The Starcave

[littlelove]

A huff of warm air plumed out of her mouth and wisped away into the cold night as Cinderpaw padded closely behind Sundust. A half moon meeting, he had told her, and Starclan had been ignoring them for an embarassing amount of moons at this point. Maybe, just maybe, if he brought a cat who had been among their ranks...

Well, the overgrown apprentice certainly wouldn't call what she had experienced Starclan, but if she could make those assholes pay attention to the clan they made pay for everything for once? She certainly wouldn't want to miss that chance. So the speckled molly found herself in front of the Starcave on this frosty night, somewhere she'd never been before -- and she wondered if she'd ever see it again after this.

Sundust didn't hesitate as they came up on the sacred sight, but Cinderpaw found herself frozen. There would be other clans here tonight -- Windclan, Riverclan, and Shadowclan. She wasn't sure which of the latter two she hated more at this point. Taking in a deep breath, she could smell the stale scent of the moors and a distinct murky fragrance come from nearby. Windclan and Riverclan -- thankfully, those weasels hadn't muddied up their meeting grounds... yet.

The molly unsheathed her claws, and letting out another puff of air, she trudged ahead towards the shadows that sat by the cave entrance. She could hear Sundust's voice addressing the two other medics here already, and she turned to look at them.

A tom about the same size of her, mottled white and black and mismatched eyes. A younger molly who couldn't have been much older than 12 moons, brown and marked with darker dapples. They were familiar, but not really. She'd seen them at gatherings, maybe. Cinderpaw didn't offer the either of them greetings, though, instead absentmindedly scratching her claws against stone and avoiding their eye contact. Hell of a bodyguard she was.

[ @birdie @x ghostie @naiad @Ravensong @TheNyanCatMinecart ]

[TheNyanCatMinecart]

~ IVYSNAKE OF SHADOWCLAN ~

Ivysnake hadn't bothered waiting for her mentor. Elmshadow would arrive soon enough. The tall she-cat padded through the pine forest beyond ShadowClan territory, breathing in the sharp, sappy scents that were both familiar and unfamiliar. Snow crunched beneath her paws, and globs occasionally slid from the green-needled branches. Ivysnake, with her good sense of perception, sidestepped them with ease. Only one fell on her head. Annoyed, the medicine cat apprentice shook it off and continued on her way. It was cold. The bite of leaf-bare sank into her skin, bypassing her short yet thick pelt. But she didn't mind. She kept her fur as flat and sleek as ever, weaving between the shadows, her black-striped pelt mimicking the shapes of the branches above. Against the snow, it stood out starkly, but there were always shadows to hide in. With practiced stealth and swiftness, Ivysnake approached the mouth of the Starcave and paused for a moment to peer at the other arrivals.

Cowpaw was sitting at the entrance. His huge shape seemed to fill it, his white fur blending with the snow and standing out against the dark gray rock. His black splotches had an opposite yet similar effect, merging with the night and boldly announcing their presence against the cold white powder coating the earth. Next to him was Fawnlight, whose full name had been announced at the Gathering. Ivysnake's sharp, piercing amber eyes narrowed. There seemed to be a change in the rosetted light brown she-cat, whose pelt was washed out by starlight. She held herself taller, not a hunched coward, nor was she flanked by RiverClan warriors who had no right being at the Starcave. She also looked older, more mature. Ivysnake was mildly interested. She'd have to talk to Fawnlight directly and see whether or not she was a babbling frog-brain.

There were two other shapes nearby. One was Sundust, who looked like a ridiculous fluffball. Surely the other was Roseraven. But... Ivysnake peered closer from her spot, hidden in the shadows of the pine trees. It had been a while, but she recognized the massive dark gray shape, adorned with lighter speckles. It was Cinderpaw. Ivysnake's eyes narrowed. She remembered the overgrown apprentice well. Last they'd met, it had been at ShadowClan's brief takeover of ThunderClan, and the ThunderClan she-cat had crushed her throat. But Ivysnake had left some deep gouges on her stomach, so that was a plus. On a more important note, hadn't Cinderpaw died? Perhaps StarClan somehow deemed her important enough to return. I doubt she's an apprentice anyone.

In her typical fashion, Ivysnake slunk forward, disappearing into the shadows and seeming to magically reappear in front of the other medicine cats - and the ThunderClan cat, who was sporting a significant amount of scars. "Hello," she meowed in her usual flat, monotone, but still slightly menacing voice. Her amber gaze turned to Cinderpaw. "I heard you died. StarClan must've had a good reason for sending you back. They probably thought you'd be a good warrior. Surely you're not an apprentice anymore. What's your new name?" Her voice held a stiff formality. Ivysnake did not sit down at first, but after a moment, she settled beside the others, tucking her sleek tabby tail around her paws. Unlike Sundust, who resembled a ginger burr, the medicine cat apprentice kept her pelt sleek and flat. "We can exchange news once the others arrive, or whenever you all so choose, but once the time arrives, we shouldn't waste time in getting down to the Starcave," she suggested, though it didn't sound much like a suggestion, scanning the others. Her breath puffed out in grayish-white clouds, and whenever they passed in front of her face, her amber eyes pierced through. She may be formal, but she was always fierce, always watching, always a nightmare of the shadows.

@daenerys @x ghostie @naiad @Ravensong @littlelove @Shade.

[Pitou]

**Elmshadow**

@TheNyanCatMinecart @littlelove @naiad @daenerys @x ghostie [Sorry this is...not good. Zero Low motivation but I don't want to hold anything up><]

Stalking through the chilled forest, Elmshadow set a brisk pace. He'd gotten a slightly later start than he would've liked but if the others had gotten started without him he wasn't sure he'd care much. He didn't feel the connection with their ancestors that so many others seemed to feel, especially as medicine cats. They were dead cats, they'd need to do something more noteworthy than simply dying to earn any particular respect from him. He moved into view of the awning mouth of the Starcave and made out the shapes of five others waiting. His green eyes narrowed slightly though he didn't slow his even pace. He recognized the shapes of Cowpaw and Ivysnake quickly, Fawnlight and Sundust were picked out soon after, though he noticed the cat with Sundust did not appear to be Roseraven. He kept his eyes on the less familiar cat as he approached, stopping near Ivysnake who was being her usual self in her diplomatic way. He kept on his paws but made no other move to associate or conversate with the other medicine cats.

[wolfie]

❀ ೃ⁀➷ @TheNyanCatMinecart @littlelove @naiad @daenerys @Ravensong || running under the assumption this takes place after the gathering since cowpaw doesn't have his fullname there ! jsyk!
A figure came into view and Cowpaw lit up with joy. Pleased that he would not have to sit alone with his thoughts any longer. He dipped his large head in greeting to the fellow medicine cat. The light from the moon made it a struggle to pick out any defining features that may give away who this was. Then again, he was really only familiar with Fawnlight's defining features.

The sweet voice and blue eyes gave it all once she came closer and Cowpaw felt himself relax. "Twigkit is doing just fine ... thank you for bringing him home... I am sorry for the trouble caused, still, " He gestured, "And Riverclan..? Is leaf-bare being kind to all..?" He paused, a memory clicking in place. He let out a gasp, leaning forward. "While I believe.. the weather is cold enough that.. they are no worry.. I must warn you against the snails...! Evil buggers, devious,.. just devious! They attacked my poor storage .. " Cowpaw shook his head, sticking out his tongue. He did not declare distaste for many, but snails were on his naughty list!

"The only true.. damage ..was the marigold.. a shame, I did find other.. golden flowers that..." He seemed to stop signing, looking behind Fawnlight's shoulder. This was.. confusing. Awfully confusing? He could hear Sundust's voice, but he ... he had a friend with him.. An escort he said, but this was truly a friend. A potential friend.

There was a sudden gasp that came from the splotched medicine cat, a happy squeak of glee and there he went - rushing to greet Cinderpaw properly. He was bouncing on his paws, gesturing to her one floppy ear and then both of his. They had similarities! He's never seen another cat with similar ears, besides his family, it was neat!! Neat, neat!!! Cowpaw turned to look towards Fawnlight, repeating the gestures to both of their ears.

"It is truly wonderful how variant ears can be.. I mean.." Well, now he was distracted. An unfortunate fate. He scrambled up to Sundust, peering at the tom's ears with curiosity. Very much ears. Then he looked at Fawnlight's. She had good ears too. Then, uh, he squinted his eyes at the next cat who appeared.

Man, one day he would improve at this guessing game. At least it was easy to tell it was Ivysnake. She always had... interesting.. remarks. Ahem. His floppy ears lowered as she talked to uhm... Sundust's escort? Cowpaw didn't really understand, and while there was this .. okay he, he had his own questions. He did not know hello, this cool cat had been brought back to life - but it couldn't have been a nice event!! He was frowning at Ivysnake. Staring rather... intensely. If only for a mere moment before his attention was drove away.

Cowpaw nodded in agreement, "Is.. there any announcements to share...? Windclan is well.. ah, I have not found .. any new herbs... apologizes.. but I do believe we can start.. when.." speak of the devil, there was Elmshadow. By process of elimination, he figured this was him! (Hehe.) He dipped his head in greeting, deciding to take a nice seat because he was still, actually standing? For some reason. "Any announcements?" He brings both of his paws to his mouth, one claw was unsheathed on both of his paws before pulling his paws away from himself.

[taillow]

Fawnlight
The tension in her shoulders visibly relaxed as Cowpaw confirmed that Twigkit was healing and doing alright. Fawnlight had found herself worrying over him quiet a bit, so it was a relief to hear. Nonetheless, the RiverClan medicine cat expected no less as her faith in Cowpaw was more resolute than anything. "I'm glad. It is somewhat relieving to know that RiverClan is not the only Clan who has rather adventurous kits." Hopefully the new kit curriculums that had been implemented would curb that.

"We are well. The frost has killed most of what could be found, but we've been alright. Plus, thankfully I know how to save some herbs to get through the colder moons. I can teach you, if you'd like." Memories of Marigoldleap teaching her how to bury certain plants to preserve them through the harshest temperatures of leaf-bare rang in her mind; maybe it would be helpful to the others.

The information on snails was useful, and surprising. Fawnlight couldn't recall if she had ever seen one, but it was good to know for the future. She gave a nod and soft smile. "I will be sure to watch out for snails, thank you." Gratitude shown clearly in her gaze as she nodded to Cowpaw.

Before much more could be said however the scent of arriving cats brushed past her nose. Fawnlight turned to see Sundust padding towards them, trailed by a rather large cat. "Good evening, Sundust." Her gaze flickered to the cat with him (who was definitely not Roseraven). Wait... she knew this cat. Faint memories of her kithood swirled back to her, and her blue eyes widen in recognition. "Cinderpaw!" She doubted the apprentice recalled her, as she had only been Fawnkit then. But stars, she remembered her. At once a sharp claw dug its way into her heart, but she refrained from allowing any pity in her eyes; something told her the scarred she-cat wouldn't appreciate it.

There wasn't much allotted time to expand on the confusion that swirled about before the familiar faces of ShadowClan's medicine cats came into view. Shifting her gaze to Ivysnake, Fawnlight refused to allow a shiver to pass through her - not this time. She met the medicine cat apprentices' glare with a slight rise of her head, though her glittering blue eyes held no challenge nor hostility - only a soft gleam accompanied by a tiny smile in greeting.

Her interrogation of Cinderpaw didn't sit well in Fawnlight's stomach, but she knew better than to reignite that flame. Some sort of tension seemed to be in the air - perhaps leftover flames from ShadowClan's brief stint in ThunderClan? Flicking her tail off to the side, she glanced towards the apprentice before back to Ivysnake. "The only one we are waiting for appears to be your mentor," she replied, her tone void of any emotion other than neutrality and matter-of-fact.

Speaking of, the medicine cat seemed to arrive then, to which Fawnlight nodded in greeting. "I hope things are well in ShadowClan." She would be cordial, and polite, but as of right now she saw no real point in engaging with either medicine cat beyond a greeting. They had made it clear they wanted nothing to do with her, and she had too many thoughts occupying her mind to waste time for either medicine cat.

Soon enough Cowpaw took the reigns and Fawnlight turned to give her full attention to the WindClan medicine cat. "I have discovered a plant that appears to grow well, even in the snow." Eyes flickered over the gathered group as she decided to share her latest discovery. Memories of finding the plant tucked away underneath frosted undergrowth rang clear in her mind, and how it had helped heal some particularly nasty wounds. "They're yellow, with thick petals, and shaped a bit like bluebells. I must admit I do not know if this is the name of them, but I have taken to calling them yellow bells. They appear to withstand leaf-bare temperatures and work similar to marigold in helping with wounds once chewed into a poultice." Hopefully that information would be of some use - and perhaps one of the medicine cats would even know which herb she was talking about.

There wasn't much more to add to that, so Fawnlight simply dipped her head to indicate that was all she had to share. "That was all, really. I am ready to head down whenever you all are as well."

[ @x ghostie @naiad @littlelove @Ravensong @TheNyanCatMinecart - the herb Fawnlight discovered was broom! but since there's no realistic way for her to know that, she's been calling them yellow bells since they appear to look like the bluebell flower ]

[beau]

Oh, good! It looked like everyone had made it to the meeting. Sundust watched carefully at everyone’s reaction to Cinderpaw. Ivysnake immediately began speaking to Cinderpaw, which surprised him, but he said nothing. Instead he looked for Cinderpaw’s response - he knew she had been on edge around the other clans, and Ivysnake had been one of the cats who personally oversaw the invasion of ThunderClan. Fawnlight seemed to recognize her as well, and Sundust wondered if that had something to do with her time in RiverClan - hopefully that memory wouldn’t be too sore for her. Cowpaw seemed ecstatic by Cinderpaw’s presence, and after a moment of trying to interpret the young tom’s excited movements Sundust realized he was pointing out the similarities of their ears - his whiskers twitched with amusement at the revelation.

Fawnlight began speaking once more, and Sundust listened with intrigue as she began describing a plant - one that functioned like marigold and grew in leafbare! “Yellowbells..” He repeated, wanting to make sure he could recall it correctly. He would have to look for some tomorrow. “Thank you, Fawnlight, that’s very helpful. StarClan knows we go through marigold too fast in the Leafbare.” It was true - Sundust found himself in an exceptionally tight spot especially since about a quarter of his marigold supply had gone bad out of no where. He’s have to keep an eye out for those snails Cowpaw had mentioned as well - perhaps he could find some way to keep them out of the herb storage.

@littlelove @Ravensong @TheNyanCatMinecart @daenerys @x ghostie

[littlelove]

Near instantly, Cinderpaw found herself bombarded by the other two young medicine cats. She never really paid much attention to the attention to the rank, let alone see either of these two up close -- were they all so young? Jeez. A cold and uncomfortable jolt shot through her veins when the Riverclanner even knew her by name. "...Yeah," She rasped. Not wanting to address her remaining anger and discomfort at the guppies lest it boil over, she instead focused on the black and white tom.

He was... Gesturing. A much more knowledgeable side of her said that this was probably sign, but the apprentice, uh... didn't know it. None of the deaf cats she interacted with on a regular basis in Thunderclan seemed to use it. However, at the sight of the tom's silent words, a flicker of an idea lit in her head. Maybe there was someone who could...

"D'yuh, uh... ears, they're pretty cool, huh? Glad I have'em. Even if this one doesn't st-stand up 'nymore." The apprentice mumbled, poking a paw at her once upright ear that had begun to fold downward thanks to a particularly lucky strike from that coyote. "Uh. Sorry. I du-dunno anything you're saying. Don't hafta talk though. Do you know a-any words that would be like... easy to feel?" It would be a shot in the dark, but there was a kid in her clan that was seemed particularly hard to reach -- she couldn't imagine being both blind and deaf at the same time, but she figured that was how Blazekit had always lived. It couldn't be so uncomprehensible if he was living his life just fine, and if they could find a reliable way to communicate with him, that couldn't be anything but good... right?

Before she could try to decode his answer, though, a marshy and unbearable scent floated across their little meeting spot. Dammit. Cinderpaw could feel her fur bristle and hackles raise as Ivysnake slipped out of the shadow. Of course the weasel wanted to speak to her, first, just her luck. She held back all of her temptation to scream and claw the medicine cat as she crept forward. Can't protect them if you're exiled, can't protect them if you're exiled...

Desperate to hold onto any little bit of rationality she still had, Cinderpaw gave the devil a blunt answer. "I don't give my name to Shadowclanners." Giving a name wouldn't change her status as a plaything - if anything, letting the weasels know she still had an apprentice's name would only give them more ammo (even if she did wear it as a badge of honor). She wasn't interested in being put on trial for murdering another clan's medic tonight if she was tempted by insults.

As soon as the other healers mentioned going into the cave, the apprentice didn't waste any time. She pushed ahead, claws glinting in the moonlight, and squeezed through the far-too-small for her entrance. It was like she wasn't meant to be here.

The first thing that met her eyes as they adjusted to the darkness was the grand, almost glowing pristine gem that stretched from floor to ceiling. Once, she would have been amazed -- instead now she just stared at the thing dully. A monument that took all of their prayers and gave them nothing in return. The usher stood idly, waiting for the rest of them to make their way in and for Sundust to hopefully give those deserters a piece of Thunderclan's mind.

[ @x ghostie @naiad @daenerys @Ravensong @TheNyanCatMinecart ]

[TheNyanCatMinecart]

~ IVYSNAKE OF SHADOWCLAN ~

Ivysnake glanced at the other medicine cats, not quite sure what they were up to. Cowpaw had been looking at Fawnlight's ears, and now he was staring at her, his expression unusually intense. She didn't pay it much mind. Whatever foolishness the bumbling, oversized tom was up to wasn't any of her concern. It probably has to do with the silliness and immaturity the other Clans seem to enforce. ShadowClan was usually good at keeping a formal, proper air, and Ivysnake was no exception. Even now she stood rigid, her face a mask of indifference despite the intensity that wreathed her and the gleam in her amber eyes, her short fur remaining slicked back even though she was cold to the bone. At least Cowpaw agreed with her words, nodding and signing with his paws. Centipedepaw might have vanished - the frog-brain, he'd had potential, but of course he had to waste it by going missing - but she was getting better at understanding paw signs, difference or no difference in the various languages. Ivysnake interpreted something about the others speaking... announcements? And WindClan. Not finding plants... herbs. An apology? Why in the Dark Forest was he apologizing? Weak soft-heart. And something about starting. Okay, she'd gleaned enough to have a basic understanding.

The tall dark brown tabby's attention was drawn away by Fawnlight's greeting. The younger she-cat did not look scared, not this time. Her head was confidently lifted into the air and, although she didn't look defiant, she carried a mien of confidence as her vibrant blue eyes met Ivysnake's piercing amber ones. She was smiling, too, another show of the other Clans' softness. Ivysnake only allowed a twitch of one of her pointed ears. She was mildly surprised at this change in attitude, but the feeling didn't show. It was contained, suppressed, and quickly winked out before it even touched her eyes. You'll still weak, going about and smiling at everyone like they're your friends. Fawnlight could be as friendly and foolish as she wanted to be. Ivysnake care much for the other Clans unless she had to, and she came to these meetings for two reasons: one, obligation, and two, the knowledge she could gain from the other Clans. Redshrike was right. The other Clans can be useful, but we mustn't bow to them. We mustn't let them think we're weak. Her claws slid out and sank into the wet, freezing earth. They glinted in the half-moon's light. She would never let that happen, not as long as she had breath in her body.

Fawnlight's words brought her back to the unnaturally wet leaf-bare, the familiar shadows of the night, and the mingled scents of the other Clans. The RiverClan medicine cat had made quick work of speaking after her question to Cinderpaw. She was referencing the fact that Elmshadow had not yet arrived, a quip that was only backed up by context since her tone was neutral and factual; someone stating things as they were. She really had changed. For the better, though that didn't stop her from being a soft-heart like Cowpaw and the others who were too weak to see why ShadowClan had the best ideals. Oh, and look at that, Elmshadow arrived. Like Ivysnake, his dark pelt blended into the shadows while his eyes glimmered brightly against them, though this did not hinder their stealth. She gave her mentor a cool nod and meowed to Fawnlight, "You seem to have learned something between now and our last half-moon meeting, but patience doesn't seem to be it." Her voice, similar to Fawnlight's, was flat, yet it remained imposing with the hinted - contextually, not tonally - quip.

As Fawnlight asked Elmshadow about ShadowClan, Ivysnake let her attention go to Cinderpaw once more. The dark gray tabby she-cat's hackles had risen, and her fur was bristling. There was also the huge scar across her face - hadn't Ivysnake given that to her? She'd given one to that tom, Bumblepaw - now Bumblebreak, she remembered. Perhaps I gave it to them both. As her first battle, and the one proceeding her warrior name, Ivysnake felt like she should remember it better, especially considering the sharp mind she had. But the battle had still been a battle, and the medicine cat apprentice found no need to dwell on it. She instead listened to the massive ThunderClan cat's response, which was simply that she didn't give her name to ShadowClan cats. Ivysnake snorted. Really? She was about to make another one of those comments when she wondered whether she should cause something to break out tonight. The others weren't violent, but she knew the drive Cinderpaw had, the fire that had burned in her green eyes all those moons ago even as Ivysnake - then Ivypaw - had cut deep into her stomach. Oh, how she longed for the scent of blood in her nostrils and the taste of it in her mouth. Things had been too peaceful for too long. But what would Dawnstar think? Did she want a conflict at the moment? I'll humor the squirrel for the time being. "Fine, if it bothers you that much," Ivysnake replied, sounding as uninterested as ever. "I'll keep calling you Cinderpaw, then." She'd wanted to ask if Cinderpaw was ashamed of her name, but oh well.

Turning her attention back to the other medicine cats, Ivysnake found that Cowpaw was once again asking for announcements. Fawnlight replied first, her dappled light brown pelt washed out by the moonlight as she began talking about an herb. Ivysnake's dark brown ears pricked with interest. This was what she was here for. And communicating with the Dark Forest. Maybe StarClan if the overfed, light-loving soft-hearts wanted to chat. She listened closely as the fish described the herb, not caring much about the bluebell descriptor as she did not know what the flower looked like. But she could envision it well enough. Yellow bells. That was what Fawnlight had decided to call them. No, Ivysnake had not seen the herb before, or at least hadn't learned it. Sundust didn't seem to know what it was, either. So, I suppose we're not getting an official name for it unless the other medicine cats recognize it. Considering the herb knowledge they'd shared at the last meeting, Ivysnake doubted they did.

"I haven't heard of it," the medicine cat apprentice replied. Despite the way her dark brown fur blended into the night-shadows, the moonlight accentuated her distinctive, ivy-like black stripes, and the mingled light and shadow made it look as if they were moving as they entwined themselves around her. "I'll check to see if any grows in our territory." She wouldn't say it out loud, but Sundust was right: an herb such as that would be very useful. Fawnlight's description was committed to mental memory. Ivysnake's sharp amber eyes slid around the rest of the gathered cats, wondering if they had any input - and she especially wondered if Elmshadow had been taught about this herb in one of his secret night-visits. I doubt it. He'd have told me long before now, considering how useful this herb sounds. Yet he should've been telling her everything. Ivysnake did not let any of her emotions show beyond an intensity in her eyes and a silent question she was sure only her mentor could decipher as her eyes lingered on him only a heartbeat longer than they did on the other medicine cats, then continued on.

Oh, Cinderpaw was missing. Where had the overaged apprentice - if she still was one, which seemed likely unless she was humiliating herself out of spite - gone? Ivysnake knew not to only use her sense of sight and tasted the air. Amid the mingling scents of all four Clans, she detected the ThunderClan odor weaving its way into the Starcave. Her eyes narrowed. I see the squirrel decided to go down before us. Not that she was meant to be here. It seemed as if everyone enjoyed bringing uninvited guests, although Fawnlight's from last time had at least been justified. Did it have to do with the fact that Cinderpaw had died? I don't care if the frog-brain insults StarClan or the other medicine cats, Ivysnake thought, rolling her eyes before turning back to the medicine cats and continuing to listen to their conversation. Other than the little twinge of spite she felt toward Cinderpaw, she didn't care for the squirrel, not one bit.

@Ravensong @x ghostie @daenerys @naiad @littlelove

[Pitou]

**Elmshadow**

@TheNyanCatMinecart @littlelove @naiad @daenerys @x ghostie

There was an air of disconnectedness as his green eyes moved over the other medicine cats and Thunderclan's escort. He gave a curt nod to Fawnlight. Against all desire to associate with the other clans' medicine cats as little as possible, something about Fawnlight's new demeanor intrigued him. "Shadowclan is well. Leafbare has been good to us, at least giving us nothing we weren't prepared to handle."

He flicked an ear in the direction of the Thunderclanner's sharp retort and felt the fur prickling along his spine. He hadn't noticed it immediately but it suddenly became clear that what he'd felt walking in had mostly been radiating from Ivysnake and that Thunderclanner, there was a resentful hostility and Ivysnake appeared to be stoking it. He shot a warning green stare at the scarred Thunderclanner. If Thunderclan wanted to start something at a halfmoon gathering, Elmshadow had no qualms against using claws to back up the medicine cat apprentice, though he wasn't convinced he'd need to. The other medicine cats would surely shy from a fight at such a meeting and Ivysnake was as strictly trained in warrior fighting as he himself was, as well as that Thunderclanner. But as quickly as it had seemed to bubble up, the tension dissipated and Elmshadow turned his attention back toward Fawnlight and Sundust as they discussed the yellow bells. He made a note then had a thought. "I found a green herb. Small and fragile but it has a strong smell and leaves shaped like miniature maple leaves. I haven't found a specific use for it other than it doesn't help against fevers or coughs but it's safe enough to eat. It is a good alternative to lavender though for masking scents. I'm not sure what it's called."

[wolfie]

❀ ೃ⁀➷ @daenerys @TheNyanCatMinecart @littlelove @naiad @Ravensong ||
Cowpaw smiled softly at the statement. Ah yes, adventurous kits. He couldn't even bring himself to be frustrated with them when they were simply having so much fun, expressing themself.

Interest shown in his eyes at the offer of more knowledge, especially knowledge that would help him greatly. The splotched medicine cat gave the nod of his head. He could've sworn Snakeheart had mentioned a way to do so but, in all honesty, he had been caught up on learning catmint.

He dipped his head in response to her gratitude, a way of accepting it.

His attention shifted to Cinderpaw. Ah! Right! She didn't really seem to understand his gestures, nothing surprising. She was asking a peculiar question, at least in his own belief. Why... why touch? She could see him, as she had saw his excitement about ears... hm! He hopped up to his paws, approaching the apprentice. Right. Cowpaw had to figure out how to teach a few basics while the other discussed. Hm. The first one that came to mind was sorry and hungry.

He reached forward to attempt to gently touch Cinderpaw, making a cupped paw and starting at the start of her chest to the end. Then, he pulled back, nodding to confirm that was the sign. In an attempt to explain the meaning, he gestured to his stomach and chomped his teeth. Hungry.

The other sign, Cowpaw attempted to press his pad against Cinderpaw and make a circular motion twice with an apologetic expression. Nodding his head to confirm it was done, he thought over how to... explain. Ah. With nervousness begun to rise he tapped his mouth to grab Cinderpaw's attention to it. With that he formed the shapes of the syllables for, "Sor-ry, "

He smiled brightly, right-so! He could offer more later on, he decided. She.. did not seem to like the appearance of Ivysnake. Hm, perhaps .. in the future he could teach Cinderpaw the code he had made up. That would be fun.. Yes, yes.

Cowpaw watched the exchange between Ivysnake and Fawnlight with an unreadable expression. He enjoyed all things mysterious, Ivysnake... well, she was an enigma of sorts. At least to him. He wanted to believe there was a way to befriend her and her expressing interest in learning from him .. had made him believe there was a way. Perhaps she was having a bad day. Cowpaw decided on that.

The gentle giant happily listened to both Fawnlight's and Elmshadow's piece of information. He would be storing this in his head, thank you! The yellow bells would be especially useful. He dipped his head once more in thanks but, while he would've shared the golden flowers he had discovered - though, not sure what their use was of - he was caught by surprise to see Cinderpaw was... heading into the cave.

Blink. Blink.

Okay!!

Without another thought, Cowpaw hopped to his paws and followed after in trail. He was brimming with excitement. The crystal caught his breath away. It would every time. Peacefulness washed over him and almost hypnotized, he stepped up to it with wide eyes. Sometimes he couldn't believe Starclan had chosen him. It was... a dream come true.

With a happy and fond sigh, Cowpaw pressed his forehead against the surface. Hello, ancestors.

As impolite as it was, he slid down into a laying position - pressing his nose against the surface and... letting his eyes flicker closer...