Closed Thread [Closed] Fresh Tracks in Snow (Medicine Cat’s Meeting - 7TW20)

The trek across Clan territory through newly fallen snow had chilled Willowfrost's paws down to the very last paw pad. Today was one of the first Medicine Cat meetings since the horrible weather had cut it's away across the country side and the young she cat was more than ready for some friendly interaction outside of her clan; things had been far to bleak for her taste and some positivity was far overdue.

Thoughts raced through her head and Willowfrost's tufted ears quivered with anticipation and cold. The snow was bright and thanks to her failing vision, Willowfrost greatly relied on scent along with the memories of where Highstones lay from when she used to make the journey with her mentor. Keeping her nose close to the ground in order to reduce glare and ensure she didn't stumble, Willowfrost was quick to notice the paw prints that trailed from the direction of WindClan up towards Highstones. "That must be Rowanglade". She thought to herself, and as the rounded the final corner to reach her destination, the scent of WindClan confirmed her guess.

" Hello, Rowanglade. Brisk morning isn't it?" The distant landscape was made up of shadows and bright spots for Willowfrost, but up close, she was able to see the beauty of the snow and the close forms of boulders. Tucked near one of the large rocks was the older WindClan Medicine Cat, her beautiful coat lightly dusted with the snow. Willowfrost purred and brushed the she-cat with her tail in greeting. "It has been far too many moons since our last visit, but this weather has just been awful! How are things faring for WindClan?" 

“We’re still eating light, but with the weather I think that’s everyone.” Her voice was bright, and she curled her tail in a return to the overly friendly greeting. Willowfrost’s eyes were something they didn’t really discuss much, but she suspected the vision problem went further than the young cat let on. The thought that Willowfrost shouldn’t waste time in taking an apprentice in case it got worse crossed her mind. Rowanglade decided to keep that one to herself.

“It’s a shame the weather’s been so foul all of Leafbare. Not having StarClan’s words can make keeping spirits up more difficult. Here’s to hoping the Rabbits and Hares start to run early this year.” Rowanglade let her voice warm up, thinking of the coming Newleaf, and hoping that StarClan would give them news of what was to come. But… Alas. One couldn’t count on StarClan to give answers. They were more likely to give questions. “How are things in RiverClan?”

Briarstream trekked through the snow, her eye narrowed as she tried to make out the path through the white that covered the ground. The ShadowClan medicine cat was growing weary of the cold, but there was obviously nothing she could do about that, other than just go about her day. So here she was now, at Sacredmore, padding up to meet with the others.

She dipped her head to each of the medicine cat's as she approached the pair. "Rowanglade. Willowfrost. Greetings to you both." Her voice carried no emotion with it, she only uttered those words out of respect for the two older cats. They were fellow medicine cats, much more experienced than she was. She may not like it, but she knew her place.

Willowfrost listened as Rowanglade spoke, nodding slowly in agreement. "Yes, the cold has certainly run much prey under ground. It will truly be a blessing to have them back come the warmer weather." She thought carefully about her next words before proceeding. "RiverClan is looking to the future with hope. It has certainly been a season of despair, but we will come out of it strong and ready for new-leaf." The young medicine cat new better than to share too much of what occurred in her clan over this especially hard winter. Food had been extremely scarce, leaving the remaining cats thin and weak while many had passed on to StarClan; including her beloved mentor. That much she new she could share.

Dipping her head slightly Willowfrost spoke quietly. "We lost Whisperingdove, as I'm sure you might have heard. It was a great loss and she is greatly missed, but she served well and cared for her clan to the end; StarClan is lucky to have her." As the final words died off, Willowfrost heard approaching pawsteps behind them. Catching the scent of ShadowClan on the wind, Willowfrost new it was Briarstream before the arriving cat spoke a greeting. Twitching her tail in greeting, the silver tabby welcomed the new arrival simply; she new that the other medicine cat was not one that was highly inclined to these gatherings, so she didn't want to cross any lines before the ShadowClan cat had gotten settled in. Briarstream, like Willowfrost herself, had been dealt the fate of poor eyesight and the RiverClan cat couldn't help but wonder how she was coping with the tasks of being a Medicine Cat with limited eyesight.

I wonder if she struggles like I do from time to time? Or has considered getting an early apprentice...that is something I simply must discuss with my leader in time...

((I apologize for the lag. It’s been a roughish week. New hours and a lot of responsibilities jumped on me all at once. Next week I should have some days that are not as full.))

Rowanglade’s ears flicked as Briarstream joined them. It wouldn’t be long now until they were all gathered, pleasantries addressed, and the trip down to mothermouth and beyond became the order of the day.

“It’s hard when one’s Mentor departs for StarClan. StarClan will be strengthened by her wisdom.” She meant the polite words. Rowanglade had liked the old she-cat and found her easy enough to work with in the professional realm. Then she turned to Briarstream.

“WindClan is well, and Willowfrost says the same of RiverClan. How has ShadowClan done these past moons?”