Closed Thread [Closed] A Foggy Morning (11FG20)

Fog had never really bothered Willowfrost, especially not these days. Cloudy eyes roamed lazily as she padded softly across camp, not fully able to focus on her surroundings. Even if the skies were crystal clear, Willowfrost would have to squint hard to make out even the largest of details around camp; unfortunately, that was just the reality of her failing vision. Thankfully, her nose and ears still worked perfectly, so it wasn't hard for Willowfrost to pick up on pawsteps nearby. 

Turning towards the source of the sound, Willowfrost slowed, allowing her nose to lift into the air and her maw to open slightly. A scent she could never forget washed over her. "Boldstar, dear, is that you?" She purred fondly at her question, knowing full well that the familiar smell belong to RiverClan's leader. She had hoped to run into him at some point today and this cloudy morning was simply perfect. 

Out with the old - In with the bold

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"Yes, It's me, Willowfrost." Her returned his longtime friend's purr. She might have been half his age, but the amount medicine cat's had to learn seemed to age them prematurely. Willowfrost's failing vision was a thing they all just ignored right now, but someday the unspoken truths would force the matter. It would happen in StarClan's time and no one else's, that was certain.

"What are you doing up and about already?"

Willowfrost moved closer at the sound of Boldstar's voice, a smile crossing her maw. "Oh, well nothing much, really. I simply needed to get out and about as sleeping longer than the first rays of sun always seems to escape me!" The reality of it was that Willowfrost was bored. Not much had been happening as of late, which honestly is a good thing when it comes to a Medicine Cat, but she got lonely so easily. Sitting around the medicine den simply wasn't an option. 

Swishing her tail happily, Willowfrost spoke around her small smile. "Do you have big plans for the day, Boldstar?"

Out with the old - In with the bold

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Boldstar considered for a moment and then "Nothing too exciting. I'll probably take one of todays patrols out myself." It wasn't a hard decision for him, he'd long been more of a doer than watcher. He suspected some leaders didn't spend the time they should on patrols. "What about you?"

Willowfrost nodded slowly at Boldstar's words. It made perfect sense that the RiverClan leader would take part in the patrols. In fact, it made her heart happy that he would take the time to participate in tasks that could otherwise be delegated to those of lower rank. Many awful leaders in the past had done just that, and it put a horrid taste in her mouth simply thinking about it. 

"That sounds wonderful, Boldstar. I do hope that you enjoy the patrol and everything is calm."

The medicine cat paused for a moment before continuing, making sure that her leader didn't intend to say anything else before she spoke again. 

"As for my day, I intend to visit some other members of the clan just to see how things are going and then count my herb supply." Willowfrost smiled once more. "It's important to ensure we have everything we need after all! A medicine cat's work is never done."

Out with the old - In with the bold

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"Medicine Cats and Leaders alike, always work to be done. Hopefully herbs are as thick on the ground already as the prey's gotten?" Boldstar settled himself a bit more comfortably, happy to overlook the small pile of prey in the pile. It was a grand change compared to just a moon ago, when things hadn't picked up yet. It was a relief to have enough to go around again. 

"Mhm, oh yes, definitely! I always enjoy this time of year as the herbs are easy to find and I get a chance to clean out my den." Her tail tapped against the ground lightly as she mentally worked through her list of herbs that she was sure she was low on despite her need to double-check. 

Chickweed, Tansy, Celandine...

"Oh yes, and Borage!" she finished the thought aloud, only to realize and duck her head bashfully. "My apologies, Boldstar, dear. I was off on a mental list!" Lifting her maw, she allowed the breeze to wash over her bringing in the scents of RiverClan. That's when a new thought hit her. 

"Isn't the gathering happening soon? I always seem to lose track of those"

Out with the old - In with the bold

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"The moon will be full in a few days. It's almost here. I should start considering who to take." Boldstar made his way a bit closer and settled into a sitting position with his fluffy tail wrapped around his paws. Once comfortable he considered for a moment. "Do you want a warrior with you on your herb gathering? I can assign one of the young ones who need to learn some humility." And there were always young warriors who needed to be reminded that a warrior's name wasn't all glory and was mostly just hard work. Sometimes that was the hardest lesson of all to teach, and it didn't always come easily.

Pressure like a drip, drip, drip that'll never stop, whoa. Pressure that'll tip, tip tip 'till you just go pop, whoa.
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Through the fog, and perhaps a struggle to see, padded the form of a snowy white shape. Cottonbright, on soft pad falls crept towards the fresh kill hollow. In her mouth hung a rather scrawny looking mouse she had caught near the river thicket during an early hunt.

Didn't seem like the mouse could see very much where it was going and it nearly stumbled into her paws after a clumsy pounce - but at least she came back with something to show for it. Cottonbright didn't much care for the fog near ruining her hunt. When she got closer, it was hard not to see... Boldstar! Oh, and Willowfrost too!

Feeling a bit flustered, Cottonbrights small ears flicked. Kill deposited into the fresh kill pile, she mulled over what had been caught recently. Luckily, the prey had been running a little better - the pile showed for it, but she wasn't necessarily hungry enough to warrant taking something for herself yet, so instead she turned with a deep breath to address them.

"G-G'morning, Boldstar. Willowfrost!" Oh what she wouldn't give for a moment to still her paws, so she merely sat on them instead. "I hope the fog lets out soon... I was lucky to catch what I did."

Did she overhear Boldstar ask the medicine cat if he should send someone with her to collect herbs? Might be a good idea considering the weather, and despite what might have been humbling work, Cottonbright wouldn't have minded it. "How are you both?" She mewed politely.

A stillness washed over Willowfrost at the sound of approaching paw steps. Regardless of how light or heavy the steps may be, the Medicine Cat always found herself practicing this habit thanks to her failing eyes. It was important to know exactly what kind of cat was approaching and the best way to address them. 

At the sound of Cottonbright's hesitant meow, Willowfrost melted back into movement, her tail waving happily and in welcome as she turned her head towards the newcomer. "Oh! Why if it isn't dear Cottonbright. How nice to see you, sweetpaws. I'm sure you did the best you could on your hunt." Willowfrost purred warmly "It is quite difficult to see in this weather after all. One must truly rely on their nose!" 

As an afterthought, Willowfrost cocked her head towards Boldstar and winked a misty blue eye at him. " I sincerely appreciate the offer, Boldstar. Perhaps if we happen to find a Warrior kind enough to offer some of their time to this Medicine Cat, they could join me on the quest!"

Out with the old - In with the bold

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"Hello, Cottonbright." The older tom created the young white she-cat. She'd been difficult to see in the fog, completely without contrast if it hadn't been for the mouse in her jaws and the brilliant green of her eyes. Boldstar left most of the greeting to Willowfrost, she was better at that sort of thing than him, only adding in, "I'm well, thank you."

When Willowfrost reacted positively to the idea of an escort he gave a serious nod and a purr. "I'll find someone for you. Hopefully the right cat before this fog lifts."

Pressure like a drip, drip, drip that'll never stop, whoa. Pressure that'll tip, tip tip 'till you just go pop, whoa.
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if Cottonbright could blush, she'd do so profusely at Willowfrosts name of endearment. Whiskers twitched at the attention, and a swift paw swiped them down with a self concious flick of her tail tip. And in front of Boldstar too! She knew it was the she-cat's way, but - oh, mousefuzz!

"Y-Yeah, you're right. It would have been a good chance to practice in the fog." Must have come easy to the medicine cat. Her nose could probably track down a mouse in a blizzard! Blinking her naturally wide eyed gaze towards her larger, older leader, she gave a quick, approving nod. "Good! Glad that you're well. I'm faring pretty well myself... and, well..." Her tone pittered off to a dovelike mew, tail tapping in thought before her next words exploded from her mouth.

"I'd love to join you, Willowfrost! If you'd have me..." Pulling back her voice again as she smiled at her, chagrined.

Willlowfrost's eyes may fail her,  but her other senses  rarely did.  Her purr deepened as she listened  to Cottonbright's words and she  closed her eyes in amusement.  This young warrior was certainly charming and it was like a breath of fresh air to hear the enthusiasm in her voice as she piped up to offer her assistance. 

Of course, Willowfrost had been joking all along about finding the "right warrior" to accompany her. It was just in her nature to  throw in a little humor here and there to keep life interesting. She had intended  to ask Cottonbright  all along, so she was thrilled when the offer was brought forth of it's own accord. 

Opening her eyes once  more and swishing her silver tail happily, Willowfrost  dipped her head towards the form of Cottonbright. "Why,  I think that would be just lovely, Cottonbright! Thank you so much for your offer." The RiverClan medicine cat turned towards her  leader before finishing, "Unless you need her for something else of course, Boldstar?"

Out with the old - In with the bold

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"Cottonbright can certainly help you. I have no reason to need her specifically today." Boldstar was happy to have the matter settled without any thought on his part. It was always nice when things just fell into place as if StarClan had arranged the entire situation. He adjusted the tail wrapped around his feet and gave a happy purr. "Do you have any idea when you'll want to head out?"

Pressure like a drip, drip, drip that'll never stop, whoa. Pressure that'll tip, tip tip 'till you just go pop, whoa.
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The medicine cats words hadn't failed to cause an emotional stir within the large white she-cat, ears twitching at the praise. Her kindness wasn't lost to Cottonbright, who greatly appreciated Willowfrost's kindness. It was important to her that she be approachable and personable, as a medicine cat.

There was indeed something different between the two; both respectable, of course, but she couldn't help but be wary around her leader. Perhaps it was just her old apprentice nerves talking, but she always wanted to be at her best around her former mentor.

Her bright green eyes exchanged between the two cats, peering shyly at Boldstar when he revealed he hadn't anything specific for her today. I guess I took the initiative on that one... Pleased with her easy assurance, Cottonbright turned back towards Willowfrost, a dainty purr livening up her usually temperate, sometimes timid, expression.

"Just say the word, Willowfrost, unless you want something to eat first?" Tail tip motioning towards the fresh kill pile, which already stood testament to the increase of running prey. Hopefully it would hold, Starclan willing.

"Wonderful!" Willowfrost nodded her head in a deciding manner "We'll head out shortly then, but first, I appreciate your foresight dear, Cottonbright. We should definitely eat something before departing!"

The RiverClan medicine cat was very pleased with the lovely warrior before them. Although a bit shy, Cottonbright's thoughtful outlook on how to approach the task ahead was impressive and Willowfrost got a sense that this skill would be vital as she aged and became an even firmer structure in the clan's foundation. 

Without saying anything else, Willowfrost made her way towards the freshkill pile, using her nose and the familiar shapes to guide her. Calling over her shoulder, Willowfrost addressed her leader "Would you care to join us, Boldstar? No sense in starting out your day with an empty belly."

Out with the old - In with the bold

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Boldstar's pleased purr at the invitation rumbled through his big body. He was thing now, compared to his usually well muscled self. It was a relief that prey ran again and even someone his size could take enough of a share to not feel guilty. "I would love to join you both." It felt like it would be a good day despite the fog that still lay thick around them. Once the sun was properly up even that problem would right itself. It also made him feel relived that the near-sighted medicine cat would have a pair of longer sighted eyes to keep watch while she searched out herbs.

Today was already coming together. Boldstar walked over, making his careful way to the fresh-kill pile.

Pressure like a drip, drip, drip that'll never stop, whoa. Pressure that'll tip, tip tip 'till you just go pop, whoa.
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Cottonbright offered the silvery she-cat a passing smile, the soft beam of her grin trailing with her words as she made her way towards the fresh kill, stepping over the roots of twinwillow. "It's relieving to see the prey running again."

When her pelt nearly brushed against Boldstar's at her approach, she peered into the pile - carefully fishing a small finch from the top. The morsel would be perfect to hold her off - and maybe she'd have another chance later to sniff out some prey. Give what Willowfrost suggested some serious application.

Padding along behind her companions, Willowfrost's mind was occupied with her list of to-do's for the day. That is until she reached the freshkill pile and the delicious smells of breakfast washed over her. 

Waiting first for Cottonbright to make her selection, Willowfrost then looked to Boldstar before searching the pile herself. Finding the perfect sized mouse, Willowfrost took it in her jaws and settled down for a morsel. She sighed happily. 

"There's nothing quite like a good meal on a beautiful day!"

Out with the old - In with the bold

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"Definitely." Boldstar agreed, leaning down to select a bright yellow canary off the file. It was large enough that he didn't feel greedy taking it, but not so small that it wouldn't be enough for the day. He was thankful for the hunters who had provided so well today that there was choice.

Boldstar settled in carefully, holding the bird between his paws and starting to pull feathers out to find his way into the morsel.

Pressure like a drip, drip, drip that'll never stop, whoa. Pressure that'll tip, tip tip 'till you just go pop, whoa.
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Cottonbright was all smiles as her maw found the soft, outter layer of feathers on the finch she had chosen. With care, and the steadiness of its soft body under a positioned paw, echoed Boldstar in defeathering her meal. Fluff and feathers were always useful lining the dens, and it'd be a shame to damage any of them.

It didn't make her finch any less savory as she quietly ate, nodding appreciatively as she swallowed a mouthful. It really was a blessing that the clan was with prey. In leaf bare, she stretched every meal - and felt terrible when there was barely enough to go around.

"To Refferclan!" She piped up, mouth partially full of food, before her neck arched back to send it down her gullet with a soft sigh of pleasure.

"Yes, indeed. To RiverClan!" Willowfrost couldn't help but giggle alongside the enthusiastic she-cat beside her. "Now, Cottonbright, dear. Don't eat too quickly as I'd hate for your stomach to be upset, but we should certainly make good time. The herbs won't wait forever you know!"

Taking another bite of her prey, Willowfrost focused on eating swiftly yet carefully in order to heed her own advice. It would do the clan no good if she gave herself indigestion. 

Out with the old - In with the bold

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Boldstar took up the cry "To RiverClan!" before biting into his canary with relish. He was pleased to see Willowfrost pleased as he listened to her kindly lecture about eating too fast. The pair seemed well matched. He may have to take advantage of this bonding again in the future.

((Sorry it's so short. I didn't have much to add.))

Pressure like a drip, drip, drip that'll never stop, whoa. Pressure that'll tip, tip tip 'till you just go pop, whoa.
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Cottonbright was just tucking into another dizzying mouthful when Willowfrost piped up. Her first instinct was to apologize, but just ended up sputtering a bit of down before she struggled to get the rest of the food to slither down her throat.

Gosh, maybe I should really slow down?!

Or at least it was frightful that the older she-cat thought prudent to mention! Trying to regain whatever dignity she managed to scrape up, the white warrior, once she could speak properly again, mewed.

"I'm s-sorry! I figured you'd be in a hurry! Whenever you're ready! If you'll excuse us, Boldstar..." Peering through the fog after she was sure that Willowfrost was done, she was prepared to lead the way and be the medicine cat's eyes in the murky morning air. With careful trepidation, she traversed over the boughs of twinwillow and out of camp.