learning the ways of medicine life [p]

[iliri]

Spring moved slowly toward the medicine den, her pawsteps steady but heavy. The early light filtered through the camp, bathing it in a soft, silvery glow that felt almost unreal. She could feel the warmth on her fur, but it did little to thaw the cold ache that had settled in her chest. Ever since the clan moved on from her absence, everything wasn’t the same. It ripped her from her life and from the clan she had loved with her whole heart. Or, so that would have been the case if her words were believed. She was back, yes, but she wasn’t the same. And neither was her place here. Ahead, the entrance to the medicine den loomed, its familiar herbs and roots tucked carefully into the walls. Her eyes flickered over the neat piles, each one representing the world she’d once been wholly part of. But now, her role has changed. Wolfpaw, an apprentice that she held little knowledge of other than performing amputation on him, now bore the title of ThunderClan’s official medicine cat. It was a mantle that should have been passed on naturally in a balance of when she one day picked her own apprentice, but life had other plans. Instead, here she was—one last chance to pass down what she knew before she gave birth and left this life behind her. She had reluctantly agreed to teach Wolfpaw everything she could until then. And in doing so, she’d be letting go of the last piece of her heart that still clung to her former role in ThunderClan.

With a steadying breath, she stepped into the den, her gaze settling on Wolfpaw, uncertain if the young tom had already been waiting for her. A quiet pang shot through her, but she pushed it down, meeting his eyes with the quiet strength that had once guided her through her own training beside Drizzlecloud. “Wolfpaw,” she greeted, her voice carrying a calm authority she knew would be expected for something like this. She knew she was worth nothing less than an outsider amongst the borders, but her knowledge was still salvageable and she wouldn’t want that to be wasted. “We don’t… have much time... until my… kits are… due… I’ll teach you… everything you need… to know… all of it… remedies… treatments… poisons... by the time… I am… finished… you would… know… everything… that you… need… in order… to be… a proper… medicine cat.” She paused, glancing around the den with a seriousness that masked the flicker of pain in her chest. “Healing is… about more… than what’s… in our paws... It’s about.. patience… compassion… and insight… you bring… it’s about… knowing that… each life… you touch… is worth everything… no matter… the sacrifice.” Perhaps these words were her initial reasoning for helping out those outsiders, but it didn’t matter. Her heart was far bigger than she had anticipated, and that empathy that she had experienced only hurt her reputation than she had wanted.

Her half-blinded gaze shifted to the bundles of herbs and remedies tucked along the roots of the tree den. “You’ll learn… the names… of every plant… I know… every use… every warning… but remember… Wolfpaw… being a healer… is more than… memorization... it’s trust... trust in… your knowledge… in the instincts… that guide you… and in the… strength you carry… even when… you’re alone.” She let the weight of her words settle, watching him with a steady, serious gaze. She knew he most likely spited the words that she was spilling at the moment, and perhaps maybe even hated her for standing within the den at the moment. But if he wanted to learn, he would have to deal with it. She nodded towards the herb storage, signaling the start of their lesson. “This knowledge… is yours now…. soon… it’ll all be… your responsibility… so,” she took a deep breath, steadying herself one last time, “let’s get started.”

HERBS

“The… first thing… I will… be teaching you… is every herb… that I… know… throughout… my days… as a… medicine cat… there is… a lot… so try… to keep… note of… what I say.” Spring’s voice carried a solemn weight, her broken murmurs pressing the importance of the knowledge she was about to share. Her gaze fixed on Wolfpaw, ensuring he was paying close attention. “Marigold… is the first… a golden flower… that grows… in open fields… and sunny places. You will… use it… most often… for wounds… and infections. Its petals… can be chewed… into a pulp… and applied… to open injuries… to stop infection… and soothe… the pain. You may… also store it… for later use… but keep it dry… or it will… rot and lose… its strength.” She let the words hang, glancing to make sure Wolfpaw understood before continuing. “Then there is… cobwebs… not an herb… but just as vital… they come… from spiders… and you will… use them… to stop bleeding. Press them… over the wound… tightly… but be careful… not to pull… at scabs… when you… change them… or you may… reopen the injury.” Her tone darkened slightly, her eyes flickering with memory. “Cobwebs… can mean… the difference… between life… and death… when blood loss… is great.”

She shifted her weight and continued, her broken voice steady. “Poppyseeds… are next… tiny black seeds… you will use… to ease pain… and help… your patient sleep… be cautious… with how… many you give… a few are… enough to dull… sharp pain… but too many… can slow… the heart… and bring death… they look… like foxglove seeds… deadly ones… so always… keep them… separate… and know… the difference.” She emphasized the danger with a hard look. Spring hesitated, gathering her strength before continuing. “There is also… dock… a broad-leafed plant… that grows… near rivers… and wet soil. You will… use it… for cracked pads… or to soothe… sore places… crush the leaves… into a paste… and apply it… gently… it cools… and softens… the skin.” She took a steady breath before continuing. “Next… is borage… a humble plant… but vital… for many ailments.” She leaned forward slightly, her blue eyes locking with Wolfpaw’s. “Its leaves… are soft… and hairy… a gray-green hue… easy to recognize… if you know… what to look for… borage… is essential… for queens… nursing their kits… it helps… bring their milk… in abundance.”

She paused, her gaze thoughtful, before continuing. “It also… cools fevered blood… eases fever… and soothes… the swollen throat… of greencough. To use it… chew the leaves… into a pulp… and press it… into the patient’s mouth… or blend it… with honey… for easier swallowing.” Her voice dropped further, almost to a whisper. “But remember… borage… must be fresh… dried leaves… lose their potency… and do nothing… but waste time… that you… may not have.” She inhaled, her breath trembling, before gesturing with her tail to emphasize the next herb she was going to explain. “Catmint… is next… a gift… to all medicine cats… if you can… find it.” Her lips tightened briefly, a flicker of grief or worry crossing her face. “It grows… commonly in… twoleg gardens… more often… than in… the wild… tall… slender stems… with pale… lavender flowers.” Her gaze sharpened, a faint light returning to her weary expression. “No herb… works better… against greencough… and whitecough. It clears… the lungs… soothes coughs… and pulls cats… back from the edge… of death itself… but beware… when supplies… grow low… in leafbare… every sprig… becomes precious… and you must… ration it… with care.” She sighed, the sound heavy with exhaustion and pain from the continuous talking. “To prepare it… you need only… chew it fresh… and press it… against the tongue… of your patient… the scent… will calm them… even before… the herb works… its abilities.”

“Next… we come… to juniper berries.” Spring moved her paw to mimic the small, round berries, her slow, deliberate motion hopefully drawing the apprentice’s attention. “They grow… on low bushes… with sharp needles… and clusters… of bluish berries… smooth and firm… when ripe.” She lowered her head slightly, her voice weighted with caution. “These berries… are healers… of the breath… easing coughs… shortness of breath… and even… the tight chest… of fear.” Her voice dropped to an even quieter murmur. “They soothe… the mind too… when the heart… grows heavy… with loss… or guilt.” Her gaze lingered on Wolfpaw, her expression grave. “But do not… mistake them… for safe… in excess. Too many… can upset… the stomach… and weaken the body… instead of… making it strong.” She exhaled deeply, her tone lightening only slightly. “You must crush… the berries gently… before feeding them… to the patient… or their juices… may choke… rather than heal.” Spring took a moment to shake out her fur, her voice steady as she shifted the lesson forward. “Now… moving onto moss,” she began, nosing towards a soft green bundle in the corner in the den. “This might… not seem… as important… as something… like juniper or borage… but it’s just… as essential... moss is one… of the best… tools a… medicine cat… can have... you can soak… it in water… to carry it to… cats who are… too weak to… get to the… stream... it’s perfect for… cleaning wounds when… you don’t have… other materials… and it can… even be used… to pad nests… for injured cats… to keep them comfortable.” She gave Wolfpaw a knowing look. “Always gather fresh… moss from clean… areas… though... you wouldn’t want… to bring dirt… or bugs into… the den.”

She flicked her tail as she began to speak about the next herb that popped in her mind. “Next… is daisy leaves… they are… for sore… muscles or aching… joints… especially in elders… or warriors who’ve… overexerted themselves… you chew them… into a poultice… and apply it… where the pain… is worst… they’re gentle enough… to use on… kits… too… so if someone… young gets a… strain from playing… too hard… these will help.” Spring’s voice softened. “Keep an eye… out for daisies… in open… sunny fields... they’re tough… plants… so they grow… almost anywhere.” Clearing her throat, she moved onto the next herb on her mind. “Next… is celandine… It’s one… of the most… important herbs… for treating eyes… if a cat… has a scratch… on their eye… or something stuck… in it… you crush the petals… into a poultice… and apply it gently... it helps reduce… swelling and keeps… infections away.” She met Wolfpaw’s gaze, her tone sharpening slightly. “But be careful… the juice from… the stem… can sting if you… don’t prepare it… properly... always test a little… first to make… sure it’s not… too strong.”

Spring gave Wolfpaw a moment to process before continuing, a paw waving in the air as she began to explain the next herb. “Next… we have dandelions... Most cats think… of them as… just weeds… but they’re actually… quite useful... the leaves and stems… can be chewed… to ease pain… like beestings… or act as… a mild tonic… to help with… digestion… the roots… if dug up… and dried properly… are especially good… for calming a cat’s… nerves… so if someone is… anxious or stressed… a little bit of dandelion… root can help.” Her whiskers twitched with faint amusement. “It’s also very… easy to find… which makes it… a staple… in any medicine… cat’s stores.” Spring’s eyes gleamed as she continued. “Next is sunfuzzies… actually called… goldenrod… but its… called sunfuzzes… because of its… bright golden color... It’s a tall plant… with clusters of tiny… yellow flowers…. you’d crush those… flowers into a… poultice to treat… wounds… it speeds up… healing and keeps… infections away… especially for… deeper injuries.” She tipped her head, her voice turning more serious. “Sunfuzzies grow… in sunny… open areas… but you have… to act fast... when leaf-bare comes… it’ll disappear… and finding it… will be… much harder.”

She paused, as if picturing the next herb in her mind. “And then… there are… sunset roses…. they’re delicate… flowers… usually red or pink… with soft petals… they’re rare… but they’re worth… the trouble of… searching for... you’d chew… the petals… into a poultice… for burns or… irritated skin… but they’re more… than that… they can also… calm a cat… who’s overwhelmed… or anxious… just the scent… alone can help… ease their mind… it is… also the cure… for an illness… I will… tell you… later on… in our lesson.” Her gaze lingered on Wolfpaw for a moment. “They’re fragile… though... if you find… them… only take what… you need… they won’t last… long.” Spring shifted her weight slightly, her tone calm and steady as she continued. “Ragweed.” She glanced upward, as though imagining the plant in front of her. “It is a…tall, scruffy-looking… plant with thin… jagged leaves… you’ll find it in… dry, open… spaces… now, while… it isn’t exactly… a ‘healing’ herb… it’s still useful… ragweed is excellent… for boosting a… cat’s strength… and energy... If a warrior’s been… through a long… grueling battle… or a hard… leaf-bare… giving them… ragweed can help… them recover faster... It doesn’t heal… wounds or sickness… but it’s like... a little push… to get them… back on their… paws.” She paused for a moment, ensuring Wolfpaw understood the distinction.

“Sticks,” she said next, her whiskers twitching faintly with amusement. “Not an herb… I know… but still important… sticks are mostly… used during kittings... queens bite down… on them to help… with the pain… and keep themselves… focused... they can also… be useful for… splinting broken bones… when wrapped properly… with cobwebs… or vines... it’s not the… most glamorous tool… but sticks are indispensable… when the situation… calls for them.” Her voice took on a more practical tone as she moved to the next herb. “Burnet… It's a low-growing… plant with small… round leaves and… clusters of… reddish-purple flowers... you’ll find it… in grassy areas… or meadows... burnet’s key for… keeping up strength… especially during long… journeys... If your clan… is going on a… tough patrol or… going to a… upcoming battle… giving warriors… or apprentices… a little bit… of burnet… can keep their… energy up… and their… minds sharp.” Spring’s eyes glimmered as she looked at Wolfpaw. “It’s not flashy… but in times… of hardship… it can… make all the… difference.”

Spring flicked a tattered ear thoughtfully before continuing. “All right… next up… we have… chervil,” she began, her tone steady. “This is… an essential herb… for any medicine cat... it’s a tall… plant with white… mushroom-like… flowers and fern-like… leaves… the roots and… leaves are both… useful... the leaves… are chewed… up to treat… infected wounds… and the roots… can help… with bellyaches... if a queen… is expecting kits… and starts having… trouble with kitting… chervil can help… ease her discomfort... it’s a versatile… plant… so always make… sure you have… some stored.” She shifted her focus to the next herb, her voice softening slightly. “Feverfew... this is a… short plant with… small, daisy-like… flowers and… a strong… bitter scent... it’s most commonly… used to reduce… fevers… hence the name… but it also works… wonders for… headaches… and aches caused… by colds or chills... it’s not the… most pleasant-tasting… herb, though... I usually warned… patients to brace… themselves… when they chew… on it… you’ll often find… feverfew growing… in sunny places… near water.”

Spring’s expression lightened slightly as she moved on. “And then… there’s coltsfoot... This plant has… round, flat leaves… and yellow flowers… that look a bit… like dandelions... It’s one… of the best… herbs for treating… breathing problems… whether it’s a…cough, wheezing… or even something… as serious… as greencough... you chew… the leaves… into a pulp.. and give it… to the cat… to swallow... coltsfoot grows… in damp… marshy areas… so it’s easier… to find in… leaf-bare when… other herbs are… scarce.” Spring gave Wolfpaw a moment before diving into the next set. “Chamomile,” she began, her voice soft yet firm. “This is a… small plant… with white petals… and yellow center… like tiny suns… It has a…sweet, calming scent… and it’s excellent… for easing stress… or soothing anxiety... You’d chew th… flowers into a pulp… and give it to… a cat who’s… overwhelmed or… restless… chamomile also… strengthens the heart… and can be helpful… for a warrior… who’s worn down… or grieving... you’ll find it growing… in sunny… open spaces… so it’s not… hard to collect… when you need it.”

She flicked her tail before continuing. “Next… is honey… this one’s a… bit different… because it… doesn’t come… from a plant… it comes from… bees… honey is golden… and sticky… and it’s… incredibly soothing… for sore throats… or coughs... if a cat… has a bad… cold or even… greencough… a little honey… can help them… swallow more comfortably… and calm… their breathing… it’s also great… for sealing… minor wounds… just be careful… when you… gather it… bees don’t like… to share.” She chuckled softly, her tone light for a moment. “If you don’t… know what you’re… doing… you’ll end up with… more stings… than honey.” Her expression grew more serious as she moved on to the next herb. “Burdock root,” she said firmly. “This one… is vital... burdock is a tall… plant with large… heart-shaped leaves and… spiky seed heads… the part… that is… used is… the root… you dig it up… clean it… and chew it… into a pulp... it’s excellent… for treating… rat bites… or any kind… of infection… caused by dirty… wounds... It’s especially important… in any Twolegplaces… where rats are… common… you’ll find… burdock growing… in dry, rocky… areas, so it’s… not always easy… to harvest but… it’s worth… the effort.”

Spring settled herself before continuing, her tone patient yet focused. “Next… is lavender,” she began, her voice softening. “It’s a…beautiful plant… with tall stalks… of tiny purple… flowers... lavender… is primarily… used to calm… anxiety and shock… when a cat is… overwhelmed after… a traumatic event… like a battle… or the loss… of a loved one… the scent alone… can help them… relax… you can also… use it to mask… the scent of… death in a den… which is a painful… but necessary task… at times... lavender grows in… dry, open areas… usually where there’s… plenty of sunlight.” Spring’s gaze grew more serious as she moved to the next herb. “Yellowbells… or broom,” she continued. “This plant… is a lifesaver… for wounds… and broken bones… the plant has… bright yellow flowers… which make it… easy to identify… you use it… as a poultice… to treat open… wounds and to… help heal fractures... it’s not a…standalone cure… you’ll still need… to splint the bone… with sticks… and cobwebs… but broom helps speed… up the healing… process... it grows in dense… shrubby patches… often near water… or damp soil.”

She flicked her tail before explaining the next herb. “Comfrey,” she said firmly. “Another important one… for injuries…. It’s a tall plant… with broad leaves… and small purple… or white bell-shaped… flowers... the roots… are the part… we use… and they can… be crushed into… a pulp to treat… sprains… broken bones… or swelling... comfrey can… also help soothe… wounds… especially ones that… look nasty but… aren’t infected... you’ll often… find it growing… near streams… or damp places… similar to broom.” Spring tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharpening with focus. “Stinging nettle,” she began, “is a tall plant… with jagged leaves… and tiny hairs… that can sting… your paws if… you’re not careful… despite that… it’s a very… versatile herb... the seeds… can be… eaten to help… a cat recover… from being poisoned… and the leaves… are useful for… treating swelling… It’s also good… for cleaning out… wounds… though it stings… a little when… applied... you’ll often find… nettles growing in… damp, shady areas… so keep your… paws light when… you’re harvesting it… it’s easy to gather… too much by mistake.”

Spring’s voice softened slightly as she moved to the next herb. “Yarrow,” she continued, “is a tall plant… with clusters… of white flowers... It’s most commonly… used to make a… cat vomit if they’ve… eaten something harmful… like deathberries… or poisoned prey... It’s bitter… and unpleasant… to chew… but it’s saved… more lives than… I can count... the leaves can… also be crushed… into a poultice… to treat infected… wounds... yarrow grows just… about anywhere… fields, forests… even rocky slopes… so it’s easy… to find when… you need it.” Her expression shifted as she spoke of the next herb. “Parsley,” she explained, her tone thoughtful, “isn’t as dramatic… as the others… but it’s just… as valuable…. it’s a low-growing… plant with flat… bright green leaves… and its primary use… is for queens... it can dry… up milk if a…queen is weaning… her kits or… stop milk… from coming if… her kits don’t… survive... it also helps… with bellyaches… but you… should use it… sparingly since it’s… more important for… the queens... you’ll usually… find parsley growing… in sunny spots… like the edges… of fields.”

“Chickweed,” she began, her gaze steady, “is a…low-growing… plant with tiny white… flowers and small… delicate leaves... it’s not as… potent as catmint… but it’s a good… alternative for treating… greencough or other… chest infections… when catmint… is scarce... It’s also easier… to find… especially in damp… shady areas like… near streams… or under trees... keep in mind… though… it often takes… several doses to… see a real… difference.” She flicked her tail lightly before moving on. “Boneset,” she continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone, “is a tall plant… with pointed leaves… and clusters of small… white flowers... It’s a versatile herb… excellent for fevers… but it also pairs… well with elder flower… to help with congestion… and fever together... two two combined… can soothe aches… clear up… a cat’s breathing… and even help… stimulate their appetite… when they’re too… sick to eat… properly... boneset grows best… in wet, marshy areas… look for it… near rivers… or swamps.”

Spring then turned her attention to elder flower. “Elder flower,” she explained, “comes from an… elder tree…. these creamy white… blossoms have.. a sweet scent… and are very effective.. for colds… fevers… and inflammation… whether it’s swollen… eyes or a sore… throat… elder flower can help... and, like I said… it works wonderfully… with boneset for… chest congestion… and fevers... the elder tree… itself is fairly… common… so you shouldn’t… have trouble finding… it in the… right season.” Spring adjusted her posture, ready to continue. “Elder leaves,” she said, her tone firm, “are used… for treating wrenched… muscles or sprains... you crush them… into a poultice… and apply it… to the… affected area... they work wonders… to ease pain… and reduce swelling… but there’s something… important to remember… elder leaves are… poisonous if… eaten… they must… only be used… externally... it is important… to remind yourself… to wash… your paws… after handling them… they’re not something… you want lingering… near your mouth... elder trees are fairly common… like I told you…. so it’s easy… to collect the… leaves when needed.”

Spring paused for emphasis before moving on. “Blessed thistle,” she continued, her tone shifting to one of admiration, “is a thorny… ground shrub… with prickled leaves… and spider-like… flowers that bloom… in yellow… or red-and-yellow... the flowers… are excellent… for nursing queens… as they help… stimulate milk production... fhey’re also… useful for increasing… liver function… relieving indigestion… and improving appetite... however, the flowers… have a bitter… taste… so don’t be… surprised if your… patient isn’t thrilled… to eat them.” Her voice took on a more serious note. “Blessed thistle… can also be… chewed into a… poultice and applied… to boils or abscesses… to help them… heal… though the poultice… can sting… a bit... the leaves… are useful, too… they reduce swelling… when added to poultices… for wounds... this herb prefers drier… dirt and direct... sunlight… and it’s best harvested… from newleaf to leaffall.”

She flicked her tail before addressing the last herb in this set. “Rosemary,” Spring said, her voice taking on a lighter, almost nostalgic tone. “This plant… has narrow needles… with a distinct… sharp scent... It’s most useful… for treating mouth infections… like sores, ulcers, or wounds… when chewed… rosemary isn’t as strong… as some other… herbs for treating… fevers or headaches… but it can… be used in… a pinch if nothing… else is available... still, it’s better… to save it… for oral care… when possible.” Spring shifted slightly, her eyes focused on Wolfpaw. “Lady’s mantle,” she explained, her tone soft but deliberate, “is a low-growing… plant with round… ruffled leaves… that almost look like… little capes... it’s primarily used… for helping wounds… heal faster… and stopping… bleeding… you crush the… leaves into… poultice and apply… it directly to cuts… or scrapes... it's especially useful… for treating deep wounds… because it can… help close them… up quicker... you’ll usually… find lady’s mantle… in shaded, damp areas… like the edges… of forests… or along streams.”

Spring flicked her tail before moving on. “Next are… oak leaves,” she said, her voice carrying a note of respect. “These sturdy leaves… are best known… for their ability… to fight infection... if you chew… them into a… poultice and apply… it to a wound… they can help… keep it clean… and prevent rot... oak leaves… are also good… for soothing inflamed… or irritated skin... they’re easy to… collect… they fall to… the ground… in leaffall… but it’s best… to grab fresh ones… whenever possible... look for oak… trees with strong… healthy branches… and the leaves… will be in… good shape too.” Her voice took on a slightly more amused tone as she addressed the third item. “Spider egg sacs,” she said, a small smile curling her lips, “might sound… a little gross… but they’re incredibly… useful. You harvest… the silk… from these sacs… and it’s one… of the best things… for binding wounds… together... it works… like a natural… cobweb to stop… bleeding and keep… dirt out of open… cuts… just make sure… the silk is clean… before you use it… you don’t want… any eggs hatching… inside a wound… by accident.” Spring shifted her weight and fixed her gaze on Wolfpaw once more, her voice steady as she continued. “Let’s finish this… with the last… four… tree sap, mushrooms… raspberry leaves, and sorrel… I hope this… knowledge… will acquaint you… in later time.”

She started with the first. “Tree sap,” she explained, her tone thoughtful, “is incredibly sticky… but that’s what… makes it so… valuable... it’s used to… hold torn skin… flaps together… especially for critically… damaged wounds... It seals the edges… to keep out dirt… and help… the skin… knit back together... you scrape the… sap from… the bark… of certain trees… pine and cedar… are the best… and warm it… slightly to make… it pliable before… applying it to… the wound… it’s not something… you’ll need… every day… but in serious… cases… it can save lives.” Spring’s expression shifted to one of caution as she continued. “Next is mushrooms,” she began, her tone steady. “These grow… in places that… are constantly damp… and out of the… sunlight… like the bases… of trees or under… thick foliage... they’re very… useful… but you have… to be careful... never touch the… glowing ones… they’re poisonous… and will do… more harm… than good… the safe ones… can be torn… into shreds and… applied to bleeding… wounds… they work well… to soak up blood… and help stop the… bleeding… almost like a… natural sponge... it’s not a… long-term solution… but it can… buy you enough… time to apply… other treatments… like cobwebs… or oak leaves… to properly… seal the wound… mushrooms are… a tool of quick… thinking in emergencies.”

Her voice softened as she spoke about the next herb. “Raspberry leaves,” she continued, “are primarily… for queens... they help ease… pain during kitting… and make the process… a little smoother... you chew the leaves… into a pulp… and give it… to the queen… to eat... raspberry bushes are… usually easy to spot… with their thorny stems… and bright red… berries… but it’s the… leaves you want… not the fruit… they’re good for… calming a queen’s… nerves too… which can be… just as important… as easing… physical pain.” Finally, Spring moved to the last herb of all that she knew. “Sorrel,” she said, her voice lightening. “This one’s… less dramatic… in its use… but still helpful… it’s excellent… for treating cats… with poor appetite… or for giving… a boost of… energy... the leaves are tangy… and refreshing… so they’re good… for helping a sick… or tired cat… feel a little… more alert... you can usually… find sorrel… in open fields… or sunny meadows... it’s a simple herb… but sometimes… it’s the small… things that make… the biggest difference.”

TERMINOLOGY

“We will… now speak of… The more… complicated… terminology… that every… medicine cat… goes off on… in regards… to this… we will… talk about… poultices and… pastes first,” Her voice dipped lower, a soft yet clear emphasis that marked how critical this knowledge would be. "A poultice… or paste… is when one or… more herbs… are soaked… in water… for a time… and then chewed… together… to make a wet… mass. This mass… is either applied… directly to the body… or chewed… by the patient… to treat them. The process… is simple… but precise." Her eyes held his, a quiet seriousness in her gaze. “To make… a poultice… you first… soak your… desired herb… or herbs… in water… for a while… until they… soften… after that… chew them… until they… turn to a pulp… to make… the mixture… hold together… you’ll add… either juice… honey… or more water… depending on… the herbs… you’re using… and what you… need… spread this… onto the body… or… have the patient… chew on it… but remember… the consistency matters… a loose paste… won’t stay on… while a…thick one… can irritate.” Spring watched him for a moment, as if gauging his understanding, before she moved on.

“Now… a pulp… is simpler… it’s just… a shapeless mass… of two… or more herbs… usually eaten… or put on… the body… for quick… relief… to make it… chew on… the herbs… until they’re mush… then feed it… to your patient… if you’re… only using… one herb… you don’t… usually need… to make a pulp… you’d simply… give it… to the patient… directly.” Her tone became even more serious as she introduced the next term. “Ointments…” she began, her voice low and firm, “are thicker… and take time… to prepare. They’re… oily preparations… made from… one or more herbs… with lots… of liquid… like water… honey… or… herbal extracts… ointments are… rubbed onto… the body… to soothe… or heal… and can last… much longer… if you store them… properly… to make… an ointment…” she explained, her voice slowing even further as she focused on each detail, “you chew… your herbs… into a pulp… then add… the liquid… until it becomes… soft and… more fluid… spread the pulp… onto a leaf… and leave it… in a cool place… for a few hours... when you… come back… the ointment… should have… thickened… into a gel… almost like… honey… at that point… it’s ready… to be rubbed… onto the patient… as needed.” She drew in a steadying breath before her final explanation, her eyes briefly drifting to the herbs in the herb storage. “And lastly… juices… or extracts… are just… the pure liquid… from herbs… used for… more direct… treatments… to make… a juice… you can either… knead the herb… until the juice… seeps out… or break its… stalks in half… and collect… the liquid… these… are applied… directly to… the wound… or the area… needing… healing.”

Spring paused, her half-blinded gaze steady and thoughtful as she let her words settle, watching Wolfpaw closely for any sign of understanding. She wanted him to absorb every detail, every nuance of these techniques—this knowledge was a lifeline for him and for the clan. “Now that… you understand… the basics… of terminology,” she continued, her tone still calm and methodical, yet with a hint of urgency beneath. “We’ll move on… to the illnesses… you must… keep an eye… out for… certain conditions… can change… fast… and knowing… their signs… could mean… saving a life… or…” she trailed off, her voice softening, leaving the unspoken words hanging in the air. After a beat, she took a steadying breath and nodded, her tone firm but kind. “Let’s move on.”

ILLNESSES

“In regards… to illnesses… there are many… but there is… a pawful… that I have… obtained… knowledge of… during my… reign… as a medicine cat… I will… tell you… of these… illnesses.” Her gaze turned distant for a moment, as though lost in memories of past patients, the weight of those experiences pressing upon her as she continued. “The first… and most dangerous… is greencough… it attacks… like a…relentless storm… filling the lungs… with thick fluids… until every breath… becomes a struggle… just to survive… it begins… with a deep… hacking cough… and breathing… that sounds… wet and labored… kits and elders… are especially vulnerable… their bodies… too weak… to fight… as the illness… spreads within.” She paused, her eyes flicking to the rooted ceiling, as if she could see the memories of afflicted clan-mates. “If left untreated… fever will follow… burning up… the body… as exhaustion drags… the patient down… this fever… is a sign… that time… is slipping away… you must act… without delay… or you may… lose them.” Her eyes held Wolfpaw’s, her expression unyielding. “Remember this… greencough is ruthless… and a…single lost day… can mean… a lost life.” She let the words linger, allowing the gravity of greencough to sink in before she moved to the next illness.

“Next…” she went on, voice lowering, “is yellowcough… while it may… look similar… it is a different… beast… altogether… it doesn’t… grip the lungs… as tightly… but it strikes… with its own… cruelties… it starts with… a mild cough… not as fierce… but it spreads… to the whole body… weakness… washes over… and fever burns… hotter than any… I have known…” Spring’s gaze was sharp, her voice taking on a warning tone. “Yellowcough causes… nausea… confusion… cats may… lose track… of where they are… or who they are with… a dangerous state… when left untreated… it can weaken… even the strongest… of warriors… until they’re… a shell of themselves… without strength… to recover…” She looked at him intently, impressing upon him the seriousness of the illness. “Treat it as… you would… a fire… put it out… as soon… as it begins… do not… let it… spread…” It was almost like it was the day she became a medicine cat apprentice when she first learned of this tragic illness by Coldamber. The thought of the former WindClan medicine cat left a sour taste in her tongue. She hadn’t bothered to see her in moons. Where could she be now?

“Now,” she continued, her voice growing softer, “let’s talk of… whitecough.” Her gaze softened slightly. “It’s less… threatening… in appearance… often starting… as a mild… tickle in… the throat… a bit… of sneezing… nothing that would… strike fear… into the heart.” Her eyes shifted to the herbs stored behind her, as if recalling the ones she’d used countless times on patients afflicted with whitecough. “But do not… let it… fool you… whitecough may… be mild… but it… can grow… it can deepen… into greencough… if you… overlook it… if you… do not… catch it early… so always… be watchful… when you see… these symptoms… treat them quickly… as though… they were… greencough itself…” She gave him a knowing look. “Sometimes the smallest… beginnings… hold the gravest… threats.” She fell silent for a heartbeat, her gaze hardening as she turned to the final illness, her expression shadowed by apprehension. Snow fever was one that she knew briefly about, and only encountered some of it’s knowledge thanks to both Cowtuft and Lightningstorm, and thankfully never had to worry about the consequences of it inflicting upon ThunderClan, but it was still a disease worth telling the medicine cat in front of her so he held some quantities of what it would do.

“And finally…” she murmured, her tone dropping to an almost reverent hush, “snow fever… a sickness… spoken of… with caution… I myself… have never… had to battle it… not in ThunderClan… nor seen it… with my own eyes… but I learned of it… from Cowtuft… and from Lightningstorm… they called it… a hidden danger… one that leaves… little room… for error.” She paused, her voice grave. “Snow fever… begins in… the mildest way… with chills… even when… the air is warm… a weakness… a trembling… as though… the cat’s body… has turned to ice… I know… little more… than that it… requires a single herb… given quickly… in those… earliest moments… for if it is missed… there is no… saving the life.” Her eyes briefly met with Wolfpaw’s own before continuing. “Snow fever is swift… and merciless… if you do not… catch it… in its first breaths… then it will… bring only death.” She fell silent, the weight of these lessons lingering in the air between them. “These… are the… some illnesses… that you… will face… as a medicine cat… dangers that… lurk unseen… until they… strike… it will… be your duty… to recognize them… to act… with swiftness… and skill… to protect your clan.” She paused, a momentary warmth in her voice, tinged with a bittersweet pride. “When you… master this… you will… hold the power… to save lives… against… even the fiercest… of illnesses… but you… won’t be… able to… save everyone… I had… to learn that… the hard way.”

Spring drew in a steadying breath, gathering her resolve before she looked at him with a faint nod. “Now… let’s continue… on with… some poisons… that you… will need… to know… so you… don’t collect… them in… the future.”

POISONS

“Now,” she said, her voice dropping to an even quieter murmur, “we come to… the matter of… poisons... as a medicine cat… you must learn… not only… how to heal… but how… to recognize… what can… bring harm… there are plants… that can… end lives… as swiftly… as any illness… can.” She fixed her gaze on him, her eyes filled with a gravity that left no room for doubt about the seriousness of what she was about to share. “The first,” she began, “is one… you may… already know… deathberries.” Her tone grew colder, the name itself holding an almost reverent fear. “They are… perhaps… the most notorious… a threat… even to… the youngest kit… for their… red color… and sweet scent… can be tempting… but a… single berry… can kill… a kit… and a pawful… can take down… even the… strongest warrior… the warning… has been passed down… by every medicine cat… so no cat… young or old… forgets their danger.” She paused to let the knowledge settle, ensuring he understood that deathberries were not to be underestimated. She let the words hang in the air before moving on. "Next... is foxglove seeds." Her voice grew even quieter, as though the name itself were dangerous to utter. "They look... deceptively harmless... tiny and black... like poppyseeds... but where poppyseeds... bring rest... foxglove seeds... bring death… a small dose... causes the heart... to beat slowly... until it stops… one seed... may be enough... for a kit... and more than one," She paused, her gaze flickering with caution. "Is certain death... for any cat… remember this... and teach others... to know… the difference… mistaking foxglove seeds... for poppyseeds... is a mistake... you cannot afford… to make."

Spring sat back slightly, her voice steady as she continued. "Then... there is… meadow saffron." Her tone became grim, her tail brushing the ground as she spoke. "Its flowers... are beautiful... soft and… pale purple... with long… slender petals... that seem… harmless… but beneath… that beauty... is terrible… poison... if eaten... it poisons… the stomach... twisting it… with pain... and making… the body weak... until it… brings death... the leaves... are long… and thin... like blades… of grass... and often mistaken... for herbs… used in healing… by regular… warriors… but there… is no use... for meadow saffron... only harm... leave it where… it grows... and warn others... to never… harvest it." Her tail-tip twitched as she turned her focus towards the next poison that came to mind; water hemlock. Talking about it wasn't something she found herself wanting to speak of, given ThunderClan’s own brutal history with the herb. She didn't have a choice in the matter, now, did she? "Water hemlock... is another you… must know." Her voice was heavy, each word deliberate as she recalled the horrific times of ThunderClan’s poisoning from RiverClan. "It grows… near water... often hiding… among reeds... with tall… hollow stems... and clusters… of tiny… white flowers... like delicate… mushrooms… it’s roots... are thick… and pale... with a… sharp scent... if disturbed… even the… smallest bite... will bring… violent seizures... foaming at… the mouth... and death… in moments... be careful... when working… near water... for its roots... can poison… even your paws… teach others... to fear it... and to… never touch it... no matter… how tempting... it's delicate… flowers may seem."

Spring hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her voice softer now, almost reverent. "Finally... there are… glowing mushrooms." Her eyes flickered with a strange, somber light. "They grow... deep in… the forest... where shadows linger... and the air... is still and cool… their caps... are rounded... pale green or blue... and they emit... a faint glow... in the dark... unlike other poisons... they have no scent... no warning... their beauty... can draw you closer... but their touch... is a quiet death... if eaten... they bring peace... and painlessness... as the body… slips away…. there may come… a time,” she paused, her voice trembling just slightly. “When you… must decide... if such… a death... is a kindness... but remember... even the air... around them... holds their poison... and lingering… too long... can leave… you dizzy... disoriented... and lost." She fell silent, her gaze heavy as it rested on Wolfpaw. "Each of… these poisons..." she murmured, her voice barely more than a breath, "is a reminder... of the dangers... hidden in… the territory… learn them well... so you can… protect yourself... your clan... and the helpless... who depend… on you." Spring’s expression grew unreadable, her final words hanging like an unspoken warning in the stillness of the den. “The last… thing I… will go… over with… you is… techniques… there are many… so make… sure you… are listening closely.”

TECHNIQUES

Now they were on the last piece of information she needed to teach him, which was techniques. Now, Spring wouldn’t be lying if she was starting to feel a deepening ache within her chest from the little time she had left to stay within this den. But, she didn't have a choice. Huffing through her nostrils, the calico began to speak once more as her next set of words climbed up her throat. The first… one I… will be… talking about… is cracked pads… they seem like… a small thing… but to a…cat who walks… or fights every… day… they can grow… into a much… larger problem... the first sign… is dry… flaky skin along… the pads… which can split…. open if left… untreated... in severe cases… these splits bleed… exposing tender… flesh to infection... start by soaking the… pads in water… it softens… the cracks… and helps to clean… out any dirt… lodged in them… afterward… use a mix… of marigold… yarrow… and dandelion… leaves to fight infection… and soothe… the soreness... finally… cover the pads… in dock leaves…. which act… like a salve… to seal the cracks… and keep them… moist… wrap the paws… with cobwebs to… protect them and… ensure the cat… avoids sharp objects… until healed... if left untreated… these cracks… can deepen… allowing dirt… to fester inside… leading to swelling… pain… and even lameness.” It wasn't the most critical one on her massively large list of techniques, but thankfully it was only one of the many that she knew were tame in contrast to some of the more… horrible ones.

Now, next was broken bones. It wasn't a bad topic to talk about, but still considerably a heavy topic. “When a bone… is broken… the risk is… immense… sharp fragments… could pierce… the flesh… or even… vital organs… you’ll first… need to… assess the break... gently feel alon… the limb… to find… the broken spot… but take care… not to press… too hard… it’s painful… and dangerous... if the bone has… broken through… the skin… you must… first clean the… wound with… marigold to… prevent infection… before removing it… next… gather stiff branches… or anything straight… and sturdy and… bind them to… the limb using… thick cobwebs… or vines... position the splint… so the bone… is aligned properly… or it wil… heal crooked... be certain… it’s tight enough… to hold the… limb steady… but not so… tight that it… cuts off circulation... a poorly-made splint… can worsen the… injury or even… cause the cat… to lose the… limb… the injured cat… must not walk… on it until… fully healed... you’ll need to… monitor the break… frequently for swelling… or signs of… infection... when a break… is too severe… for a simple… splint… you must bind… the bones directly,” Spring explained, her tone grave.

“First… clean the area… thoroughly with marigold… to prevent infection… If the bone… has pierced… the skin… you’ll need to… amputate it… a painful process… but necessary for… proper healing… and survival… use your teeth… to carefully align the… fragments… being mindful no… to splinter… the bone further... once aligned… use cobwebs soaked… in marigold to… wrap the area… layering them thickly… to hold the… bone in place... surround the limb… with soft moss… to cushion it… and keep the… cat immobile... broken bones… take moons to… heal… and even then… they may not… mend perfectly… remind the cat… to stay still…one wrong step… could undo all… your work.” The den felt impossibly quiet as Spring leaned back slightly, allowing the weight of her words to settle over them like a shroud. She took a small moment to allow Wolfpaw to absorb this piece of knowledge before moving onto the next topic that was on her mind: honey collection. Honey, while invaluable for its soothing and antibacterial properties, required a method as precise as the medicine itself. “Honey… is a gift… but a dangerous… one… to harvest… without caution,” Spring began, her voice low and deliberate. “You will… find it… guarded by bees… in their hives… up high… in trees… or crevices… Their sting… is no small matter… and too many… can kill… a cat.” She fixed her eyes on Wolfpaw, ensuring he hopefully understood the gravity of what she was saying.

“First… you must wait… for the… right moment… either in… the early morning… or late evening… when the bees… are calm… and slow… cover your fur… in mud… to mask your body… so they cannot… recognize you… as a threat… and… sting you… as bad… choose a long stick… with a… split at the end… to scoop… the honeycomb…. approach carefully… never startle… the hive… as a…startled hive… will turn… against you… in an instant.” Her gaze sharpened. “If you… anger them… you must flee… immediately… to water… submerge yourself… until they disperse… never… take honey… from a hive… if you… cannot escape… quickly… once you… gather it… carry it gently… in dock leaves… to protect it… and yourself… I have… already told… you that… honey can… soothe throats… seal wounds… and fight infections… but remember… the cost of obtaining it… could be… your life.” Okay, what should she talk about next… kitting seemed like an opportunistic choice. While it isn’t… a light topic—nothing ever is—it’s still better if Wolfpaw knew it rather than be entirely clueless. This was not a subject for the faint of heart, and Spring’s tone reflected the weight of its seriousness. “Kitting… is a moment… of life… and sometimes death… intertwined,” she began, her voice softening with sorrow. “When a queen… is about to… start kitting… you must act… swiftly… and with great care… guide her… to a… soft nest… warm… but not too hot… and keep the area… quiet… and calm… anxiety… can make labor… more difficult.” Spring shifted slightly, her movements deliberate.

“When the kits… begin to arrive… you must… clean them… immediately… licking their fur… against the grain… to stimulate… their breathing... if a kit… does not cry… you must act… quickly… to clear its throat… and nose… of any fluid… using your teeth… or moss… hold it gently… and keep trying… until you hear… that first cry.” Her voice dropped lower, a sorrowful undertone weaving through her words. “But sometimes… a kit does… not cry… no matter… what you do… and you… must know… when to stop... lay the stillborn… aside gently… near the queen… if she wishes… to say goodbye... never hide… the truth… from her… even when… it hurts… for a queen… who loses… her kits… carries a wound… deeper than any… you can heal.” Her eyes darkened further. “And if… the queen… herself… grows weak… from blood loss… or exhaustion… you must decide… whether to… save her… or the kits... if her body… can no longer… bear the strain… it is kinder… to let her go… and focus… on the living… this choice… will haunt you… but it is… a burden… every medicine cat… must carry.” Thankfully, this next topic wasn’t as graphic, and considerably lighter than what she had just explained. Diagnosing pregnancy isn’t the most simple thing in the world, but it is better than nothing. This task required attentiveness to subtle changes, and Spring’s tone grew clinical as she explained. “Pregnancy… is a delicate state… easy to overlook… unless you know… what to… look for… early signs… include nausea… a queen refusing food… or acting… unusually tired… her belly… will begin... to swell… but this… takes time… to notice.”

She shifted her weight, as if mimicking the careful balance required for this skill. “Gently press… your paw… against her side… feeling for movement… but never too firmly… as it can harm… the unborn kits… by the second moon… you should feel… faint fluttering… like whispers… beneath her fur… if the queen… complains of pain… or bleeding… these are signs… of trouble… and must… be addressed… immediately.” Her voice grew heavier. “But remember… not all swelling… means kits. Illness… or tumors… can mimic… the signs… always be certain… before announcing… a pregnancy… for giving… false hope… can bring devastation… to a queen… longing for kits.” She paused, allowing Wolfpaw time to absorb her words before continuing. “When the… time comes… guide the queen… with care… and vigilance... her life… and the lives… of her kits… depend on… your skill… and your calm.” Now, onto poison diagnosing. Her mouth was starting to get dry from all this talking. Eugh. “Poisoning… is a danger… that lurks… everywhere… in the forest… and beyond… from prey… to plants… to twoleg filth.” Spring's voice dropped into an ominous murmur, her gaze locking with Wolfpaw’s. “To diagnose… poisoning… you must first… watch for… the signs… these… will vary… by the poison… but there are… patterns… you can learn… to spot… some poisons… work quickly… leaving the victim… gasping… for air… frothing… at the mouth… or vomiting… until they… grow too weak… to stand. In other cases… the effects… are slower… creeping like… a shadow… through their body. Their breathing… may falter… their heart… may beat wildly… or slow… until it feels… like a… distant bump.” She paused, her blue eyes gleaming with intensity.

“Look at… their eyes… for dilation… or twitching… in the limbs… if their belly… cramps or hardens… or they cry… from sharp pain… in their gut… it could mean… a swallowed toxin… some poisons… will burn… the throat… making every breath… or swallow… agony.” Spring’s voice turned grave as she continued. “You must ask… if they ate… or drank… something strange… smell their breath… taste the air… around their fur…. vomit… may hold… the answer… and remember… poisons can… mimic sickness… or injury… so do not… assume… too quickly.” Her gaze softened slightly. “When you… suspect poisoning… act swiftly… purge their stomach… with yarrow… or stinging nettle… if you have either… But know this…” her voice lowered, almost to a whisper. “Some poisons… cannot be cured… only delayed… so you… must decide… how far… you’ll go… to ease… their suffering.” This next topic was a bit on the tougher subject to talk about, especially given who she was currently facing at the moment. Amputation most likely wasn't gonna be something Wolfpaw would be fond of doing, but did it look like she had a choice to not speak of it? No. Spring’s tail twitched uneasily, and her voice deepened with the weight of what she was about to say. “There are times… when a limb… cannot be saved… when the flesh… has rotted… from infection… or a wound… has been mangled… beyond repair... in such moments… amputation… is the only… way forward… though it is… a choice… of last resort.”

“To begin…” she rasped, “you must prepare… your patient. They will need… poppyseeds… to dull… the pain… though even this… may not… be enough. You must… steel yourself… for their cries… for they will… echo… in your heart… long after… the deed… is done.” She glanced away for a moment, as though recalling her own ghosts from when she had to amputate Wolfpaw’s limb. “The limb… must be bound… tightly… above the wound… with vines… or cobweb… to stop… the flow… of blood… then… you must use… your sharpest tool… claws… or teeth… to sever… the limb… swiftly... any ounce of… hesitation… will only… worsen the agony.” Her gaze snapped back to Wolfpaw. “Once removed… you must clean… the wound… thoroughly… using water… and marigold… to stave off… infection… bind it… tightly… with fresh cobwebs… and change… the dressing… often… watch for signs… of fever… or swelling… for even… the strongest cat… may not survive… the shock.” Her voice softened. “And remember… Wolfpaw… this act… is a mercy… though it may… not feel so… in the moment… you're giving… them a chance… at life… even if… they are changed… forever.” Just like she had with him. She didn’t say it vocally, but she almost wanted to so that it could weigh off any ounce of pressure from the young tom. Sighing, the calico glanced towards the small stream within the den as she began to explain the next technique. “A torn muscle… is a wound… of deep pain… though it does not… spill blood. It can render… even the strongest warrior… weak… and crippled… if not tended… properly.” Spring’s voice turned clinical, her sharp tone leaving no room for mistakes.

“First… you must identify… the injury… the cat… will often limp… or hold… the limb stiffly… unable to move it… without agony… the skin… may swell… around the muscle… and bruising… will appear… deep red… or purple… beneath the fur… if they cry… from sharp pain… when moving… the limb… it is likely… torn… the treatment… begins with rest… and cold water. Find dock leaves… or moss… soak them… in cold water… and press them… against the injury… to ease… the swelling. Repeat this… daily… for several sunrises… but rest… is the key… rest and patience… a torn muscle… must not… be strained… or the damage… will worsen… use splints… or binding… if needed… to keep… the limb still.” Her eyes darkened with warning. “If the cat… pushes too hard… too soon… the muscle… may never heal… and they will… carry the injury… for the rest… of their life.” Spring’s voice softened. “After time… and healing… comes the work… of rebuilding… strength… gentle stretching… and careful movement… these will help… the muscle… regain its power. But only… after the pain… has faded… and the swelling… is gone… rushing this process… will undo… all your care.” She glanced up towards the ceiling, her gaze steady. “You must teach them… patience… even when they… grow restless… remind them… that healing… is not… a race… but a journey… and every step… must be taken… with care.”

Okay, now onto explaining whitecough and greencough again, but instead in more depth. Spring wouldn't be lying if she were gonna say she was pleased to explain the illnesses once more, but that was something she will keep to herself. “As I… told you… before… whitecough and greencough… are two illnesses… that will haunt… every medicine cat… in leaf-bare. They spread… like wildfire… in the cold moons… and will… destroy the weak… if you are not… swift… and vigilant… you must learn… to recognize them… at their first signs… for every heartbeat… can mean… the difference… between life… and death.” She fixed her gaze on Wolfpaw, her blue eyes heavy with the weight of her warning. “Whitecough… is the lesser… of the two… but don’t… let its name… fool you… it can still… kill. When a cat… has whitecough… they will cough… weakly at first… just a faint rasp… like a dry leaf… brushing against stone... their breathing… may sound rough… or shallow… and their throat… may ache… making them… eat less. Pay attention… to the sound… of their chest… for it will… begin to tighten… and rattle… as the… illness spreads… the furthest it goes… with whitecough… is weakness… and fever… but if it turns… to greencough… you’ll know… because it… will roar.” She sat back and took a moment before continuing, her breaths shallow from the strain of speaking. “Greencough… is louder… crueler… and deadlier. Their cough… will sound wet… almost like… they’re choking… and their breaths… will rasp… harsh and fast… as if every gasp… is a battle. Their fever… will burn hotter… they will shiver… no matter how warm… you try to keep them… and mucus… thick… green… and bitter… will leak… from their nose… and throat. If they start… coughing blood… then the sickness… is almost beyond… saving.”

Spring’s shoulders sagged as she shook her head. “You must act quickly… when treating… either illness. Use catmint… feverfew… and honey… as they… are your allies… against whitecough. But for greencough… you’ll need… the strongest herbs… and more.. catmint… is the most vital… you’ll mix it… with coltsfoot… or thyme… for their lungs… and add borage… or feverfew… for the fever. Give them honey… in small doses… to soothe… their throat… and juniper berries… to ease breathing… if you… have them.” She paused, looking distant for a moment, as though haunted by memories of the illnesses she described. “Quarantine… is vital,” she murmured. “Keep the sick… far from the healthy… and dispose of any… soiled bedding… without hesitation… warmth… fresh air… and rest… will help them… if they are strong… enough to fight… but if a kit… or elder… catch greencough… prepare yourself… for the worst.” The next set of information made her stomach clench unsettlingly. Severe wounds wasn't something she was expecting to talk about, but she pushed a nauseating wave down her gullet before shifting in her place. Spring took a moment to steady her breath before beginning. Her voice remained hushed but weighty, her broken vocal cords forcing her words to drag like a slow, deliberate rhythm.

“When you… face a wound… that bleeds… without stopping…” she began, her blue eyes narrowing with intensity, “the first step… is always… to staunch the flow. No matter… the pain… no matter… how deep… the wound… if the blood… pours too freely… death will come… before you… can act.” She moved her paw in a deliberate motion, as if showing him the gesture to accompany her words. “First… you must press… moss or cobwebs… tightly… against the wound. Do not hesitate… even if the cat… cries out… or struggles… a wound… to the throat… or belly… will bleed faster… than you can… imagine… for those… you must… be ruthless… or lose them.” Her gaze darkened, her tone growing heavier as she spoke of the worst possibilities. “Now… there are times… when blood spills… too fast… to control. A torn artery… in the leg… will fountain blood… in terrifying pulses… you’ll see it… pooling at their paws… in moments. In such cases… you must act… as swift as prey… or there’s… no hope.”She mimicked wrapping something tightly around a leg. “Use cobwebs… moss… and tree sap… to close the… wound… as much… as possible… until the blood flow… is slowed… the same… goes for… slit throats.” Spring’s voice grew even graver as she continued. “A wound… to the stomach… is worse still. When the belly… is torn open… the organs… may spill… outside the body. It will be… shocking… and horrifying… but you cannot… look away… gently… you must… clean them… with water… and push them… back inside… as swiftly… and carefully… as possible. Cover the wound… with cobwebs… to slow bleeding… and bind it… together with… tree sap… so it… can heal.”

Her expression softened, just slightly, though the weight of her words never left. “If the cat… survives this… the healing… will be long… and hard. They must eat… well… drink often… and rest. Wounds like these… carry dangers… of infection… even days later. Fever may come… or strange smells… from the wound… and you must be ready… to fight these… with marigold… or cobweb poultices.” Finally, she looked directly at Wolfpaw, her gaze filled with a weary, almost resigned knowing. “Some wounds… will be… beyond saving. A throat… torn wide open… a belly… that won’t stop bleeding… no poultice… no herb… can bring back… a cat already… walking to StarClan. But even then… it is your duty… to comfort them… as they pass… to ease their pain… and let them know… they are not… alone.” She fell silent, her breath hitching slightly as if the memories of such moments were clawing at her. Moving on, though, onto a lighter topic, thankfully. Spring settled herself, her voice calm but deliberate as she explained the next layer of information. “When bones… have healed… after a break… the real challenge… begins. Muscles… weaken… from disuse… joints stiffen… and the body… must relearn… its strength… without therapy… a warrior… may never… fight… or hunt again.” She paused, ensuring Wolfpaw grasped the importance. “The first step… is understanding… the cat’s limit… push them… too hard… and you risk… re-injury… be patient… but firm… begin… with gentle stretche… have the cat… extend the limb… as far… as they can… without pain… over days… and weeks… increase the range… little by little… you may need… to support… the limb… with your paws… guiding it… back and forth… to regain movement.”

Her tone darkened slightly. “But some injuries… especially in older cats… may never… fully heal… you must… prepare them… for that reality… and find ways… to adapt… their duties.” Her voice softened. “For the paws… and legs… encourage walking… through soft terrain… like moss… or sand. If the break… was in the shoulder… or hip… swimming… can help… as it doesn’t… strain the joints… but strengthens them.” She sighed deeply. “It’s slow work… and the cat… may grow… frustrated. Be patient… but remind them… healing… is not just… the mending… of bones… it’s the return… of their spirit.” Her paws lightly kneaded into the ground as she prepared herself to explain the next topic along her mind, almost internally cringing at the topic that she was gonna discuss next. Ear infections. “Before we… begin…” Spring rasped, her voice soft but laced with warning, “I must… tell you… this is… a disgusting task… and not for… the faint of heart… but it is… necessary… to ease… a cat’s suffering.” Her gaze locked onto Wolfpaw, ensuring he hopefully understood the gravity of her words. “An ear infection… often begins… with swelling… redness… and an odor… sharp and sour… that worsens… over time. The cat… may shake their head… or scratch… at the ear… until it bleeds… inside there will be… a buildup of… gunk… a foul-smelling… yellowish or greenish pus… that must… be removed.”

The former medic demonstrated using a stick wrapped in moss, holding it carefully. “You must… gently scoop… the infected pus… out of the ear… working slowly… and carefully… so you don’t… cause further pain… make sure… to land the… the gunk… onto moss… to dispose of it… far from… camp… so it… doesn't stink up… the place.” She paused, her voice lowering. “Clean the ear… with a mixture… of warm water… and marigold… to fight infection… and soothe irritation… repeat this… until the swelling… and odor… are gone.” She fixed Wolfpaw with a steady look. “If left untreated… the infection… can spread… to the brain… causing death… so you must… act quickly.” Thank stars that topic was done and over with, now onto sprains. Spring stretched out one of her paws, mimicking the position of a strained limb. “Sprains… are common… especially in warriors… who leap… or fight… too recklessly. While not… as serious… as breaks… they can still… be crippling… if not treated… properly.” She lifted her paw to her muzzle, tapping it lightly. “You will know… a sprain… by swelling… heat… and difficulty… moving the limb. The cat… will favor it… but try to… hide their pain” Her tricolored tail swept among the cold flooring, signaling urgency. “The first step… is rest… make sure… the cat… does not… use the limb… for at least… two days… support it… with a poultice… of comfrey… and elder leaves… to reduce… swelling… and reduce pain.” Spring’s eyes narrowed. “If the swelling… is severe… wrap the limb… tightly… but not so tight… it cuts off… the blood flow… use cobwebs… or soft moss… to bind it.” She flicked her ears as she continued. “After two days… gently test… the limb’s movement… if the pain… remains sharp… the sprain… may be worse… than it seemed… and the cat… may need… more rest.” She softened her voice at the end. ”Sprains heal… with time… and patience… rushing the process… only leads… to more damage… teach the cat… to respect… their limits.”

“Now,” Spring murmured, her voice carrying a note of quiet empathy, “we speak of… aching joints… a burden… often felt… by elders… or those… who have endured… many moons… of hard labor.” She shifted slightly, her bones popping faintly in the process. How long had she been sitting here for? It didn’t matter, anyway, she didn’t have a lot to speak of left. “These aches… are caused by… wear and tear… cold weather… or old injuries… and they can… make life… a struggle.” Her eyes softened. “You must… first warm the joints… by pressing… hot stones… wrapped in moss… against them… or by soaking… the affected limb… in a pool… of warm water… infused with… comfrey root.” She paused to let the image settle. “For pain relief… use a poultice… of juniper berries… and daisy leaves… massaging it… gently… into the joints. Encourage the cat… to sun-soak… during any… warmer days… as the warmth… can soothe… their discomfort. And if… the pain persists… offer them… a poppy seed… for rest… but only sparingly… as too much… can dull… the senses… beyond what is safe… and could… kill the cat.” Her voice fell to a whisper. “Aching joints… are a reminder… of life’s burdens… but with care… and kindness… you can… bring them… some relief.”

“When a cat… suffers from chills… it may be… from exposure… to cold weather… or as a symptom… of another illness,” Spring began, her voice low and deliberate. “You must… first determine… the cause… if the cold… has sunk… into their bones… it’s crucial… to act quickly… to warm them.” Her blue gaze settled on Wolfpaw, ensuring he absorbed her words. “Start by… moving them… to a sheltered… warm place. A nest… lined with moss… feathers… and soft fur… will help. Use your body… or another cat’s… to share heat… and keep them close.” She took a long breath, the rasp of her damaged vocal cords reverberating. “If their fur… is wet… dry them… at once. Press moss… against their pelt… or lick them dry… to draw out… the dampness.” She paused, her expression heavy with caution. “Herbs… like ragweed… or burnet… can strengthen them… but if a fever… develops… or their breathing… becomes shallow… it may mean… something worse….always monitor… their condition… closely… and ensure… they drink water… warmed slightly… and give… them some… feverfew… if you can.” Her tone turned grave. “For a cat… weakened by chills… a single night… could mean the end… if you are not… diligent.”

“Sometimes… sunlight alone… is not enough… for a cat… who feels weak… or sluggish,” Spring murmured, her voice soft but firm. “There are herbs… that work… with the warmth… of the sun… to revive energy… and bring life… back to tired limbs.” She motioned with her tail as though gesturing toward a patch of herbs she could picture in her mind. “Dandelion… its leaves… can be chewed… to bring strength… and reduce swelling… in tired joints. Coltsfoot… especially its flowers… encourages… deep breaths… and fills the body… with lightness… perfect for cats… recovering from… long illness… or heavy fatigue.” Her gaze sharpened as she continued. “But remember… these herbs… work best… when paired… with warmth… after giving them… make sure… the cat… rests in sunlight… where its rays… can reach their fur… and sink in. It’s not… a fast cure… but it will… ease their body… and lift their… spirit.” She leaned closer. “Never… use them alone… without warmth… or they may only… slow the recovery.”

Last and final topic. Thorns in the mouth. “Thorns… in the mouth… can be… particularly painful… and dangerous,” Spring rasped, her tone darkening. “It’s not… just the pain… but the risk… of infection… that you must… watch for.” She lifted her paw slightly, miming a careful motion. “When you… find a cat… with a thorn… in their gums… or tongue… be gentle… but firm. Use a splinter… or a claw… cleaned carefully… to grip… the thorn… pull it free… in one motion… never hesitate.” Her eyes narrowed. “Once the thorn… is removed… rinse their mouth… with water… or chewed marigold… to flush away… dirt and blood. Check closely… for swelling… or lingering pain… as that can mean… the wound… has begun… to fester.” Spring hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper. “In cases… where the thorn… breaks apart… or becomes embedded… deeper… it may be… beyond your skills. If that happens… ensure the cat… eats soft herbs… like comfrey… to ease swelling… in the gums.” Her eyes glinted with a small trace of sorrow. “Never let pride… make you risk… another’s life.”

Now, she is finished. She explained everything: herbs, terminology, techniques. It was just what Bumblestar wanted, right? Don't get the calico wrong, she enjoyed speaking with Wolfpaw about everything she knew about medical knowledge. But, she knew her time here was limited, and stars above she wouldn’t allow herself to waste away without saying anything else. With a small huff expelling past her lips, the pregnant feline lifted herself up onto all four paws and glanced over towards the medic. ”That… is everything… that I know… I hope… it assists you… well… and you serve… this clan… as it’s medicine cat… well… I know… you’ll do good… probably hell… of a lot… better than… what I did… just take care… will you?… being a medicine cat… is a lot… of work… and It can be… exhausting… I wish you… luck… Wolfpaw… I know… you will… be… a good medicine cat.” She gave the tom one last, rather solemn smile before departing away from the medicine den for the last time, making her way back to the nursery without looking back at the place she had grown up in throughout her coming moons, allowing the young tom to take the mantle of what she had used to be.

@Beaan (this is… a mess. ignore any grammar mistakes or sloppiness, but here it is)

[Beaan]

- Wolfpaw -
- He/Him - 9 Moons - ThunderClan Medicine Cat -
- A large dark brown tom with a darker back and lighter underbelly, a missing hind leg -

Well there she was. Wolfpaw turned around as Springli- no, Spring entered the medicine den. He stayed silent as the former medic began speaking. So it was finally time to learn all her knowledge. He nodded, shuffling his paws as he laid down in his nest - this was going to be a lot to take in.

...

After Spring finally finished speaking, Wolfpaw was just wowed. All of her knowledge was now his, and it was a whole lot, too. His head hurt. He wasn't all that confident he could remember it all, but he would do his damn best. As spring turned to leave the den, The medicine cat called out. "Spring! I... Thank you. You did well as a medicine cat, and I'll make you proud. I promise," he told her. The queen probably already left the den, but he would stick to his words. He lingered in his standing spot for a moment before turning around to go lay in his nest.

[ @iliri ]