The future's in your paws. Shape it well.Roleplay in a cat Clan of warriors. Based off the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. Takes place in an AU before the cats in the books existed.
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Characters : [F]awnshine, [Fe]nnelbreeze, [T]hrushnose, [H]arrierpaw Number of posts : 1477 Gender : Gender fluid, She/They Age : 14
Subject: Echopaw's Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony Fri 3 Mar 2023 - 3:36
Fawnshine
It almost felt nostalgic. To be in the same mindset, to ponder her decisions and await inside the medicine den for the appearance of a familiar, young cat she felt suitable and dependable enough for the role. Having much more experience than she was when she was chosen as a kit, Echopaw was the one Fawnshine had in mind to be soon chosen as the new medicine cat apprentice. Her new apprentice. That is, if the tom agreed to be one officially.
Thoughts raced inside her mind, as desperate as she was to try and calm them down. What if it is just like Eggdrop? He wouldn't abandon us, would he? She used to pray that the she-cat would return eventually, that one day she would show up in front of camp — but moons of relentless waiting taught her no time would make her return. And she had to accept the bitter truth of so. Echopaw, despite not being officially a medicine cat apprentice, always helped her around whenever she could, and that was much appreciated. Taking in a deep sigh, her attention was brought back to the figure of Echopaw waiting by the entrance, and she rose, nodding to gesture him into her den.
"Echopaw, there is something serious I want to ask you about. Something that I have thought long over. I want you to take my words carefully, and think through them before answering." She paused, allowing him a moment of silence to take in her words. "Your assistance to me these past few moons have been appreciated, and I wish to take you on as my apprentice. If you accept, you will follow the path of a medicine cat and learn our ways. Do you agree to take up on the role?"
Subject: Re: Echopaw's Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony Fri 3 Mar 2023 - 19:52
It had become a sort of routine for him: check-in with Briarrose, finish his duties, then check-in with Fawnshine. He would often approach the medicine den and ask his aunt extensive questions, soaking in as much knowledge he could gather. So when Fawnshine had summoned him and gestured for him to enter he thought nothing different than every other time he had entered the den. The familiar scent of herbs wafted into his nose, comforting him like a nest of warm wool and moss. He purred in greeting, waving his tail before sitting in front of her.
Echopaw nodded diligently, listening to her words, drinking in every syllable. His heart started to beat faster and he could barely hear her over the sound of blood rushing in his ears. Did Briarrose know about this? Would she be upset with him? Would she feel like she failed as a mentor if he decided to change career paths? These were all questions that raced through his mind before he responded with a resounding, ‘Yes. Yes. Follow the path, I accept.’ It took him a moment of silence for him to fully realize that he had accepted this new responsibility. Echopaw had agreed to follow the path of a medicine cat. He had purpose. A title. Meaning. It was difficult for him to process, but he managed to keep his breathing regulated and eventually his heartbeat returned to normal. He forced his gaze to meet his new mentor, “What do we do now, Fawnshine?” He questioned, he shuffled his paws.
Characters : [F]awnshine, [Fe]nnelbreeze, [T]hrushnose, [H]arrierpaw Number of posts : 1477 Gender : Gender fluid, She/They Age : 14
Subject: Re: Echopaw's Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony Sat 4 Mar 2023 - 16:48
Fawnshine
A sense of relief immediately washed over Fawnshine as she heard the apprentice's answer. Fortunately, for him, it wouldn't take long to adjust to the changes of becoming a medicine cat apprentice, although she would have to talk it over with Briarrose about extra details. He was a diligent apprentice, anyone could tell — and she was glad he accepted taking on the role she offered. At his question, Fawnshine turned around to the herb shelves behind her and picked out the herb bundle she had prepared the night before. Nodding, she placed it in front of his paws.
"Here, eat these. They shall lessen your hunger and exhaustion on our way to the Moonstone, where StarClan shall approve of you." She paused, blinking. "The herbs do not taste the best, but I ensure it will help. And as for your current training, I will speak to Briarrose about it, so you don't have to worry." Once Echopaw was finished eating, she would make her way over to the exit of the medicine den. "Ready to go?"
Subject: Re: Echopaw's Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony Sat 11 Mar 2023 - 3:05
An uneasy feeling akin to deja-vu filled the apprentice as he met eyes with his new mentor. The herbs were familiar to him, the burnet especially - with its spiky leaves. He thought of Pricklebush in this moment, Your help may not come in the way you expected. But you will be of great service. You will make a difference. That much I can promise you.... and he smiled. Pricklebush was right. He would be helping his clan. Remembering the Starclan cats' words was more soothing than any medicine or deep breaths. With a huff he looked to Fawnshine once again as she made her way to the exit of the den, "Ready."
Characters : [F]awnshine, [Fe]nnelbreeze, [T]hrushnose, [H]arrierpaw Number of posts : 1477 Gender : Gender fluid, She/They Age : 14
Subject: Re: Echopaw's Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony Sun 12 Mar 2023 - 1:07
Fawnshine
"Good. Let's go, then," Fawnshine nodded, promptly proceeding to lead him out of camp and through ThunderClan's familiar woodland territory. They've done this before — she supposed this shouldn't be any different, although Echopaw would likely have a better experience with StarClan this time, now that he was allowed a revisit after his Moonstone journey. That was good. It was better to familiarize him with StarClan.
----
Leading him through the darkened tunnel of the Mothermouth, Fawnshine kept her balance, not wanting her new apprentice to stumble over any of the obstacles along their way. As the faint glow of light soon dawned upon them, her pupils grew into slits, taking a moment to adjust to the change of light before stepping towards the Moonstone. "This will be a little different than your Moonstone journey. As long as you have confidence in yourself, you'll be alright. I'm sure the stars have something for you."
With that, she took a deep breath and began the usual ceremonial speech for Echopaw. Since he had already confirmed his wishes of becoming a medicine cat apprentice, there was no need to ask him again. "From here on, you will be entering the mysteries of Starclan and learn the ways of a medicine cat. When you are ready, press your nose to the stone, and StarClan will speak to you in your dreams."
She was calmer this time. Less anxious. Less cautious of what was to come, of what vision, or advice her apprentice would see upon meeting StarClan for the second time — she hoped everything will go out smoothly for him. Motioning her maw towards the stone, she sat down, waiting for him. "I'll be here when you wake up."
Subject: Re: Echopaw's Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony Sun 26 Mar 2023 - 18:53
With Fawnshine leading him forward, he followed without hesitation. He was almost moving in a trance-like state. As if another being had taken his body. He felt like he was walking on clouds. This couldn't be real. He was going to be medicine cat. Part of him wouldn't be able to believe it until he was told by Starclan themselves. He hoped he could see Mr. Pricklebush again. Despite his name, Echopaw didn't think the tom was particularly prickly - though he supposed he hadn't interacted with him pre-Starclan.
-- Approaching Mothermouth, Echopaw sucked in a breath as he entered, taking care not to stumble onto any loose rocks. That would be quite embarrassing. Getting hurt right before his ceremony. Sheesh. " Yes Fawnshine. I'll be alright." he murmured as the cave opened up, the change in light causing him to blink. As she spoke to him again, the tom lifted his head and gave her a smile as she instructed him to rest his nose against the stone. Echopaw slowly lay himself down next to the stone, giving his aunt one last glance before he pressed his nose against the stone.
Subject: Re: Echopaw's Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony Fri 31 Mar 2023 - 17:28
Pricklebush was in fact waiting for Echopaw, sitting in front of the apprentice when he opened his eyes. He was very glad that the stars had allowed him to return a second time and guide this tom. Any spare moment he had, between spending time with Hailpaw, Blizzardshine, Mossbloom and Mistleshine, he'd been looking down on the doings of ThunderClan. He'd thought that Echopaw would be more like him--that the tom's ambition had been to become a warrior for his Clan. However, it seemed that what Pricklebush had mistaken for a desire to fight and protect was simply a burning need to serve his Clan. He supposed that a medicine cat position would fit that as well as anything else. As long as StarClan wasn't forcing him, like they'd forced some others... it would be okay.
"Echopaw." Pricklebush towered above him as before, but his presence was slightly less imposing now. They'd be on slightly more equal footing now that the apprentice would be joining the ranks of medicine cats. Perhaps they would see each other more often. "The stars have chosen you to be their next speaker. You will train under Fawnshine, learn the words of your ancestors and the meanings of various herbs. You will be in charge of healing your Clanmates' wounds, not only physically, but also emotionally. The job will be long, hard, and tedious. But it will also be fulfilling. As I promised you earlier... you will make a great difference."
Pricklebush's sage-green eyes looked carefully at Echopaw. The words he spoke next were not exactly as they should have been ceremonially, but served the same purpose. "Is that your wish? Echopaw, do you want to become a medicine cat apprentice?" Though he knew that asking was practically a formality at this point, it was very important to him that the tom was willing. He would never want anyone else to be pushed into this path.
Subject: Re: Echopaw's Medicine Cat Apprentice Ceremony Sat 1 Apr 2023 - 0:34
Echopaw let himself sink into the feeling of sleep, but when he felt the warm light of Starclan on his pelt he snapped his eyes open. A purr grew deep in his chest as he opened his eyes to the familiar terrain. He waded through the foggy mist of stars for a moment before Pricklebush's form came into view. He flattened his ears, suddenly becoming nervous and shy. Would Pricklebush accept him? Echopaw had originally been under the impression that he existed in this clan to become a warrior. He thought that medicine cats were born and chosen as kits and didn't think to ask any questions on the matter. It was only until he made the first journey to the moonstone that he began to think differently. He hadn't known there could be other options for him...other paths to take. While he had thought his purpose was to become a warrior, at the root of his feelings - there was only love. A deep love for his clan. The sadness he felt seeing all of his friends, his adoptive siblings, kits born long after him - all becoming warriors before he had had his moonstone of course he felt wistful. Echopaw kept the smile on his maw as he approached the familiar tom, stopping a few tail lengths away. You will make a great difference.
The apprentice nodded his head as he took in Pricklebush's words. He would make a difference. Of course, he had a lot to learn. While he had remembered quite a lot from Fawnshines earlier teachings he knew it wouldn't be an easy road from here on out. He trusted Starclan with his whole heart, he was meant to walk this path. This was what he was meant for, while it hadn't been clear then, he knew now. "I..." he looked back at the way he came - finding nothing but mist he turned his head back to Pricklebush and nodded, "Yes. I want to become a medicine cat apprentice." he meowed strongly in return, "I will make a great difference."
The absolute conviction in Echopaw's eyes was both reassuring and frightening. For the tom to feel so strongly that this path was the right one for him... well, Pricklebush had seen eager young cats like him get burned by the stars before. But it wouldn't happen this time--not if he had anything to say about it. He'd do his best to be here and guide him through his tenure as medicine cat apprentice. He'd be a better mentor than any of those other stuffy old fools, anyway. The starry tan cat nodded his head. "Then you have chosen this path. From now on, Echopaw, you will be a medicine cat apprentice. Time will grant you wisdom and insight so that you may heal your Clan and learn to converse with the stars." They were not anywhere near the ceremonial words, but he did not believe in asking StarClan for help to guide this apprentice. Even though he was StarClan himself. Anyway, he hadn't been struck by lightning or anything yet, so he figured it must be okay. Now... what was he supposed to do? The rules dictated he couldn't give prophecy in anything more than vague terms, but the kid had a right to know what was coming for him.
Pricklebush flicked an ear thoughtfully as he looked at Echopaw. "It won't all be sunshine and rainbows, I'm sure you know. But things may be more difficult than you would like. Hard times are coming for ThunderClan." He stopped for a second, then snorted to himself. "I mean... not that I remember a time that hasn't been true." The medicine cat shook his head. "Sorry, that's all I can tell you. Anyway. Good luck, little leaf. If you ever want to speak to the stars, you can ask for Pricklebush, and I'll come help. Listen to your mentor. Take care of your Clan, but take care of yourself too. Don't be a mouse-brain." Was he unloading too much on him? Whatever. It would be fine. He better not burn himself out like some other cats he'd known. Despite his gruff exterior, there was the hint of a smile on Pricklebush's face a moment before he vanished into the starry scenery. "Congratulations, Echopaw."
