A Day of Firsts [Medicine cats!]

[☆ Y e l l o w ☆]

For the past week or so, Earthfoot had gotten used to having Sagepaw as an apprentice. The young tom was eager and curious, and he enjoyed having a bundle of youthful energy around. Now it was time for him to become an official medicine cat apprentice. Sagepaw had been interested in becoming a medicine cat when he was a kit, but now they would see if he would be accepted by StarClan. After informing Ashstar that they would be leaving, and with traveling herbs in their bellies to give them energy, Earthfoot and Sagepaw had left camp and headed for Fourtrees.

He paused at the edge of the ravine, crouching down to let the undergrowth hide his dark pelt as he looked for signs of any other cats already there. The coast seemed to be clear; no other recent scents were in the area and he couldn't see any other cats in the hollow from where he was. Giving a nod to Sagepaw to signal he should follow, Earthfoot descended into Fourtrees, skirting down the slope until he stood at the bottom.

"Now we wait for the other medicine cats to arrive. Once we're all here, we'll head to Highstones as a group." he told his apprentice, looking around the hollow for signs of other cats. "How do you feel? Are you excited?" he asked as he then turned toward Sagepaw, letting a smile on his face as he imagined how he himself had felt his first time to Highstones. It had been scary and intimidating but also fascinating. They weren't at the Moonstone yet of course but he could already imagine the cheerful young cat's excitement.

[. s p o r e l e t t ♪]

Finally, finally he was going to Highstones! Sagepaw had been looking forward to this ever since Earthfoot accepted him as his apprentice. It wasn't as if the other aspects of learning to be a medicine cat did not interest him. The young cat loved learning about the different herbs, their names and their uses. It felt good to be learning about helping his Clanmates, instead of learning how to fight and kill. But though he did truly enjoy listening to Earthfoot instruct him about the many, many illnesses and herbs that he had to know and understand in order to be a medicine cat, Sagepaw's true passion was StarClan. He wanted to meet these mysterious cats that had been warriors, medicine cats, and leaders in the many moons before he had lived.

Whether they had been ThunderClan or ShadowClan, leader or kit, each of them had observed the passing of seasons and had insight to give that would help the Clans in times of need. This, to Sagepaw, was the most amazing thing in all the four territories. He could scarcely wait to meet these starry spirits who watched over every cat in the forest. It was the hope that quickened his heart and his steps as he followed his mentor through the forest that he had just barely come to know, towards Fourtrees for the second time that moon. He padded down the slope and into the clearing with excitement, and a bit of nervousness as well. What if he wasn't meant to be a medicine cat? What if StarClan didnt' accept him?

Nodding, the young tom looked up at his mentor, feeling better for his presence. Earthfoot had never doubted him, had never given him any reason to think that this might not be what he was meant for. If his mentor believed that he was meant to become a medicine cat, then he knew it was true. "Yeah, I am excited," Sagepaw mewed, kneading the ground underneath his paws as they waited for the other medicine cats to arrive. He had never been to Highstones before, but he had heard that it was a long journey. "I guess I'm a little nervous too, but mostly I'm looking forward to it. I want to meet StarClan."

Sagepaw wrapped his furry tail around himself and looked around, trying to spot another medicine cat. He would get to meet some new cats today, too! Though they would be from other Clans, he was still eager to meet the other medicine cats, especially Feathercloud, the cat who his mentor had been needed to fill in for. He wanted to ask her how the warrior Earthfoot had treated was doing, and learn more about what medicine cats form other Clans were like. It was only a matter of time until one of them would arrive.

[:c a i:]

Shadestripe was a well-practised medicine cat. He had attended many of these meetings, he knew the route like the back of his paw and he had even grown used to the bitter taste of travelling herbs. But he could still remember the delight of his introduction to StarClan, many moons ago. It was when his paws were settled upon their destiny forever. It was the beginning of the making of him. Today, if he recalled correctly, was that day for another young cat. Sagepaw of ThunderClan would become an official medicine cat apprentice, and one more blessed cat who had the privilege of seeing the ranks of StarClan.

Shadestripe's steps were calm and sure and unhurried as they took him near to Fourtrees. He walked alongside Ivypaw, just a few pawsteps in front of her to lead the way. Their pace was good and soon they would arrive, for the familiar path which signalled the imminent approach to the ravine was now underfoot. He checked on his apprentice every so often and gave her a reassuring smile before continuing to pad with the steadiness which was always present about him.

"Everything all right, Ivypaw?" Shadestripe said in his quiet, calm voice. "I believe today is Sagepaw's first trip to Highstones. Make sure he is at ease, will you? He is bound to be at least a bit nervous. All young apprentices are." He gave a little half smile at the thought of himself making this journey, and also of Ivypaw. Nerves were certainly present then.

"Here we are. Fourtrees." Shadestripe nodded the go ahead to go down the ravine and see whether any other medicine cats had already arrived. Nimbly, Shadestripe descended without slipping or stumbling, coming to stand in the hollow. He smiled warmly at the sight of Earthfoot and Sagepaw, moving to greet his fellow medicine cat.

"Earthfoot, my warmest greetings!" Shadestripe laughed brightly. "And young Sagepaw. How excited you must be. Quite right that you are the first to arrive on such a special day!" He looked back to smile at Ivypaw, gesturing that she should make her greetings too. And perhaps talk to Sagepaw, help him feel more comfortable. Not that he looked crippled with nerves, standing quite calmly next to Earthfoot. All good signs that today would be as smooth as could be hoped for.

[/size][/blockquote]

[nightstorm]

Ah, he could remember the days of his apprenticeship well, for he was still rather young. He could remember the fear and thrill running through him, as Sparrowsong led him up to the mouth of the cave. He could remember his awe, as he met with StarClan for the first time. Back then, he had given no thought as to actuall having an apprentice of his own. But the time had come, for Russetfang to bring in yet another young cat, eager to learn the ways of a medicine cat.

The tom glanced down at his apprentice, as they traveled across the moors towards Fourtrees. Though WindClan was close to Highstones, it was tradition to meet with the other medicine cats beforehand. "You excited, Crowpaw?" he asked, his tone surprisingly warm for the tempermental tom.

They were coming up to the edge of WindClan territory, and Russetfang paused for a moment, looking down towards where the other medicine cats were gathering. ThunderClan and RiverCan were here. That's right; it would be Sagepaw's first trip to Highstones as well. Russetfang glanced at Crowpaw again.

"You should befriend Sagepaw. I'm sure he is nervous too, this being his first time as well. Take heart; you aren't the only first-timer here." Russetfang's gaze was comforting, as he led his apprentice down into the trees, leaving behind the moors of WindClan.

"Hello, Earthfoot, Sagepaw," he said politely, nodding his head to the ThunderClan cats. He greeted Ivypaw and Shadestripe in a similar manner, before sitting down next to Shadestripe. "How has the past moon been? No serious problems, I hope? All is well?"

He briefly wondered if he should inquire after Rivermist's kits, and see how they were getting along. But his pride - and numerous other reasons - held him back. After all, it wasn't really his business, as they were no longer WindClan. But he knew Rivermist was desperate for any news of her kits, despite the split being only four days ago. He still felt sympathy for her; it hadn't been easy, and he needed to restock on poppy seeds and chamomile. He had insisted on giving the silver queen decent doses of each, as she was still in shock, and refusing to sleep. She finally had though, just before he left to come to Fourtrees. At least she was resting.

Russetfang quickly drew himself back to clearing. There were no significant problems at WindClan's camp, and he needn't worry. The camp would be fine. Still, a medicine cat's job was never done...bah. Tonight was a night to meet with the other medicine cats, and share tongues with StarClan. He must put such simple worries out of his head.

[Amber]

The light orange apprentice could hardly believe that it was already the half-moon. It seemed like just yesterday she was at the gathering, seeing some of the cats she would soon see tonight. Time really had flown by quite fast. For once, Ivypaw was actually excited to get out of camp. This would be the third time she had come with her mentor, and each time it was becoming more familiar. She was able to go without worrying about her little sister, Hollykit would be fine, she had plenty of kits to play with and look after her. She followed behind her mentor, keeping quiet like her usual self, but being more observant of everything around her. It was so different than camp, and she liked how calm it seemed. She enjoyed that her mentor would check up on her every now and then, it made her feel like she wasn't just a nuisance.

Ivypaw was relieved that she would no longer be alone. She had been the only medicine cat apprentice up until now in all the clans. Two new friends would be gladly welcomed, it could be very beneficial in the future. When her mentor spoke she blinked for a moment and nodded. "Everything is fine, I just am anxious about seeing everyone again." she mewed softly. "I'll try my best to help him out, I still remember my first time." Boy did she ever remember the first time she had come, she had been so nervous she had tripped over her paws nearly every step she made.

When they had finally arrived at Fourtrees, she felt even more at ease. This place was amazing. The she-cat followed after her mentor, slowly herself down and making sure not to fall, like the previous two times she had been with her mentor on this special night. Her first time she had fallen face first, and her second she had stumbled over a rock, but now she had finally gotten the hang of it. She was calm and nerves weren't quite as bad. Noticing that Earthfoot was already there she quickly caught up to her mentor. And there was Sagepaw, he looked just like she had remembered at the gathering. She hadn't spoken to him, but probably should have, she just needed to get over her nerves.

"Hi Earthfoot." she mewed softly, glancing up at the ThunderClan medicine cat. "Sagepaw, it's nice to meet you. Sorry I didn't get to speak with you at the gathering. But I'm glad to finally have someone that knows about as much as I do about all of this." she purred. Ivypaw was still by her mentor, but she felt a little better now that she had spoken. And she hadn't stuttered once, she was so proud of herself! When the WindClan medicine cat had approached with his new apprentice she shifted a bit uncomfortably. Would he inquire about the kits? Getting over her uneasiness, she mewed a greeting to the two.

[hedgie]

CROWPAW

I'm just a kid and life is a nightmare


The air had a slight charge to it as the young tom followed his mentor across the moors. This seemed like his first real time doing anything that pertained to being a medicine cat. Was he nervous? Of course, but he didn't want to come off that way, even if he knew he was going to. Excited? Maybe it was just an exaggeration brought on by nerves and energy, but he felt as if Starclan couldn't even fathom how hyped up he was about this. This was big, huge...a launching pad for the rest of his life.

Maybe he was blowing it all out of proportion.

He hoped that this would finally get his apprenticeship off on the right paw. So far, he and Russetfang hadn't had the chance to do too much together, but Crowpaw just couldn't see how poking and prodding at the situation would fix anything.

I'm just a kid, I know that its not fair

Then again...every good partnership had it's ups and downs. There was no reason to get his pelt all ruffled over everything. He glanced over at Russetfang as the older tom spoke, and Crowpaw smiled, nodding. "I'm really excited, yeah." He shrugged. "I want to meet everyone, you know. Get to know some cats better."

Russetfang paused, and Crowpaw followed that action. He was going to stick with his mentor for as long as he could. That, though, would make him seem like he was some kit too afraid to leave the nursery. He was old enough to try and strike out on his own, even in small ways. Crowpaw paused when Russetfang did, looking down on the small group of cats that was forming below. He didn't recognize a single face. The young tom took a few steps back, feeling a bit more nervous than he had when they'd left camp. He was young, didn't really know anyone outside of his Clan very well or at all, in some cases, so it was perfectly acceptable if he was just a bit off-guard by it all.

"Sagepaw?" He mewed softly. "Well, okay, I guess I should if you say so..." The dark-furred tom shuffled a front paw on the ground. It was reassuring to know he wasn't the only one who would be new to this whole thing. Shy as he was, Crowpaw was grateful to know he wasn't alone.

His mentor greeted the other gathered cats, and Crowpaw hung back. To the others, he probably seemed like some scared little kit, but he was observing them. Okay, so maybe he was scared, but he didn't want to come off that way. He straightened himself out, shook his head and moved closer to the other apprentices.


Nobody cares, cause I'm alone and the world is


He muttered a half-silent hello to Earthfoot and Shadestripe, then glanced over at the cats closer to his age. Ivypaw and Sagepaw. He could easily remember that...who was who and all that. "Hey." He mewed, still on the silent side. "It's really nice to meet you two and all. I was really excited to get here and all. You know..to finally get to talk to some new faces, I guess."

He internally cringed. He sounded like such a kit! Awkward and unsure about how he sounded. He was probably never going to be the best at starting conversations, but he could at least try.


having more fun than me


Lyrics Belong to "I'm Just a Kid" By Simple Plan

[☆ Y e l l o w ☆]

"That's good, it's only normal to be nervous." Earthfoot meowed and smiled at his apprentice's enthusiasm, knowing it was a good sign if the young tom was sure that he really wanted to do this. Of course he probably wouldn't have agreed to become a medicine cat apprentice if his heart really wasn't in it, and it definitely was considering how long he had been interested in it. But inwardly Earthfoot could never be too sure about Sagepaw's decision, after all he didn't want him to make the mistake he had, deciding too quickly on something so important and not seriously thinking it over. This first meeting with StarClan would determine whether or not he really wanted to go through with becoming a medicine cat, so he had been looking forward to it almost as much as Sagepaw had.

It didn't seem to be long before the other medicine cats started to arrive. And it was a good thing, because they didn't want to get off to a late start and risk missing moonhigh. First was Shadestripe and his apprentice Ivypaw. He watched as they descended the slope and approached, and gave a respectful nod to the other tom before speaking. "Greetings as well, Shadestripe. I hope this past moon has been kind to your Clan." Since he hadn't been at the Gathering in favor of tending to ShadowClan's wounded, he hadn't had the chance to talk with any of the medicine cats since the last half moon. Earthfoot nodded back to Ivypaw, noticing with amusement and pleasure that she didn't appear as nervous this time. He remembered clearly the last few times she had even tripped over her own paws, but now it looked like she was more in control. While Ivypaw introduced herself to Sagepaw, Earthfoot waited for the others to arrive.

Next were WindClan's medicine cats, he realized with surprise when he saw the young tom accompanying Russetfang. So he had an apprentice as well now? That was good news, after all what would a Clan do without trained medicine cats to take over in case something happened to the current one? Not that he wished ill on any of the medicine cats, but it was wise to be prepared. "ThunderClan has been well," he meowed in response and nodded to Russetfang. "You have a new apprentice too, Russetfang?" he added, too curious not to ask. But of course, not just any apprentice would be coming here on the half moon, but he still asked. "Hopefully he and Sagepaw will get along." Watching the three apprentices, he didn't have any doubts that they wouldn't.

So they just had to wait for Feathercloud now. He wondered how she was dealing with having to take care of such a large Clan with no apprentice. The number of cats that would need attention was likely high and he would have a hard time believing that she wasn't overwhelmed. But hopefully she would at least have enough time to come to the half moon meeting, it was an important and ceremonial thing after all.

[Ki]

Late.

Late late late late late!

Ok, perhaps not that late. But Feathercloud was running a bit behind on her schedule, more so than she would like. She'd been doing this for a good number of moons now. For these nights she had a particular routine that ran smoothly for her. There had been a few...eh...incidents that had set her a bit off schedule. So she had basically quickly downed the proper herbs, tried her best to ignore the bitter taste, and sprinted to Fourtrees. She entered Fourtrees breathless and silently cursing her short legs. Before stepping out of the shadows she tried to collect herself. How would it reflect on ShadowClan if she stumbled in with leaves clinging to her fur and her eyes wild? Feathercloud sat in darkness and quickly groomed her fur once and caught her breath. Once she was herself, she stepped into the open to greet her fellow medicine cats. Her eyes quickly went to the medicine cat apprentices. More specifically, Crowpaw and Sagepaw. This was their first time journeying to Moonstone. Feathercloud couldn't help but smile as she looked at them; she remembered that, on her first trip, she'd been so nervous that her mentor had to basically push her inside Mothermouth.

Her eyes went to Ivypaw next. This wasn't her first trip, Feathercloud knew. But just then, looking at these three apprentices, did she realize that she was the only medicine cat in the four Clans that didn't have an apprentice. She'd been praying for one each night. She hated imposing on warriors like Twistedclaw for help. Hopefully StarClan would answer her pleas soon. Not only for her sake, but for the sake of her Clan. They needed more care than Feathercloud could provide alone. Shoving these thoughts from her mind, she greeted her fellow medicine cats warmly. "Sorry to have kept you all waiting. I trust everyone is good this evening?"

[. s p o r e l e t t ♪]

Sagepaw stared around the clearing with wide green eyes, drinking in every detail and trying not to get too over-excited. He had been here only a quarter-moon before, of course, but it was different then. It was night, for one thing, and it was also filled with cats from all Clans. Now it was day, it was empty, and he was about to go on the most important journey of his life. He tried to be patient while they waited for the other medicine cats; Highstones wasn't going to go anywhere while they were waiting. Besides, it would be nice to meet the other medicine cats.

The first cats that Sagepaw saw were Shadestripe and Ivypaw. He hadn't smelled them first, because he was still a bit new at such things, but once he noticed them approaching, the young tom did indeed scent a pungent, RiverClan smell coming from them. Getting to his paws, he pricked his ears with delight at the sight of another apprentice and blinked nicely at her when she spoke to him. "Hello," he mewed. "I guess I didn't see you at the last gathering... I've never been to the Moonstone before. Is it really amazing?" Stars already seemed to shine in his eyes as he thought of the mysterious spirits, but then he scented WindClan, and saw two more cats approaching. Sagepaw tilted his head and listened attentively as the others greeted the two cats, and then a smile lit his face. WindClan's medicine cat had just got a new apprentice as well? That was nice, too! He waved his tail merrily at the other tom in greeting. "Hi, I'm Sagepaw, if you didn't already know. What's your name?"

Sagepaw purred at the other tom, who seemed quiet and nice. He likely would have continued to chatter, but for the arrival of ShadowClan's medicine cat. Turning his head around, the new apprentice breathed in the scent of ShadowClan and stared at the little she-cat who had joined the group. Was this Feathercloud, the cat that Earthfoot had filled in for? Held back by respect for the older cat, he simply pricked his ears and waited to see if Earthfoot would ask after the health of the warrior he had worked on. That was the sort of news Medicine cats shared, right?

[Amber]

Although Ivypaw has spoken to the other medicine cat apprentice, that didn't mean that she had left her mentor's side. She felt like a kit again, sitting beside her mother and not wanting to move. Here she was sitting beside her mentor like she was attached to him. And here she was the oldest of the medicine cat apprentices. She felt great now that she thought about it. Sighing the she-cat felt completely and totally embarrassed for herself. She needed to set an example for the others. Confidence may not be her strong suit, but she could try and pretend. Maybe she should take lesson's from her sister, Cloverpaw seemed to have no problem interacting with others. Turning her attention back to Sagepaw she decided it was now or never. Be more like Cloverpaw she thought to herself, over and over.

"I was sorta in the background, I tend to not do so well with so many cats, still. You would think after going to two, I would feel better." she mused. "The Moonstone? It's like nothing you can ever imagine. Me describing it wouldn't even help you understand, it's just something you have to see for yourself. Just be prepared to be completely amazed." Her eyes glistened as she thought of the beautiful stone. How could someone describe it anyway? It really was something Sagepaw would have to see for himself.

Before she knew it, the WindClan cats had come closer. She didn't remember Russetfang having an apprentice last time she saw him, maybe he was new? When she heard the tom explain, she grinned. Looks like she would be sharing the night with a bunch of toms. Her sister would have loved this. And when the other apprentice joined Sagepaw and herself she managed to somewhat pry herself away from her mentor. "I'm glad that you were able to come. I'm Ivypaw." Ivypaw mewed softly. Oh great, her nerves were coming back. She didn't know the new cat's name, but he seemed nice. "How do you like training so far?" she questioned. She was speaking to both toms at this point.

Ivypaw managed to smile at Feathercloud as the ShadowClan medicine cat approached. Finally! She wasn't alone with so many toms.

[hedgie]

CROWPAW

And maybe when the night is dead, I'll crawl into my bed Staring at these four walls again



Crowpaw nodded at the other tom, shuffled his paws a few more times, and the smiled. "I'm Crowpaw!" He replied, still standing. He really wasn't going to sit down. They were all here now, right? So they'd probably be on the move. Maybe, he wouldn't have to stick to Russetfang like a burr on the way to their destination. yeah...he'd stay back with the other apprentices.

No need to cling to his mentor like a scared kit.

I'll try to think about the last time, I had a good time

He didn't have much of a chance to say anything else, because the ShadowClan medicine cat had finally arrived. She looked nice. Okay, so he'd still hung onto the naive notion that ShadowClan cats were scary, but she seemed really nice. He quickly nodded, then turned back to Sagepaw and Ivypaw. "Russetfang said this is your first time doing this, too. I was so scared that I was going to be the only new set of paws."

Ivypaw pried herself away from her own mentor and he smiled at her, trying to be friendly without coming off too awkward. "Hey."

Everyone's got somewhere to go

Training?

The dark-furred tom scoffed. "What training?" He mewed, glancing over at Russetfang. "He's a nice cat and all, Russetfang...but he never seems to ever have time to train me! He won't even let me gather herbs with me and he seems to be looking at some random she-cat more than he looks at me. I don't think I've learned a thing yet!" Angry, he raked his claws in the dirt before pulling them back in.

"It's a little frustrating, you know? I just wish I could do something to fix it."

And their gonna leave me here on my own and here it goes


Lyrics-"I'm Just a Kid" Simple Plan

[nightstorm]

Russetfang nodded at Earthfoot's inquiry. "I decided the time had come for me to choose an apprentice," he said, looking over at his apprentice. Though it hadn't even been a moon, and though he may not show it, Russetfang was growing rather fond of the young tom. He deeply regretted not being able to train his apprentice yet, but he would remedy that.

Tomorrow, he was going to take Crowpaw out for a training session. It would consist not only of the various herbs and their uses, but some fighting techniques as well. Being a medicine cat did not exempt you when things came to a fight...and ShadowClan wasn't exactly inspiring confidence in avoiding a fight. He wouldn't want his apprentice to be shredded to pieces if a fight did break out, whether it was over the kits, or something else entirely.

Russetfang's thoughts faded, as the bushes rustled, and Feathercloud stepped out. Russetfang nodded to her in greeting. "You have not kept us waiting for long," he assured her. "And yes, thankfully there have been no significant problems this past moon, so my mind may rest easy."

He paused for a moment. "Forgive me, if I seem forward by asking, but how are Tawnykit and Duskkit?" His eyes briefly registered his concern for the kits. "I do hope they are recovering well?" What had happened to them was horrifying, and he did hope nothing permanent, mental or physical, would be left behind.

[Ki]

Feathercloud watched the medicine cat apprentices converse and smiled. She remembered when she was an apprentice. Her first trip to Moonstone had been filled with anxiety, excitement, and a bit of fear. These two young toms were about to reach an important milestone in their lives as medicine cats. She looked to Russetfang as he spoke, relieved that she had not kept them for too long. She was touched that he asked about Dusk-kit and Tawnykit. It might have been expected that he asked about them. After all, he had given them initial treatment after their ordeal and would be bound to want to know if the two kits were recovering well. But Feathercloud hadn't really put much thought into that.

"They're healing well." Feathercloud mewed. "Both of them are still rather shaken...but that's bound to be expected I suppose." She felt sorry for the kits. They couldn't go out and play or visit with their Clanmates. It wasn't fair that those two little ones had to be stuck inside of the medicine cat den. But there wasn't much Feathercloud could do except treat them and hoped they bounced back quicky. "ShadowClan is grateful to you, Russetfang. I don't know where those two kits would be if you hadn't treated them." Well, Feathercloud had a good idea actually. If Russetfang hadn't tended to the kits when he had, they could have very well joined the ranks of StarClan by now.

[Amber]

So the new apprentice was named Crowpaw, and the other Sagepaw. Those were names she would have to remember. They could all be friends, even if they were in different clans. They could help each other learn. Ivypaw finally had someone to talk to, other than her mentor. And these apprentices would know exactly what she was going through. Sure she was a couple moons ahead, but she wouldn't be for long. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad making the journey anymore, she had someone to talk to, not that she ever really spoke too much, but still. Ivypaw was excited that she wouldn't have to stay so close to her mentor. She was definitely more confident about where she was going this time around, and after not tripping like usual, she felt like she could do almost anything. Of course this feeling wouldn't last long, they never did. Self-doubt was this she-cat's specialty.

Well, introductions had been made, and Ivypaw began to wonder when they would be leaving. Not that she was in a hurry to go, she still wanted to chat with the new apprentices, but it was getting awkward with all these toms.

Ivypaw listened to Crowpaw and felt sorry for the tom. She couldn't imagine what that felt like. "I'm sorry." she mewed softly. "But if you ever need any help, remember you always have me. I don't know too much either, but I can help with what I do know. Or well, I can try to. We can all help each other."

[Ki]

Amber eyes rested on the apprentices, then flicked to her fellow medicine cats. They couldn't just sit around and talk, now could they? The apprentices had their ceremonies. She was sure they were anxious to get moving. Feathercloud herself was eager to share dreams with StarClan. They had been eerily silent as of late. Odd considering her last trip had kept her much longer than she had originally anticipated because StarClan, as a more blunt cat would put it, just wouldn't shut up. And now...nothing. She wanted, very badly, to see whether they approved or disapproved of ShadowClan's bold move to expand their territory. Feathercloud wondered if they understood at all; how pressed they were going to be for prey in leafbare, how crowded they were becoming, how many cats Feathercloud was caring for. The she-cat was becoming increasingly worried on how they would scratch by in leafbare.

If the omen was good, she would have to tell a few small white lies when time came to discuss dreams...if the omen was bad...a few more white lies and a trip to Specklestar's den. Feathercloud winced at the thought of delivering news like that to her. Their leader had already informed their Clan an attack was on the way. Would she yield if StarClan was against it? Or would she anger them by attacking anyway? So many questions, so many unheard answers. Feathercloud looked at her fellow medicine cats and mewed, "Well, we better be on the move, then. These two are probably anxious for their ceremony." She smiled at Crowpaw and Sagepaw, then turned to lead the others up to Highstones. Hopefully she was hiding her own eagerness and anxiety well; the last thing she wanted to do was make them feel that something was amiss.