teachings from beyond [herb training]

[taillow]

Fawnlight
It had been awhile since the once-pristine she-cat had pulled herself out from her little hidden alcove in the stars. For many moons Fawnlight had kept to herself, unwilling to venture much farther than her own little patch of "paradise". She had heard whispers among the breeze of RiverClan, of how it had fallen and gone through two more leaders. One of them being her father-

The pain that clutched her heart was too much to continue the train of thought and shook her head as if that would dislodge it. She hadn't seen him among the stars yet - but she also hadn't done much to look. Not that it was what she needed to focus on right now. There was a young cat who needed her (she tried to ignore how she had never visited Stonepaw...)

Waiting patiently in her little meadow near the small den she had resided in, Fawnlight turned her blue gaze to the sky above. It was calm and clear, and nearby the sound of water trickling could be heard. This would be familiar to young Tansypaw she hoped, similar to RiverClan's territory - so that when she arrived into this dream, it wouldn't be that much of a shock. She'd done her best to groom her fur, stars sparkling brightly within it, but there was a certain... difference to her since her days of dying.

[ silver. ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6252&pictureid=43447
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty [PERM]
89/200

---

As of late sleep had been hard to come by. Sending out patrols, organizing what little resources they had, helping each and every cat that walked through that entrance... It was leaving the young tortie in a state of fatigue. Of being overworked. She was tired and stressed and scared and just about everything else out there. And worst of all she only had one stalk of thyme left to soothe her nerves... When she thinks about it, she shouldn't be so reliant on it, but... What other choice did she have? Barely eating, barely sleeping... No one there to check in on her and make sure she was taking care of herself... It seemed as though she didn't have much a choice but to keep pushing forward.

Until she can't. Until she's so tired that she sinks into a nest in the main area of the med den and finds herself drifting off to sleep as soon as he head hits the soft moss.

Curious gaze scans the calm landscape as she seemingly awakens... Not where she remembers. This again, huh... Appearing in some astral dreamland to speak with... Who, exactly? Would it be that kit again? It couldn't be... This place looked so much different than the sandy shore she had met him on. An ear twitches curiously as she admires the world in awe... Only to stop. Freeze up tense and stare at the figure nearby that she hadn't noticed before. Another stranger with a pelt of stars. Last time she spoke to one of these Starclan cats they were awfully kind... So her paws push her forward through the foliage, crossing the meadow and stopping a few fox-lengths away from the star dappled she-cat.

"... Hello." She meows quietly. Barely above a whisper-- the running water nearly drowns out her nervous greeting. "Did you want to talk to me about something?"

fawnlight | birdie

[taillow]

Fawnlight
The former medicine cat took a moment to close her eyes, breathing in the scents around her as Tansypaw appeared. They opened again to observe the young torbie as she gazed around at the scenery. It reminded Fawnlight of the first time she had set paw on StarClan's hunting grounds. Awe-struck she had done her best to take in every detail, memorize every little patch of sunlight and drift of the breeze. She wondered if it was the same for Tansypaw.

"Hello," she returned quietly, though a smile broke through and spread across her maw. It didn't surprise her that this cat did not know her; she hadn't left much of an impact on RiverClan, what with her short term as it's medicine cat. Forgotten on the breath of the new breeze, only remembered by those who were now missing or dead. "Sort of." Getting to her paws, Fawnlight gestures for Tansypaw to follow her closer to where her den is, where she has several herbs laid out. It was easier to collect them in StarClan.

Once situated behind her display, the dappled brown she-cat turned to look at Tansypaw once more. "I'm sorry it's taken me this long to visit you. My name is Fawnlight - I was once RiverClan's medicine cat." She allowed a moment of silence to befall them, giving her a chance to digest that information. "I've seen your struggles. I wanted to make sure you knew... you are not alone. And if you would like... I can teach you what I know, so that you can use it to aid your Clan."

[ silver. ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6252&pictureid=43447
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty [PERM]
91/200

---

Sort of? Was this some sort of judgement day or something?! Despite the other's calm smile, Tansypaw couldn't help but be set on edge. The fur of her tail puffs up a bit, try as she may to remain calm, and she swallows hard before heeding the other's silent request to follow. Head low and gaze cautiously sweeping every inch of unfamiliarity, she pads after the other. When she seats herself behind a display of herbs... She understands. Or well, at least she hopes she understands. If this was some kind of test she was bound to fail-- none of these things looked familiar to her at all!

Ears perk as Fawnlight once again begins to speak and it takes all of her strength not to reel back in surprise. Riverclan's past medicine cat?! Here she was thinking this was just some warrior that knew a few things that had something to share! Again, she bows her head respectfully to continue listening to what her senior had to say. Seen her struggles? What struggles did she mean? The struggles of her past? Or perhaps what she was pushing through currently? How much power did these Starclan cats have, exactly? The more and more she interacts with them, however, the more she begins to understand their strength...

"Of course I would!" She blurts out suddenly, only to shrink in on herself sheepishly. More knowledge meant she could do more. Help more. Not let anyone else die at her useless, inexperienced paws. "I... Thank you. It's great to meet ya, Fawnlight... I'm Tansypaw-- But I'm sure you already knew that."

Straightening her posture, she stares down at the herbs displayed before her paws with a curious stare. With the promise of learning, it seemed as though the young tortie had done a complete switch. Now she seemed as eager as a kit to listen to what the older cat had to say, the fear that once swelled within chocolate hues long gone. Well, that is until doubt rears it's head again and her stare moves to once again settle upon Fawnlight's face.

"And... You're alright with this? Me being a medicine cat? Even though I'm not from Riverclan?" Maybe she just needed to hear the validation, who knows. But she regrets the question almost immediately.

[taillow]

Fawnlight
With each passing moment, the smile upon Fawnlight's face grew. Stars, she reminded her of how she had been in her younger moons - slightly scared of pretty much everything, but also eager to learn as much as she could. Back then, she'd had cats there for her - Wormbite, Beansprout, Cloudjumper - and it had been her saving grace. From now on, she would make sure that Tansypaw had that as well - even if it came from the stars above.

"It's lovely to meet you as well," she purred, whiskers twitching in amusement. The demeanor of the young cat before her changed almost immediately, and Fawnlight herself felt excited as well. Teaching had always been something she enjoyed thoroughly; sharing her love of herbs and healing with others. "Oh, of course I am little wildflower," she replied almost immediately, nodding. "The role of the Clan's medicine cat doesn't care what blood flows through you - it only cares for your heart, and that it beats for the health and safety of your Clan."

She was reminded then of the cats who had reached out to her from beyond the stars, those who had encouraged her and picked her up when she fell. Hopefully, in time, she could do the same here.

"Now, let's get started, hmm?" She didn't wish to waste much time - there would be dreams later on down the line where they could relax and do things other than learning herbs; right now she wanted to give what she figured the young cat needed most, and that was the knowledge on the remedies she knew herself. One small dark brown paw (unburnt, a gift from the stars thankfully) scooped up the stem of a flower near the edge of the display. It had thing bright yellow petals that surrounded a yellow center, similar to a dandelion. "This first one is called Coltsfoot. It looks like a dandelion, but normally only has yellow petals and a yellow center - while it can have white petals, it's not common. It blooms best in newleaf and carries a rich, sweet scent similar to honey."

Using her paw she pushed the coltsfoot towards Tansypaw so she could inspect it. "You'll need to chew it into a pulp to use it to soothe cracked paw pads. Alternatively, you can have cats suffering from cough chew and swallow it themselves to ease their breathing and reduce their fevers." A useful herb going into leaf-bare, that was certain. "It's safe for kittens as well, though they only need about half the dosage that a warrior does."

[ silver. ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6252&pictureid=43447
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty, just a scratch [PERM]

92/200

---

Validation received. The nervousness in her frame seems to melt away when Fawnlight reassures her that this choice was certain. That her choice was her own and she was standing by it-- believed in it. If this cat of Riverclan's past believed in her and placed faith in her like Gingerfrost did then she was truly meant to be here, right? Once an outsider. Once a young cat with no direction and no where to belong she had a home and a purpose. A purpose she would fulfill dutifully. Expression steeled with determination, she stares at the flower intently as the explanation is given, rounded ears at full attention so she can absorb as much knowledge as possible, as quickly as possible.

With the coming cold season this one would prove to be useful. It's a shame Newleaf is so far away... There was very little chance for the plant to still be growing in full now that the weather was so cold. She would have to make a note to herself to keep an eye out for it on the territory. Maybe she would get lucky. It seemed like an essential for Leafbare... Especially since it worked for kits, too. Talk about a powerhouse of an herb. When it's pushed forward she doesn't hesitate to crouch and sniff at it. Though she didn't know what honey was this flower sure did smell nice and sweet... And though she wants to pluck off a petal to familiarize herself with the taste she holds off for now, sitting back up to ask her questions.

"What's honey?" She starts, head tilting off to a side. "And I was thinking about something. Right now, our herb storage is pretty pathetic. Like... Really terrible. Do ya know a way that I could preserve 'em better? So that they last longer?"

fawnlight | birdie

[taillow]

Fawnlight
"Honey is a sticky, sweet-smelling yellow substance produced by bees. It's harvested from honey combs which can be found in bee nests. They usually hang from trees and are sort of round and dark in color." A smile spread across her face and tiny laughter bubbles out. "It can be sticky though, so both applying it for medicinal purposes and gathering it will cause a bit of a mess."

The second question that the young cat posed was one that Fawnlight had to think over. Moons of memories sifted through until she recalled a day long out, out in RiverClan's territory. She had been a 'paw then, but she had ran into Reedpaw who had been Snakeheart's apprentice before they had both disappeared. "There was one way I was taught on how to preserve some of the herbs; it's called "flash-freezing". You'll want to take your herbs, dip them into the colder water, then allow them to lay flat on a rock under some shade so they can sort of frost over. It won't kill them, but it will allow them to last longer."

As if to demonstrate this, Fawnlight took another herb from the pile in her jaws gently. She offered a smile to Tansypaw and jerked her head for the young cat to follow her. Dark brown paws carried her around the backside of her den, pushing through some of the foliage to where there was a small pond. Stretching away from it was a stream, crystalline and still and extending further into the forest and StarClan's territory.

Flicking her fluffy tail the former medicine cat came to sit beside the edge of the pond, dropping the catmint at her paws. "This is catmint. Essential for curing whitecough and greencough. The leaves are soft to the touch, almost fuzzy, and have a sweet taste and smell." Lifting the catmint with her paw she dipped it into the water, holding it there briefly before lifting it up and setting it on a nearby flat rock under the shade of the trees. "Allowing the herbs to lay on the stone under shade will give them a chance to freeze, so that they can last longer throughout the winter."

[ silver. ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6252&pictureid=43447
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty, just a scratch [PERM]
93/200

---

Certainly sounded like more trouble than it was worth... Messy AND you'd have to fight bees for it? No thanks, she'd be sure to keep her distance. If coltsfoot was going to be just as useful-- though that was just a hunch, she had no clue what honey did in full-- then sticking to the flower would very much be her preference. Once Fawnlight begins to talk once again the apprentice listens with rapt attention... The more she explains, the more curious she gets, her body leaning in toward the other she-cat as if moving closer would stick the information into her brain faster. Flash freezing, huh? That sounded so... Interesting! Essentially playing nature and putting an herb's life on pause... Soooo cool. And during Leafbare the water was so cold... What a surefire way to make sure she would have enough stock through the winter.

Gestured to follow, Tansypaw follows along eagerly. All previous hesitation or fear had been long abandoned, the tortie making the effort to walk beside Fawnlight with her tail raised high as the two made their way through astral foliage. The pond comes into view and the young healer is in awe at it's beauty... Chocolate hues follow the stream further into the territory, curious to where it leads. Her curiosity is short-lived because the lesson was back on and it was her duty to pay attention. So she sits beside the other and tilts her head at the new herb. Catmint. Why, that sounded like one of the most useful of all. Though Tansypaw hadn't encountered whitecough or greencough yet in her short life, she knew it was bound to come her way now sooner or later.

She watches as the leaf is dipped into the water, mentally counting each and every second it spends there before it's lifted back out. The number is mentally recorded and she nods in understanding to the other's words, not wanting her to think that she wasn't listening.

"That's pretty nifty. I'm definitely gonna give that a try." Another nod as if to reassure herself, gaze lingering on the fuzzy leaf only a moment longer before traveling to settle upon Fawnlight's face once more. "Everything so far is gonna help me so much... Can't explain how grateful I am. Do ya have anything else to show me in there?"

fawnlight | birdie

[taillow]

Fawnlight
"It works well with most herbs. Others, like poppy seeds or roots, you won't need to freeze. Berries can be preserved by keeping them in a little dug out area, though I never was able to try that." It was only a theory that Fawnlight had anyway, one that she hadn't gotten to try out. She figured it would work though - having them tucked away somewhere dark and cool, where the elements couldn't get to them.

Grasping the catmint in her jaws she gestured for Tansypaw to follow her back over to where the rest of the pile was. Thankfully it was a short trip and she set the plant down before looking at Tansypaw. "Catmint is hard to find in Clan territories. It grows best generally in Twoleg gardens, or sometimes near abandoned structures. It dies easily in leaf-bare, but Twolegs are somehow able to preserve them."

Looking at her pile, the former medicine cat tried to determine what could be of use to teach next. "I've got a few," Fawnlight replied with a smile. "I'm glad. RiverClan's health and safety are the most important, so I want to make sure I can teach you all that I know." Part of it was because she knew it was her duty, and the other part... she didn't want another young cat to feel the immense amount of pressure that she had when StarClan had selected her. She didn't want her paws to be inexperienced heading into leaf-bare. Was Tansypaw prepared for the death the colder moons would bring?

"Ah, here's a herb that will help you in leaf-bare, and it doesn't die out due to the colder weather. I discovered this while out in RiverClan territory. I am not sure of its actual name, but I've called them Yellow Bells for their resemblance to the bell-shaped flowers." Using her paws Fawnlight moved one of the yellow bells out between them. They had sort of a bell shape to them and were vibrant in color. "You'll catch a grassy smell when you come across it. Even if there is snow on the ground, you can still find them in meadows and near open patches of land. I would try looking near the WindClan border, or even areas leading to Seastones." From what she recalled, those were generally the most open areas - but she could be wrong.

"It helps with wounds and can be used to aid in mending broken bones and soothing wounds. It'll be bitter though, so make sure you're ready for that sharp taste." Fawnlight pushed the herb back into the group before retrieving another. "Next up we have Celandine." Another yellow flower, but this one had distinct four petals with clearly fuzzy leaves and petals, as well as its center. "It grows well in RiverClan territory, and if crushed and prepared into a poultice, you can drip it into the eyes of your Clanmates to help damaged or weakened eyes." This was an herb she had learned from Elmshadow and Ivysnake if she remembered correctly.

[ silver. according to the list, there's two more that fawn knows that tansy doesn't, so i'll have her teach those as well in the next post and then go over everything once again :heartbounce: ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6252&pictureid=43447
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty, just a scratch [PERM]
94/200

---

A little dug out area... That made some sense to her. Especially if she laid down some leaves to keep out any worms or bugs that would want to take advantage of the fruit. And the ground was so cold in Leafbare... Was there something about the cold that really worked to preserve things? The words that are spoken to her go over her head as she thinks deeply on the concept of freezing and preservation... It was her duty to make sure they had an adequate stock going into these colder months. If she didn't she would surely let others die. Just like Willowwisp. The thought of the molly forces a small frown to settle onto her maw but the sadness has little time to linger. Moving back into the den, she walks along silently, mind still working hard to understand how she could make use of it all and the weight of her inexperience.

Her attention finally falls unto the yellow flowers. Her head tilts curiously at the odd shape of them and she moves forward to give them a good sniff. Grassy smell for sure... Compared to most flowers they were pretty unique. Next time she was out on a patrol she would definitely keep an eye out for the bright color amongst the dying grasses. Tansypaw can't help but wince as Fawnlight explains the use of celadine... That would have been useful when she was trying to treat Sootpelt... Perhaps she could track some down and do a check in with the warrior to give the new herb at her disposal a try.

"Aside from the celadine... What else should I do for a cat that gets attacked in the eyes?" She asks in a whisper, unable to meet the other's gaze. "Sorry I keep askin' so many questions... I just... I don't want to let anyone else down. Gotta learn as much as I can while I can and you've been more helpful than anyone else so far."

For some odd reason she can feel herself getting a bit... Restless. Did this mean her dream was coming to an end? Would she blink one of these times and be greeted with the familiar sight of the Riverclan medicine cat den? She hopes not. The lesson wasn't over yet! There was still so much to learn, to ask about--

[ sounds good to me!! <3 ]
fawnlight | birdie

[taillow]

Fawnlight
Immediately soft blue eyes went to Tansypaw, and as if on instinct the older she-cat lifted her fluffy tail to place it gently across the younger's back. "Tansypaw, listen to me." Her voice was firm but gentle as she watches the medicine cat apprentice. "In this role you've taken on, in this life... you won't be able to save everyone." It was difficult, reality often was not as nice as the fantasies that becoming a medicine cat meant that every cat in the Clan would no longer suffer. It was something Fawnlight had not understood until much later. "But if you believe in nothing else, believe in this; you trying, and doing what you can to heal your Clan, will never be in vain. Death happens even with the best healers. Focus on those you have saved, those you have healed. It is okay to grieve and to cry over those who are lost, but don't let it distract you form those who still need you..."

...Words that Fawnlight had wished to hear when she was the young cat's age. No one had told her that though until it was almost too late; she would be damned if she let this young cat think she was letting anyone down by not being able to save every cat who came into her den.

"I know I haven't been there for RiverClan since my death, but I swear to you Tansypaw... if you ever need me, all you have to do is look to the stars. I won't leave your side." It's what she should've done for Stonepaw. For Beansprout. For her daughters. For all of the cats she turned her back on when grief enveloped her and tried to steal away her light. (No more...)

Another smile spread across her face and she leaned forward in an attempt to touch her nose to Tansypaw's shoulder. It was the first gesture she could recall ever giving her reassurance, given from Beansprout, so she hoped she could give what she had to this new medicine cat apprentice. It wasn't much, but it was hopefully something...

Fawnlight allowed a beat or two longer to hang between them in which she regarded Tansypaw with a warm gaze before looking back at the celandine. "I would say to try using water-soaked moss. If an eye is injured with a scratch, you could try to mix up a poultice of marigold-" using a paw Fawnlight indicated the next flower in the line-up to teach Tansypaw, "-and dandelions, and cover it with a leaf, you can make a numbing infection-fighting wet cast that could speed up healing time while also taking their pain away." It wasn't something Fawnlight had ever tried herself but it made sense. "Elmshadow was the one who taught me what celandine is. He's a bit gruff, but I'm sure if you asked he'd have other ideas on how to help weak and injured eyes." It was odd how death gave her better hindsight. She wasn't scared of the ShadowClan medicine cat anymore. He was loyal to his Clan and a little rough around the edges, sure, but he was a good medicine cat.

[ silver. - breaking this into two posts since fawn wanted to give tansy a little peptalk as well hehe next post she'll cover marigold and burnet! ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6252&pictureid=43447
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty, just a scratch [PERM]
95/200

---

How was this fair. The most support and validation she has yet to get from anyone since coming to her new home and taking up her new title was dead. Of course she was. It was just her luck that all the most important information, advice, and comfort she was receiving was from someone that she couldn't physically lean on when she was in a crisis. The pain of losing her mother a second time is still fresh in her mind and the kindness of this cat of the past reminded her so much of her... Patient and thoughtful. Didn't shy away or hesitate when it came to explaining-- like she knew that Tansypaw was capable of keeping up. The warmth of a mother... Stars, she was such a pathetic little kit. Why couldn't she just let it go?!

The young healer nods along to the other's words as she offers the reassurance. The reality of her life and her future. It was common sense. No one was able to save them all. But she had barely begun. Had barely done anything yet and she was already letting her clan mates die because of her inadequacy. It stung deep in her chest but... Fawnlight was right. If she let herself grow distracted then she would just continue to fail. More and more she would let down if she cried and gave up. So she couldn't. Couldn't let every failure buildup like stone walls and stopping her from moving forward.

Wide eyes stare over at the older molly as she swears her devotion. Promises her constant guiding paw and shoulder to lean on from above. Since becoming medicine cat apprentice she had been thrown to the wolves. Working on her own, struggling-- To hear that someone was finally going to be there, even if she was far away... One by one tears dampen the ground beneath her paws in silence. From her tail laying over her to her nose pressing against her pelt, the comfort of another was worth more than any lesson she could have been taught tonight. More than anything she understood that she finally wasn't meant to struggle alone. Fawnlight would be there for her if no one else was and she believed in her. Just like Gingerfrost. Just like her mother.

Sniffling and gathering her bearings, she offers a small smile to the other as she begins to talk, once again paying complete attention as if to record every word of information she was being offered. Dandelion she knew. Marigold she had heard of but never learned enough about. As it's gestured to, she nods, and mentally notes how similar it looks to a dandelion... She knew that, of course, but now getting to see it in person made the similiarities so much more obvious. Crouching low, she gives the flower a few sniffs and tries to recall how a dandelion smells in comparison...

"Elmshadow... He's the medicine cat from Shadowclan, right?" Every time she had seen him he had barely said a word to the rest of them... Was he really not as mean as she feared? "I'll... I'll try to ask him at the next Gathering, maybe. Hopefully he doesn't mind giving me some pointers."

[ sobbing wailing screaming i love fawn so much ;; ]
fawnlight | birdie

[taillow]

Fawnlight
She/her | Formerly RiverClan | No purrks
...Was this what it would've been like had she remained alive and with her kits? Fawnlight's throat felt dry, a stinging sensation causing her to blink in rapid succession. She did her best too keep it all down, back away from the surface of her expression, but she had never been good at denying her emotions a place to rest on her face. So much of Tansypaw reminded her of her own self when she had first been thrust into the role. Wading through a sea of self-doubt and feared inadequacies, unable to catch her breath for even a moment. Wanting so badly to believe that there was someone out there for her to lean on, someone who understood, truly, what she was going through. Foggy memories of ThunderClan's former medicine cat, Zerosight, danced through her mind. Perhaps she could be what he had been for her, for Tansypaw.

At her question regarding Elmshadow, Fawnlight nodded. "If he does, you just let me know. I've got no problem cuffing him over the ears, stars as my witness," she chuckled lightly. A dream-cuff, but still a cuff nonetheless - and probably an unsuspected one. When she had been alive she had been seen as timid and shy and scared of everything. Would her former medicine cats even recognize who she was now?

"There's two more herbs I can teach you tonight - the first is one I mentioned earlier and that's marigold." She didn't bother pulling this one out from the group as Tansypaw had already crouched down to scent it. "Unfortunately, frost will kill it pretty easily, so finding it going into leaf-bare will difficult. Not impossible, though." It also depended on how soon snow fell to the ground. Perhaps there were still a few springy plants left that had yet to be plucked.

"The petals are usually bright yellow or orange, with green stems. They can either carry a sweet scent, or one similar to a sour nettle - though both will be strong enough to catch without much looking." One of the most pungent herbs Fawnlight had ever encountered. "Its taste is about the same - and will likely linger for a bit." Now she did pull the marigold flower from the bunch, paw brushing over its soft petals. "Each part of the plant can be chewed into a poultice and applied to stop infection, as well as bleeding for minor wounds. It can also help with any stiff joints or inflammation too. It's often found rampant in the warmer seasons near water, so RiverClan territory generally has quite a few patches near the streams."

Fawnlight allowed a few moments for Tansypaw to familiarize herself with the herb before moving onto the last one. "This," she began, pulling a medium-sized leaf with bumpy edges, "is called burnet. Mostly they look like this, but sometimes can have spiky, purple flowers near their stem." She pushed the leaf to sit just before the young medicine cat apprentice. "Mostly found in sunny areas, though I'm not sure if leaf-bare kills it or not. It's what's known as a "traveling herb", meant for the long journeys to places such as the Starcave or other Clan areas. It provides cats with strength when eaten, and is also good for expecting queens."

[ silver. - :heartbounce: tansy is absolutely adorable and lovely and all of the good things. she's reminding fawn of her three daughters right now :bawling: ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6252&pictureid=43447
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty, just a scratch [PERM]
102/200

---

The thought of Elmshadow getting cuffed over the ear by some invisible force was pretty funny. Would he even react? Would he get mad? Scared? Tansypaw tries to picture the stoic tom jumping out of his skin and can't help the small grin that finds it's way onto her face. This would be their little secret if it were to ever happen... There was no way that the Shadowclan cat could know that she had a paw in planning the little stunt! Nonetheless, it was nice to know that someone had her back. Even if that someone couldn't be there physically. In a way having a source above keeping an eye out may be even more helpful to her in her training and her growing up.

It was a shame that marigold didn't grow well in the winter, but hearing of it's liveliness in the warmer moons was reassuring. If it was as helpful as it sounded, having an abundant source of it would definitely prove useful. Again interested in the knowledge that was being bestowed upon her, she nods along silently, listening to the in depth explanations on both the last herbs... So burnet actually had a use aside from wrapping wounds? Huh. Providing strength sure sounded useful... If only Falconfeather had actually taught her about the leaves instead of just leaving her to use them without knowing that they could prove a lot more useful than simple wrappings.

In her chest she can feel that their time was drawing to an end. As much as she wanted to stay and talk and learn and revel in the she-cat's comforting presence, she knew that they had to part. No good thing could last forever. Bowing her head respectfully, she can't stifle the yawn that parts her jaws.

"Thank you, Fawnlight... No one I've met has been as helpful as you and I'll always be grateful. This info is gonna save a bunch of lives, I guarantee it." Now that she was a bit better equipped to handle her duties, she felt a lot more confident. Head raising to meet the other's gaze once more, her smile is stronger than the nervous one she typically wore. "We'll meet again, right? Promise?"

Maybe asking her to make a promise like that was unfair but... Tansypaw couldn't help it. She needed to know there would be somewhere out there to lean on when the inevitable hard times fell upon her.

fawnlight | birdie

[taillow]

Fawnlight
She/her | Formerly RiverClan | No purrks
Their time together in this dream was dwindling down. Fanwlight could feel it slipping through her paws as Tansypaw attempted to block the yawn that parted her jaws. "You're going to do great things, Tansypaw, so long as you keep your head up and believe in yourself." Easier said than done, she knew, but the dappled brown starry she-cat had faith in the young apprentice. She had already done well up to this point - now that she was armed with the knowledge to advance her treatments, she would surely start to soar.

"We will, yes. I will be the star that shines the brightest in the sky. Just look up, and whenever you need me I will be there." It was a promise, her tone sincere and yet with a firmness that would hopefully assure Tansypaw that she would not be going anywhere. Her smile remained soft and she leaned forward to draw her tongue between the fluff on the young medicine cat apprentice's ears.

The time for her to be waking up was nearing. Fawnlight stepped back and gave her a soft nod. "For now, you deserve to have a more restful sleep. Never worry about having to go through things alone; I will be there with you every paw step of the way." Just as she finished speaking a swath of stars seemed to wrap around them both. The former medicine cat dipped her head gently to the young she-cat once more before allowing the stars to swallow her up, taking the dream with it.

[ silver. - i don't use fawn much anymore, but if tansy ever needs her feel free to shoot me a VM or PM :heartbounce: ]

[taillow]

Fawnlight
She/her | Formerly RiverClan | No purrks
It had been about a moon since she had last spoken to Tansypaw, but Fawnlight hadn't let her watchful gaze leave the apprentice. She had vowed to be there for her, and with the death of Falconfeather now driving her into being the Clan's full medicine cat she knew she had to be there. Not for teachings, not for any lessons - just as a cat who knew precisely what it meant to have the weight of such expectations.

The brown dappled she-cat waited until Tansy fell into a sleep within her own nest before summoning her to the small den where they'd held their first lesson. Beside her was a bundle of different colored flowers, moss, little small shells and pebbles that Fawnlight had collected. In StarClan, it was practically greenleaf all the time which made harvesting much easier than in the Clans. She had heard of cats gaining the ability to make things found her actually appear in the waking world, but the former medicine cat hadn't yet learned how to do that. She would continue to work on it, if only to help the now full medicine cat along her journey.

Patient blue eyes waited for the appearance of the tri-colored she-cat, a soft smile present as she remained seated. Stars twinkled in the sky above her and there was a calm glow of purple-pink-blue swaths of color that stretched overhead - hopefully it would bring peace to Tansy like it did with Fawnlight, and they could just share a serene, quiet dream of weaving and talking.

[ silver. - big sis fawnlight pulling tansypaw in for hugs :heartbounce: ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=5274&pictureid=46036
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty, just a scratch [PERM]
175/200

---

It's still as shocking as the first time, no matter how many times she's been pulled into the spectral grace that was Starclan's territory. As of late she's been nothing but stressed. Overworked. But she couldn't let anyone see that the once soft-spoken outsider was gone. Couldn't let them see her cry or falter, lest she be next for execution. She was too young to die and with how Riverclan's positions of power within Riverclan have been faring as of late... The fear of being forcefully removed from her position continued to grow. Despite these fears she blinks awake to the comforting hues of glittering starlight in the opening of a familiar den.

Chocolate visage meets that of sky and she can't help but offer a small smile. It had been some time since their lesson and she'd be lying if she said that it wasn't nice to see her again. Even in the face of recent tragedy Fawnlight felt like a comfort, whether Tansypaw could see her or not. With a polite bow of her head, she pads into the den, opting to take a seat across from the other healer instead of linger in the doorway.

"Hey, Fawnlight. It's been a while." What else was she supposed to say? Obviously it was polite to greet her-- stupid Tansy, would would you even question that?-- but what more was there to talk about aside from whatever reason there was to draw her from her normally dreamless slumber? Oh Stars... Surely Fawnlight hadn't been watching her cry and breakdown and struggle, right? She hadn't been watching those parts, right? Play it cool, Tansy. Play it cool and stupid. "Do ya have more to teach me tonight?"

fawnlight | tallulah

[taillow]

Fawnlight
She/her | Formerly RiverClan | No purrks
It broke her heart to see Tansypaw as the younger cat finally appeared and padded into the den. Fawnlight wished there was something she could do to ease the burden that now rested on her shoulders, but there was only so much she could do. Her mind flashed to the kind ThunderClan medicine cat that had helped her many moons ago - Zerosight, she recalled his name being. "No lesson tonight, Tansypaw," she purred as she swished her tail, an invitation for the medicine cat to sit closer if she wanted to. "I figured tonight I could show you how to make something that I used to make all of the time whenever I didn't have patients in my den."

Looking back to the array of flowers and vines before her, she selected two of the vines from the pile and pulled them closer to her. "They're not often practiced anymore, but I used to make flower crowns here and there. They were always a delight to have, and warmed up the space quite well." A soft smile spread across her face as Fawnlight glanced up to Tansypaw. Part of her wanted to offer her condolences for Falconfeather's death, but it seemed like he had left her alone far sooner than he had died. Besides, if she were being honest she didn't care much for his death, and instead found herself just disappointed.

"Have you ever made one before?" Fawnlight asked now as she looked back to the varying colors of flowers before her - blues and purples and pinks and yellows. It was funny, how she had envisioned this activity going much differently than it was. She had imagined pulling one of her daughters into a dream, teaching them how to make these crowns and comforting them. But try as she might, she had not been able to tread in any of their dreams. Did that mean she was just... using Tansypaw as a replacement?

The vile thought came and went quickly as Fawnlight realized that was just not true. She wanted to be there for the young medicine cat and remind her that she wasn't as along as she often felt. That's what tonight would be.

[ silver. ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=5274&pictureid=46036
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty, just a scratch [PERM]
195/200

---

No lesson? Then why was she here? If there was nothing to learn then Fawnlight was definitely worried about her, huh? Anxiety creeps up her throat and her ears burn with embarrassment when she thinks about how the other had most likely been watching her. Worried for her. Even when she was alone, she was never truly alone, huh? If that was the case she'd have to stop her crying and suck it up. No one needed to pity her. Not again. Willing the negative thoughts away for the time being, she takes up the offer to sit closer, settling herself in at the other's side so she can curiously look over the selection of flowers and vines before her.

Flower crowns? She had never heard of such a thing. But that didn't mean she wasn't willing to learn. She rarely had any down time for herself but maybe learning something like this would force her to. When asked, she shakes her head, her gaze falling back onto the molly.

"Never heard of 'em. Are they for decoration?"

Even just mentioning it makes her think of Falconfeather. The two of them were supposed to decorate the medicine den together but he never bothered to join her in doing so. The thought was frustrating-- it was his own idea! Why suggest it only to never do it? Ugh. This was no time to think about him, though. Fawnlight was here and offering more than he ever had. Did he even make it up here, she wonders? Once again she's staring at the pretty flowers at their paws, letting their colors wear at her frustration. This wasn't the time to dwell on frustration. Even if it wasn't an herb lesson, it was still a lesson all the same. And she was determined to be as best a student as she could be. Even if it was just learning how to weave vines and flowers into a crown.

fawnlight | tallulah

[taillow]

Fawnlight
She/her | Formerly RiverClan | No purrks
As Tansypaw settles in near her, Fawnlight instinctively lets her tail curl around the medicine cat lightly. From inside the little alcove that she had claimed as her own a long while ago, it was warm and quite cozy. "Sort of. I used to make them and give them to others. I've actually made them with Birdsnow before." The memory felt so far away now, in another life honestly. Still it brought a smile to her face.

Looking now to the pile before her, Fawnlight took two of the vines and some of the flowers and began to weave them together. It wasn't the best, and looked a bit flimsy, but slowly it was coming together. Up here her paws weren't scorched and rendered useless, so they didn't shake as they once had. "There isn't much to it; you just take a vine or two, or really any frond or sometimes even cattails work - and sort of cross them over one another. Then you can stick the flowers into any open spot - like this." Taking a small pink flower she pressed it into the strand of vines, holding it down to get it to stick. After a bit of concentration, she lifted the finished product - a messily put together circle of vines dotted with colorful flowers - onto Tansypaw's head.

"There," she purred with a warm gaze and soft smile. It wasn't impressive by any means, and was more so meant to just be a lighthearted activity than anything really. "Most of the times they won't last too long - but you could still use the vines and flowers for decorating other parts of the den! I used to tuck the flowers into my nest." The memory brought for another faint smile as she glanced down at the colorful array before her, then back to Tansypaw. She watched her silently, the actual questions she wanted to ask burning the tip of her tongue. If anyone knew how difficult it was to heal the Clan on their own, it was her. Sure she'd had support but... no one really knew or understood what she was going through. Gently, as if to test the waters, Fawnlight lifted her plume of a tail and let it tap Tansy's shoulder before falling. "You don't have to pretend you're okay, you know," she murmured, an understanding gleam in her eye. "Or that you're okay, or aren't struggling to carry this weight. I was once in your paws, you know."

[ silver. - I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE ABOUT THE DELAY ]

[silver.]

https://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=5274&pictureid=46036
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty, just a scratch [PERM]
262/200

---

What a peculiar thing... A task with no purpose other than aesthetic... Why, would she ever even have time for such a thing? Maybe busy work would keep her mind occupied on things other than her stress and fatigue, though, so she watches intently as the other's paws weave and press. It was difficult for her to understand work without purpose despite her intent staring. Work for the sole purpose of enjoyment. There was always so much to do-- did she even deserve to stop and weave together meaningless décor?

The crown that's placed atop her head feels... Heavy. Like it wasn't meant to settle there. She knows it's not-- but she doesn't have the heart to shake it from where it sits. Fawnlight was one of the few cats she felt like truly cared for her and the fear of ruining their relationship is too strong to just discard the hard work she had put in to both showing her her craft and presenting her with a gift. So the tortie nods with a small smile that quickly fades when Fawnlight opens her mouth once more. Was this what this was about? Her wellbeing?

A burden. That's what it was. Once young and naïve, desperate to prove herself, she can't help the bitterness she feels at irresponsible clan mates. Those that take her training and her hard work for granted. Those that whisper behind her back or spat in her face when things go wrong. Sure she had been hardened from the anxious mess she was moons ago but part of her misses it. Misses being the idiot that stumbled over her words and watched clan life from behind a pane of glass. Tansypaw studies her companions face in silence for what feels like an eternity. As if debating whether or not opening up was worth it to her. And in the end she decides... Maybe it wouldn't hurt. Besides, if there was anyone that could do her no harm in her stating her opinion it was the dead.

"It's not fair." She starts, jaw tensing uncomfortably with the verbal admission. "I work an' work an' learn an' learn and it just seems like no one cares. Seems like... I make a mistake or I'm not good enough to heal something right yet and someone wants to claw my eyes out. Why doesn't anyone see the good stuff I do? Or how hard I'm tryin'?"

( no worries ! )
fawnlight | tallulah