New Situations

It was a couple mornings after the Gathering, and Mossbloom had spent the last days training the new SkyClan medicine cat. He had only recently been chosen when Mintwhisker went mad, well, madder than she already was, and so he had a lot to learn. Luckily, he seemed to catch on quickly, soaking in her words like a moss soaked up water. He had led an apprentice to the Moonstone, and from what she had heard, it had gone extremely well. She was proud of the tom, and as morning came she rose from her makeshift nest to wake him up as well. A small white paw prodded at the medicine cat's side, and she waited until his eyes opened to pull it back with a bright smile. "Good morning, Sagelight. Today we're going to go out looking for herbs, I don't know all of the best places in SkyClan for them so we'll be learning together!"

She stood and turned towards the place where the herbs were neatly stored, no doubt Amberdawn's continued influence. She had noticed that some of the herbs were extremely low, and with the leaves turning colors and the nights getting cold it was only a matter of time before leaf-bare, and it's hardships, were upon them. Sagelight would need to get stocked up on some crucial herbs, and so would she when she returned to ThunderClan. It had already been a couple days, she should be getting back soon for a little while...... Yes, the clan had Pricklebush, but what if he needed to go to RiverClan? She sighed as she nudged some of the stored herbs, taking stock of what they would need.

"Alright, Sagelight, looks like we need some coltsfoot, juniper, and tansy... Could probably do with some lavender and feverfew, probably some comfrey as well. Daisy and chervil never hurt to have some extra on paw." She looked up to him, green eyes gleaming as she committed the needed items to memory, along with some others that wouldn't hurt to have on hand. "Let me know when you're ready to leave, and we'll head out!"

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OOC: For the herb hunting part of the patrol, once we're in the territory we'll use the effect dice to see what we find!
So you'll roll one effect dice. Each number corresponds to a potential list of herbs you can find. Once you know the result, you can choose which herb you find from the list according to the number and edit it into your post! If you're not sure how to describe the plant and you want to have them not recognize what it is, the link to the herb list is here for referencing.

1: Nothing is found, better luck next time
2-3: Useful every day herb (Borage, Burnet, Chamomile, Daisy)
4-5: Good herb (Chervil, Comfrey, Feverfew, Juniper, Lavender)
6: Great herb (Chickweed, Chicory Root, Coltsfoot, Tansy)

Hiding behind one of Sagelight's legs was a small cream point kit the ThunderClan medicine cat had never met before. Honeykit peeked out behind the tabby tom's hind right leg, looking up nervously at Mossbloom, her blue eyes widened with fear which soon mellowed out into curiosity. This new molly smelled strongly of herbs and flowers, just like Sagelight. Was she a medicine cat, too, just like Sagelight? She had never seen her in SkyClan's camp before. Where had she been all this time? Then again, Sagelight had told her a friend of his from another Clan was going to be coming to help him collect more herbs around the territory. Did that mean this pretty calico molly was another Clan's medicine cat then?

The tabby tom had told Honeykit earlier that day that she was more than welcome to accompany him and his friend in searching for herbs to stock up the supplies so long as she promised to stay close. Of course, he had needed to get permission from SkyClan's deputy and her own father Spottedleap to make the promise sustainable, and while he had appeared very reluctant at first for very good reason, he finally agreed to let her go, so long as a warrior accompanied them to make sure she was safe. So now, Tinystar's son Sunflower was assigned to accompany them as well.

It wasn't like she minded at all. The last thing she ever dreamed of doing was disobey her superiors! Getting into trouble scared her more than most things in life, even more than being forced to socialize with other cats she was too anxious to be around. Plus, she had seen the tall-eared warrior a few times, and while she never actually worked up the courage to talk to him, he still seemed friendly enough. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad after all. At least she would be able to help her new best friend Sagelight find herbs, and she would also be able to meet another cat with the same passion for herbs and their properties as well.

Though ... now that she was standing practically right next to this newcomer, all of Honeykit's words died on her tongue, and she glanced down nervously at her paws, her pelt beginning to grow ever hotter with embarrassment and discomfort. What should she say to her? What was she supposed to say that would be acceptable? Was she not supposed to say anything at all? Maybe she shouldn't be going after all. Oh, but how she so desperately wanted to! But she was so scared of doing something wrong! What if Spottedleap and Murkpelt forced her not to hang out with Sagelight anymore after this? What if she wasn't allowed into the medicine den anymore? What was she supposed to DO?!

"Um.... H-Hi...." she finally settled on squeaking near-silently, still not looking up at the pretty outside-of-SkyClan medicine cat. She whimpered and tucked herself back into hiding behind Sagelight's leg. She wanted to cry.

Having been assigned to accompany the medicine cats on their herb patrol, Sunflower had awoken with the rising sun to ensure he had enough time to prep himself before they left, seeing as though he had no clue how long they'd be out. He gave himself a good groom and ate a quick bite before making his way to the medicine cat den. The crisp, morning, Leaf-Fall air nipped at his nose and paws, and it was times like these where he wished he had a longer pelt, rather than his pathetic excuse for a layer of fur that provided him almost no warmth whatsoever.

Too tall to easily enter moss covered burrow, Sunflower awkwardly bent down and poked his head into the dimly lit den, where Sagelight, Mossblossom, and Honeykit were. With Sagelight looking as though he'd just woken up, he was glad that he hadn't been late to arrive and could relax. Shivering and trying not to chatter his teeth, the meek-souled warrior stayed as quiet as ever, not wanting to interrupt or somehow make a fool of himself, which happened more often than not.

A gentle paw prodded into Sagelight's side and he roused awake, slowly pulling himself into a sitting position. He recognized the sweet smell of Mossbloom almost immediately. "Good morning, Mossbloom," he mewed, blinking hard to get the sleep out of his eyes. He was very grateful for her company, both as a friend and a mentor. After both Mintwhisker and Amberdawn had left, the tom felt very alone and helpless. Mossbloom was a welcome inclusion in his life and he appreciated her taking time out of her own job as a medicine cat in ThunderClan to mentor him. Sagelight shook out his fur and gave his scarred shoulder a quick lick before he turned his attention back to Mossbloom. There was movement in the den and he looked down to see Honeykit pressing herself up against him. That's right, they were going on an herb hunt today and he (and his brother Spottedleap) had allowed Honeykit to tag along with them. As long as another warrior accompanied them that is, as Spottedleap would not let his kit leave camp without proper protection.

Sagelight smiled to himself at the thought. Maybe his brother was right to not trust two medicine cats to be proper protection in case anything happened; he knew for a fact that he was not the best at fighting and preferred to not even do it at all. He shifted a little to reveal Honeykit a little more and she squeaked out a greeting at his mentor. "Mossbloom, this is Honeykit, my new little friend. She wanted to tag along with us. She's my brother Spottedleap's kit." He grinned at the calico molly then down at the kit, his tail flicking with his usual friendliness. Just then, Sunflower entered the den. He was the warrior that was supposed to go with them.

"Good morning, Sunflower!" he mewed, taking a look at the lean, tall warrior. Sunflower perhaps wasn't...the best choice in terms of fierceness, but maybe this trip around the territory would be good for him. The tabby tom leaned over towards Mossbloom's ear and whispered, "In case you didn't know, Spottedleap said we had to have a warrior come with us to protect Honeykit. I hope that's not a problem! I won't let it distract me." Giving his mentor a final grin, he looked around at the cats gathered in his den and got to his feet. "So, are we ready to go?"

As she had approached Sagelight again, a small figure poked out from between his legs. She smiled down at the young kit, lowering her head to meet the little one's gaze. Her voice was soft, green eyes warm as the kit squeaked a hesitant hello before hiding back behind Sagelight's legs. Sagelight spoke up, explaining who this kit was and why she was there. Her smile widened a little, and her gaze returned to the little kit. "Hello, dear. So you're going to be our big helper today, hmm? Make sure you stay close, and keep your ears open, okay? We'll have lots of fun today." Rustling at the entrance caught her attention, and she straightened up in time to see the big ears of an all-too-familiar tom. Sunflower? What was he doing here?

Sagelight moved in closer, whispering an explanation for his arrival as well. The concern in her eyes for the originally presumed potential patient, and she nodded to the warrior hesitantly. "No problem at all! The more paws the better, we have a lot to collect after all!" She mewed lightly, trying to hide the nervousness of such a.... timid and nervous warrior being the one to accompany them. The time to leave had come though, so with a final look around the unfamiliar medicine den and a flick of her calico tail, she started out of SkyClan's camp. "Yep! We're all ready, let me know if you have any questions about anything, alright? Any of you."

They had padded out of SkyClan's camp and into the territory, and Mossbloom picked a direction to head in. Having little to no knowledge of the locations of herbs in the territory certainly made it more difficult to choose a starting point, and she found herself wishing that Amberdawn was there. If Amberdawn was here, though, she wouldn't be.... Attempting to take her mind off of that, and the pangs of worry that accompanied the thoughts of Amberdawn since she had received her prophecy, she cast her gaze around. Perhaps a useful herb would be nearby....

A familiar plant with simple white flowers and dark green leaves caught her eye, and she chirped loudly, pawsteps quickening as she approached it and motioned Sagelight over. "Sagelight, do you know this herb? Can you tell me what it's used for?" She questioned, unsure how much he had learned in the short time he had with Mintwhisker, and not wanting to step on his tail regarding his knowledge. A herb hunt was an excellent way to test knowledge and recognition of herbs, and she hoped that she would do okay in pointing him in the right direction.

The member 'Mossman' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Effect Dice' : 2

Mossbloom's voice was so very soft and kind, reminding Honeykit of Sagelight himself. Her gentleness had managed to coax the timid kit out of hiding behind her uncle, and she smiled up at the pretty calico, already feeling very relaxed around her. Perhaps this would be fun after all.

The next tom that arrived made her feel a little more anxious; being around three cats all at once was a lot more difficult to handle than just two. However, she knew at least a little bit about Sunflower. Her great uncle, the son of her great-great grandfather Tinystar, was rather timid and soft-spoken as well, which was something she could definitely relate to. Perhaps having him around as well wouldn't be so bad.

Following the trio of older cats out of SkyClan's camp for the very first time, Honeykit found herself to be quickly overwhelmed by the new sights, sounds, and smells of the territory she had never ventured out into before. She softly whimpered, sticking especially close to Sagelight, not daring leave his side. Not only was she afraid of disobeying the older cats, but she also didn't want to get lost in such a huge place. She would never be able to memorize this place when she became an apprentice! She started to fret about that, too.

Mossbloom's excited chirp quickly reigned her back to the here-and-now, and she saw the pretty medicine cat approaching a bundle of white flowers. She listened as the molly asked Sagelight what the herb before them was, and she found herself trying to answer the question in her own mind, not wanting to say out loud what she thought in fear of getting it wrong. From what Sagelight had taught her during her time in the medicine den, she could easily recognize the plant with the white petals, yellow heads, and green leaves. Daisies? ...No, that doesn't sound right. Maybe they're something else? Either way, she was almost certain the plant was useful in healing wounds if chewed into a poultice. ...Or was that something else? It was probably something else. Yeah, it was definitely something else....

Sighing softly, unable to determine what the plant was on her own without help, she decided instead to look around, trying to familiarize herself with the vast territory around them. That's when something bright and vibrant caught her eye. Tall plants with small bundles of little yellow flower-like leaves swayed gently in the wind. She didn't remember what those were called, either, but such bright and inviting colors must mean they were a medicine cat herb. ...Right? "Um, are those herbs, too?" she meowed softly, pointing with a paw at the tansy a few tail-lengths away, remember to stay close to the others and not wander off.

The member 'Yoshachu Spookachu' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Effect Dice' : 6

Giving Sagelight a nod, Sunflower awkwardly shuffled backwards as the medicine cats exited the den. Standing up straight, the abnormally tall tom gave his short pelt a shake, and staying quiet, followed behind the trio. The warrior had no clue what to expect, going on a patrol with two medicine cats and a kit, but it wasn't like he was much of a talker anyway, so staying quiet wouldn't be problem for him.

Listening with his large ears perked forward as Mossblossom questioned Sagelight about what plant she was pointing out to him, Sunflower's attention turned towards Honeykit, who had found her own plant to study. Tansy... it didn't ring a bell for the tom, but he assumed it was something of importance, seeing as though the kit had grown very excited to make such a find. Shivering with his tail tucked under his legs, per usual, the warrior stood where he was, his sun-like gaze darting back and forth from the kit and to the medicine cats. A tuft of cotton drifted in the air, and landed on his nose, which meant only one thing. Opening his maw for a few moments, the tom let out a sudden sneeze, violently shaking his head back and forth for a split second. Sneezing once more and then again, Sunflower practically shrunk in size from embarrassment and praying that they hadn't been as loud as he'd thought they'd been. Great StarClan how he hated his allergies.

Sagelight, naturally hard of hearing and poor of vision, mainly used his nose as he travelled with his companions. He was gradually beginning to recognize the different scents of the herbs he needed to memorize but it was going to take some time. He followed behind Mossbloom, careful to always keep an eye on Honeykit to make sure she didn't stray too far away. Mossbloom stopped in front of a patch of flowers and he stopped next to her, looking between her and the flower. What was this one...daisy? That seemed right. Daisies were for pain, but what kind? He crept closer, taking a good sniff of the dark leaves to see if it would jog his memory.

"These are...daisies, right? They're for pain. I don't remember which kind though," he mewed, shooting the calico a sheepish grin. He was pretty sure he got the first part right. Sagelight looked up when Honeykit meowed from nearby, a little concerned as he realized he hadn't noticed she had moved so far ahead. "What did you find?" he asked, padding over to her. The plants she found did seem to be herbs...The medicine cat moved closer, inspecting the plant. Tall, round yellow flowers...he knew he had seen that one before. He stuck his nose in it and inhaled. Round yellow flowers, round yellow flowers..."Mossbloom? Isn't this, um...tansy?" The tom raised his head again to look back at his mentor, his tail flicking to beckon her over. When he looked back around at the plants, he noticed a larger patch of them further into the brush. "Hey, look! There's a bunch of it. Guess we got lucky, huh? Good find, Honeykit!"

There was a loud, sudden noise off to his side, then another and another. Sagelight pinned his ears back in surprise, the noise sounding distorted and strange in his damaged ear-drums. What in the name of StarClan--...He spun around, only to find Sunflower shaking his head and looking uncomfortable. "Sunflower!" he breathed, letting his tense muscles relax. "Stars, you almost gave me a heart attack!"

The member 'Aspe-ider' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Effect Dice' : 6

"Yes, that's right!" Mossbloom purred, delicately picking some of the biggest white flowers and leaves and placing them into a neat pile. "They are for pain, notably aches in joints. With the cold weather coming, your elders and any warriors with any muscle injuries will be sure to appreciate it's help." She pulled a large oak leaf off the ground nearby, placing the daisies inside of it. A soft voice sounded nearby, followed by Sagelight's. Turning to see what they were looking at, the recognizable plant brought a purr from her as she trotted over.

"It is indeed! Good find, Honeykit. Tansy is a great herb to have on paw, because it helps in a lot of different ways. It can help soothe a cough, and treats wounds and poison as well! It can also be used in place of catmint for greencough, although catmint is definitely better. Sometimes we have to work with what we have, though. Go ahead and pick the biggest, older looking leaves, we'll leave the young ones to keep growing to gather later. Place it in an oak leaf when you're done, you should be able to get a good bit out of a bunch that size!"

Leaving Honeykit and Sagelight to their chore, she continued to look around. It seemed as though their paws had brought them to a pretty decent area so far, hopefully their good luck would remain. A small, almost unnoticeable stream was nearby, and near it she spotted a plant with white and yellow flowers on it. Another bright chirp, and she moved toward it, picking some of the blossoms and bringing them to the group in the same leaf wrap. As she made her way back, a series of loud sneezes made her jump. Everything had been so quiet and peaceful to that point, and as she searched for the source her eyes landed on a rather embarrassed looking Sunflower. She blinked at him before smiling around the leaf in her jaws, making her way to Sagelight. "We've had a lot of good luck, I found some coltsfoot! Do you know what to do with it, Sagelight?"

The member 'Mossman' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Effect Dice' : 5

The praise for her find was honestly not what she was expecting. It was almost anxiety-inducing on its own, but in a way it also felt good. Murkpelt had never praised her the way Sagelight and Mossbloom had. She couldn't help but smile sheepishly. "Th-Thank you...." The sudden loud sneeze from behind spooked her just as much as it did Sagelight, and she squeaked with a jump, fur bushed out. Was there a predator or enemy cat nearby?! However, she quickly relaxed when she learned it had just been Sunflower sneezing. He looked super embarrassed about it, though. She was used to feeling super embarrassed and unsure and uncomfortable all the time, but seeing other cats feeling the same way she did on a day-to-day basis made her sad. She didn't want Sunflower to feel like he wasn't allowed to sneeze. She offered him a small smile and a soft, "Bless you," before following the SkyClan medicine cat apprentice over to the bundles of tansy.

She wasn't really all that sure of how to harvest tansy. Mossbloom had said to pick the larger leaves and leave the smaller ones behind -- she supposed they didn't use the flowers themselves then -- but she wasn't sure if she would be able to carry anything larger than the smaller ones. Deciding to watch before acting, she watched Sagelight to see what he did to harvest the herbs. It seemed all she needed to do was nip at the bases of each leaf and place them in a pile, so that's what she did as well. Or, at least that's what she tried to do. The plants were quite tall, so she had a bit of trouble reaching the larger ones; she had only been able to separate a few larger leaves from the rest of the plant before her tiny body gave way to exhaustion, not used to exerting so much energy. Who knew hunting for herbs could be so much hard work? Sagelight and Mossbloom were both amazing for doing this kind of work so often.

Sniffling, Sunflower let out a huff, not meeting the eyes of the medicine cats who'd turned their attention in his direction. The last thing he wanted to do was draw any attention towards himself, but his allergies thought otherwise. Ears hot with embarrassment, the tall tom wiped his running nose with a paw, keeping his gaze to the ground bellow. "S-sorry," the meek voiced warrior mewed softly as Mossblossom continued with her teachings. He'd heard Honeykit's blessing towards him, but being too afraid of causing even more of a distraction, he kept quiet.