Closed Thread Slumbering Distress

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Bleary eyed, a smokey mink tom padded through camp, having slipped through the entrance of the nursery den right after the warriors assigned to dawn patrol went out into their territory. Murkkit didn't want to disturb anyone, but he felt as if he had so much energy he needed to do a few laps around camp. Eventually after the third pass he was tired, or... felt he was supposed to be so, legs heavy, but when he passed the medicine cat's den, he paused. He wasn't necessarily hurt, and he wasn't really sick... was he? He guessed it couldn't hurt to try and find out what was wrong with him, if anything. At least Redkit and Dazzlekit didn't seem affected, in his opinion. Carefully, not to make much noise and minding his step as his gangly, awkwardly large kit body broke through the entrance of the den, Murkkit mewed. "Hello? Flutterdream...are you in?" He tried to scent the she-cat he had only known in passing, but the scent of herbs were strong here and it stung his nose even if the aroma was somehow nostalgic to him.

     'I am here for you, always'
      ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧

  At the sound of a small voice, Flutterdream moved her gaze over, surprised to be greeted with Murkkit. 'Hello sweetie, are you alright?' she asked the young tom. She grazed her eyes across him in a quick survey. No visible injures and he didn't seem overly upset. Perhaps he just wanted a little consultation. She had noticed the way he stood and presented himself though - there was something odd. While there was nothing inherently wrong with it, he was lacking something he normally contained, which she soon pinpointed as energy, or perhaps spirit. Although she was pretty confident, she let the kit speak first, as after all, he may have something entirely different on his mind. 

As she spoke, she indicated for Murkkit to come in a little closer. He of course did not have too, but if it made him more comfortable he was all the more welcome to rest within her plumed tail while he spoke of his troubles (Although he was getting so big now he might not fit!).

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

 Upon hearing the sure voice of a medicine cat indoors, Murkkit's confidence gathered. He stepped closer to the fluffy tortie, eyes floating to the vast system of herbs that were in storage, ready to be used. Wondering if any would be used for his concern, he politely cleared his throat.

"I think so, but I feel weird." He began, hind end flopping dramatically onto his haunches, shoulder hunched over as he fixed her with a sleepy stare as he settled into the tail given. Comfortable as it was he doubted he'd be able to fall asleep there. Maybe he should try? His eyelids began to fall, but it was forced, and he blinked. "I'm real sleepy but I can't seem to stay asleep. When I do, I sometimes have scary dreams and those dreams wake me up. I don't want to be tired all the time." He told her with a plaintive mew. In all honesty, being less than his best was starting to affect how he spent his time awake. He felt sluggish and wasn't the best on his feet while play fighting, which was embarassing against his smaller siblings.

     'I am here for you, always'
      ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧

 Flutterdream trained her gentle gaze onto Murkkit as he spoke, her eyes betraying little other than a listening soul. Now that she had noticed Murkkit's lack of energy, it was blaringly obvious. His drooped just a little more than they normally would, and the kitten spark that Clovershine's litter always contained was missing from his eyes. 

Murkkit nestled himself within her tail, and she was a little surprised he had taken up her offer, but happy nonetheless. Murkkit explained how he was having trouble staying asleep lately, and that it was making him really tired. Sounded like insomnia, something that could be detrimental to both a developing kit to a full grown warrior. Unsure of the kits level of comfort with her, as she was close to a stranger to him, Flutterdream stopped herself from giving him a few relaxing licks over the ear. 'I see, sometimes this can happen, but it is okay. I will be able to help you sleep better.'

The cause of his troubles was another problem, but first she must work on helping the young kit fix his sleep to a healthier stage. Depending on how persistent Murkkit is, he may be able to recover soon, but if he struggles with Flutterdream's methods, things might become harder. 'First, I have some seeds that can help you feel sleepy. For the next few nights, I can give them to you and have Clovershine watch how you go, but herbs are not something you can rely on forever. We will need to work together to try and make you feel better, are you okay with that Murkkit? Clovershine and the other kits will be able to help to if you like.' she explained. 

For the next few nights Flutterdream would be able to provide Murkkit poppy seeds, in hope that he can finally get some good nights rest, but the root cause must be discussed, and a non-herbal plan formed alongside the poppy seeds. 

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

 Murkkit's ears perked at the mention of the seeds, his interest piqued. He’d seen the warriors and apprentices mention herbs in passing, but this was the first time he’d be getting something like that meant to help him. He glanced up at Flutterdream, his cornflower blue eyes narrowing slightly in thought.

"Poppy seeds?" He echoed, curiosity clear in his voice. "So they make you sleepy? What if the dreams come back even worse?" His voice carried a hint of skepticism, already wary of returning to these nightmares. Back to the fear and uncertainty.

He shuffled slightly, adjusting his position in Flutterdream's tail, feeling the warmth of her fur but also the weight of his own doubt. "I’ll try them, but... I don’t want to keep needing them," He admitted, a note of determination creeping into his tone. "I can deal with this on my own, right? You don't have to tell Dazzlekit or Redkit?"

Murkkit’s tail twitched, betraying his restlessness. He wanted to prove he could handle things himself, even if part of him knew he might need the help. His pride stung at the thought of being seen as weak, especially in front of his siblings. "If there’s anything else I can do to stop these dreams, or make them less scary, I’ll do it. I just... don’t want to feel like I’m losing." he finished, his voice quiet but resolute, as if the words themselves were a challenge to the strange force keeping him awake.

     'I am here for you, always'
      ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧

 'Yep, poppy seeds. One of the most useful herbs out there.' Murkkit's worry over his dreams stumped her a little. There was no guarantee they wouldn't get worse, and she wasn't one to lie about something like this. It was better to just be honest, and explain the best she could. 'I can't promise you your dreams won't come back even worse, but your dreams are something I would like to talk about. Would you mind sharing what your dreams are about? It is okay if you don't want to'

She also nodded when the young tom requested if she not tell Dazzlekit or Redkit. It was completely understandable, and she would respect that. 'How about Clovershine? Or would you just like to keep this between us?' She asked, giving into the urge and giving the kit a single, reassuring lick on the head. He seemed nervous, a little upset even. Sometimes problems like these hurt more than a physical wound, and to a cat as young as Murkkit, feeling like he is losing was just awful. 

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

 Murkkit stiffened slightly as Flutterdream’s tongue brushed over his head, though he didn’t pull away. It was a gesture of comfort, but it made him feel like a kit-a feeling he was trying to shake off. He let out a small sigh, the weight of her questions pressing down on him.

“The dreams… they’re mostly about the Thunderpath.” He admitted, his voice low. “I see the monster that hit my mother. It’s always the same… she’s running, trying to get us across, but she doesn’t make it in time. And sometimes…” His voice faltered, but he pushed on, determined to get the words out. “Sometimes, it’s me instead of her.”

He paused, his ears flattening against his head as he stared down at his large paws. “I don’t want to keep seeing that, but I don't know how to make it stop.” he murmured, the vulnerability in his tone unmistakable.

As for Clovershine, he hesitated, the idea of his foster mother knowing about his struggles making him uncomfortable. He didn’t want her to worry more than she already did. But at the same time, keeping it a secret felt like too much to carry alone.

“Maybe just you... you know, for now.” He decided, lifting his gaze to meet Flutterdream’s. “If it gets worse, then… maybe we can tell Clovershine. But I want to try and handle it first. Is that okay?” There was a flicker of resolve in his eyes, though it was clear the situation was weighing on him heavily as his eyes were droopy. He didn’t want to feel helpless, and admitting this much already felt like a defeat. But if it helps, then I'll do it.

     'I am here for you, always'
      ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧

 Flutterdream felt her blood run cold, though her expression remained as tender as ever. What Murkkit had described was absolutely awful, and she had never treated nightmares of such extremity before, especially with a cat so young. She has noticed the way he had stiffened as she gave him a single lick, and regretted her actions instantly, nearly cringing at herself. She had always prided herself on the professional way she treated and took care of her clan. She hoped her clanmates thought highly of her, in the way they could trust her with anything, whether it be her healing abilities or other problem solving.

    'Ok, this will just stay between you and me' she said softly, wrapping her tail around Murkkit just the tiniest bit more. He obviously wanted to seem strong, and a not be treated like a kit, but he was still a kit, and this was the way Flutterdream would treat anyone for age did not matter, she would always provide her gentle support. Murkkit saw his own mother run over, and part of the cause of his nightmares would be a mixture of his lasting grief, along with trauma. 

'Dreams are a tricky thing to tackle, for sometimes it feels like you have taken to a whole new place where you can't even control your own body. Your dreams are not very nice ones, the hardest ones to control, but there is always a way. I promise. Before you head off to sleep, I want you to play a little routine in your mind. It can be up to you, maybe you running around, playing with your new brothers, or perhaps even a happy memory from the life you lived with your mother. When thinking of this scenario, I want you to focus on the feelings, and what you see in your mind. Replay these comforting memories or scenarios over and over again until you drift off to sleep and maybe your dreams will be filled with those instead. It might not work, but it should help you feel much calmer while settling down for sleep. When you are waking up from your bad dreams, try opening you eyes nice and wide, taking a few deep breaths before looking around and you will realise you are safe. Completely safe in a place where you are loved.'

She had no idea if anything she said would help, the kits mother was dead and he was terrified it might happen to him to, but she would do her best to remind Murkkit that she will do everything in her power to protect him. 'If you ever don't feel safe enough with Clovershine and your brothers, you can always come and sleep in here' she offered, though it was unlikely such would be true. Clovershine loved Murkkit like he was one of her own, and would to her absolute best to make sure he felt as safe as possible. 

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Murkkit listened closely to Flutterdream's words, his little heart thudding in his chest as he tried to process her advice. The idea of controlling his dreams felt strange, almost impossible, but he was willing to try anything at this point. He didn’t want to keep waking up in a cold sweat, reliving that horrible moment over and over.

“I’ll try that.” he said quietly, his voice steadying as he spoke. “I’ll think about something nice before I sleep…”

He paused, mulling over her offer to sleep in her den. The idea of leaving Clovershine and his brothers didn’t sit right with him. It felt like admitting defeat, like saying he couldn’t handle what was going on in his head. But the way Flutterdream spoke made him feel a little better, like maybe it was okay to have these thoughts and fears, and that he wasn’t weak for feeling them.

“Thank you, Flutterdream.” He murmured, a small but genuine gratitude in his voice. “I’ll remember that if I need it.” He blinked up at her, his cornflower blue eyes a little brighter, even if they still held a hint of tiredness. “I… I don’t want to be scared. I want to be strong, like how my mother was.”

There was a determination in his gaze now, a flicker of the resilience that had always been a part of him, even if it had been buried under the weight of his nightmares. He wasn’t ready to give up just yet, and though he still felt unsure about the future, Flutterdream’s words had given him a small spark of hope. 

     'I am here for you, always'
      ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧

'You are just as strong. You are a clan cat now, who is watched over by the stars above. Not any cat is able to be a part of the clan, and the fact that you have fit in here so easily tells me much more about your strength than you might realise. I can tell you right now, that your mother is watching over you, so proud of the way you have handled what life has thrown at you.' And the medicine cat meant it. She had no idea who the mother of the abandoned litter was, but the way Murkkit spoke about her, Flutterdream had no doubt she would be proud of the way her kits had grown. 

Carefully sliding her tail out from underneath Murkkit, she headed over to her store, rolling out a poppy seed with her paw. 'Take this after your meal, a when you rest, try what I said. We can do this for a few nights, and you can report back to me. If you are still having trouble sleeping, or the dreams keep coming back, I have a few other things you can try.'

She wanted to pray to StarClan tonight, scold them for giving such cruel dreams to a kit, but she knew these dreams were not from the starry warriors above. They came from the mind itself, and only inner strength could banish them. But perhaps for just one night, they could visit the child and bless him with a peaceful sleep. She would wish for this at least.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

 Murkkit absorbed Flutterdream's words, feeling a strange warmth in his chest. The idea that his mother was watching over him, proud of how he was handling everything, gave him a sense of comfort he hadn't felt in a long time. It made him feel like maybe, just maybe, he wasn't as alone as he sometimes feared.

“Do you really think she’s proud of me?” he asked softly, almost as if he was afraid of the answer. He wanted to believe it, needed to believe it, but a part of him still doubted. He looked down at his paws, deep in thought.

When she returned with the seed, he gave her a determined look. “I’ll try it tonight, after I eat and let you know how it goes tomorrow." He carefully took the poppy seed, keeping it close so he wouldn’t lose it before his meal.

As he got ready to leave, he hesitated for a moment. “Flutterdream…once the bad dreams go away, do you think that means I’m getting even stronger?” He wanted that reassurance, needed to know that this wasn’t just about feeling better, but about growing into the cat he wanted to be.

     'I am here for you, always'
      ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧

  'Absolutely. I can promise you that.' Could she really? No, not really. But deep down she was certain it wasn't a lie. Sometimes things like this Flutterdream could just tell, and this was something she was sure about. Whoever this kitten's mother was, if she wasn't proud, she needed a good whack on the head to knock some sense into her. 

Flutterdream moved forward a few pawsteps, ready to walk Murkkit to the exit of the den, but he hesitated for a moment, causing her head to tilt ever so slightly. Ah, strength was still one of the things at the forefront of his mind. He wasn't sure who or what had given him this ideal, and it wasn't a bad thing, but she wanted to make sure he understood what exactly strength meant. 'Yes, once your bad dreams go away, you will have faced something new. You will have progressed in a way only understandable to yourself, and whether that is strength, that is up to you to determine. But I can see your strength already, a strong one that blooms in many aspects. Your future is bright and this is just a small obstacle in the way, so have no worries, nor fret little one.'

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

 Murkkit listened intently to Flutterdream, his heart swelling with a mixture of hope and determination. Her words gave him the reassurance he sought, even if a part of him knew that strength wasn’t just about overcoming his nightmares. It was about facing the things that scared him, even when he felt small and unsure.

He nodded slowly, taking in her words. “I’ll do my best, Flutterdream."
As she moved to walk him to the exit, Murkkit followed, feeling a little lighter with each step. He was still scared of the dreams, of losing control, but maybe… just maybe, he could handle this.

"Thanks again." With that, he gave her a final nod, poppy seed close, before stepping out into the camp and headed back into the nursery, feeling a little more prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

[OOC: END THREAD]