Flower, gleam and glow

[Estelle]

[ This thread will be used to compile Flower's experiences and knowledge with her parents prior to this plot! Posts will be gradually added as needed, be it to establish an important event or knowledge she would have learned prior to leaving her home. ]

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Where We Started Out
[ Vixen's POV ]

So much time had passed. So much time since the quacking grounds that sent her clan fleeing, since the moment she stumbled and lost her way, since she had been home; they say distance makes to heart grow fonder, and it's true. She misses her home. She misses her home, ThunderClan, so so much. She misses Crowy and Motty and Tushdup, Cindy and Crow-crow, Batty and mama and Turty. Her friends, her family, her mentor. Had her mother and sister returned in her absence? Was Tushdad still the leader of the clan she once called home? Oh, how she longed to know. How she longed to go home.

"Mum.., will you tell me another one of your stories?"

A small smile spread on her maw. She longed to go home with all her heart, yes... But there was something that kept her here. Something far, far more precious.
"Yes, yes I can."
She nuzzled the pale brown bundle of fur at her side. Her daughter.
"Hm... Do you remember, how I told you about the biiiig groups of cats - not the ones papa talks about, but mine - who are allllll living together? And, and how they - up high, high in the sky - in silverpelt - revere the star cats?"

"Mhm.."

The small one hummed, and she purred in response. Sky blue eyes, ones that match her daughter's, squint with happiness, the old scar on her face crinkling. A ginger-spotted tail swished into the air, as a single ginger - not cream - paw gestured upwards.
"They are the ancestors of this world, reuniting up so high; they say they guide our path, help us when we are lost. Those who live with honour and kindness go there-"

"Like.. the warriors? Of the clan?"

"Mhm, mhm! Very good - just like the warriors of the clan!"
She grinned.
"But, remember - remember! There aren't just warriors; there are the queens (like me!), and the warriors in training - apprentices, and elders, and kits - just like you!"
She nuzzled her daughter again, tickling her fur as the little one squealed with soft laughter.
"And there's the leader and deputy, those who lead the clan..."

"and the- uhm..."

"The herb cats?"
Her daughter nodded.
"They are called the medicine cats! And, and -- the medicine cat has an apprentice, too; they - they alll four - they all make sure the clan is healed and safe and well-fed; they care for each other. And the star cats, high above, they watch over the clan especially; Because, because... Did you know? The star cats are a clan, too, - but they put aside all differences - and - and!! The clan, on the ground, they follow this code - this code taught to every little kit in the clan, that every warrior - suuuuuper big, or meeeeegaa small - lives by, mhm! But, but that's not all. You know, you know, little petal;"

The young mother leaned closer, her soft expression growing serious as she looked her daughter deep in the eyes.

"Listen good, little petal one; because, every light has a shadow, you know? Even the clan of stars - deep, in a dark, dark forest with no light and no smiles or hope; that's where the mean cats go to. That's where those who do wrong reside, and-"

It thundered. A loud, banging sound as a flash belatedly lit up the sky. The bundle at her side startled and hid beneath her mother's tail, shivering, whereas Vixen looked up with a smile. For a moment she closed her eyes, listening to the thunder sound. Memories flooded her mind; training with Batty and Cindy, playing with mama and Turty and Motty, Dusty's herb lesson, arguing over petals with Crowy and patrolling with Crow-crow and Tushdad; how she missed home. But a silent squeak brought her back to reality. Her gaze softened as she watched her daughter, pulling her in closer.
"You're alright, little petal. It's alright. Don't forget, little darling dear, thunder - that thunder that brings light - it's home, darling, home."
She whispered to her daughter, who fearfully peeked at the sky through the small entrance of their den.
"The meanie cats can't get you here."
She murmured, mind wandering to the Dark Forest.

But was it so? She knew there were meanies in the world. To her, that were the cats within the Dark Forest. To Jackdaw, her darling mate, well... He made his opinion on the clans ever so clear. It broke her heart, deep inside, but he could be so kind. So loving. In her mind, at least. She couldn't help but think he simply mistook clan cats for Dark Forest residents, it is how it must be. Even so, she complied with his wishes - keeping their daughter here - faint memories of the white phantom dancing in her mind, tingling the scar across her face, a blurry vision of her deceased denmate in the back of her mind. There were meanies in this world; had that white cat been one of them, straight from the forest of darkness? She still didn't know, and cast the thoughts outside. She wanted to go home, so often. She wanted Flower to meet all her friends and family. And yet, something was keeping her here. Jackdaw. Flower. She couldn't leave them, not now, her own family. She knew her mate wouldn't leave for the clans, not ever; that is why she resigned herself to this peaceful life within the outskirts. Besides, she did not know where ThunderClan was now. And she had a daughter to take care of. Her happiness lay with her family, Vixen knew, and she couldn't have asked for a more wonderful family.

"Sleep, sleep, little darling petal. It is dark, and papa will be home soon, that's the truth. So sleep."
She smiled at her dearly beloved, nuzzling the little kitten so as to tuck her in at her side.
"Flowers are growing; we can make flower crowns in the morning!"
She hummed lastly, a wide grin spreading across her face. This was her life now. And she was happy. She had her daughter, she had her mate. And they were all safe. Safe and happy.