over, paws harsh on the ground, to Hollyspike. She reached her muzzle up to touch his, and the fire in her eyes seemed to blaze. After that, she sat to Hollyspike's side.

"Rindlekit, you are now Rindlepaw. You'll be apprenticed to Currentdash."

Rindlepaw touched muzzles with Currentdash, and then sat to his side. The pale apprentice and the pale warrior.

Leaving Riverflight more free for her deputy duties. This would be good. 

Riverflight stepped forward, paws hesitant at first but growing more determined as she sat on the other side of the leader's den. It had been a while since a deputy was well enough to do so.

"With that, clan dismissed!" Finchstar hopped down from the branch to the top root of her den. "Riverflight, you and I can discuss in my den."

Events Referenced: Whiskershadow dies of greencough. Speckleback doesn't take this well. He relies on his clanmates for comfort and company. Riverflight becomes the new deputy. Finchstar still isn't sure if she's making the right decisions, but life must go on. Tricklekit becomes Tricklepaw and swears to starclan she'll do her best for the clan as she touches Hollyspike's nose. (in her head.) Rindlekit's headache went away, and she becomes Rindlepaw, apprenticed to Currentdash. Boughkit becomes Boughpaw, the medicine cat apprentice.

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 7 - SHADOW

"You must let them be inspected!"

"What, because they happened to explore a little bit?" Daisyshadow rolled her eyes. Her kits watched from the entrance of the nursery, glancing between each other. 

"You can't keep being defensive over them forever, you know! They'll grow, they'll have time later to explore- but right now, it's a danger. And they sparred!" Speckleback threw a paw out towards Graykit and Larkkit, who pulled back a bit once they were spotted.

Daisyshadow hissed, before glancing back to her kits and inhaling deeply. Speckleback met her gaze.

"I'll allow you to inspect them... only if you can find something in the territory." Daisyshadow grinned, and Speckleback's ears bent down on his head. Always about his own failures. How was he on the losing side of the argument here?

"Fine." Speckleback spat, getting up. "I have plenty, but I will grab some more."

"Go, then." 

Daisyshadow padded back towards her kits, and Speckleback turned to head out into the forest.

Jokes on her, he knew where some herbs were. And it was only a short jog away from camp! 

He brushed past some trees, watching as a mouse skittered away. Someone would find it, he was sure. Hollypaw was out on his own right now- he would. Speckleback walked by the small spot for their dead cats, only sparing it a glance- no rosemary there. He would have to go out further.

Fine. A bit further than he expected. He padded out past a clump of trees with moss on them, and further and further...

"Hey..."

Someone whispering. It felt like it was right in his ears. Speckleback's fur raised, and he spun around. Nobody was that close to him.

What. 

He felt something leave his back, and an urge to walk in the direction it left to. He followed it, eyes narrowed as he tried to figure out-

He stepped down a ledge, looking around and Oh.

Hidden under the natural ledge was a cat. He... knew this cat once. She had been at the first two gatherings. Spruceshadow? She got exiled. Her body was lying cold on the ground, not moving. Three small shapes pressed against her belly, trying to feed from a body that would never move again.

That feeling again. "Tricklekit." His eyes, directed at the red and black kit. "Boughkit." The light brown kit with white patches. "Rindlekit." The pale kit with a white lower body.

The presence suddenly faded, and Speckleback let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. 

Some rosemary was growing nearby. He plucked it and laid it out on top of Spruceshadow's body. He would come back with some warriors later to bury her body.

Right now... he had to take these kits back. He leaned down and grouped them together, pulling them away from the cold body. Tricklekit let out a small meow, paws swiping the air.

Maybe it was a lucky thing Daisyshadow was still nursing her kits. These three would be able to be nursed by her, too.

He made the trek back, jaws growing a bit more tired the more Tricklekit and Boughkit shook around. Even Rindlekit let out a weak meow. How did Daisyshadow do it so much? Over a few branches, past the graves...

"Oh, you're... b...ack." Daisyshadow paused. "What is that."

Speckleback placed the kits at his paws. They tumbled over, mewing. Speckleback's eyes remained on the three kits. "...Do you remember Spruceshadow?"

"Did you mate with her?"

Speckleback glanced up to Daisyshadow. "What? Absolutely not. Her body was found in the territory. Already dead." He glanced down to the kits, pushing them forward. "...These kits were with her. She gave birth alone, and was not as lucky as you."

Daisyshadow's expression changed, though Speckleback didn't see it. She padded forward, lowering her nose to the three kits. "... I see. I'll care for them, then." She pointed a dark cream tail towards the leader's den. "Finchstar just got back from hunting. Tell her about them."

With that, Daisyshadow pulled the kits toward the nursery, and Speckleback approached the tree that made up Finchstar's home.

Events Referenced: Speckleback and Daisyshadow argue over kits. Speckleback collected some Rosemary (between moons). While Speckleback is out in the territory, he hears whispers on the wind. Following them, he comes across the body of a dead queen and her three kits, who are still alive. Tricklekit, Boughkit, and Rindlekit.

a bonus spruceshadow

[needleclanclangen]

It's a sad affair, having to bury bodies. Speckleback's breathing is heavy, and he sways a little bit, but he pushes himself a bit. He swears he is hearing voices, but he pushes that aside as he lays a single rosemary flower between the two of them.

Riverkit and Currentkit stare, unsure of what they were staring at. Hollypaw and Daisyshadow growl to themselves. Finchstar, blood washed off of her paws, wishes she could've gone further.

But she didn't want to kill for a kill.

They were gone, just in a blink. And then she had acted on instinct. She wasn't sure where it came from. Lichenpaw leaned into her side, also freshly washed of blood.

"... I'm sorry. I was a coward." Lichenpaw mumbles.

Too quiet. Too quiet.

Speckleback inhales, exhales. "I'll find someplace to bury them." He says, standing up. He almost splats back down. Finchstar shook her head.

"No, I'll do it. I will make sure to tell you." Finchstar's eyes narrowed. "I was the one who allowed them to get killed. I will make sure they get peace."

Lichenpaw didn't respond, though she glanced at the bodies.

"... Let's go find a place to bury them."

"Rest among the stars, Lightning."

Events Referenced: Speckleback got Heat Exhaustion. The clan mourns for Lightningpaw and Petuniaclaw.

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 10 - CEREMONY

Speckleback unwrapped the cobwebs bandaging Hollyspike's bitten side. It seemed like the wound had disappeared from his side. Hollyspike got up from his nest, stretching his large form out. Speckleback waited for the warrior to be done.

"You are free to go."

"Finally." Hollyspike meowed, heading for the entrance. His pawsteps slowed at the entrance, and he turned back to face towards Whiskershadow's side of the den. After a few moments, he turned around and left.

Speckleback pretended not to notice. Right when he turned to organize his herbs-

"All cats of Needleclan, gather for a Clan Meeting!"

Ah. Speckleback turned back towards the entrance of the den, padding forward and sitting himself down. He heard Whiskershadow shift in the den behind him.

The gaggle of kits all moved out of the nursery, followed by Daisyshadow pushing them along. Goldkit glanced to Bogkit, and Bogkit giggled, pushing Goldkit forward.

Lichentooth sat beside Currentpaw, and Riverpaw sat by herself. Hollyspike sat close to her.

"Today, we promote one new warrior!" Finchstar cheered. "Currentpaw, you are now named Currentdash! Your judgement is just as sound as Lichentooth's. I know she's trained you well."

Lichentooth blinked, before allowing herself to hold her head up. Currentdash stepped forward, smile on his face. Riverpaw was silent for a few moments, eyes glancing towards the gaggle of kits.

"Just Currentdash?" Speckleback mumbled.

"Riverpaw snuck Bogkit out of camp." Whiskershadow provided. Speckleback's ears turned towards him before Speckleback did, himself.

"What are you doing out of your nest? Do not strain yourself."

"I will be fine." Whiskershadow coughed after his words, earning him a glare from Speckleback. 

They turned their heads back when Finchstar started to speak again.

"Our recent kit arrivals are now the first to become apprentices!" Finchstar stood tall. "Goldkit, Batkit. You're apprentices now, named Goldpaw and Batpaw. Goldpaw, you are apprenticed to Daisyshadow."

Goldpaw stood up, then glanced to Daisyshadow next to him. Daisyshadow bent down and pressed noses with him. Goldpaw pressed noses back.

"Batpaw, you are apprenticed to Lichentooth."

Lichentooth froze up at the new attention, and with Batpaw ramming into her side. The warrior stumbled, but managed to stay upright. She copied Daisyshadow, and Batpaw copied Goldpaw, before settling by Lichentooth's side.

"Again?" Lichentooth mumbled.

Finchstar jumped down from her tree branch, landing on the roots that made up her den. "I did mean it when I said you did excellent with Currentdash." Her eyes glanced over to Riverpaw. "...Riverpaw, I promise you will be next. I just do not want our kits endangered."

Riverpaw rolled her eyes. "...okay. I get it."

"I know you do. Clan dismissed."

Hollyspike butted heads against Currentdash, and Currentdash stumbled before butting heads back. "Finally got out of the den in time, huh? Won't be stuck with your former mentor!"

"Daisyshadow's gonna be in there, you know."

"She's busy with the kits! Come on." Hollyspike padded towards the warriors den. "Gotta get you a good nest!"

Currentdash rolled his eyes, and he looked back to Riverpaw. "See you soon."

Speckleback pushed against Whiskershadow. "Come. Back to bed."

"Alright, alright."

Events Referenced: Hollyspike has healed from the cat bite. Currentpaw is named Currentdash, and is commended for their judgement. Lichentooth thinks herself as lucky to have trained him! Riverpaw just barely didn't make it to the trainee threshold haha Goldkit becomes Goldpaw and is apprenticed to Daisyshadow.  Batkit becomes Batpaw and is apprenticed to Lichentooth.

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 9 - MORE KITS

"Like you would know how to care or support kits."

Daisyshadow's snide comment from earlier that day settled under his pelt, making it feel like he was burning. He cared for the kits! He cared for Currentpaw and Riverpaw as little kits, and they were turning out fine.

He opened his mouth, only for some new scent to hit it. 

He whirled towards the new scent, towards the break in the new wall they were building. There was a cat with a strange and unfamiliar scent, a mixture of different environments that Speckleback probably couldn't imagine. When the cat noticed that she was noticed, she shifted to the side and pushed two small forms forward-

They were almost apprentice aged. They shared her speckled coat, though they were different in color. The brown speckled kit huddled into the silver speckled kit's side, and the silver speckled kit stared up at their mother.

"I can't... I can't care for them." The rogue muttered. She pushed them forward again, and the brown speckled kit fell forward. The silver one pushed himself beneath the brown one and lifted him up. "Brown one is Gold, gray one is Bat. I heard about you all from a friend." She turned around. "Care for them, for me."

She started to leave.

There was a whirlwind of a form, and Hollyspike was out of his nest.

Speckleback hissed at Hollyspike, but one of the kits walked up to him and pressed against his side. Speckleback, distracted, glanced down to Gold.

Gold sighed, golden eyes staring at his mother as she turned back to talk to Hollyspike. "... Why do we have to leave her...?"

"She's stupid." Bat replied, walking up to Gold's side. "That's why."

Speckleback stared at the little forms, still ignoring whatever conversation Hollyspike and the rogue were having. He leaned down. "Hey. We care for others here, no matter what. I'll care for you, as it's my job as the healer."

"A healer?" Bat glanced up. "You can be that?"

"Or fight. Most of us fight here." Speckleback shrugged. "I used to fight, but I know my herbs better than anyone else."

Finally, the rogue left, and Hollyspike limped back towards the medicine den. Speckleback turned towards Hollyspike, hissing, "Stop moving, you'll aggravate your wound!"

"I do what I want," Hollyspike grumbled, pushing back into the medicine cat den. Speckleback heard the faint voice of Daisyshadow as she started to move out of the den, as well.

Speckleback sighed. "Just stick to me if you need anything, Goldkit and Batkit."

"Oooo, new names! Thank you!" Batkit meowed, hopping in place. "Now, can we go?"

"No, you have to go to the nursery." Speckleback meowed. "At least, until you're old enough to start training." Batkit started to complain, but Goldkit shook his head. 

Daisyshadow sat down in front of him. "... What is with you and kits?" Daisyshadow meowed, tilting her head. Goldkit hid behind Speckleback's leg. "They look older, though."

Bogkit bounded towards Speckleback, and Speckleback watched as Bogkit shimmied next to Goldkit beneath him. Goldkit stared at Bogkit, nodding along as she asked him some questions- about if he liked food or not.

Speckleback glanced back to Daisyshadow. "My kits now. They latched onto me."

"Probably because you were the first clan cat they saw." Daisyshadow rolled her eyes. "But... fine. Yours."

"You're free to patrol again, by the way."

"Oh." Daisyshadow's ears rose up on her head, and she looked down at Bogkit. Goldkit was smiling a little bit at her, and Bogkit giggled, holding up a small leaf that she had somehow obtained. Daisyshadow smiled. "... Okay. Thank you."

"You are very welcome." Speckleback sighed. "Took long enough."

"I say thank you enough!" Daisyshadow walked towards Batkit and Goldkit, and lowered her head to meet their eyes. "Hello there."

"You look identical." Batkit meowed, head looking to Bogkit then back to Daisyshadow. "Same stripe, same color..."

Bogkit nodded. "Yep! Me and my brothers all have a stripe!" She stretched out. "Mom likes that!"

Goldkit licked at his pelt. "... I wonder if mom liked us resembling her."

Daisyshadow's expression twisted. She inhaled, exhaled. "Probably. But you have to make choices, and she made hers to leave you behind. Who cares what she thinks?"

"Daisyshadow's correct. If she left you here, it isn't worth thinking about anymore."

Goldkit glanced to Bogkit, who glanced to him. Bogkit shuffled her tail between her paws. Goldkit glanced back up to Speckleback. "... If... if you're sure."

"Of course!" Batkit pushed Goldkit forward. "Now, where are your siblings?"

"This way!"

With that, Bogkit bounded towards the nursery. She turned back to face the slightly older kits. "We also have some cats like you, who had nobody before we got them! Now, come on!"

Daisyshadow chuckled, then got up to follow after Bogkit, Goldkit, and Batkit.

Speckleback was once again going to be the one to break the news to Finchstar, huh. Couldn't be Daisyshadow for once.

Events Referenced: A rogue drops her kits off to the clan, Goldkit and Batkit. Right off the heels of an argument with Daisyshadow, Speckleback decides to be like a dad to them. Daisyshadow recovered from birthing her litter! Daisyshadow wants to hang with the new kits Batkit and Goldkit.

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 5 - KIT

"You don't need to baby me." Hollypaw complained, and yet he was sitting in front of Daisyshadow anyway. The new queen purred with amusement, then latched her teeth onto a burr in his fur and pulled. Hollypaw winced at the feeling.

"My kits aren't old enough to talk yet, so you will have to do." Daisyshadow laughed.

Hollypaw groaned. His amber eyes fell to meet with the four tiny pelts of Daisyshadow's kits. Three of them had the exact same back stripe that Daisyshadow did, yet only one of them shared her fur color. What were their names again? Not like he was going to ask that, that wasn't cool.

The one with a similar creamy coat let out a little mew, and Daisyshadow pushed her closer. 

Speckleback entered the nursery, and Daisyshadow stiffed up, though her kits were still suckling at her belly. "What? Still concerned about me?"

"No. Your kits." Speckleback leaned down closer to the kits. Daisyshadow sighed, but she moved her tail again anyway. Orange with a stripe, gray with a stripe, cream with a stripe, and a strange pale-gray orange spot mixture. "You basically had them in the middle of the night. It's dangerous to give birth, and I see you haven't fully recovered-"

Daisyshadow rolled her eyes. "You and what herbs?"

"I could've helped."

Hollypaw squirmed away from Daisyshadow, and suddenly he WAS interested in their names. "You named them, right? Apparently the other clans named their kits close to their birth, so you gotta, right?"

Daisyshadow still glared at Speckleback, but it softened when her gaze went to her kits. "... Larkkit," Her tail traced the back of the only kit without a stripe, "Graykit," The gray single striped kit, "Bogkit," The cream single striped kit, "And Buzzardkit." The orange single striped kit. "Their colors reminded me of those things. Yeah."

Speckleback nodded. He bent a little closer. "Two boys, two girls."

Daisyshadow's fur lifted from her back a little, but she didn't bite at him. "Yes. Now, please get out of the den. I will be fine."

Speckleback rolled his eyes, then turned to leave before he remembered something. "Ah, yes, Hollypaw. You're doing fine, so you're free to go."

Hollypaw jumped to his feet. He glanced to Daisyshadow, who flicked her ears towards the entrance of the den.

"Go be a warrior."

Hollypaw nodded, then stomped outside of the den. Speckleback, sighing, followed.

Events Referenced: Hollypaw recovers from Heat Exhaustion Daisyshadow 'secretly' had four kits: Larkkit, Graykit, Bogkit, and Buzzardkit. Speckleback STILL can't find SHIT. Daisyshadow picks the burrs out of Hollypaw's fur.

note: i took a picture of the kits at one moon. Looking back now, I should've taken a picture of their potato forms. My mistake. This... will be the case for any future kits, for a while. Remember, i took notes hella in advance.

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 3 - NURSERY AND MEDICINE

Daisyshadow smiled staring down at what was very quickly becoming a bigger nursery. Did they need the space right now? No. But it was for the sake of the kits.

Speckleback was becoming better. He still, of course, wasn't in the territory getting herbs, so Daisyshadow simply rolled her eyes and went back to preparing her bedding. Currentkit was watching with interest.

Daisyshadow eventually noticed, and she shook off a small mossball piece. "You're almost old enough to become an apprentice, you know."

Currentkit gasped. "Oh! Oh oh! If I train, I'll be all big like you guys, right?" Currentkit stretched up, touching his nose to Daisyshadow's shoulder. Daisyshadow purred with laughter, lifting a tail to tap Currentkit lightly. Currentkit pulled away. 

Daisyshadow realized something. She glanced around, frowning. "Where's Riverkit?"

Currentkit pointed a tail towards the medicine cat den, which was unfortunately right next to the nursery. Daisyshadow turned around, and her ears lower at the sight she saw.

Riverkit, sitting there with her blue and green eyes wide, as Speckleback was talking.

Worse, he was talking about their territory. What did he know? All he did was gather herbs- and badly, at that! Daisyshadow hunched over, fur spiking up on her back.

There was a brush against her side, and Daisyshadow snapped out of her thoughts. Currentkit stared up at her, curious. "You're gonna have kits? How are kits made?"

Ah.

"It's a secret." Daisyshadow said, smiling when Currentkit opened his mouth to complain. "No kits can know, it's the law."

"It is?!"

Daisyshadow nodded, leaning in closer to Currentkit. "Finchstar is lenient, but I am not. I wouldn't forgive myself if I broke that rule. You must understand."

Events Referenced: Speckleback describes the territory to Riverkit. I put in my notes that Daisyshadow just gets along with the kits super well. I did not take the notes well in the early moons lmao

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 9 - SICK

It was a persistent cough. It would flare up when he hunted, causing the prey to escape from his grasp instead of being fully caught. It caused him to stop moving in order to sneeze, which left him wheezing due to his lungs.

The moment he realized it wasn't a one day thing, he went to Speckleback. Speckleback regarded him as a friend, but the moment his cough started, Speckleback went from happy to very, very worried.

His lungs. His time struggling to get good air from the water left them damaged for the rest of his life, he knew that. No matter what breathing exercises he did, he was always a bit winded at things he had spent his whole life being good at.

"It'll pass, won't it?" Whiskershadow meowed, sniffling a little bit.

"We don't know that." Speckleback hissed, sorting through his slowly growing pile of herbs. Whiskershadow didn't comment, but he did smile. Speckleback turned to glare at Whiskershadow. "Lay down. You will need rest."

"I'm not as bad as Riverpaw was!"

"You'll get there with how your lungs look!" Speckleback hissed, then breathed in. "... apologies. You know that, don't you?"

Whiskershadow glanced away. He did. The slight wheeze to his breathing. The reports of him snoring when that had never been an issue before. 

Riverpaw had recovered. He hoped to do the same.

Whiskershadow made a 'mrrp?' sound of surprise when Speckleback placed his chin on his head, sighing.

"We need you."

Whiskershadow didn't respond for a few moments. He bumped his head up, rubbing against Speckleback.

"I'll be better."

I hope.

Events Referenced: Whiskershadow gets sick with whitecough. Speckleback gets worried because of his weaker lungs.

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 1 - DROWNING

Speckleback huffed, still in the middle of brushing away dirt from what he was claiming to be the medicine cat's herb storage. It was a few rocks in the middle of the den, which was build out of thick shrubbery that was actually growing out of the rock itself. A miracle. It had called to him, as a cat of medicine.

It was just a shame that he still couldn't get his bearings around here.

Someone stomped near him, shouting, "SPECKLE! SPECKLE!" Young. Annoying. Hollypaw.

"It's Speckleback, Hollypaw, how many times..." He turned to Hollypaw, and froze. The apprentice was freaking out, with a coughing and sputtering older cat on him. It took Speckleback a few moments to remember the full name, himself. "Whiskershadow?"

Another cough, another hack. Water droplets that didn't seem to quite be from spit escaped him. The white and gray tom managed to open his eyes, and managed to weakly lift a tail. Hollypaw managing to hold onto that weight was impressive.

"Help him. We- We were training, and we came across the river, and..."

"I'll deal with it, just go and train with your mentor, whenever she shows up..." Speckleback said, tail swishing. Hollypaw nodded, dumped the man on the ground, and spun around and exited the medicine den's area. Speckleback walked next to Whiskershadow, pushing himself beneath the other cat to push him up. Another hacking fit.

Speckleback once again glanced to the rock in the center of the medicine den, and the fact that there were no herbs on it. He inhaled, exhaled. Oh, this was going to be bad.

"Just try to breathe, alright?" Speckleback said, setting down Whiskershadow on the extra nest he had laid out. Just try to soothe Whiskershadow to sleep. Think about the lack of herbs later. "In... hold- no it's alright. Just as much as you can. In..."

Events Referenced: Whiskershadow fell into a river and has been coughing up water since. Speckleback absolutely failing to get herbs at all

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 13 - TO HEAL

"I don't want to fight."

Speckleback paused from unwrapping Riverflight's paw. Even despite action being taken about the injury late, the wound had healed quickly, and she would be unbothered. Riverflight lowered her paw, and Speckleback glanced to Boughkit.

Boughkit tapped her paws together. "I don't like when I accidentally hurt someone. And I- I don't like it when Tricklekit throws herself at things, and I don't wanna do that."

Speckleback stared at Boughkit. He glanced to Riverflight, who was also looking curious. His eyes drifted to Whiskershadow, who had not even gained the energy to move much of anything lately.

He glanced down to Boughkit. "You know how much work being a medicine cat healer is?"

"Don't care." Boughkit replied, lifting her eyes up to meet his. "If it means I'm not fighting, and if it means I can help another way, I'll help you."

"Can she do that?" Riverflight spoke, finally. 

Daisyshadow huffed. "Don't see why not. We'll always need more healers. Has to start somewhere."

"Suppose that's true." Riverflight meowed, blinking. She stared down at Boughkit. "Always thought Speckleback would pick someone."

"I am still right here." Speckleback meowed, irritated. "But Daisyshadow's right in that I do need to start somewhere." Speckleback nodded. "Alright. I'll talk with Finchstar about it."

Boughkit beamed. "Thank you!" She then darted towards the entrance of the den, slowing down to carefully take the entrance like her usual habit, and then out she went.

Speckleback's eyes went back to Whiskershadow. Riverflight's did, too.

Daisyshadow frowned. "... You'll get the help you need. Go talk to Finchstar now. We're fine, Speckleback."

Speckleback rolled his eyes. "Don't need to be told that." But he did get up and walk out of the den. Riverflight glanced between the two of them.

"We've had a lot of discussions, being stuck alone in here. Can't be arguing all the time." Daisyshadow laughed. "But... you should go, too. Don't want the sickness to spread."

Riverflight glanced to Whiskershadow.

"... Is he..."

"Just go, Riverflight." Daisyshadow commanded, and Riverflight decided to obey.

Events Referenced: Riverflight's thorn has been pulled out and healed. Boughkit doesn't want to fight other cats. Speckleback decides to take Boughpaw under his wing. (she'll get her apprentice look revealed at the official ceremony).

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 12 - NEST PRANK

"Currentdash." Riverflight held up her paw, with a gash currently going across one of her paw pads. "What is this."

Currentdash looked up from his meal, glancing at the gash. Looked like something from the thorn he hid in her nest.

Judging by the way Riverflight's expression twisted, she figured it out just by looking at his face. She sighed, shaking her head. "Daisyshadow's snake bite got worse again, probably thanks to going to the gathering, and now Speckleback has to deal with this?" She waved the paw again.

"It's just something small- nothing a bit of cobwebs can't fix!" Currentdash leaned forward, his head on his prey. "With Whiskershadow getting better, you get to talk to him more, too!"

"I-" Riverflight paused, then sighed, shaking her head. "I guess you thought this out, huh? You still really shouldn't have done that." She rolled her eyes, sitting down beside him. After a moment, she stole a bite of his prey.

Currentdash's tail went up, and he batted at the air in front of her. "Hey."

Riverflight leaned away, whiskers twitching despite her serious face. "You hurt me, I get to steal your prey. Equal deal."

"That is not equal. That's food and that's injury, two separate things."

Riverflight shook her head. "The injured get food first, so I think it's fair, actually. It was only-"

"It hurts!"

"Stop trying to open your eyes, it'll hurt worse!"

The two stopped their conversation at the sound of Batpaw and Lichentooth, glancing towards the entrance. Right there was Lichentooth, pulling Batpaw forward with her tail...

Batpaw's normally glaring eyes were screwed tightly shut, clawed all over. Lichentooth was guiding him towards the medicine den, pushing him along. The panic was clear in her fur and her shaking pawsteps.

Boughkit was waiting by the entrance, but she backed away the moment she saw the painful claw marks over Batpaw's eyes. She had her right eye closed again.

Speckleback was at the entrance, mouth open to make a comment before he noticed the damage on Batpaw's eyes. He grew tense. "First Whiskershadow, then Daisyshadow, now you? Come in." He shoved Batpaw inside, and Lichentooth let her tail fall away, fur still on end.

Currentdash pushed forward first, and Riverflight followed. Lichentooth turned to them, her fur still on end and her eyes starting to fill with tears. Currentdash pushed himself against her, and Lichentooth shoved her face into his fur.

"What happened?" Riverflight meowed. "You guys went out to hunt."

"I- we messed up a hunting crouch." Lichentooth meowed, voice low. She was still shaking. "Batpaw approached from behind. Rabbit was a hare, and then he- he got scratched really bad, there was a lot of blood, and I just, I didn't do anything again, I-"

"Shh." Currentdash purred, trying to get Lichentooth's nerves to cool. She shut her eyes tight, breathing still fast.

Riverflight curled her claws into the ground. Boughkit tilted her head up at Riverflight, then to Lichentooth. She approached the two other warriors, leaving Riverflight to just overhear as Lichentooth tried to slow her breathing.

Riverflight could still hear Speckleback, words stressed and harsh in tone, saying something about first Whiskershadow.

Whiskershadow had been recovering, right?

... right?

Her thorn that given her a scratch suddenly seemed so minor. How had this gotten out from under her nose? Did Speckleback just not tell her?

There was a bump against her leg, and Riverflight glanced down to Boughkit, who had opened her eyes again.

"Um..." Boughkit pat her paws together. Her right eye was still closed, the remaining open one staring up at Riverflight. "...Whiskershadow is talking. That's... important, I think?"

Riverflight felt herself lower her shoulders, exhaling heavily. 

Comforted by a kit. Granted, one that was almost an apprentice, but still. She shut her eyes and glanced away. "... Thanks."

"Um... 'elcome." Boughkit nodded, then noticed Tricklekit staring from the nursery and bounded in her direction. She rammed into the side of the nursery, laughed, and entered into it properly. Tricklekit hesitated a bit before following after her.

"Lichentooth." Riverflight meowed. "We'll be fine. Batpaw's strong."

"It wasn't your fault." Currentdash meowed.

Judging by how Lichentooth only made a humming sound, she didn't believe them.

Events Referenced: Riverflight is the victim of a thorn in nest prank Batpaw recovers from the splinter. Batpaw mistakes a hare for a rabbit and gets eyes clawed. Daisyshadow's snake bite isn't healing as it should. Whiskershadow still chatting with Speckleback, naturally.

[needleclanclangen]

MOON 11 - INJURY

"...What're you in here for?" Daisyshadow asked, when Batpaw came into the medicine cat den.

Batpaw had a slight limp, holding a paw above the floor and being careful not to walk on it. Speckleback was wrapping a cobweb bandage around her wound, but he looked over at Batpaw when Daisyshadow noticed him.

Boughkit glanced up from sorting the herbs on the rock. Speckleback waved a tail. "Did something happen on your patrol?"

"Well-" Batpaw hated to admit he did think of Speckleback as a dad. It was only a few moons, and yet... did Goldpaw even think the same? Whatever. "I climbed a tree. Made a mistake. Got wood in my paw."

Daisyshadow laughed, snorting. "Can't even climb a tree, huh?"

"Well, I'm new to this! I'm only 7 moons old!"

"Still. The trees are so simple." Daisyshadow tried to shift, and Speckleback hissed at her, causing her to lay back down. She offered a tail flick, instead. "Lichentooth should have taught you sooner."

Ugh. Batpaw rolled his eyes. "Are you going to help, D-" Shit- "Speckleback?"

Speckleback paused for a few moments. He got up, walking over to an empty nest. "Sit here. Keep your paw in the air. Once I'm done with Daisyshadow's wound, I'll get to your splinter."

"What did you even get hurt by?" Batpaw asked. "You're around the nursery, what could've happened there."

"Well, unlike you..." Daisyshadow pointed a tail to the cobweb bandaged leg. "I took a bite from a snake. I felt the poison go through me, and my vision went black, but I am still living! Speckleback says he's going to check on me." Daisyshadow rolled her eyes. "Shame your brother won't be taught by me for a bit."

Batpaw sighed. "Maybe that's a good thing."

A rustling of some leaves. Batpaw glanced back to the entrance of the den, watching as Tricklekit walked over to Boughkit. Boughkit's gaze was torn away from the two injured cats, and she grinned. 

"Tricklekit." Daisyshadow meowed, and Tricklekit glanced over to Daisyshadow. Tricklekit tilted her head. "You have a feather stuck to your face. Still eating messy?"

"Ugh." Tricklekit rolled her eyes, but she reached up and swiped the feather off of her face. "Boughkit, please come back to the den. We need our medicine cat for our game."

"Okay!" Boughkit dropped the plant she was holding in her claws, and followed Tricklekit out of the medicine cat den.

Batpaw glanced after her. "... I guess it could be lonely."

Daisyshadow went quiet then. She laid her head down fully. "... They'll be next. And then I don't have to worry about them."

"Nest is ready." Speckleback was back. "... Please stay still, don't aggravate the splinter. I'll be there." With that, he returned to wrapping Daisyshadow's snake bite.

Events Referenced: Batpaw was climbing a tree and got a splinter! Daisyshadow was bitten by a snake, but lived! Daisyshadow bickering with Speckleback's adopted kits lmao (unhelpful note, past me!) Daisyshadow gets a feather out of tricklekit's face.