Déjà vu [p]

***Rani*** · #1 September 3rd, 2024, 06:27 AM

Larkthroat
Starclan Queen | She/Her | 25 Moons at death

World Weaver T2 | Previously Windclan

One step forward, two steps back. It was always one step forward and two steps back, how was a single cat to fight against the looming tide of fate and the malice of apathy? Larkthroat had gained some of Lightningstorm's hard earned trust, started to trying to reestablish the sacred bond between medicine cat and starclan all for it to wiped away with her memories. Stolen by a double edged gift Lightningstorm didnt even ask for.

It felt like there was nothing of real meaning Larkthroat could do in the end. One step forward, two steps back.

Except.... Larkthroat had made her bond to the medicine cat to help, to support and be there for windclan. So even if it got nowhere and the cruel claws of fate tore all progress away again the queen had to persist.

Once again Lightningstorm was summoned into the star dappled celestial field of starclan. Once again Larkthroat was waiting for her. Once again she introduced herself.

"Greetings and be welcomed Lightningstorm, I am Larkthroat, a queen of starclan and once windclan.

Some time ago we knew eachother, and Ive delivered prophecies and assistance to you before but the past matters little. What matters rather more is Im here to do it again."
Now that she knew the feeling the cow spotted molly could feel the weight of the future pushing against her throat. Of fate needed to be spoken and changed.

They had some time here in the timeless dreams however.
"If you wish to ask me anything before then however I promise to do my best to give answers. I do truly want to help."

@Alchemist Kitsune

***Alchemist Kitsune*** · #2 September 11th, 2024, 04:01 PM

She'd been here before. Lightningstorm had forgotten faces. The names associated with them. But the familiarity that each location she had grown accustomed to in some way was still there. The knowledge of her surroundings returning to her the moment she stepped foot upon them.

Lifting her head from between her paws, the medicine cat woke up to fields she hadn't been in since her memories had been taken from her, their familiarity taking her by surprise. Was this a dream? Or was it memory? The last time this had happened the location was... not one she was familiar with. Her visitor one she had thought a mere vision from her past trying to come through the dark crevice her entire being seemed to have been banished to until he started saying things that she couldn't have known. Spewing facts she shouldn't have been privy to. There was no such sense of discomfort here. No soggy sand nor loud waves. No nearly drowned black and white cat to speak to her.

Blinking, the herbalist got up, studying her surroundings. Unaware of her company until lapis hues met brown and for a moment she thought her starless visitor had come back for another visit. She opened her mouth, about to call out Cowmoon's given name. The one she was still convinced did not fit the tufted warrior. And yet she noticed her mistake before she could greet him. Because this was not him... but her. The eyes were wrong. The patches heart achingly similar yet not in the right places. But most importantly of all... stars adorned this one's pelt where only darkness seemed to have consumed the other. Lightningstorm's heart didn't feel the same trepidation of equal parts joy and anger at the sight of her. Merely a sense of ease. Of mild familiarity. The same clanmates like Firestorm and Crowtooth had radiated with when she'd first met them for the second time in her life.

"Larkthroat," she repeated, the name flowing out of her mouth easier than Cowmoon's had. Unlike the previous black and white feline, it appeared the star clad one had no lies to offer with her words. Nothing to hide from her even as the medicine cat tilted her head curiously, assessing the former WindClan queen.

"We knew each other? Were you like Cowmoon, then? No... you have brought prophecies, you say? That must mean you are an ancestor proper, not from my time?" Lightningstorm continued, her gaze adopting a thoughtful expression as she sat. "I doubt this is about what was taken... but considering I haven't had any contact from StarClan since... Well, I suppose this isn't a social call."

Questions. That was what Larkthroat had claimed she was here to respond to. And questions the herbalist had. Like what the hell had happened to her memories? Because try as much as she liked, it didn't make sense. She had treated cats with amnesia since her own recollections vanished, and it just wasn't the same. There were even times when she could feel them. When she realized her memories were coming back, only for a blinding headache to take them all away again. Was it true then? What Cowmoon had said? That StarClan had taken them all away?

The wiry framed she-cat studied the queen curiously as she debated this dubious knowledge she had gleaned from her previous visitor, and yet unlike him, this one seemed to be here with no secrets. Nothing hidden within. The wish to help was still there... yet there was something selfless here that the other had lacked. And yet this wasn't the only question that burned in the back of her throat. What of her family? Was she a part of it? Why had two cats that seemed so... similar somehow visited her? True, she looked nothing like Cowmoon and Larkthroat, but why else would they feel like the closest she'd felt to family since waking up in the nursery. Outside of course of her oddly overprotective urge to keep those bloodied kits she'd seen when she'd first opened her eyes. But that was different, she was sure. How could you not feel some level of responsibility for kits you first encounter in a situation like that? Where the mother should have been dead despite what you assume was your best shot yet somehow she wasn't.

What of friends? Her past in the clan? Why did some cats look at her with trepidation in their eyes? With fear or distrust? Had she done something to earn their suspicions? Had this been the reason StarClan had wiped her clean of any knowledge she had in regards to these cats? And yet even as more questions piled up in her mind, one took center piece, escaping her instinctually as the single most important query of all.

"Is WindClan in danger? Is that why you're here?"

Her intense need for knowledge could hold. She could get answers to questions about her past at any other time. There were things more important than just her at stake here. There always were. Thus was the life of a medicine cat. Besides, what did her past matter if her clan's future was uncertain in accordance to the stars?

@Rani [Larkthroat]

***Rani*** · #3 September 11th, 2024, 07:03 PM

Larkthroat
Starclan Queen | She/Her | 25 Moons at death

World Weaver T2 | Previously Windclan

Cowmoon? That was Larkthroats first thought, ears cocking a bit at Lightningstorms words but otherwise nor reacting to the oddity. It wasnt hard to figure out what was occurring after all. The queen knew her nephew(? their family tree was so complex lets just call him that) had died but that she couldnt find him anywhere which..... well it implied a few things that she didnt want to linger on. She wasnt worried about Cowtuft interacting with Lightningstorm, he cared too much about her to harm her, even after all that happened to him. In a way it was nice he was still there for her, even in death, even if he only had the courage when she didnt remember him or what he was wrongly accused of.

It was perhaps better to let the topic of 'Cowmoon' go then and let it exist without meddling. There was other things to focus on after all.

The molly chuckled kindly shaking her head but shrugging at the question, going on to explain.
"I am not an ancestor so old as Blazingstar, who you may yet meet, however I am before your time yes. I died around the time of the famine that hit windclan during the beginning of Twilightstars leadership, and you could definitely say my 'descendant' do still live in windclan today."
Was it cowardice to omit that it was Crowtooth and he was her son not her descendant? Perhaps. But Larkthroat did not wish to bare wounds unhealed today and talk about the son she watched daily, the one who never really met her and barely remembered her name, much less her face. The son she'd so badly wanted who's birth had finished her off and was raised as not her son but anyone else's.
There was hurt there, and even now years after she was not ready to speak on it.

"And I am not an 'ancestor' so important as a leader, just a queen who wishes to help. In the past Ive noted the harm the silence of starclan can do, even if born of non malicious reasons, and wished to rectify that. I still do, really."
If the medicine cat asked she'd once again explain her theory on how starclan functioned and (in a way) didnt. But that was a choice in Lightningstorms paws as it was a lesson that came with hurt and one that might start to fracture a newly reformed optimism.

Though her next words might do that regardless, as Larkthroats head dipped in admission of weakness.
"Your memories.... I- Im sorry to say I can provide no help in telling you the why's of their loss or even help you reclaim them if that is your wish. Im not 'important' enough to know as the Covenant of the Sky keeps their secrets close, so I am limited in what I can glean

It is possible to regain what youve lost without them however, as your history is in the world of the living. Ask questions, look deeper, and you might regain what you lost.

However...... Ask yourself if you want to. You were.... not happy before, not as you are now and if you regain your memories you might very well return to a time when you were suffering in your own mind. Perhaps ask those that knew you before and after their thoughts if you want to hear more about that because though the choice is your I feel you've gained something from this too."
The queen looked deeply uncomfortable and a tad distressed explaining this. As always she was going to leave the choices up to Lightningstorm and offer help in whichever direction she went but recalling the shattered and broken cat of before was depressing to say the least. Compared to the cat of now? No memories were worth going back to that time, though it wasnt Larkthroats call.

She was much happier to move on to other things.
"Windclan is in danger yes, but much less if action is taken. I dont know the details but I can feel the weight of fate against me as we speak, so I have some gifts, knowledge, and a prophecy to try and turn its whims to fall kinder on Windclan."

@Alchemist Kitsune

***Alchemist Kitsune*** · #4 September 16th, 2024, 07:26 PM

It seemed her silence in regards to her memories was not as easily kept out of her expression, the queen reading her innermost thoughts that were far from hidden. But really, what else could she do if not wonder about what she was missing. About what she had lost and seemingly refused to get a grasp on again. And yet here she heard something that she couldn't help but utter aloud. Repeat after the molly had uttered the phrase herself.

"Covenant of the Sky?"

Something about the way she described... well... everything sat wrong with her instantly. In her mind, StarClan had been this fair place, were cats all lived in harmony, regardless of rank and clan. Where the days of fighting were long gone and there was nothing but peace, hunting that never failed, no hunger, no war. But this new knowledge insinuated a much darker side to their warrior ancestors than she believed possible. How could it be that even in death there were those who seemed to hold more power than those who had died to protect their clans? Was this what servitude and humility led to? Being forgotten with lesser power because you couldn't even continue serving your clan after death if you weren't deemed important enough, even if those on top were too busy sticking their heads up their arses to be bothered to help?

An old hatred seemed to burst deep within her for a moment, lightning flashing in her eyes at the thought. The feeling was electrifying. Out of sorts for her. Never had she felt such a negative wave of emotion wash over her in her memory, and she was quick to let it simmer down, the shock of how strongly she seemed to have felt over this enough to help quench it in its entirety before it threatened to consume her and drive her focus elsewhere. To things that mattered... Yes. That picked at her curiosity. But perhaps now was not the time. Not when her clan was in danger. StarClan elites be damned.

The queen's words did leave a lingering doubt in her mind despite Lightningstorm's best attempts at separating herself from them, the moment not one for self indulgence, no matter how severe or important it seemed. But it would haunt her later. She knew as much. Because... what did Larkthroat mean? That she was not happy? At least, not as she was now? It brewed those small doubts she'd had before back to the surface. Those seemingly pointless but obvious observations she'd done back when she had first lost her memories. When she knew no one. About how obvious it was that some cats seemed... jumpy around her. Suspicious. Cold. Which once more begged the question... what had she done to merit such distrust? If it had been as foul as she had felt the day Sunpaw had died, that paranoid, hate filled sickened wave of file repulsion for everyone around her then why had Twilightstar allowed her to resume her position within the clan? Surely no crime she had committed could be small if it merited such a nauseating wave of self doubt and resentment?

"I'll... make a note of it. Promise," Lightningstorm mewed, against her better judgement.

She wasn't the type to break promises, so she knew she'd had to carry through but... did she want to? Was this really a path she wanted to pursue? Yes. Knowledge was everything to her. But everything in her body seemed to scream against the acquisition of that which she no longer had. Like if it was best left forgotten. Something that in and of itself repulsed her because really... how could anything be best left forgotten?

Lightningstorm did not dwell on it. Not now. Not when Larkthroat was clearly focusing to deliver this message that could save her clan. Instead, the molly smirked, an easy going, playful thing that masked the worries that howled within. The clan came first. Past memories or not she knew this. She had friends here now. Perhaps no family, but they did. Whatever vile acts she had once done could be pondered later, when they were safe and sound.

"Best not tempt the fates then, love. I'll take the knowledge. The prophecy... and well, it'd be proper rude of me to turn my nose at a gift, wouldn't it? There won't be no danger coming to WindClan without a fight from me, so let's have at it," the medicine cat declared, her tail lashing out in anticipation as she spoke, lapis hues on warm brown that shimmered with more familiarity than she'd thought a stranger's ever could.

@Rani [Larkthroat]

***Rani*** · #5 September 17th, 2024, 01:08 AM

Larkthroat
Starclan Queen | She/Her | 25 Moons at death

World Weaver T2 | Previously Windclan

Sometimes Larkthroat was convinced she caused more confusion and problems then she solved sometimes. Because now she wasnt sure if the living even knew about the covenant or if the knowledge was still locked to the dead and those few who made it through their snide judgement. Would the queen get in trouble with the wardens for talking?

Did she care?

.....Not really, not if she could help Lightningstorm and windclan (who she cared a lot more for) with the knowledge. Let Brokenstar himself come after her, its not like she could be silenced permenatly.

"Ah, yes the covenant. Im sorry I forget what is known and what isnt." Clearing her throat the molly tried to summarize. "While most are equal in the stars in recent times it was deemed by 'those with more knowledge' that the powers that be that grants non leader cats to come back from was being abused. The details are hazy but a group of cats (mostly former high ranks and those who have impacted the world around them, but not all) came to be the judge of souls that wish to go back.

They 'keep things in balance' or so they claim but those who look deeper find few details and most are just happy theyre keeping up the status quo." Though that had been faltering as the dark forest gained power and starclans waned. It was funny. Few seemed to notice that status quo fading and fewer still acted as Brokenstar recommended to strengthen the livings belief in starclan to maintain it. For all his power even Larkthroat had done more to bring cats to the stars with Lightningstorm and she wasnt doing it for him.

He hardly mattered however, nor did Lightningstorms memories sadly, though Larkthroat could see the seed planted she'd hoped wouldnt hurt in the end.

What mattered was the future, and as the medicine cat accepted the dead queen could feel her soul wrending as something greater then her pushed itself to the fore front to be heard at all costs.

“Red hot rage bears blackened skies
And violent death is born.
A looming foe you cannot fight
Brings stoic hearts to mourn.
Crush the spark in nest of twig
Save kin from flaming fate,
Follow ash and smoke to sources three
To the threat you must abate.”

As before it wasnt her voice, wasnt her words and the future was as burning as what it foretold as it was spoken. But Larkthroat would withstand it with grace for what it might save, and only sat heavily gasping as the threads of power left her.

"T-that..... Stars I cannot tell if that was better or worse then the last one." The molly coughed, feeling the phantom dregs of smoke leave her throat, tail thumpigng uncomfortable as she advised "Time is meaningless in a dream. I-Id recommend thinking over the meaning now so you may hit the ground running when you wake. Plus I-I might have some more knowledge to spare, Ive been talking to other dead about herbs I thought you might like, can tell you in a bit."
When Larkthroat had enough time to feel like she wasnt choking preferably.

@Alchemist Kitsune

***Alchemist Kitsune*** · #6 September 19th, 2024, 11:24 PM

As much as the medicine cat hated to admit it, most of what Larkthroat said about the covenant flew right over her head. She silently swore in the back of her mind as she realized how much her lack of knowledge in events past was suddenly... relevant. The lithe calico wasn't one to get stuck in the past she no longer had. There was no point in it. Especially when the few glimpses she managed to paw at brought terrible feelings of dread and migraines along with them.

And yet something nagged at the back of her mind. Some... whisper of knowledge. Information long gone. About waning power. The whispers were unkind, however. Judgmental. Far too similar to her own voice to provide comfort. Was this all facts she had once held within grasp? She wasn't sure, and with more important things at paw, she had no intention of bringing it up. Not now, in any case. Perhaps her previous visitor, this Cowmoon would shed more light on this if he ever returned? She would ask next time. For certain... Even if it meant facing parts of her that seemed dark and sinister.

The transformation the ancient queen went through was one Lightningstorm had no memory of ever witnessing before, and yet the lack of surprise was notable. The familiarity with this... change was there. What did coax an immediate, visceral reaction from the young medic, a wince and a look of abject terror, were the words. It was as if those very memories that struggled against her screamed achingly from within. Flames licking her pelt. Burned paws that void of fur grasped at her, surprisingly strong despite their seared flesh. Screams of voices that she could not place scathing, roaring in her ears, interrupted only by the StarClan feline's smoke induced cough. One she had heard so many times before. Her medical expertise making it clear despite the faceless forms that came with that memory.

"F-fire..." she stammered, her gaze far off, unseeing of the queen before her for a moment as she reorganized her thoughts, trying to make sense of what she'd just heard.

It was a struggle, but Lightningstorm forced herself to regain some level of composure. She couldn't lose herself in this wave of fetid rot and blazing hatred that seemed to war for her attention. The herbalist had no idea what it was about the words... about this whole conversation, really, that had her mind storming so much. Wildly attempting to wrestle control from her, it almost seemed. She could only assume one thing. This wasn't the first fire she'd lived through.

"Red hot rage... from blackened skies. Rage from the sky... My only thought is lightning, but last I checked, that's not red. The rage is easy enough, though. If you're a rage filled feline then it'd be fair to say you're a bit of a hot head. Last I heard, that was known as having a... fiery personality, she mewed, the words escaping her maw quickly. Under her breath. Clearly speaking more for herself than for her company whilst not really hiding her thought process from her.

A grimace graced the short furred she-cat's features as she continued. "It says so in the bloody thing too, dunnit? Flaming fate?"

That seared feline's paw coming to mind once more, Lightningstorm couldn't help but shudder. Was this a real memory? It didn't feel like it was. No cat so thoroughly burned could possibly have the strength to move and strike as quickly as she could visualize - remember, perhaps - this one moving. So what was it? A warning accompanying the prophecy? Or simple fear of what awaited her clanmates if she didn't act right? If she didn't figure this out before they all burned. Became kindling. Found themselves unable to fight back. To... what was the word? To crush. To abate the three.

"I'm certain of one thing. It's fire. How the sky is involved I dunno. Red hot rage... Am I seeing this wrong? Is it not that the sky produced the fire but that it might hint as to where it is? Blackened sky? The ash and the smoke! Of course. Blast it all, I'm being such a proper moron right now! Think Lightningstorm, think!

Right... We have to abate three. Three what? Three fires? Because one isn't enough, 'course. That's unlikely. But implausible does not mean impossible. Best assume the worst and run from there. If it wasn't this bad I could hardly assume the stars would be giving a heads up, would they? No offense meant, love," she added, offering a half apologetic glance at the black and white feline before bringing her paw to her chin, tapping the bottom thoughtfully.

"Three fire sources then. At least. Producing enough smoke to be seen? At least if on the lookout? I've got to warn Twilightstar. The clan! Stars alive, if we don't act fast we could lose our home! And with leaffall nipping out our bloody tails, too!"

There was mild panic in her voice, Lightningstorm finding herself unable to fully mask it. And yet she struggled, trying to keep her wits about her. Flying off on a fit of fear would help no one, and she needed to act swiftly and with intent if she wished to save her home. Taking a deep breath, she forced the roaring sound of the flames back. The memories to fall back to whatever crevice they were attempting to crawl back from. She didn't need them. Not now. Not if all they would accomplish was to halt her when she had work to do. Knowledge to glean, if she'd heard Larkthroat clearly.

"You mentioned..." the oriental mix mewed, lapis hues on brown once more, focus making them glimmer even as the storm of thoughts simmered within. "Knowledge. Herbs? I know it might not be the best time but... Stars know that any time is a good time to learn anything that might help save lives. You know what? No. I take that back. Especially at a time like this. I'd be proper thankful if you share what you know before you go."

@Rani [Larkthroat]

***Rani*** · #7 September 20th, 2024, 06:25 AM

Larkthroat
Starclan Queen | She/Her | 25 Moons at death

World Weaver T2 | Herbal knowledge

For all she may seem wise with the knowledge she held now in death Larkthroat wasnt naturally a genius. Emotionally intelligent? Sure but not genuinely clever as Lightningstorm was. That much was apparent as the molly worked through the prophecy strategically and methodically, picking apart word choices to glean the most likely future with skill. It was, in a word, impressive her speed when Larkthroat had still been recovering blinking from giving the prophecy to begin with.

"That.... does all sound fitting and like it works with the prophecy given. I wish you all the best with snuffing out the flame then, with the size of windclan three fires sounds manageable if they are able to be stopped at all like the prophecy says.

I do not see it being given with this wording if there was no hope at all and no solution. Otherwise it'd just be omens to run."
Though it went without saying that this could still be the result if Windclan didnt do enough in time.... However the clan was strong and dedicated at the moment, there was no reason they wouldnt be capable.

On to the herbs and a thoughtful look crossed the queens face. "Actually it might be the best time for a couple of these herbs in particular. I wasnt discerning but that they didnt seem to be herbs you've learned before but two among the number are good for burns.

Ill summon you some of them to your side so when you wake they will be there for the wounded but for now......"
Larkthroat skimmed a hand over the starry grass, several plants growing in the span of a second to their full forms as examples.

"First comfrey." her paws skimmed the plant, enhancing its scent so it could be remembered "Its roots and leaves can both be used for the same thing once chewed in the pulp but you can also wrap surface wounds in the leaves straight.

It helps heal broken bones from the surface, wrenched claws, inflamation and stiff or wrenched joints or muscles. Also sooths itching but most importantly it helps heal burns. Chewed especially." A godsend with the looming threat to windclan. Given that she did not hessitate to move on.

"Then a good one for heatstroke is this plant, feverfew." it was smaller and more of a bushell, a small low sprout not a brush. "The flower when eaten lowers body tempurature, which is great for the lingering effects of fires but also fevers, hence the name. It also apparently helps with the related aches and pains and headaches too." That last one the molly was hessitent on but the cat she spoke to swore by it.

"Lastly burdock, less of a burn related herb but still very useful." Honestly from the way the cat rambled on riverclans old medicine cat Snakeheart's use of burdock it was a miracle for the more severe wounds from 'tainted' sources. Mostly coyotes in the cats case. The molly didnt touch the poky plant though "Its strong smell is for a reason, apparently the root is bitter and numbs the mouth but also the wound once chewed and applied.

It good for infections like marigold however better for treatment then prevention. So when the infection is already there and active it is the better option as it was origonally found to be of use for filthy injuries like rat bites and paw injuries that have had contact with dirt. Perhaps burn sores too for its numbing effect? You'd have to test that one."
She didnt get all answers after all but it was enough to start with.

@Alchemist Kitsune

***Alchemist Kitsune*** · #8 September 21st, 2024, 08:18 PM

A sigh of relief escaped her, tension that had gathered atop her shoulders, perched uncomfortably there slightly alleviating at the queen's agreement with her interpretation of the message. Much as she admittedly did not appreciate the fact that the prophecy seemed to come wrapped up in a riddle, one that wasted precious time that could be saved had the message been given plainly, she assumed there was a reason for that. Larkthroat didn't seem the type to enjoy toying with the lives of others, which meant that the prophesy that had forced its way through her had in theory done little more than use her as a vessel, the message no doubt coming from a far more mysterious place than that of StarClan even. Gratefully, playing with words was something Lightningstorm enjoyed. Lying was not something she partook in, preferring to speak her mind, to speak facts. Because what were lies if not the misuse of information? The denial of such to cats who might benefit from it? But remaining earnest while skirting around secrets that were not hers to keep? Reading into words that kept unknowns lurking in between? The herbalist could play that game aplenty.

The prophesy was not forgotten. Not for a moment. But the mention of herbs that could be potentially helpful now of all times? Extra beneficial for the trail ahead? It lit up the lithe calico's interest entirely, large ears perked up as she focused her attention on her starry visitor intently.

Tilting her head with curiosity, Lightningstorm blinked as herbs appeared before her, one among the three perfectly recognizable due to her recent studies of it. Feverfew. The herb that she had discovered could help with those migraines that had started hitting her of late, whenever memories seemed to want to resurface yet couldn't - or wouldn't - for some unknown reason. But to learn that it could help lower body temperatures. Aid with fevers. Come to think of it... it was in the name. Feverfew. Of few fevers, perhaps? Definitely a name granted by a cat who had discovered its mysteries, that much she could assume. Would she have ever discovered this unknown use by herself? Maybe. Maybe not. But how many cats would have suffered before she landed on this use? Too many for her to feel comfortable with, that much she knew.

The comfrey sounded vaguely familiar. Tugging at her memories but with no knowledge attached to it. Perhaps attached to a cat? Had she known a Comfreykit? Comfreypaw? Maybe a warrior instead? She hadn't a clue, but it was certainly not the first she'd had this herb brought to her attention. And yet... it wasn't a herb she would have ever thought to look into. Its uses were more specific than her usual herbs - with a few exceptions - but still something that she could see requiring a good stock of. How could she not? Its uses were found nowhere else in what she had available to her now!

Burdock by contrast she had never even noticed before. Nothing within her hinted at this herb having ever been brought to her attention before. And yet the uses seemed... miraculous even! Something even more potent than marigold to help with infections? That could numb the pain of injuries? That worked better than just a preventative? This herb, much like the rest, she would commit to memory. Burns could get incredibly infected if left untreated. Especially if dirt somehow got into the injury. The herb itself did not look like one that was incredibly abundant in all of WindClan's territory, but she was certain she had spotted it in some sparse locations before. She would send out for some the moment she could be certain the fire was abated. She was certain that win or lose this, there might be some injuries to contend with no matter how well everything was dealt with.

"Comfrey leaf. Comfrey root. Feverfew. Burdock. Right then... I'll keep those in mind. From what you are telling me burdock seems like a good, potent substitute for marigold and dandelion, especially for something as nasty as burns. Those are prone to get even more infected than usual due to the pain when still fresh and the itchiness while in the healing process. I 'ppreciate the information," Lightningstorm mewed, blinking with gratitude before getting up and attempting a small nose nuzzle with the StarClan queen.

Perhaps it was due to how helpful the queen had been thus far. How earnest and genuine she seemed to be. Maybe because - as she had stated - they had met before, and the medicine cat was merely predisposed to be more comfortable around the black and white she-cat. Whatever it was, the Abyssinian mix hadn't a clue. What she did know was that she was genuinely grateful for everything Larkthroat had done here today for WindClan. And for herself.

There had been no visitors from the stars since her memories had faded. And because of this very predicament she was in, Lightningstorm hadn't a clue if there had been visits before. If she was truly the clan's link to the stars and their ancestors - ancestors she could not remember interacting with before - but this had been a pretty good affirmation that she was were she belonged... even if her memories had failed her. Even if something had been taken from her, as Cowmoon had put it. But now there was a reason to believe that the stars truly were looking out for them, even if it wasn't the ones in power. The so called important ones. All cats were equal in her eyes. How could they not be, when they bled and died all the same if she dared pick and choose favorites at any given time?

"Not that I mind looking at those pretty eyes of yours, love... but how will I know? When it's time to wake up and warn the clan?" she asked, attempting some levity despite her twitching whiskers and tail, the concern for WindClan clear within her almond shaped eyes.

@Rani [Larkthroat]

***Rani*** · #9 September 22nd, 2024, 10:05 AM

Larkthroat
Starclan Queen | She/Her | 25 Moons at death

World Weaver T2 | Herbal knowledge

Now the queen was for sure not a medicine cat and the entire span of knowledge she'd just rattled out had been born of nothing but a good memory and an abundance of time listening to other dead cats prattle. However whatever Lightningstorm was saying about how bad wounds were was going right over Larkthroats head. She was, frankly, just glad the information she'd found was helpful.

She accepted the nuzzle however, Larkthroat had always been a sucker for affection and she'd spent many moons watching from distant stars heart aching at Lightningstorms plight. She'd long longed to give comfort, so perhaps it was overreaching for the nuzzle she was offered but the molly quickly swept the medicine cat in a hug, gently enveloping her in fluff.

Had Larkthroat lived would this cats close bond with her son bring them together even without the usefulness of her death? She hoped so, she'd have liked that just as much as she liked Lightningstorm.

Larkthroat prayed to all powers higher then the stars that first the fires then Lightningstorms own memory wouldnt damn this bright young cat who deserved the world.

Breathing deeply but softly for a moment while she wove reality in the waking world, gently slipping in some of each herb they spoke of into Lightningstorm store as she'd promised to help with the coming storm. It was.... More difficult then she'd like to admit being ok with releasing Lightningstorm from this gentle timeless place to the dangerous waking, but it needed to be done for windclan.
"Youre a horrible flirt my dear and far too young for me, for all that I died around your age and look it. But for waking.... When is not really the question, there is no time here. More of when you feel ready. I can release you now and will but for the future if you wish to go of your own accord, all you need to do is

wake up."

And so Lightningstorm would, released from the starry meadow to her quest as prepared as she could be. Larkthroat would have to talk to her again sooner rather then later, a gentle talk rather then a tasking.

@Alchemist Kitsune