Willowfrost

A small, shorthaired silver tabby she-cat with slightly tufted ears

A small, shorthaired light grey tabby she cat with silver-blue eyes, Willowfrost has never had the traits of a warrior. Although her small size and stature may have been perfect for slipping into blind spots during battle, it is far more efficient for getting into hard to reach spots in order to find excellent herbs. Her short fur is almost silver due to the light grey coloring, and the dark tabby stripes stand out strikingly in contrast, circling around her body in beautiful patterns before ending at the blank canvas of her chest. Willowfrost’s tall ears are the only spots on her body where longer fur resides, ending in small, feathery tufts of fur perched at the tips. Her delicate paws aid her greatly in dealing with herbs and although small, are adept at healing those in her clan. Thanks to the fact that Willowfrost has failing vision, her once pure blue eyes have now clouded into a frosty ice grey.

As gentle and quiet as the frost that decorates her warrior name, Willowfrost is a cat that tends to listen far more than she speaks. Due to her petite size and poor eyesight, Willowfrost must rely on her other senses to aid her in her daily tasks, which has greatly withdrawn her personality further into the natural introvert state she was born with. Always willing to learn and assist those in her clan, Willowfrost strives to acquire as much knowledge as she can in the way of herbs and ailments that could befall her clan. Her quiet strength is not used as a front in the face of her handicap, however, from time to time, even the strongest soul can experience fatigue; and it is in these moments that Willowfrost recharges by spending time near the water, as the gentle sound aids in refocusing her resolve. Willowfrost likes to think that she makes friends easily and thoroughly enjoys spending time with other cats, listening to their stories and tribulations. Any opportunity to lend a paw is rewarding to Willowfrost, as she finds her purpose through those who need her most.

• Born in the Moon of Tiger's Wraith (2016) 091
• Willowpaw in RiverClan during the Moon of Long Sun (2017) 097
• Apprenticed to the Medicine Cat as Willowpaw in RiverClan during the Moon of Running Prey (2018) 109
• Became Medicine Cat as Willowfrost in RiverClan
• Earned the name Willowfrost in RiverClan during the Moon of First Green (2019) 119

Born in the early days of Melting Waters, Willowkit was the smallest of the abandoned litter of two. She and her sister were discovered in the hollow of a large boulder by a RiverClan warrior known as Salmonclaw. While out on a patrol with his clan mates, the large warrior heard their helpless mews and taking pity on the two helpless heaps of fur, he carried them back to camp. From the very beginning, although loved and accepted by her new found family, Willowkit was quiet and withdrawn. She had no knowledge of who her actual parents were and while she was thankful to her adopted father, it was her sister alone who truly accepted him. The days and moons passed by and the pair of kits grew quickly under the care of RiverClan. Training began as both Willowpaw and her sister gained their apprenticeship names and fell under the care of mentors. However, while Willowpaw’s sister flourished, Willowpaw herself struggled to keep up with the pace that was set. It was not due to her small size, as she was both lithe and quick; fully capable in body, minus one area. Her eyes. At first, the change was slow. Willowpaw noticed that the edges of her vision became blurry from time to time, but slowly, that became the norm and she thought nothing more of it. As time passed however, it became more and more difficult for the young cat to see things in the distance properly. Her mentor noticed it first when Willowpaw completely missed her sister approaching from a distance, tail waving in greeting. When confronted, Willowpaw was confused, stating that all she saw was a shadow in the distance, nothing more. It was at this time, when Willowpaw first encountered the Medicine Cat’s den-and the first introduction to her future. The diagnoses of failing eyesight crushed Willowpaw. She was already an outsider in this clan, although mostly of her own making, and now that her vision had failed her, the dream of becoming a warrior was tainted. Her sister and mentor tried to be encouraging, telling her that with a bit of extra work she could still possibly be an asset to the clan through her training; but Willowpaw knew better. She was already a small cat, and without her vision, she would be a sitting duck during a battle. Because of this, the young cat slipped into a depression, only eating with the encouragement of the RiverClan medicine cat, Whisperingdove. It took weeks, but Whisperingdove’s persistent kindness and encouragement nursed Willowpaw back into a state of health, albeit her spirit was still weak. Spending each day in the Medicine Cat den for small amounts of time, Willowpaw began to notice how the smell of the herbs soothed her, and brought her soul happiness. She began to ask questions, learning little by little how each herb could help those in her clan. Whisperingdove noted this curiosity and Willowpaw’s natural caring nature, and spoke with the leader about the young cat’s future. During the Moon of Turning Leaves, Willowpaw became the Medicine Cat’s apprentice and found of sense of purpose once more. Willowpaw earned her warrior name during this last harsh winter of Tiger’s Wrath as she worked tirelessly to aid the cats in her clan. The biggest tragedy of all came shortly after receiving her warrior name of Willowfrost. The seemingly never-ending cold stole the life of many cats in RiverClan and despite Willowfrost’s best efforts, Whisperingdove said her last goodbye, slipping away to the warmth of StarClan on the tears of her apprentice. Salmonclaw was soon to follow, leaving Willowfrost parentless once more. Although Willowfrost was thrust into her role as Medicine Cat during a terrible time, it has done nothing but further strengthen her character. She has worked hard to help her clan as much as possible through this latest trial and takes comfort in knowing that her mentor is watching over her. Willowfrost still has much to learn, but she is quick-minded and now with the approach of Melting Waters, a sense of relief comes as herbs begin to reappear. Although many trials are still lying ahead, Willowfrost is ready to tackle them head-on.

• Mint & Nettle Grow Stronger (2FF'20)
• Urtica dioica in the dawn light (22TL'20)

Salmonclaw-Adopted father