{$title} Passionflower during the forming of Riverclan.
PASSIONFLOWER ── .❇ riverclam | weaver
Oh how she mourned her beautiful Shipyard. The wooden docks, once pristine and taken care of, left to rot, the ocean salt eating into it like termites, barnacles gathering in the areas near the sea, never to be scrubbed off again and tossed back into the ocean where they belonged. The buildings, once full of life, people moving in and out, boxes constantly moving, nets being dragged across the planks, fish being caught and prepared for travel, now lay abandoned and desolate. Empty of any use, bareless wastes before them, falling apart and collapsing from the wind.
Her favourite people, lost to the waves, never to return. Where there were supposed to be ships, water lashed against the docks, never to be disturbed again by a hull against the waves. Never again would she be able to welcome warm hands, gentle on her head and back and she meowed for food from her favourite fishermen. They were all gone. It was laid to waste, with only them to remain.
Her sister Pearl did all she could to help, but she herself was going through the most horrible of grief. For her sister had never adventured like herself, she was bore in the shipyard, and she stayed in the shipyard until Passion returned to her. Countless years spent here, never having seen the wonders of the outside world, never knowing how much there was out there. Knowing that... that there was more out there, a place she was to be sent to by the ocean, a place that would welcome her as it's own, eased Passion's grief and worry. Her sister had no such reassurance.
All of the cats were worried, even if they didn't speak it. Time and time eased on, and the yard slowly worsened, planks weakening, buildings collapsing, until a breaking point was hit. The ocean decided it was time for them to move on.
What a surprise it was, to see young Pike take the lead. She sent a silent prayer to the ocean that they would get where they were going safely, on their scouting journey, as she stayed behind with the young and the injured. Maybe Pike had truly been sent here for a reason... all things happen for a purpose. Pike, Adder, Willow, Bay, and Peachy would all return home safely, she thought, willing it into existence with the sea's word. Great that she was, she would surely provide, unless she wanted them for a different destiny.
When it was finally time for them to leave, Passion looked back upon her home. The place she was born, where she was raised, where she had always returned to... Maybe, she would see it again some day. For now, she was to follow the flow of fate, crowding together with the shipyard cats as they traveled, hungry and eager to find their new home, a safe space that would allow them peace and polite company.
It was beautiful.
The earthy, clear water that shimmered and flowed above the pebble floor was endlessly eye catching. The way it reflected the sun, clean and easy to drink, how it left her fur soft and smooth in a way the salt water of the sea never did. The small river flowing around their new home... it was perfect. Surrounded by water, though in a different way, made her feel whole and complete. Something settled in her soul. Something that had been restless and painful ever single the docks turned quiet. This was where she belonged, now. Among the fresh water, the rivers, the streams, with the green grass and reeds surrounding them... she thanked the ocean for sending her here.
The clan was an unexpected surprise. On her journeys, long ago in her reckless youth, she had come across one. Skyclan. Brave warriors willing to fight for what they believed in. She had not seen them very long. Arrogant as she was, she hadn't even given herself the opportunity to learn of their ways and culture. If she had, maybe she could help here. Help cats understand that this must truly be a Sign from the Starclan, lost to this land, ancient and forgotten.
What she could do, however, is give Pike her understanding and support. If they had chosen him, then surely he would be the right fit.
Pearl was less eager to accept this news, confused and still shaken by losing the only home she had ever known. Passion was there for her, as she adjusted to this new foreign land.
Being gifted with the name Passionflower was a balm to her soul, soothing and healing. This was where she belonged now. Her place was amongst these cats. Amongst Riverclan.
Guided by the ocean and called by Starclan, she had found her next home.
I could always try again tomorrow (try again tomorrow)