His eyes shifted around the medicine den. He tried to keep telling himself that the only reason he was here was for Brightshadow, but it was starting to become a weak arguement. His gaze turned to her, and he realized she was asleep. The medicine den always made him uncomfortable especially when had no one to talk to, and it was killing him. His eyes shifted around searching for things to do. A somewhat familiar face turned his extravert on. He hopped into action. His attention shifted from his affliction and towards this potential new friend. He got onto his feet, and stepped over to Dogchase.
"Hello!" He recognized him from his moons as an apprentice, and around camp. " I don't think we've talked officially yet!" It was a mistake on his part. "I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Dustlark." Dogchase seemed like a nice cat to get to know, and maybe he needed a distraction like he did.
His eyes shifted around the medicine den. He tried to keep telling himself that the only reason he was here was for Brightshadow, but it was starting to become a weak arguement. His gaze turned to her, and he realized she was asleep. The medicine den always made him uncomfortable especially when had no one to talk to, and it was killing him. His eyes shifted around searching for things to do. A somewhat familiar face turned his extravert on. He hopped into action. His attention shifted from his affliction and towards this potential new friend. He got onto his feet, and stepped over to Dogchase.
"Hello!" He recognized him from his moons as an apprentice, and around camp. " I don't think we've talked officially yet!" It was a mistake on his part. "I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Dustlark." Dogchase seemed like a nice cat to get to know, and maybe he needed a distraction like he did.
The scratchy bracken of this nest was making him itchy. He had to grit his teeth against how uncomfortable it was. He closed his eyes, trying to summon peace. Don't move. You don't want to reopen anything. It was more than just the bedding that was making him antsy. Here he was. Back in the medicine cat's den. Was he destined to always be here? His claws dug into the ground beneath him. There was so much more for him to do.I'm Dusklark! One green eye opened to peek at Dustlark. It took a heartbeat for his slow mind to catch up with what this cat was talking about. He squinted at the tom through his splitting headache. Dustlark's shapes and colors spun around to form a figure that he vaguely knew. "Mmmm yes hi Dustlark. I guess we have never talked before." His meowed slowly. His stumpy tail made a motion that would have been a flick. "What's got you in here?"
He recalled vaguely that he had seen Dusklark around more when they were apprentices. Then, he supposed, they had been sleeping in much smaller den. Those days were not filled with happy memories for him, at least. He probably should have barely missed Dusklark, if it hadn't been for his lack of skill. Dewyfoot's voice echoed in his head. She had really let him have it back then. What else did you expect? You failed too many times. It wasn't her fault. He forced himself into the present. None of that mattered now.
The scratchy bracken of this nest was making him itchy. He had to grit his teeth against how uncomfortable it was. He closed his eyes, trying to summon peace. Don't move. You don't want to reopen anything. It was more than just the bedding that was making him antsy. Here he was. Back in the medicine cat's den. Was he destined to always be here? His claws dug into the ground beneath him. There was so much more for him to do.I'm Dusklark! One green eye opened to peek at Dustlark. It took a heartbeat for his slow mind to catch up with what this cat was talking about. He squinted at the tom through his splitting headache. Dustlark's shapes and colors spun around to form a figure that he vaguely knew. "Mmmm yes hi Dustlark. I guess we have never talked before." His meowed slowly. His stumpy tail made a motion that would have been a flick. "What's got you in here?"
He recalled vaguely that he had seen Dusklark around more when they were apprentices. Then, he supposed, they had been sleeping in much smaller den. Those days were not filled with happy memories for him, at least. He probably should have barely missed Dusklark, if it hadn't been for his lack of skill. Dewyfoot's voice echoed in his head. She had really let him have it back then. What else did you expect? You failed too many times. It wasn't her fault. He forced himself into the present. None of that mattered now.
Dustlark
{A calico tom with intelligent eyes}
He sat down getting comfy. As he curled his tail around his paws Hhs gaze shifted to Brightshadow sleeping in the corner. "I'm really only here for her. She's been feeling sick lately, and I've had a minor cough and some other things, but it's really no big deal. " He shrugged. "She insisted, and neither of us like being here alone." He turned back towards Dogchase. "The medicine cat den gives us both the heebie jeebies." He shifted his paws, and his smile faded slightly. "I feel sorta useless just sitting here, ya know. When I could be out there helpin. He had enough self awareness to realize wasn't feeling a hundred percent, but he didn't have enough to realize he really did need to be there.
"Anyways, enough about me. How'd you get here? You look pretty battered and bruised. Nothin serious I hope." He shot him one of his iconic happy go lucky smiles. "It's been awhile since were apprentices together. It's a shame we didn't get to know each other sooner! His eyes drifted to memorries of the past for a second. Then they came crashing back as he broke into a bought of coughs. "Sorry bout that didn't mean to cough on ya. He hoped he didn't accidentally get him sick with whatever he had too.
He sat down getting comfy. As he curled his tail around his paws Hhs gaze shifted to Brightshadow sleeping in the corner. "I'm really only here for her. She's been feeling sick lately, and I've had a minor cough and some other things, but it's really no big deal. " He shrugged. "She insisted, and neither of us like being here alone." He turned back towards Dogchase. "The medicine cat den gives us both the heebie jeebies." He shifted his paws, and his smile faded slightly. "I feel sorta useless just sitting here, ya know. When I could be out there helpin. He had enough self awareness to realize wasn't feeling a hundred percent, but he didn't have enough to realize he really did need to be there.
"Anyways, enough about me. How'd you get here? You look pretty battered and bruised. Nothin serious I hope." He shot him one of his iconic happy go lucky smiles. "It's been awhile since were apprentices together. It's a shame we didn't get to know each other sooner! His eyes drifted to memorries of the past for a second. Then they came crashing back as he broke into a bought of coughs. "Sorry bout that didn't mean to cough on ya. He hoped he didn't accidentally get him sick with whatever he had too.
Dogchase
~*~
Surprise flickered for a moment in Dogchase's eyes. He was here for his sister? Green eyes flickered over to where Brightshadow was sleeping. She looked rough. "I see. I'm sorry to hear that." His emotionless meowed was edged with just a little bit of sympathy. He agreed wholeheartedly with Dustlark's sentiment on the medicine den. Even just having Dustlark here now had brightened up the dingy den. "There's so much we could be doing. It feels wasteful to sit around here." He sighed heavily. In his mind Dogchase knew that he wasn't just sitting here. He was giving his body time to recover so that he could be back to where the clan needed him faster. But oh Starclan was it difficult to accept. Especially with this sickness and leaf bare fast approaching. He was sure there were countless tasks he could be completing.
Pointed brown ears pricked up as Dustlark asked him why he was in here. Although the fight was recent it wasn't something he wanted to recount. However, as a warrior of Thunderclan Dustlark had some right to know what happened to the owl that killed their last medicine cat. "Its a long story but to make it short, I was injured while fighting the owl." A small grim smile spread across his maw, "We got that cursed bird though." The memory of the other patrol members ripping the owl apart was vivid in his mind. Oh the sweet satisfaction of tearing apart a predator, even if it wasn't his to feel.
He shook his head as Dustlark coughed. "If I'm going to catch this illness I'd have done it already. I've been in here for quite some time." He didn't want this cat to feel bad about coughing. It was just a natural part of being sick.
Surprise flickered for a moment in Dogchase's eyes. He was here for his sister? Green eyes flickered over to where Brightshadow was sleeping. She looked rough. "I see. I'm sorry to hear that." His emotionless meowed was edged with just a little bit of sympathy. He agreed wholeheartedly with Dustlark's sentiment on the medicine den. Even just having Dustlark here now had brightened up the dingy den. "There's so much we could be doing. It feels wasteful to sit around here." He sighed heavily. In his mind Dogchase knew that he wasn't just sitting here. He was giving his body time to recover so that he could be back to where the clan needed him faster. But oh Starclan was it difficult to accept. Especially with this sickness and leaf bare fast approaching. He was sure there were countless tasks he could be completing.
Pointed brown ears pricked up as Dustlark asked him why he was in here. Although the fight was recent it wasn't something he wanted to recount. However, as a warrior of Thunderclan Dustlark had some right to know what happened to the owl that killed their last medicine cat. "Its a long story but to make it short, I was injured while fighting the owl." A small grim smile spread across his maw, "We got that cursed bird though." The memory of the other patrol members ripping the owl apart was vivid in his mind. Oh the sweet satisfaction of tearing apart a predator, even if it wasn't his to feel.
He shook his head as Dustlark coughed. "If I'm going to catch this illness I'd have done it already. I've been in here for quite some time." He didn't want this cat to feel bad about coughing. It was just a natural part of being sick.
Dustlark {A calico tom with intelligent eyes}
He was glad at least someone agreed with his sentiment. Brightshadow hadn't. Maybe it was a tom thing? He shuffled his paws like they were about to try and escape from the Medicine Cat Den. Although this friendly talk and his creeping illness helped fight back against his restlessness. His eyes widened in astonishment. "You fought an owl and won!?" His respect for this cat skyrocketed. "That's incredible! Ya'll deserve a medal!" His eyes sparkled. HE was sitting in the presence of a true hero. "You'll have to tell me all about it when we get out!" Now he had something to look forward to. This owl story was going to be epic. A chill ran up his spine. It confused him but, he shrugged it off.
He definitely didn't want to turn a new friend away, by coughing in their face so, he was glad of Dogchase's understanding and forgiveness. Bouts of coughs had been ailing him quite frequently but, only recently. It was only a cough though..."How long do ya have to stay in here?" His thoughts turned to the epic adventures they'd have when they got out of there. Some goods coming from this foul sickness.
He was glad at least someone agreed with his sentiment. Brightshadow hadn't. Maybe it was a tom thing? He shuffled his paws like they were about to try and escape from the Medicine Cat Den. Although this friendly talk and his creeping illness helped fight back against his restlessness. His eyes widened in astonishment. "You fought an owl and won!?" His respect for this cat skyrocketed. "That's incredible! Ya'll deserve a medal!" His eyes sparkled. HE was sitting in the presence of a true hero. "You'll have to tell me all about it when we get out!" Now he had something to look forward to. This owl story was going to be epic. A chill ran up his spine. It confused him but, he shrugged it off.
He definitely didn't want to turn a new friend away, by coughing in their face so, he was glad of Dogchase's understanding and forgiveness. Bouts of coughs had been ailing him quite frequently but, only recently. It was only a cough though..."How long do ya have to stay in here?" His thoughts turned to the epic adventures they'd have when they got out of there. Some goods coming from this foul sickness.
{Header by Marigoldwhisper}
Dogchase
~*~
As he watched Dustlark's eyes light up with interest he felt a pang of guilt. I'm not a hero, kid. I wasn't even able to do the one job I was told to. He frowned deeply. "If you want a better story you'll have to ask Wolfhive or Bumblestar, I was being throttled by that beast most of the time. Can't remember much except pain." His gruff voice held a tinge of sadness in it. It was somewhat of a lie. The memories of the fight were as clear as day, he just didn't want to think about them. How could he call himself of warrior when this was what happened every time he was asked to fight anything? The fox had taken his tail, and now that he had finally recovered an owl had messed up his sides. He huffed. This was just lousy. Lousy, lousy, lousy. Tear prickled in the corners of his eyes, surprising him, but he pushed them away.
Dustlark's question made him flick his ear. He didn't want to think about that either. "I don't know. With everyone sick they haven't had time to get to me yet." He shrugged. He wasn't upset at the medicine cat's of course. They were both so young and all of this going down during their first weeks was so unfortunate. His stumpy tail flicked a little. "I hope not too long. I don't fancy spending too many more moons in here." He dug his claws into his nest. How long would this frustration last? Surely it would pass soon. He didn't want to keep feeling this way. He was just such a weakling.
As he watched Dustlark's eyes light up with interest he felt a pang of guilt. I'm not a hero, kid. I wasn't even able to do the one job I was told to. He frowned deeply. "If you want a better story you'll have to ask Wolfhive or Bumblestar, I was being throttled by that beast most of the time. Can't remember much except pain." His gruff voice held a tinge of sadness in it. It was somewhat of a lie. The memories of the fight were as clear as day, he just didn't want to think about them. How could he call himself of warrior when this was what happened every time he was asked to fight anything? The fox had taken his tail, and now that he had finally recovered an owl had messed up his sides. He huffed. This was just lousy. Lousy, lousy, lousy. Tear prickled in the corners of his eyes, surprising him, but he pushed them away.
Dustlark's question made him flick his ear. He didn't want to think about that either. "I don't know. With everyone sick they haven't had time to get to me yet." He shrugged. He wasn't upset at the medicine cat's of course. They were both so young and all of this going down during their first weeks was so unfortunate. His stumpy tail flicked a little. "I hope not too long. I don't fancy spending too many more moons in here." He dug his claws into his nest. How long would this frustration last? Surely it would pass soon. He didn't want to keep feeling this way. He was just such a weakling.
Dustlark
{A calico tom with intelligent eyes}
His gaze was laced with concern. "Seems to me you've done a lot for us. Just having the guts to be able to go on that patrol is a feat. My paws woulda been shaken so bad I wouldn't have been able to lift a claw!"Would I have been able to fight that owl? He shrugged the question off. A thoughts just a thought. I'd have to actually be there to know."I think you're underestimating the role you played in getting rid of it. You don't even look like you've fought an owl." Somehow his respect for Dogchase grew. If only we had been friends sooner!
A wave of exhaustion hit him like a tree. It surprised him. I haven't been doing enough to be this tired. I guess I've gotten lazy. Being a lump around the medicine den isn't helping me. Who would of guessed! He just shrugged it off "Ya, me too. A couple more moons in here would probably kill me from boredom. His smile returned to its usual cheeriness. "We'll probably be out of here before we know it! And when we're out you'll have to tell me at least something about the owl."
His gaze was laced with concern. "Seems to me you've done a lot for us. Just having the guts to be able to go on that patrol is a feat. My paws woulda been shaken so bad I wouldn't have been able to lift a claw!"Would I have been able to fight that owl? He shrugged the question off. A thoughts just a thought. I'd have to actually be there to know."I think you're underestimating the role you played in getting rid of it. You don't even look like you've fought an owl." Somehow his respect for Dogchase grew. If only we had been friends sooner!
A wave of exhaustion hit him like a tree. It surprised him. I haven't been doing enough to be this tired. I guess I've gotten lazy. Being a lump around the medicine den isn't helping me. Who would of guessed! He just shrugged it off "Ya, me too. A couple more moons in here would probably kill me from boredom. His smile returned to its usual cheeriness. "We'll probably be out of here before we know it! And when we're out you'll have to tell me at least something about the owl."
[Header by Marigoldwhisper] Dogchase
~*~
The brown warrior flicked his ear and grunted. He didn't know how to respond to Dustlark's praise. He didn't even know if he wanted to respond to it. Green eyes darted away. I know exactly how low I stand. This worthless feeling wasn't for nothing. It meant something, he knew it did. Dustlark was being nice, and he appreciated it, but somehow these honeyed nice words only stung. He might not look like he had fought an owl, but Starclan did he feel it. His head was throbbing like it was no one's business, and now he was stuck here again. This topic was more... difficult than he had expected. He let the moment pass in silence.
He watched Dustlark wobble a bit, and gestured with his paw that the warrior should sit down. "Steady there, bud. Are you feeling alright?" Dogchase frowned in worry. It was possible that after hanging around the medicine den so much the younger warrior might have caught something. His stump flicked out of habit. He wasn't a medicine cat, but he had 33 moons of experience under his belt. Even as a warrior he could tell something wasn't quite right.
As Dustlark mentioned being out an overwhelming sense of longing filled Dogchase. He wanted the breeze between his ears. The dirt beneath his claws. He wanted to run and climb and stretch his legs. To feel the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of the catch. He wanted to be useful. Instead he rested his chin on his paws. "Yeah sure maybe I could tell you a thing or two. Just don't get too sick, ya hear?" He peeked up at Dustlark with the beginnings of a smile formulating on his maw. This feeling...whatever it was it had been a long time.
[If you're good with it let's wrap this up and then maybe do a little interaction as Dust is leaving?]
The brown warrior flicked his ear and grunted. He didn't know how to respond to Dustlark's praise. He didn't even know if he wanted to respond to it. Green eyes darted away. I know exactly how low I stand. This worthless feeling wasn't for nothing. It meant something, he knew it did. Dustlark was being nice, and he appreciated it, but somehow these honeyed nice words only stung. He might not look like he had fought an owl, but Starclan did he feel it. His head was throbbing like it was no one's business, and now he was stuck here again. This topic was more... difficult than he had expected. He let the moment pass in silence.
He watched Dustlark wobble a bit, and gestured with his paw that the warrior should sit down. "Steady there, bud. Are you feeling alright?" Dogchase frowned in worry. It was possible that after hanging around the medicine den so much the younger warrior might have caught something. His stump flicked out of habit. He wasn't a medicine cat, but he had 33 moons of experience under his belt. Even as a warrior he could tell something wasn't quite right.
As Dustlark mentioned being out an overwhelming sense of longing filled Dogchase. He wanted the breeze between his ears. The dirt beneath his claws. He wanted to run and climb and stretch his legs. To feel the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of the catch. He wanted to be useful. Instead he rested his chin on his paws. "Yeah sure maybe I could tell you a thing or two. Just don't get too sick, ya hear?" He peeked up at Dustlark with the beginnings of a smile formulating on his maw. This feeling...whatever it was it had been a long time.
[If you're good with it let's wrap this up and then maybe do a little interaction as Dust is leaving?]
Dustlark
{A calico tom with intelligent eyes}
A gave Dogchase a tired smile and shifted down into a sitting position on one of the nearby nests. Why am I so tired all of a sudden. His eyelids felt like lead. They were almost unbearably heavy. He fought as hard as he could against the sleep that was creeping onto him, but it was a losing battle. I can't just fall asleep in the middle of this conversation. He got in a "Can't wait to hear about it. We'll be outta here in no time" Before he drifted off into a deepish sleep. Snoring occasionally.
(Sorry it's so short didn't know what else to add )
A Cough and a Concussion
