[So as far as I can recall Mosspaw's mom was an outsider and not a part of WindClan. Twi's paws are tied there as she's not going to spend to much time worrying about an outsiders death.]
Twilightstar flattened her ears at the news received from Lionscar. A new problem, wonderful. She glanced at Mosspaw with sympathy.
"I'm sorry that you lost your mother like this Mosspaw. However, as far as I can recall your mother is an outsider. Unfortunately, I can't waste warriors on matters that don't pertain to WindClan. The best I can do for you is have the warriors keep an eye on the borders." She told him softly. There were also way too many questions involved that Twilightstar didn't look forward to getting wrapped up in.
Her scowl deepened when only Flowerpaw arrived. Where the hell was Batshriek? If the tom was ignoring her summons, she finally understood Crowtooth's and Lightingstorm's concerns. She was going to have to get to the bottom of that later but first Flowerpaw.
"Flowerpaw, I've already warned you about causing trouble around the clan. Yet I've received reports regarding lying, harassment, disobedience, and suspicious activity. You're lying to our medicine cat and harassing her for a rank that you've neither earned nor deserved, you're ineptitude to follow your patrol leader's orders along with the strange amount of prey you brought in has brought concern from clanmates. I've concluded that clan life is not for you. You cannot work well with others. Perhaps you'll do better as a loner or rogue, but you are exiled from WindClan." The she-cat has proven she's too much trouble and unfit for the clans.
"I need you to leave WindClan, if you're found in our territory after you will be treated as a threat and chased off or killed."
Small, skinny, black she-cat with a light gray belly and tail-tip, a mangled tail, a crooked jaw, and one blind eye.
Twistedpaw sniffled and swallowed the phlegm that congealed in her throat. Her jaw ached from all the talking despite the warm, dry weather. But she was so glad she'd done it. Twilightstar really is the best leader ever. She was so kind, welcoming, and strong-willed. I wish she could be leader forever. StarClan forbid anything happen to her. What will she say? The apprentice's stomach was tight with anticipation, and her heart pounded with hope.
Silence stretched on for a long while. Discomfort began to crawl through Twistedpaw's matted black pelt like ants. Her working eye darted around the dimly lit den. Twilightstar did have an answer, she knew. Her leader was wise. She just has to think. Still, her stomach flopped like a nervous rabbit.
Finally, after what felt like moons, Twilightstar's expression changed. A warm smile touched her lilac-gray face, shimmering from the shadows of the den. Twistedpaw felt her muscles relax. Hope flourished anew. Her single tiny ear pricked. She was going to get an answer!
A pang of pity rocked her as Twilightstar talked about her brother. Her ear flattened against her round head. That's awful! She didn't know what the accident was, or why Twilightstar thought she had caused it, but she wasn't going to invade her privacy by asking. It was strange to think of Twilightstar being young, with siblings and a mother. But everyone has their own story. Every cat, no matter where they came from, had something that was a part of them, some tale that ran deeper than what the eye could see - or, if the eye could see it, it didn't tell the whole story. Twilightstar's plethora of scars showed that she had experienced many battles, much pain and suffering, but they didn't speak of the scenario she had been in that caused her to earn the scar or how it had affected her as a cat. Perhaps that was why some judged Twistedpaw based on her deformities alone. They failed to see the cat behind the scars.
Take all that pain and hurt and make meaning of it. Twistedpaw dwelled on these words as Twilightstar kept speaking. Seeking her own path... finding the light inside... guiding others... The words touched something deep within her. I want to help others. I want to make them happy. She'd long since learned that she couldn't please everyone. She couldn't spend her time stressing over those who acted out because of the way she looked. However, I can make others feel happy, better, by being myself. By pushing through the pain, being kind, giving them that light. With a flicker of grief, she remembered something Cowtuft had said to her many moons ago, when she'd still been a confused kit unsure of the world.
You are sweeter than the sweetest nectar...
Fireflame and Brightpaw had always supported her, too, through the rough and dark times, the pain and the suffering. Twistedpaw could pay that forward. Instead of crumpling under the pressure, she could keep going on for her Clan. And... and for myself.
It wouldn't be easy. Twilightstar made that clear. And Twistedpaw understood that. There was pain, agony even, and grief on the horizon. More losses that would tear into her with teeth and claws and suck so much of her blood that she wasn't sure how much of herself would remain. That thought was terrifying. And yet... there were so many good things, too. Making new friends. Serving WindClan as a warrior. Making others happy. Squirrelrise's smile still stuck out in her mind. It didn't matter that she was from ShadowClan. Twistedpaw had still helped someone, another anxious cat who wasn't sure of her place. She wanted to keep doing that.
Twistedpaw could turn her pain into something meaningful. Instead of letting it destroy her, she could keep moving forward, not just for herself, but for others, too.
She smiled and leaned forward to touch her nose to Twilightstar's fur, rough scars contrasting with her soft pelt. "Thank you. That's... that's exactly what I needed to hear. I want to help others as much as I can. I want to be happy for me, too. Instead of letting the pain destroy me... I need to keep living. Both for myself and for others." Fireflame and Brightpaw had been devastated to see her so upset. They'd want her to keep living, moving forward. That didn't mean Twistedpaw couldn't mourn them, but she couldn't be stuck mourning them forever.
Something else crossed her mind. Something she wanted - no, she needed - to ask. Twistedpaw settled herself more comfortably on the cool wood, trying not to look too longingly at Twilightstar's mossy nest. "So... I've been hearing a lot about this Ashfeather cat." A tingle ran down her spine. All this wondering, and she would finally get an answer. "I know she looked exactly like me. Which is strange, because I know I look so different from everyone else. Who was she? And... and who was Rosebriar?" The memory of the screeching starry cat assaulted her mind, and her fur bristled.
"I - I don't know how much you know... but, when I went out with Wolffang, this StarClan cat appeared. She was called Rosebriar. She and Wolffang were littermates. She said some things about... about them hating cats like me in the past. Wolffang didn't anymore. He's always been friendly toward me. But Rosebriar was so angry that she somehow manifested the giant pile of carrion to lure the coyote. She wanted to kill both of us." She shuddered. "Rosebriar also rejected StarClan, somehow. She chose to live in the Dark Forest. She must've been evil. Ashfeather... Rosebriar... Wolffang... all these past names. They have some kind of story to tell. Something that happened that I still don't know. What was it?"
She was glad that her words inspired the younger cat. It always filled her heart with warmth knowing that she brightened someone's day up even if it's in the smallest of ways.
The topic shifted to a more touchy subject, Rosebriar, Wolffang, and Ashfeather. It wasn't a story that Twilightstar wanted to get into, but despite being an apprentice, Twistedpaw was old enough to know about this. So the leader moved to get more comfortable in her nest and beckoned Ashpaw to join her with a twitch of her tail tip.
"I'll tell you what I can." That meant what she heard, she hadn't been all that involved in those three lives, but clan gossiped. "Wolffang and Rosebriar were siblings, they grew up with certain views on cats' bloodlines and were rather a discriminator towards cats with disabilities thanks to their mother, Featherwhisker's, teachings. They were quite cruel to young Ashfeather, whose mother left her to fend for herself not long after birth. As WindClan was under quite a lot of stress, and I, new to leadership and trying to keep the clan stable, Ashfeather's abuse was overlooked by the clan."
Looking back, she did feel quite a bit of guilt for not doing anything about that. Twilightstar felt like she was making excuses. However, there had been quite a lot of pressure on her shoulders, and the clan was in chaos. One kit's misery went unseen or unheard.
"Ashfeather's life was not easy, she didn't have the same support or mentor you do, but she always managed to somehow push through all the sorrow and horror in her life and find something to keep her going. Few showed the same devotion and bravery she did throughout her life. She served WindClan as both a mother and a warrior, although she did end up losing the family she created as her mate and kits left her life one by one. However, she didn't let it keep her down for long and helped raise my kits, who she loved like her own and died for after a mishap at the border brought Dawnstar's fury down on them. She died protecting the ones she loved, like a true warrior and mother." It had been a sad but honorable death.
"Wolffang grew and changed not long after he became a deputy. He started becoming remorseful and guilty of his views and past actions towards those with disabilities, I do believe he and Ashfeather eventually found some sort of peace with each other. He did his best to patch up things with those he hurt in the past after being demoted from deputy. He grew more open and accepting of others, and like Ashfeather died a hero." Wolffang's story came full circle, even though it still troubled how he died, she was glad that he fell fighting for someone he once loathed. It only further proved his growth.
"Rosebriar, although a good warrior, I don't think she ever grew out of her vain views or ableism. She loathed those with disabilities, not even after getting mauled by a dog that left her with horrendous scars during an attack on WindClan's camp changed her mind. She eventually vanished from WindClan, it's a pity to hear what's become of her in the afterlife. She still couldn't let go of her hatred." It was rather disappointing and sad to hear how far she'd go. The molly would rot in the darkest depths of the Dark Forest. She yawned softly as she concluded her tale.
The clan leader rested on her unscarred side with her thoughts darting to and fro. She was thinking about everything and everything, yet nothing at all as well. It was hard for her to zone out like she could during her younger years. Leadership had made her far too responsible, Leechscar would say overly towards the clan.
She sat up hearing paw steps below her den and stared at the opening. She was waiting for Crowtooth to show up with a bang like he usually did, but instead, a petite, cheeky tortie greeted her green eye. Twilightstar pulled her paws under her body and rocked forward, standing upright after Lightingstorm's greeting.
"So radiant and lovely, I couldn't ask for a better sight to start the day." Twilightstar trilled back every so amused with the spirited medicine cat. The contrast between who she was now and who she was before she lost memories never ceased to delight her. The thought had her wondering how Firestorm was doing. She hasn't seen much of the she-cat since their talk some time ago. It was something she'd have to check up on later if the queen didn't find her first.
"So, my sunny medicine cat, what troubles do you bring me today?" Twilightstar spoke with the smallest of grins mixed with apprehension. The one day one of her high rank didn't come to her without a concern to report would probably be the day she joined StarClan.
"Hello Summerpelt," Twilightstar purred softly at the sunny cat's warm greeting. She'd never not find it strange when cats suddenly toss her random appreciation, but she wouldn't lie and say that didn't make her feel nice about herself. "Thank you, Summerpelt, and feel free to speak to Crowtooth about patrols. I'm sure he'll appreciate the help."
Summerpelt nodded cheerfully. "If you need anything involving me let me know, alright?" She smiled, and padded off. Such a lovely she-cat.
“From the dark, dark forest to the pale, pale glade, the three tiny people were very afraid.”
- InTheLittleWood (Martyn)
————————————— Sun, Stars, Moon, Comet, Eclipse, Earth
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"Common Mosspaw i know a place we can go sit for a while if you want to." He mewed he felt so bad for his apprentice. Lionscar couldn't belive that the leader could just brush it off but he also understood where Twighlight was coming from. We just have to be grateful that Mosspaws mom wasn't part of the clan. Lionscar knew a spot he could bring Mosspaw to talk. @Rustleaf
__________________
Why do i care so much about people who don't care about me?
"Common Mosspaw i know a place we can go sit for a while if you want to." He mewed he felt so bad for his apprentice. Lionscar couldn't belive that the leader could just brush it off but he also understood where Twighlight was coming from. We just have to be grateful that Mosspaws mom wasn't part of the clan. Lionscar knew a spot he could bring Mosspaw to talk. @Rustleaf
Mosspaw nodded, and meowed huskily “Yeah, I think I’d like that.”
__________________
“From the dark, dark forest to the pale, pale glade, the three tiny people were very afraid.”
- InTheLittleWood (Martyn)
————————————— Sun, Stars, Moon, Comet, Eclipse, Earth
—————————————
| Lightningstorm | 22 Moons - WindClan Medicine Cat Flock Together [Tier 3] - Active | Mind Reader - Active | Dreamwalker - Inactive
"Well look at you. All the right words even this early in the mornin'. If you think flattery and charm is getting you somewhere, I will let you know you are proper right, you are," Lightningstorm responded, eyes shining playfully as she sat, tail curling around her paws as she prepared for the unfortunate, less amicable news she had to share with the leader.
This early start to her day had been a twofold operation, if the medicine cat were to be honest with herself. True, she had reports to make. But she had also been curious as to the leader's well being. It had been a lot this past moon. What with all the death of close friends. The lithe calico couldn't really imagine what it must be like. To lose so many loved ones so quickly. She couldn't remember. But she wasn't heartless. She had seen with her own two eyes how the sorrow had eaten away at her clanmates. At cats she had slowly but surely started to see as friends. To have had Twilightstar name Crowtooth deputy the night before so suddenly... it had made her curious as to the lilac molly's state of mind.
She had figured early in the morning would be the best time to gauge her. Have her at her most earnest. As of right now, at the very least, she had to admit that the leader looked... well. Much better than she had since Wolffang's demise. Perhaps naming a deputy had taken a burden off her shoulders? Maybe it was something else. Curious the medic might be, she wasn't nosy. Private matters she left as they were... unless a threat was involved. With no such thing here, however, her countenance merely shifted, her teasing grin slowly turning milder as she begun.
"Would love to say the gifts I bear are as radiant as my looks, but no such luck there, love," Lightningstorm chirped, shoulders rolling as she went over what little she knew before reporting. It was... an oddity, after all. "There's a warrior... well, an apprentice, I suppose. Recently demoted, isn't he? Solid, light brown tom with brown eyes. Goes by the name of Sunpaw."
Maybe giving so much information wasn't required. She was certain the leader would know who she was speaking of just by the name. But the herbalist liked to make... files of sorts in her mind. Information all squared away in her brain, ready to come up to the forefront with descriptors. And for this particular case, she definitely needed that information. Because with what she knew she had to wonder... how had this cat passed his assessment? How had he gained a warrior name in the first place?
"He came to me by referral. Something about blackouts. We had agreed to be on the lookout for any triggers, so I sent him out with Deadmoon on patrol. Deadmoon didn't seem to take much notice into anything happenin', but neither did her apprentice, so I'm not all too certain this happened with them in the area. Might have gotten separated to search for herbs, or he might have been runnin' a little late. I know Deadmoon's been... stricter since the coyote," she mewed delicately, not feeling the need to further elaborate. Twilightstar had been there. She'd been the one to send the patrol. She would know what Lightningstorm was talking about.
"Regardless of the case, Sunpaw claims to have found the reason for his sudden blackouts. But it's more confusing than anything. Apparently while searching for herbs his paw got pricked by a thorn. The blood that dropped from the small wound caused him to faint. This is... problematic, innit? I'm sure you can see why. I've no clue why you demoted him. I didn't ask when he came to my den. Only knew that he had blacked out for some reason or other. And apparently it's to do with blood. The sight of blood makes him simply faint. Considering the position this puts him in, I don't think he's lying about it."
The medicine cat took a pause here, chewing on her cheek in thought. Because really... the thought alone was ridiculous. How did he hunt? How did he eat? How had he trained? Had he never been injured before? This entire thing made no sense. And yet... he hadn't seemed to be lying. Which made her curiosity all the stronger. Because what could a cat that fainted at the sight of blood have done to merit a demotion from Twilightstar herself?
Heathernose padded up to Twilightstar’s den timidly, she had never come here to speak with Twilightstar before. She wasn’t entirely sure what she was supposed to do, but she knew that letting Twilightstar know was the first step. She took a deep breath to steady herself, then held her head near the entrance. “Twilightstar? Do you have a quick moment?” She called, waiting patiently at the entrance of the den to be invited in prior to entering.
Lionscar
"Yes Twilightstar." Linscar nodded and walked out.
Flowerpaw "Ok, I'll leave but for 1 I already told the other cat that there's a spot in the territory with a bunch of mice. For 2 I asked before I became a paw again because I wanted to feel useful but I haven't lied since the incident and I haven't been harassing other cats. You're right this stupid clan is better off with fewer cats anyway!" Flowerpaw mewed. She was mad at whoever said she was harassing other cats. "Oh and tell Blossomkit that I'm leaving." She mewed expecting to be scowled at. She loved being in the clan but she knew she was just a stupid outcast. @Moonraven @Rustleaf
It was difficult to feel any sympathy for Flowerpaw since she was the one who got herself into all this trouble in the first place. "I'll see to it." Twilightstar rose and ordered the she-cat to follow her.
"Come along, I'll escort you out," Twilightstar told her. She led the molly out of her camp and straight to the border.
[Reply is optional, but from here on Flowerpaw can not be found in WindClan or she may face execution.]
[
QUOTE=Phoenix;1630756]Snowpaw tip-toed in. "Uh..... Twilightstar? I have some..... important..... news." No lying now. She was genuinly scared. She shivered. If Sunfall found out she was doing this.....
@Moonraven[/QUOTE]
Twilightstar looked over at Snowpaw as she slipped into the den quietly. Her fear scent was rather strong and left the leader worried. "Yes, what is it?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alchemist Kitsune
| Lightningstorm | 22 Moons - WindClan Medicine Cat Flock Together [Tier 3] - Active | Mind Reader - Active | Dreamwalker - Inactive
"Well look at you. All the right words even this early in the mornin'. If you think flattery and charm is getting you somewhere, I will let you know you are proper right, you are," Lightningstorm responded, eyes shining playfully as she sat, tail curling around her paws as she prepared for the unfortunate, less amicable news she had to share with the leader.
This early start to her day had been a twofold operation, if the medicine cat were to be honest with herself. True, she had reports to make. But she had also been curious as to the leader's well being. It had been a lot this past moon. What with all the death of close friends. The lithe calico couldn't really imagine what it must be like. To lose so many loved ones so quickly. She couldn't remember. But she wasn't heartless. She had seen with her own two eyes how the sorrow had eaten away at her clanmates. At cats she had slowly but surely started to see as friends. To have had Twilightstar name Crowtooth deputy the night before so suddenly... it had made her curious as to the lilac molly's state of mind.
She had figured early in the morning would be the best time to gauge her. Have her at her most earnest. As of right now, at the very least, she had to admit that the leader looked... well. Much better than she had since Wolffang's demise. Perhaps naming a deputy had taken a burden off her shoulders? Maybe it was something else. Curious the medic might be, she wasn't nosy. Private matters she left as they were... unless a threat was involved. With no such thing here, however, her countenance merely shifted, her teasing grin slowly turning milder as she begun.
"Would love to say the gifts I bear are as radiant as my looks, but no such luck there, love," Lightningstorm chirped, shoulders rolling as she went over what little she knew before reporting. It was... an oddity, after all. "There's a warrior... well, an apprentice, I suppose. Recently demoted, isn't he? Solid, light brown tom with brown eyes. Goes by the name of Sunpaw."
Maybe giving so much information wasn't required. She was certain the leader would know who she was speaking of just by the name. But the herbalist liked to make... files of sorts in her mind. Information all squared away in her brain, ready to come up to the forefront with descriptors. And for this particular case, she definitely needed that information. Because with what she knew she had to wonder... how had this cat passed his assessment? How had he gained a warrior name in the first place?
"He came to me by referral. Something about blackouts. We had agreed to be on the lookout for any triggers, so I sent him out with Deadmoon on patrol. Deadmoon didn't seem to take much notice into anything happenin', but neither did her apprentice, so I'm not all too certain this happened with them in the area. Might have gotten separated to search for herbs, or he might have been runnin' a little late. I know Deadmoon's been... stricter since the coyote," she mewed delicately, not feeling the need to further elaborate. Twilightstar had been there. She'd been the one to send the patrol. She would know what Lightningstorm was talking about.
"Regardless of the case, Sunpaw claims to have found the reason for his sudden blackouts. But it's more confusing than anything. Apparently while searching for herbs his paw got pricked by a thorn. The blood that dropped from the small wound caused him to faint. This is... problematic, innit? I'm sure you can see why. I've no clue why you demoted him. I didn't ask when he came to my den. Only knew that he had blacked out for some reason or other. And apparently it's to do with blood. The sight of blood makes him simply faint. Considering the position this puts him in, I don't think he's lying about it."
The medicine cat took a pause here, chewing on her cheek in thought. Because really... the thought alone was ridiculous. How did he hunt? How did he eat? How had he trained? Had he never been injured before? This entire thing made no sense. And yet... he hadn't seemed to be lying. Which made her curiosity all the stronger. Because what could a cat that fainted at the sight of blood have done to merit a demotion from Twilightstar herself?
She chuckled softly and got comfortable while awaiting to hear what troubles were to plague them now. Having named Crowtooth deputy the night before had left her in a bit of an uneasy condition. However, after doing this for so long, all her fears, anxiety, general stress, and grief blended. She had perfected this mask of leadership for season upon season now. Even when she felt like her life was crumbling right before her sight inwardly, she never let that show.
Calm, control, and wise, that's what her clan saw her as, and that is what she strived to be to them. She needs to keep all that negative stuff locked inside it, Twilightstar couldn't lead a clan and be broken simultaneously. So whatever the medicine cat was looking for with those curious eyes, it was unlike she'd ever find it. But truly, she was not okay, but she felt like she was doing a little better. Her emotional state was a tangled mess of yarn, WindClan was lucky she was more of a thinker than a feeler.
The playful glint of her lovely green eye dimmed once Sunpaw's name was mentioned. She knew this was coming at some point in time. She sincerely hoped that the newest problem she had sent to the medicine cat was dealt with more straightforwardly than the last one. Yet she doubted it.
"Well, that makes no sense," Twilightstar responded after hearing her out. "He couldn't function in a clan of all places if he can't handle the sight of blood. He has no history of fainting spells due to blood, I don't believe. If he did I wouldn't have named him a warrior let alone an apprentice. He'd be far too unreliable in day-to-day clan life, and couldn't carry out his duties either." She thought out loud.
"He was there for battle with RiverClan and was completely fine as far as I can recall." There had been quite a lot of blood there... This was extremely confusing. "You're certain he couldn't be faking it?" She asked, brain working in overdrive to make sense of this nonsense.
"The whole reason, I sent him over to you was because he had found a young outsider on our territory. He told the outsider to leave, but she didn't and insulted him instead. He flew in a fit of rage and attacked the cat and pretty much beat her to death, but was unaware of it. He got tired, walked away from the body, and passed out randomly. Woke up and went to check on the outsider and found the body gone and blood left behind. Tallgrass had found the body, buried it, and came to report to me about it. Sunpaw came to me not long after." She doubted Lightingstorm would make any more sense of that story than Twilightstar did, but she could hope.
"But he's seen blood and made it back to the camp just fine, and had no issues spilling it when killing the outsider. I was worried about his anger issues figuring he could be a danger to the clan between that and the strange blackouts. He told me he thought all of it was a dream and the blackout was why he didn't bother reporting to me. I was praying that you might have some sounder answers for me regarding Sunpaw's condition but I'm assuming you're as lost as I am."
The WindClan leader has been through a lot and dealt with a lot, but this was something new that not even she's touched upon. She doubted her past medicine cats would have any answer for this either. "Regardless, if he truly can't suddenly handle the sight of blood, Sunpaw can't stay in the clans. I doubt he'd make it as an outsider even, perhaps a kittypet would be the best place for him." If she chose to ignore the rest of the insanity and focus on the blood problem, there was no way Sunpaw could remain among feral cats who hunted and fought for a living. Twilightstar was eager to hear what the younger cat thought about this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luna16
Heathernose l WindClan Warrior l she/her
Heathernose padded up to Twilightstar’s den timidly, she had never come here to speak with Twilightstar before. She wasn’t entirely sure what she was supposed to do, but she knew that letting Twilightstar know was the first step. She took a deep breath to steady herself, then held her head near the entrance. “Twilightstar? Do you have a quick moment?” She called, waiting patiently at the entrance of the den to be invited in prior to entering.
Twilightstar looked at the opening of her den at the call. She finished grooming her belly, pushing aside all her darker thoughts, and sat up a bit straighter, curling her tail around her belly.
"Come in Heathernose," Twilightstar responded in a calm tone. "What do you need?"
Small, skinny, black she-cat with a light gray belly and tail-tip, a mangled tail, a crooked jaw, and one blind eye.
Anticipation settled heavy in Twistedpaw's gut as Twilightstar silently beckoned the apprentice to her nest. She padded forward and settled in the soft green moss, emitting a quiet purr as the downy material pressed against her body. She loved soft things. It was nice, too, being next to Twilightstar. Twistedpaw didn't feel stiff and uncomfortable around her, despite her status as leader. She felt some kind of special bond with her - not a friendship, but a sort of kinship. So, she snuggled her small body against the leader's, savoring her warmth. We're the same size, she realized awkwardly. However, the thought was fleeting. She was comfortable - and full of suspense for the upcoming tale.
She'd heard Wolffang and Rosebriar refer to each other as siblings during their horrible encounter. She tried not to shudder at the memory - the rotting meat, the raised voices, the stars, the blood. The mention of Featherwhisker reminded her uncomfortably of Willowsky. It all seems to start with how someone is raised. Which made sense - the teachings a cat received at the beginning of their life would stick with them for a long time. Willowsky's cruel words had left a permanent stain on Twistedpaw. However, she'd just never thought about it that way before, in such a simple, explicit statement.
Ashfeather's mother left her... On top of the horrible bullying, it must've been awful for her to endure. What happened to me was terrible, but at least Willowsky and Flutteringkit left me alone after they were gone. Constantly being tormented, over and over... Where would Twistedpaw be now if that had happened to her? She didn't want to think about it.
It was also strange, imagining Wolffang as such a mean cat. He'd always been so kind to her, guiding her, looking after her. His dark past was probably why he'd always looked out for her, she realized. He'd wanted to atone. The thought erased any webs of shock or resentment that might've formed. Willowsky, Flutteringkit, Cedarfrost... those cats had never atoned. However, he had. That was what mattered: learning from your mistakes and growing to be a better cat. What Wolffang had done was wrong. He couldn't go back and apologize to Ashfeather. However, he could be better to Twistedpaw and all the other disabled cats of WindClan.
Her thoughts strayed from Wolffang as Twilightstar continued the story. Mismatched eyes widened in shock at the mention of Ashfeather lacking a support system. How did she do it?! Without Batglare, Fireflame, Brightpaw, and the rest of the Clan, Twistedpaw probably wouldn't be here. At best, she'd be curled in the corner of the apprentices' den, loathing herself and believing everyone hated her. Yet Ashfeather had kept going, mothering kits. When she lost them - a pang of grief shot through her, as fresh as if she'd lost her own - she'd fostered Twilightstar's. Then she'd died to protect them. Dawnstar had killed her? Twistedpaw had heard stories of ShadowClan's horrors, yet this example made her paws tingle with discomfort as she remembered their recent alliance. She'd looked Ashfeather's killer in the eyes. Attempted killer of Twilightstar's kits. How must it feel for Twilightstar, allying with the cat who had tortured her and either murdered or tried to murder those she loved?
It was a tragic tale, yet a hopeful one. Newfound respect kindled within Twistedpaw. She was so brave and strong. Maybe... maybe I'll be as brave and strong as her one day. And Twilightstar, too. Twistedpaw knew she already had a lot of power and courage inside of her. She felt powerful - not in a haughty way. But she had that energy to keep moving forward - not just for herself, but for others, too.
Twistedpaw listened quietly and respectfully to Wolffang's part of the story. Her thoughts on him remained the same, though it was nice to know that he'd made some kind of peace with Ashfeather. The mention of Rosebriar made her pelt tingle and horror wash over her anew. It's okay. I'm with Twilightstar, she thought, pressing closer to the leader. Her black fur clashed with Twilightstar's lilac-gray pelt. Rosebriar isn't here anymore. But, as she listened to the dismal tragedy of Rosebriar's downfall, she couldn't help but wonder, What if Rosebriar still wants to come after me?
Yet, as the story concluded, the thought faded. There will be many hateful cats who want to come after me. I can't stop a spirit... but I can serve WindClan to the best of my abilities. I can be a brave, empowered warrior. Someone I'm proud of - and someone others can be proud of, too. But only the cats who truly matter.
"Wow," Twistedpaw murmured. It felt strange to break the silence, to speak after such a deep tale. "That's... a lot." It was, listening to the triumphs and sorrows that mingled in others' lives. "Thank you. I've learned a lot today." Reluctantly, she rose to her paws and stepped away, already missing Twilightstar's warmth and the soft moss. "I promise I'll keep training as hard as I can. I will become a warrior. Serving my Clan and shining that light onto them - that's the best life I could ask for."
Heathernose took a heartbeat to steady her breathing before entering Twilightstar’s den, dipping her head respectfully. “Lionscar and I are expecting kits.” She meowed coolly, though her vibrating whiskers and quiet purr betrayed her excitement. “I know that I’ll need to move to the nursery with the queens, so that’s partly why I’m here.” She continued. “But I also was hoping to try and finish out Snowpaw’s remaining training, and hunt for the clan as long as possible…”
She hoped that Twilightstar would understand that she wasn’t trying to be reckless, she just didn’t want to let Snowpaw and wasn’t used to being idle. Her paws itched to keep her routine of running in the morning and hunting for her clan, it was what she loved to do. But I also don’t want to risk my kits…so I’ll accept whatever Twilightstar says. She knew she’d have little choice in the matter.
“Snowpaw is really very gifted at combat.” She mewed, random yes but she was quite proud to be the mentor to such a gifted young talent. And she would have liked to have been her last mentor. But that’s not why you came here. She restrained herself from shaking herself, but refocused. Not knowing what else there was to say, she looked at Twilightstar with expectant eyes.
Re: WindClan Leader's Den
Sun, Stars, Moon, Comet, Eclipse, Earth 
