Newleaf Blooms

The question was one Mossbloom had been expecting to get, just maybe not so soon. She sighed slightly, looking to the sky through the branches overhead. "I'm... Not entirely sure. They're angry, they feel that the code has been broken too many times by too many cats and... Well, they're looking to set an example, I think. But.... I feel they're going about it the wrong way. I'm still not sure that they're entirely StarClan, or that they speak for all of StarClan if they are. I wish I had more answers, but it's been moons since I've heard anything, other than the signs that pointed me to you." She wished she knew more, but unfortunately that was truly all she had. She had the same questions as all the others, and harbored a deep sense of betrayal and hurt from the way that StarClan had turned their backs on her and her companions, her clanmates.

She sighed in relief as Daisybloom reassured her that she hadn't touched them, and took a deep breath to calm her rapidly beating heart. Thank goodness... She thought, relief casing her shoulders to sag slightly. "These are holly berries... They can make you very, very sick if you eat them as a healthy warrior. If you're already sick, or an elder or kit got a hold of these, they could die if we didn't react quickly enough, and even then they;ll be terribly sick for a while. I don't keep them in the den, because they do nothing good, only bad. No sense in keeping it around. The death it causes isn't quick, it's pretty slow and painful.... But it doesn't take long to reach a point where you can't save them despite your best efforts. Birds seem to be able to eat them with no issues, which is why I don't just destroy them, but.... The thought has crossed my mind." She explained, trying to stop her voice from shaking. Daisybloom was okay, and so was everything else. "I think we've got a pretty good haul, why don't we head back for now? We've still got to sort out the old, gross herbs to replace with these fresh ones, and I'd like to get to sleep early tonight. What do you say?"

Daisybloom listened to the answers. She was surprised when she heard that the news about her was the last she had heard from them. Was she really that special? Her heart fluttered with the thought. All this time she thought they would reject her! Mossbloom’s reaction to her not gathering the berries was intense, and Daisybloom was glad she had asked first. Her mentor’s explanation made her blue eyes widen, and she nodded. ”Oh!” she let out a short little gasp. They could’ve made her very sick! The tabby nodded. She needed a good rest tonight, and it was relaxing in the medicine den. She loved the smell of the herbs. It relaxed her, and she loved to be in there. Grabbing some of their pile, she headed back to the camp alongside the calico.

Relieved at how readily Daisybloom took in the knowledge she shared, Mossbloom gathered the remaining herbs and led the way back to camp. Happy to leave the holly berries behind, she made note of the location to share with the warriors and apprentices, that way they knew to avoid it. Either way, this venture was a very successful one, and Mossbloom was thrilled with the outcome. Daisybloom had done a wonderful job, and was learning so quickly.