Herbs In Charred Places

OOC: For the herb hunting part of the patrol, once we've finished introductions we'll use the effect dice to see what we find!
If you have any questions about the herb hunting system, please check this topic, or let me know! I'll be happy to help!

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

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It was nearing sunhigh when Mossbloom arrived at the Highpine that marked the border between ShadowClan and ThunderClan. With both apprentices being fairly new in their training, she thought that coming to them rather than requesting they come to her would go better, especially knowing the fiery spirit that Cinderpaw had shown she possessed. She was a little early, the time they had agreed upon was sunhigh, so she found a nice warm spot where sunshine filtered through the leaves to settle in and wait on the two she-cats that would be her companions for the day. SkyClan had returned to their home, which meant that they would need their stocks replenished, and it would be a good chance to let Cinderpaw meet one of her fellow medicine cats and learn more herbs that she wouldn't be able to easily find in ShadowClan's marshes. Hopefully the day would remain pleasant and rain free, and the herbs would be plentiful from greenleaf's warmth still, even despite the fire that had ravaged SkyClan's territory.

A breeze stirred the ash and few scattered leaves on the ground as Beechpaw headed toward highpine, ears swiveling at the noise around her. There was still a hope that she'd find one of their missing kits, though as the days wore on that hope seemed fainter and fainter, especially after the news of the other clans at the gathering. Still, to not at least try to look for them would be irresponsible, no matter the circumstances of their disappearance.

By the time highpine came into view between the trees, Beechpaw had picked up no signs of the missing kits. It was to be expected, of course, but it didn't sit well with the large apprentice. Soon enough the still-ashen forest gave way to the mingled scents of Shadowclan and Skyclan's own markers, and among the mingled scents, Beechpaw noted Thunderclan as well. So at least one of the other medicine cats was already here, then.

Beechpaw picked up her pace, heavy paws bounding across the rocky terrain with ease. It was a bit before sunhigh, but being a bit early was better than being late. Mossbloom's calico form stood out among the bleak surroundings, and the apprentice slowed her pace a bit as she neared the elder medicine cat. She'd offered help, but Beechpaw couldn't help the prickle of anxiety that ran through her.

"Hello, Mossbloom." Beechpaw slowed to a stop a short distance from the she-cat, though remained standing, too restless to sit while they waited for Cinderpaw to show her face.

It was by miracle that Cinderpaw agreed to Mossbloom’s proposition at the gathering. However there was something about the small calico that made her easy at convincing. Cinderpaw attributed it to her moons of experience and strength, despite her size. But really, the apprentice wished to learn more on herbs anyways - Beechpaw’s supposed presence in the scenario was only a side effect. Cinderpaw needed to learn more for her clan. Mistyfalcon had been near death a few moons ago, and would’ve probably recovered much faster if Cinderpaw knew even a mouse tail of what she was doing. It was difficult to admit, but the ShadowClan apprentice needed Mossbloom and her expertise. And if Beechpaw was to be there too, then so be it.

It was a strange place to pick for an herb hunt, though supposedly the most convenient for all parties involved. The nettles that lay strewn across the forest floor were charred and blackened, and there was a dry taste in the air, as if speaking on the fact that the area hadn’t seen moisture in quite some time. The fire could’ve just as easily crossed into ShadowClan’s territory had it not been for the Thunderpath. But it was too late for Beechpaw and her clan. Cinderpaw didn’t aptly choose to socialize with her fellow medicine cats, finding such a thing pointless. But she wasn’t a frogbrained foxheart. The massive tabby had lost everything in the past few moons, from her home, to her mentor. Cinderpaw thought about how to possibly relate as she made the trek over to their agreed meeting spot, thinking hard on what to say and do. But when the time came to actually say hello, the black cat was stopped dead in her tracks, frozen. Next to Mossbloom sat Beechpaw, rivaling Cinderpaw in size and muscle. It was a sight, to say the least. Cinderpaw began to sputter, all the words she’d came up with on the way suddenly coming out in a jumble of nonsense. “Sorry, er. Your territory, fire. And then you had your mentor die.... At least he won’t get sick during Leafbare!” Foxdung. “Just, just stop staring, would ya? I’m sorry about Sagelight, okay? Let’s get some herbs and go home, I’ve got cats to heal and things to do.” There was no fairness in the game of who can embarrass who. Cinderpaw always answered with anger when she felt out of her element, which was often. Fortunately, there was herbs to fill their maws with instead of words.

ooc: mobile

Mossbloom stood as Beechpaw drew close, welcoming her with a smile and flick of her tail. It wasn't much longer before Cinderpaw arrived, and as Mossbloom prepared to introduce the two, Cinderpaw spoke something that she hadn't expected. An apology? Her eyes softened slightly as she realized what Cinderpaw was trying to do, and she couldn't help the flick of her ear as Cinderpaw continued. "Cinderpaw, this is Beechpaw. Beechpaw, Cinderpaw. I know this doesn't seem like the best of spots, but I'm hopeful that we can find something, and if not we can head towards the border SkyClan shares with ThunderClan. There will be more there, I'm sure." She mewed, casting a gaze around. "Let me know if you have any questions about anything, or find something you don't recognize, okay? Let's get started, so we can be home by sundown. We'll spread out to cover more ground, but make sure you can see the other two of us."

Mossbloom set off, following a scent she had recognized as she walked to the meeting spot. It didn't take her long to find what she was looking for, tucked amongst some rocks at the root of a tree towards the edge of the territory. The stench of the Thunderpath was almost overwhelming, but as she gazed at the white flowers she purred, collecting the ones that she could. Chamomile didn't usually grow in the forest, but being so close to the Thunderpath it was possible a twoleg had planted it. Either way, the herb would be useful. Turning to look to see if the other two were in sight, she moved away from the Thunderpath to try to find another scent.

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

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'Effect Dice' : 3

Beechpaw felt her hackles rise defensively as the other apprentice spoke. What was she trying to do? Did all of the medicine cats behave this way? She did not need these petty displays of pity, not from a Shadowclanner. There was enough of that in her own clan without the fumbled words.

"There is that." She muttered bitterly, not bothering to hide the hostility in her tone at her comment about the upcoming leafbare and the threat of sickness. What Beechpaw wouldn't have given to be Wolfstar's apprentice and not have the weight of that responsibility on her shoulders. For Sagelight to still be...

A fumbled apology, the realization belatedly sank in as Beechpaw parsed the rest of Cinderpaw's words. Mossbloom began speaking, and the scarred apprentice let out a quiet huff, struggling to force her fur to lay flat once more.

"Right, let's get this done with, then." Beechpaw muttered, tail lashing once as she followed Mossbloom's lead and turned her attention toward the task at paw. Herb hunt, not clawing some other apprentice's fur off. Herb. Hunt. Not violence.

Speaking of greencough... Beechpaw blinked up at the tall stem adorned with fat, almond-shaped leaves that was poking up from a crevice between some rocks. Chickweed! Perhaps this meeting wouldn't be so disastrous after all. It was almost enough to win a smile from the irritated she-cat. Beechpaw bent, carefully harvesting the useful plant.

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

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'Effect Dice' : 6

Feeling numb, and wishing to crawl into a hole rather than look for herbs with these two wet foxes, Cinderpaw strayed a fair bit away from the group, only risking a glance in Beechpaw's direction when she was sure the tabby wasn't looking. Stars, she'd really smeared that conversation with dirt, hadn't she? And Mossbloom had been there to witness it... Just kill me now... Cinderpaw thought, mumbling grumpily to herself. The territory was strange and barren, part of ShadowClan in which Cinderpaw had normally tried to stay away from. One for the possibility of an encounter with a foreign warrior, and two for the lack of foliage and cover. Being out under the open sky with only scorched trees to give them shade felt rather exposing. But Mossbloom was experienced, if she thought the could find herbs here, then Cinderpaw would give her the benefit of the doubt.

Between a cluster of rocks, littered with fallen leaves and burnt branches, was a sprout of borage, a fuzzy, new growth. Cinderpaw remembered Mothglow using something similar for the ShadowClan queens when the medicine cat was a kit still. The plant must've taken advantage of the strange warmer weather they'd had after the first snow at the gathering. The massive she-cat contemplated picking it, but decided to anyway, thinking that the borage wouldn't last much longer as the clans trekked deeper into Leaffall.

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

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'Effect Dice' : 2

Her eyes found the two apprentices, and she purred quietly as she noted that both seemed to have their own luck. Once they had gathered a little longer, they could regroup and go over what was found together. Setting the chamomile at her paws, she tried to clear her nose of the scent of the herb and the Thunderpath. After taking a couple deep breaths, she focused on the scents around her. A small white flower danced at the roots of a nearby tree, and she smiled. Daisy! There were only a couple blooms, but plenty of leaves she noted. Nimbly collecting a few leaves, she combined them with the chamomile she had found before returning to where they had started. She would let Beechpaw and Cinderpaw go a little longer, then call them over to see what they had gathered.

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OOC: I'm thinking one more roll for each of you, then we can wrap this up

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

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'Effect Dice' : 2

Beechpaw carefully set the chickweed aside, then continued her search. The noxious fumes from the thunderpath and the scent of ash that still overlaid much of the forest forced her to focus, and the tall tabby stood for a moment, carefully parsing what her nose told her. A scent caught her eye, and she followed it carefully.

The plant Beechpaw now stood in front of had broad leaves and small flowers. Comfrey root. The herb would come in useful before long, she was sure, and so Beechpaw gingerly set about harvesting what she could. How plants this useful were growing near the thunderpath even now was a good sign, she hoped.

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

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'Effect Dice' : 4