#bitterndrift

[fernclans]

MOON 03. (cont.)(final) (tw; medical talk, i think that's it this time!)

Starring: Cliffpaw (BuddingClan), Bitterndrift (CypressClan), Amberpaw (BuddingClan) Mentions: Bitterrumble (CypressClan), Dashpaw (BuddingClan)

“Are you sure you want to walk the whole way on your own?” A lithe orange she-cat asks, passing a glance down towards the injured apprentice. “Bitterrumble urged that you take it easy for the next moon at least.”

Beside her, a smaller ginger tabby struggled his way down a rocky slope, skidding down on his heels towards the bottom. “I’m alright, this’ll end up being the only real exercise I’m gonna get in moons, I want to enjoy it.”

Though she could tell Cliffpaw was being earnest, Bitterndrift could also see the strain in his one remaining eye as he traversed. “Alright. Do you remember Bitterrumble’s instructions for when you get home?”

“Keep the poultice on my wound for the next day, have someone help me with cleaning it off with fresh moss, and ask someone else to try looking for garlic or marigold.” He recites, his heart racing somewhat as the meadow comes into view, closer and closer. He freezes when the stale scent of wolf catches his nose, but reassures himself that it's old -- the wolf is gone.

“Yes. And remember that some weeping is expected from the injury site, but to be aware of the kind of drainage it is and the smell.” A clan without a leader or healer… the closest to StarClan’s monument, but without connection to its world. A part of Bitterndrift considered just asking Cliffpaw to let FlintClan- or BuddingClan- go. To join CypressClan and assure he and his remaining clanmates survival, but she knew that would never happen. Pride and the instinctual desire to hold onto what has been lost would never allow that.

Cliffpaw nods, silent now, seemingly lost in his thoughts. It had been a difficult four days, in a way the warrior herself could only begin to imagine. His clanmates must be worried sick. When they come across the border between Cypress and BuddingClan, the scent marks are stale. In a way, this was comforting to him; it meant that Dashpaw wasn’t over-exerting himself, and Amberpaw heed his warning to stay near camp… at least, that’s what he hoped it meant. Any other alternative was banished from his mind.

“Thanks for everything, Bitterndrift, but I can make it from here.” He turns around, dipping his head to the ginger and white molly.

She looks the apprentice up and down, dipping her head politely in return. “If it’s all the same to you, Cliffpaw, I think I’d like to accompany you until you’re secured in the paws of one of your clanmates.” The last thing anyone needs is you collapsing from exhaustion somewhere no cat can find you. “It would be a shame if Bitterndrift’s treatment went to waste.” She says instead.

Though he seems a bit frustrated, Cliffpaw doesn’t argue and continues trekking through the familiar tall grass. The further into the meadow they went, the looser Cliffpaw’s movements became, posture relaxing as he grew more comfortable in the world around him.

The scent of cats began to grow stronger; they were approaching camp. The faintness of its scent made Bitterndrift’s heart sink. Cliffpaw really wasn’t lying when he said there were just the four of them.

“Cliffpaw, is that you?” A young mollies voice calls from atop a grassy slope. “Oh StarClan, it really is, isn’t it?” She doesn’t wait for a reply before bounding down the hill and directly into the ginger tomcat, nearly knocking him over if it weren’t for Bitterndrift on his other side to brace the both of them. “Dashpaw isn’t gonna believe it!”

Cliffpaw staggers against the excited impact of his clanmate, chuckling to suppress a hiss of pain. “Amberpaw, it’s so good to see you! I’m so relieved that you’re alright.”

“That I’M alright? You’ve been gone for days!” She shouts back, almost sounding offended. Now away from his frame, the young molly finally gets a good look at the wrappings around half of his face. “Wh..what happened to you?”

The older apprentice flinches slightly at the question, gritting his teeth.

Instead, it’s Bitterndrift who answers. “The wolf pack which terrorized your pack came back. It… seemed to target Cliffpaw deliberately, but didn’t take the opportunity to outright slay him.”

“An eye for an eye.” Cliffpaw mutters, feeling himself grow weak in his legs.

The previously vibrant Amberpaw seemed at a loss for words, her eyes unable to properly meet Cliffpaw’s remaining. Out of all of the horrible things Dashpaw had concocted, he didn’t dare suggest the wolves-- all of them knew such a joke would be too grim even for their gallows.

“Amberpaw, was it?” Bitterndrift breaks the silence again, always seeming to know how to push the moment forward. “My name is Bitterndrift, of CypressClan, can I entrust you with something important?”

She seems to blink out of her daze, bright eyes looking up at the seasoned warrior and giving a firm, confident nod.

“While Cliffpaw is a strong tom for managing this far, I think it would be good for him to have some assistance the rest of the way to his nest. The trek from CypressClan’s camp to here is not a short one, and he still has a lot of healing that he needs to do.” The warrior's blue gaze flashed to Cliffpaw a few times while speaking, but it was unlikely he noticed given his blind-side.

“Right!” She’s already at his side, offering her support by the time Cliffpaw could begin to protest. “You helped me after the wolves, now it’s time for me to help you.” Amberpaw smiles up at him, a sincere passion showing in her expression.

“Cliffpaw has a few things he needs to tell you from our healer, Bitterrumble, but I trust that he’ll do so when you get to camp.” Bitterndrift meows, hoping it’ll server as a final reminder if the tom needed it. “It was a pleasure getting to know you Cliffpaw. Thank you for finding us, Amberpaw. May StarClan light your paths.”

“Thank you for everything Bitterndrift, I… I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for you. I owe you more than I can express.” Cliffpaw almost feels guilty letting the warrior go empty-pawed.

“Nonsense. You can thank me by getting better, and becoming the best cat that you can be. No cat could ask for more.” Giving a final bow of her head, Bitterndrift sprinted into the dense grass and began her journey home.

“Wow… she’s so cool!” Amberpaw beamed, staring off after the ginger and white molly. “Yeah…” Cliffpaw meowed. “Yeah, she is.”

woooo we made it back! :D cypressclan will be benched for now, and we return to the main cast of buddingclan! hope y'all enjoyed our lil field trip!

[fernclans]

MOON 6 ALLEGIANCE OF CYPRESSCLAN

here they are!! the current cast of our neighboring clan, CypressClan! more info about how everyone is doing and what they're up to below the cut!

Pondstar has had a rough go at it the past 6 moons; though having taken Storkpaw as his apprentice two moons ago, their training has been delayed twice -- first from an eagle which had grabbed the tom, taking one of his lives, and second from Storkpaw getting heat stroke. He doesn't seem to be the best with kits or apprentices.

Fernrose invited an abandoned kittypet into the clan, feeling sympathy for the situation he had been put in. Pondstar wasn't the happiest, but wasn't going to argue against a needed set of paws. He's settling in well into his role as deputy in spite of his young age, and the clan remains supportive of Pondstar's choice.

Bitterrumble took Bushpaw as an apprentice after the molly expressed interest in myths and stories from a young age, endeavoring to meet and converse with StarClan cats long gone. Though he was a bit unsure about taking an apprentice so young, he also missed having living company in the healer's den.

Bushpaw was almost held back a moon for sneaking out of camp as a kit, but it was decided against. Sometimes she feels uncertain if she's worthy of being a dedicated clan healer as her main interest was with prophecies and myths than medicine, but she does her best to meet Bitterrumble's standards.

Adam was a shipyard cat for most of his life, but after falling ill, the humans of the docks took him to the woods. Adam feels indebted to Fernrose and Springmallow, who found him and brought him to their camp. Shortly after being abandoned, he was taken again by different humans; after a 3 moon journey, Adam returned to CypressClan, feeling firm in his heart that it's his home.

Springmallow was with Fernrose when he found Adam on the thunderpath, and also with Bitterndrift when she found Cliffstripe after the wolf attack. His life has been pretty low-key so far, and he's started developing a crush on Bitterndrift.

Bitterndrift meanwhile, has had one hell of a half-year. The moon after Cliffstripe's brief stay, she was given Stumpypaw as an apprentice; unfortunately that very same moon, she got one of her legs caught in a human's trap which has prevented her from getting to do much training with him. On top of that, a moon ago she realized she was carrying kits! Very excited to see where this goes

Stumpypaw is honestly a little upset he hasn't been able to train with his assigned mentor, and even moreso after he was bit by a rogue while on a patrol with Springmallow. This moon made up for it slightly by giving him the opportunity to team up with Fernrose in driving a fox away from a small goat carcass.

Storkpaw is going through it internally. She KNOWS how big of an honor it is to be given the LEADER as her mentor, but she can't help but feel uncertainty in becoming a warrior. She worries that she'll let Pondstar down, and feels a heavy amount of weight on her shoulders.

Faithdance and Stemfish are enjoying their retirement; between all of the commotion with their clanmates and the twos inclination for prophecies and omens, they have much to chat about around camp. I love them both dearly.

next cypressclan update will be on moon 18! :3

[fernclans]

ADAM! how’s life in cypressclan right now, and what do you think about the buddingclan situation?

Adam: "They're all very young, I've heard. I worry they may be in over their heads. Winter is on its way, and their territory feels its grasp most."

Transcript: "Hectic!"

"Bitterndrift had her kits! All five of them are healthy and growing. I don't think any of us were shocked when Springmallow showed up in the nursery shortly after. It was a surprise to them both, but I'm sure they'll figure it out."

"I joined CypressClan shortly after the fall of FlintClan, so I can't say I know much about them beyond the ginger lad who stayed with us briefly. Hope he's doing alright now."

"I admire their resilience, BuddingClan. I only hope their ambition doesn't get the better of them."

[fernclans]

Bitterndrift, what's your favorite thing about CypressClan? And, if you care/dare to share, your least favorite thing?

[fernclans]

Bitterndrift, would you like to give us a crash course on your Clan? A "Top Five Things YOU Should Know About CypressClan!" type of thing!

[fernclans]

MOON 03. (cont.)

(tw; (unintentional) misgendering, injury/death suggestion, trauma)

Starring: Cliffpaw (BuddingClan), Bitterndrift (CypressClan), Springmallow (CypressClan), Bitterrumble (CypressClan) Mentions: Pondstar (CypressClan), Magpiestar (FlintClan)

“You don’t have to stay by the kids' side all day, you know?” A black bengal cat chided as he stepped through the rocky opening of the CypressClan healers’ den, a chaffinch hanging from his jaws.

“You say that, but I was the one who convinced Pondstar to let Bitterrumble treat her. She’s my responsibility until she can go back to her own Clan.” The ginger and white molly places her tail softly across Cliffpaw’s back, a soft expression crossing her usually stern face.

The tomcat pads forward a bit and places the bird about a tail-length from Bitterndrift and the apprentice. “She’s been out for a few days now… is Bitterrumble sure she’ll wake up?” His copper eyes show concern as they go from the wounded stranger to his clanmate.

A dusty brown tomcat emerges from one of the dark tunnels that branched from further within the cave opening, carrying an assortment of herbs with him which he promptly takes to another corner of his den, one with a bit more light, and proceeds to use a stone to grind them slowly into a paste. “She’s still in shock,” he muses while he works. “If she wakes from this, which is still an if Bitterndrift, it’ll still be within StarClan’s paws whether or not she’ll survive for long after.”

The ginger molly shrinks somewhat at the healer’s words, making room for him when he approaches with the herbaceous paste. “It’s hard to say if she’s ingesting any of these, but I’d rather waste a few herbs than not try treatment.” He mutters while opening Cliffpaw’s muzzle with one paw and using the other to coat his tongue with the poultice, grimacing after a moment of thought. “Don’t tell Pondstar I said that one, right? I can’t say he’d be the happiest if he found out I was using so many resources on some apprentice from FlintClan.” The two warriors agree, knowing that in spite of Bitterrumble’s lighthearted chuckle, Pondstar would, in fact, not be pleased.

“Do her dressings need to be changed yet?” Bitterndrift chirps, bending down to sniff at the treated wrappings, the overpowering scent of horsetail and garlic makes it impossible to glean much information.

Bitterrumble shakes his head. “Not until sundown, though now that you mention it, I should get a head-start on what I’ll need to wash the bite out again. Springmallow, would you mind accompanying me?”

“Oh- sure thing! I’ll catch you later then, Bitterndrift-- and don’t forget to eat that bird I brought you!” The black and grey tom brushes against the other warrior affectionately as he passes, leaving alongside the healer.

“Right-- be safe! Keep your nose to the wind!” Bitterndrift called after her clanmates as they left, slouching in her posture only when she was sure they were out of sight.

A few moments pass before she addresses the bird her clanmate had brought her; she knew it was best she ate, but having done so little but watch over a cat she’d never even met before, she found herself without much of an appetite.

A sense of calm returns to the den, broken by a sudden gasp, and a sputtering cough. Bitterndrift jumps when the cat beside her begins to convulse, eyes widening with worry when her immediate thought was the cat beside her choking on whatever it was Bitterrumble had just recently administered. “Hey, hey, you’re okay.” She tried to soothe, placing her tail across the other protectively again.

The sensation of her touch seemed to startle the apprentice, the tabby jolting away from her and falling over onto his side. “Who are you? What do you want with me? Am I dead?” He continued to hack and wheeze while he strained to open his remaining good eye to get a look at his assailant? Savior?

“I’m sorry I scared you-- my name is Bitterndrift, w-”

“I’m… I’m alive then?” His breathing begins to slow, if only just.

“You’re alive… Er-”

“Then I need to get back to my clanmates-- they have to be worried sick about me- and there’s no way Amberpaw has been ab-” In a hurry of movements, Cliffpaw picks himself up only to fall over once more into the mossy nest beneath him.

“We can bring you back to your clanmates as soon as you’re stable-- you’re from FlintClan, right?” She wants to ask about the fate of the clan; they hadn’t been present at the gatherings in moons, surely something must have happened to them-- but she fights against this impulse, not wanting to overwhelm someone who was already experiencing so much. “You shouldn’t move around so much, I’m not a healer, I don’t know how healed your wound is. If you started bleeding again, there’s not a lot I’d be able to do to help you.”

Cliffpaw is silent again for a while, allowing himself to stay collapsed in the nest and fully absorb the situation. “Are you sure I’m not dead?”

“Not dead yet.”

“Okay. That’s good.” He moves slowly this time, wincing as he sits up to get a better look at the warrior. “How long have I been here? I’m in CypressClan, right? What happened after I-” He could feel his stomach sink all over again.

“You’ve been in CypressClan for two days now. After you were bit, Springmallow and I rushed you back here to our camp. Pondstar isn’t the most hospitable to outsiders, but with your precarious situation, even he wasn’t going to turn you away.” Even if that “situation” simply meant wanting information on FlintClan’s status… “Could I please get your name?”

“My name is Cliffpaw-- I was Magpiestar’s apprentice.”

“I take that to mean Magpiestar is no longer with us?”

Cliffpaw clenches his jaw, turning his head away from Bitterndrift.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to pry. FlintClan hasn’t shown up to a gathering in moons now, everyone has been wondering-”

“There’s only four of us now.”

Bitterndrift’s previously composed demeanor drops, if only for a moment. “I beg your pardon?”

“The wolves. They found us. I… I blinded one of them when we were escaping to The Moonlit Caverns… I…” Cliffpaw’s remaining eye store hard at his paws. “It found me.”

“I’m… I’m very sorry to hear that.” There were a lot of words which could be said to express how one feels when brought with such news, but none which could compare to the feelings of those who had gone through it. Another worry courses through Bitterndrift, one she refrains from voicing.

The distant sound of voices made for a welcome reprieve, Bitterndrift nudging the bird over to Cliffpaw. “Here, you should eat this. I’ll tell the others you're awake, is there anything else you’d like me to say to them?”

The tabby is pensive for a while, looking at the chaffinch. He’d never had to do this before, not on his own. For some reason, this almost made him more nervous than speaking about his encounters with the wolves. “Could you also tell them that I’m a tom? I could kind of hear you earlier, but I wasn’t able to move yet.”

“Oh-!” Bitterndrift seems caught off-guard for a moment, before giving the other a soft nod. “Of course I can, Cliffpaw. I’m sorry about earlier.”

Before waiting for a reply, the ginger warrior goes to greet her clanmates outside the den.

while we're in CypressClan for a detour, anyone have questions for our newly introduced cats? next update and we'll be back in BuddingClan to see what everyone's been up to! : 3

[fernclans]

Oh boy..I hope they find out Cliff’s a boy :(

Also more hottakes. Even though I know Cliffpaw’s probably going to become leader due to being eldest and how the game works (I’ve had ‘kitten’ clans like budding clan before-)

I don’t think he should. After so much stress and tramua in his young life I think he should take a more relaxed role such as mediator or maaaaybe medicine cat?

Something that doesn’t take him on patrols that are potentially triggering to the tom. And if he is leader the clan that temporarily took him in could definitely give him some leadering lessons and basic warrior training-

no worries! bitterndrift is on it! poor cliffs had a long couple of months though </3

honestly i totally agree that a non-leadership role would be good for cliffpaw after all of this; guy became sole caretaker of three kids when he's still a kid himself