healer knows best [c]

Firefly laid in a makeshift nest, ThunderClan in shambles around her. They made it, but at what cost? Everyone rasped and wheezed with effort, echoing her own sniffles and fever. Even the russet warriors fear of the wrath of StarClan couldn't suppress the thought that maybe - just maybe - they had been lead to their doom.

Her head lay on her paws as she watched Fawnshine pace back and forth, fiddling with herbs. While she agreed to be a test subject of sorts, she also had something to talk to Fawnshine about. But first, she would let the medicine cat do whatever it was that she needed to do. "...I'm sorry about last time. I know it's your job, but it's still a lot to have all of that dumped on you at once." Her lungs wheezed as she spoke, causing her brow to scrunch in irritation.

Burdockroot - You try your proposed treatment on your patient, and find that you are Successful at temporarily alleviating the symptoms.

Lavender - You try your proposed treatment on your patient, and find that you are Successful at temporarily alleviating the symptoms.

Tormentil - You try your proposed treatment on your patient, and find that you are Successful at temporarily alleviating the symptoms.

Ragweed - You try your proposed treatment on your patient, and find that you are Successful at temporarily alleviating the symptoms.

Comfrey root - You try your proposed treatment on your patient, and find that you are Unsuccessful with your chosen medicine.

Chamomile - You try your proposed treatment on your patient, and find that you are Unsuccessful with your chosen medicine.

Coneflower - You try your proposed treatment on your patient, and find that you are Successful at temporarily alleviating the symptoms.

The anxiety over breaching the topic after so long suddenly faded at Fawnshine's words. "Thank you, Fawnshine. Sincerely. I've been more trouble than I'm worth since I was but an apprentice... But yes, I think it best to keep that between you and I. Don't think I could handle being bullied by kits." She laughed, causing a wheeze to escape her. Whether Fawnshine knew it or not, Firefly held her in high regards - in her own way- much like Mottlestar did.

Chewing and swallowing the concoction Fawnshine provided the warrior, Firefly fell silent once again. It wasn't immediate, but she could feel a little more energy return to her as time passed. "Thank you, Fawnshine. I think something is working? I dont feel as weak as before." She stretched her paws, sheathing and unsheathing her claws. But not warrior strong.

It was a miserable thought that kept her tossing and turning ever since she first came down with this sickness. Something didn't feel right with her body, as though herbs couldn't cure it entirely - only provide her strength until the next day. While there was no doubt in her mind that any cat she's fought against would call her a strong warrior, Firefly felt as though her time was running out. Everytime she launched into anger it felt so drained. Maybe she was stressing her own heart out every time she leapt to anger and bloodshed. Or maybe it was the eternal burn across her face that was slowly catching up to her. Who knows. "Fawnshine... I'm sure you've done your best, but I have a feeling that after this sickness passes, another will always linger." Firefly continued to lay in the same place they had started, though this time her head was raised and turned to look elsewhere. Tears stung her eyes and she fought to continue, unwilling to squash the dream she always had of being ThunderClan's best and most loyal of warriors. "I think it's time I retire before it's too late." It wasn't so much of advice or an opinion she wanted from the medicine cat, but something akin to approval of some kind.

Being met with confusion was something the russet warrior had expected. After all, it was such a sudden declaration. It had been a tough decision to make - one she didn't take lightly or make in the heat of the moment. She let the mollys words sink in, the words she had hoped for - the support she needed - washing over her like the warmth of a sunbeam.  She meant it, with all her heart and she hoped others responded like Fawnshine had.

She thought about Curflyfluff, her best friend. Maybe he would rejoice in her attempts to lay low and not cause trouble. Her shoulders shook with a huff of quick laughter. It was likely he would cry.

Just as quickly as her mind had gone to Curlyfluff, it turn to Acornstem. Would she fret over her? Maybe that wouldn't be so bad... Though it would be selfish to think the busy deputy would have time to check in on her, there was a glimmer of hope that she would. Speaking of Acornstem, she was the one Firefly felt the most compelled to tell. A bit of fear washed over her at the thought of the squirrel-like molly feeling disappointed in her somehow. But the decision was solid. For the sake of her own health, she needed to retire. "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that, truly. I had always hoped ThunderClan noticed how much I love them." Green eyes turned to mismatched ones, a warm but tired smile forming. "Thank you for your help with... Everything. I hope there's a cure for whatever plagues ThunderClan and her forest." It took less effort than before, a few of the herbs given to Firefly doing what they did best. "Whatever you've given me has at least given me the strength I need to visit one more cat before this is final. I hope our next meeting is one without herbs and sickness."

Though slow in her movements, she was steadier than she'd been since arriving at the lake.