What Do I Do Now?... (OPEN)

Fernfeather rested her chin on her paws as she laid by the mouth of the medicine den. It had been a few sunrises since the raccoon took away what remained of her eyesight, and now she was completely blind. She knew Mottleheart was trying to do everything in his power to save her recently injured eye, but she knew deep down that she would remain blind for the rest of her life. It wasn't fair.

She was just beginning to work on rekindling the happiness and cheer she once had thanks to Swiftstep, but now there didn't seem to be any hope at all for her to try to become the warrior she had always wanted to be. It just wasn't fair.

A question had been nagging at her for a while now, and she still had yet to find the answer: what now? She surely can't stay in the medicine den forever. What do blinded cats do anyway? Do they retire early to become an elder? Do they change their occupation to become a medicine cat? ...Though, the Clan already had two, so most likely not in her case. Or do blinded cats keep trying to become a warrior? Could she even do that? She couldn't see what's laying ahead of her when she ran, she couldn't pinpoint any prey, she couldn't even watch an opponent's moves when they tried to attack her.

Was she just a useless cat who no longer deserved a place in WindClan? Was she now just a waste of space, another mouth to feed, a failed attempt at a warrior the Clan needed her to be ever since she was born?

"What do I do now?..." she hoarsely whispered to herself.

It just wasn't fair.

Softpaw sadly watched his sister from a distance. He remembered back when she was cheerful and funny... back when she helped him come out of his shell. Above anything, Softpaw wished that there was something he could do to help her. He would travel to the Place of No Stars and back if it meant she would regain her sight. The pale apprentice padded to her side, taking heavy steps so that she knew that he was approaching. He laid down beside her, leaning into her side and giving a comforting purr. Softpaw couldn't find any words to say, so he stayed silent.
I'm sorry.
I wish I could have done something.
I'll take care of you.

Fernfeather heard someone approaching, and instinctively she looked up -- but she couldn't see anyone or anything. Only the newcomer's scent told her that it was her little brother Softpaw. She nuzzled into his warm fur and soothing purr, choking back little sobs. "I... I'm so sorry you h-have to see me like this... I never wanted a-anyone to see how sad or hurt I was... I didn't want anyone worrying about me..."

Swiftstep had a fat rabbit in his jaws for the she-cat he fell in love with. His eyes held hurt and pain. He wasn't himself now that Fern was totally blind. Seeing those beautiful green gem of eyes now dull broke his heart into teeny pieces. He placed the rabbit down in front of Softpaw and Fernfeather. "H-Here. Eat something darling. You m-may share too Softpaw." he said while settling down next to Fernfeather.

The scent of rabbit made her look up again -- well, her eyes tilted upward. Her mate's voice was very comforting to her, even if it was laced with sadness. She never wanted to make him sad. She never wanted to make anyone sad. She smiled to Swiftstep and forced a purr when she nuzzled his cheek. "Thank you, Swiftstep." She located the rabbit's side with her muzzle and took a large, generous bite. She licked her lips after she swallowed; at least her hunger was no longer bothering her.

She gently nudged the rabbit to Softpaw so she could give Swiftstep's cheek a loving lick. She stayed silent for a few moments before finally speaking, her voice cracked with sorrow and longing. "I... I wanna go back outside... even for just a little while. I want to be able to smell the moor and feel the wind blowing through my fur one last time. Can you please take me, Swiftstep?"

(OOC: @Middy: I'm not sure if you got the PM I sent you yesterday or not, but this topic here will lead into the next topic with Fernfeather's plot.)

Softpaw looked down at the rabbit Fernfeather had shifted to him, but he couldn't muster an appetite. Even though rabbits were one of his favorite things in the world, his most favorite thing was hurting and blind right next to him. Softpaw gave Swiftstep a gracious yet sad smile. "W-would you like me to come, Fernfeather?" He asked softly.

OOC: Something weird happened! It notified me two hours after! XD

IC: Swiftstep trembled at Fernfeather's sad voice. "O-Of course i-i'll take you my l-love." the tom said while placing his forehead against her's. He turned when Softpaw spoke. "What do you say Fernfeather? Do you want Softpaw to come?" he asked gently. He was already getting up and helping his mate up as well.

Fernfeather stood up slowly as well. She tilted her unseeing gaze to Softpaw, then blinked apologetically at him. "I... I hope you don't mind, Softpaw. I just want to be with Swiftstep right now. But once you've become a warrior and you can better protect yourself, we can take a walk outside of camp, too, if you'd like. I really hope you understand." She tentatively leaned down to try and find his forehead so she could lick it, and she bumped her nose into the bridge of his nose, his soft, fluffy fur tickling her nose. She whimpered softly and nuzzled his muzzle with her own instead, then straightened back up and leaned against Swiftstep. "We won't stay out long. I just want to remember the feel of the breeze in my fur again."

(OOC: That's super weird! XD Well, I can go ahead and make the follow-up topic and invite Jade Wings so Wolfpaw can fight Fernfeather :3)

Softpaw nodded, though he realized that she couldn't see it. "Of course. Enjoy yourself." He purred, leaning into her wandering touch. He trusted Swiftstep to keep her safe.