Backwritten Camp WindClan first few desperate hours // asthma attack?

[owlbear]

// ooc, this takes place at roughly the same time as the bison herd thread (here), but can also double as return thread for those in the bison herd thread once yall are done!

Owlbear is not… she is not panicking. In a moment of weakness, she'd dozed off sometime during high sun, and now, one of her children is gone. Finchkit is nowhere to be seen. Oh, why did the stars have to bless her with such adventurous children…? She steps out of the nursery and glances around the camp, and not spotting Finchkit, her chest tightens uncomfortably. No, Finch… Finch was fine. She was being silly. She was probably just hiding somewhere. But despite what Owl tries to tell herself, the fear creeps up on her, grips her by the heart and won't let go. The fear of losing more of her family than she already has.

"Has anyone seen my little bird, my little finch? I…" she lets out a cough, and her chest tightens again, like tunnels collapsing under too much pressure. "Oh, for goodness sake–" a wheeze. Why was it so humid? "Finch, where are you hidin'? Don't go scarin' your mother like this anymore, or I–" her chest tightens, this time painfully so, and she begins to cough again, each one of them more painful than the last.

Her legs begin to shake as she tries to stop coughing, to catch her breath, but nothing seems to work. She begins to see little black spots floating in the edges of her vision.

i can't look at the stars

they make me wonder where you are

• ooc: -
• 

  Owlbear, - 50 moons / windclan warrior
  peaceful powerplay allowed

 

[Merrystalk Merrystalk]

—————————————— Dreaming along in a pace you'll understand. ✦

Really, Merrystalk should have known better than to relax with the camp being quiet. It was never a good sign, especially not when Owlbear's kittens getting more and more active by the day. He didn't have a clue anything was wrong until his ears perked up at the sound of his dear friend calling out.

"Has anyone seen my little bird, my little finch? I…"

His face knit in confusion as he looked about, once lidded eyes a little more alert. He hadn't seen Finchy, but then again, after having futzed about camp, he allowed himself a couple winks of sleep. The tom assumed maybe she was off pestering someone, but Owl's rising concern made him rise to his paws, scanning the camp with some urgency too. "'m sure she ain't gone too far, Owl, I'll have a look fer the lil' mischief maker." He didn't want to let off the fact he was worried, Goosekit had wandered off on occasion too, but usually alongside an apprentice who he had seen leave the camp or the like. But this time Finchkit had seemed to vanish completely, he couldn't even trace her scent to the borders of the camp, she had to have been gone for a while...

Merry swallowed his fear, turning back to Owl with a reassuring smile to try and bluff that maybe she had just fallen asleep in someone else's nest or the like. Only for that to falter, hearing an awful wheeze come from his friend. A lump caught in his throat, he hadn't heard her like that, not since directly after the fire, spluttering from the smoke.

It was as her paws shook and she seemed to choke more than breathe that his own paws seemed to remember they weren't tree roots, and he made haste to her side. "Shit- Owl ye sound- Here, lay down yer gonna collapse otherwise." He nudged a gentle nose against her, panic setting in quickly. She was one of his dearest friends and had three little critters who needed her; he had to do something to help...

The gale guard looked around, eyes falling on the first cat he saw. "Aye, go grab Gladebloom, will ya', somethins the matter with Owl." He near enough barked, when it came to his closest friends, he would apologise later for any hurt feelings. His priority was Owl's safety and finding Finchkit...

'Oh Starclan.... Finchkit...' Merry's stomach dropped again, he couldn't be in two places at once, he had to hope she was safe with someone. He spoke again, calling out where Owl's lungs failed her now. "Has anyone seen Lil Finchy?" He kicked himself, mentally, while he was not blood kin to the kittens, he felt a duty to protect them, and yet he hadn't been awake to see Finchkit leaving or hiding or wherever she may have ended up.... Truly, he hoped she was just playing some joke that had gone far too far at this point....

— And it's harder than you think,

Telling dreams from one another. —

• 
  Merrystalk
  ✦—Windclan Gale Guard | 28 Moons
  ✦—He/Him
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A skinny, tortoiseshell cat with bright green eyes and pelt speckled with hay.
  #9D6E46

 

[Meadowpaw]

Meadowpaw had been tending to the flower garden, carefully weeding and guiding a few new blooms into the earth when Owlbear's voice carried across camp, catching her ear. Finchkit was missing again. It wasn't unusual—Owlbear's kits had spirits like restless breezes, always darting about camp. Merrystalk was already on it, so she didn't move to help right away.

Things were still strange between her and Merrystalk, and she hadn't found the time—or the courage—to change that. She would help look soon as her marigold was in the ground. Meadowpaw hastened her work, patting down the soil around the marigold she'd just planted.

But the coughing that followed made her ears flatten. Her head jerked up, green eyes finding Owlbear as her chest heaved, lungs wringing for breath it couldn't seem to find. The marigold was forgotten, its roots still half-exposed in the soil as Meadowpaw scrambled upright.

"Owlbear—" She hobbled forward, face soft with worry. She caught Merrystalk's eyes as he turned, the loud command jolting her and sending her mind scrambling. "O-o-okay!" The tortie spun around without complaint, stumbling over her paws as she changed course.

She cursed her paws—at their inability to move faster than she would've liked. But she made it, bursting through the greenery, heart pounding in her throat as she sought Gladebloom out. To her relief, the molly hadn't gone anywhere.

"Gladebloom!" She mewed urgently. "Owlbear i-is having trouble breathing!" She moved aside, waiting for her mentor to lead before racing on three paws as fast as she could back to Owlbear's side.

______________I believe that there is a courage ✿ but its burnin' like ash in the wind_____________

• "speech" - thoughts
  

• ​

  ​
• Meadow she/her & windclan
  ✿ Three-legged black and red tortoiseshell with green eyes.
  ✿ A light crisp-sounding voice
  ✿ Loves flowers and always has some woven into her fur
  ✿ Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. All others DM.
  ✿ Fur smells floral and mildly sweet.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​

 

[Deadwood]

——————————————— Skin and bones, and brains and blood ☾

Deadwood had been lazing about not far from Meadow, not particularly focusing on much. He rather enjoyed being able to exist in the physical world again—sure, nobody but Meadow could exactly see him, much less interact with him, but the sun was nice. Even nicer still was the ability to keep a close eye on his best friend, though he didn't exactly tell her when he was around all the time. The tom couldn't help but worry for Meadow, and for the first time it felt like he could do something about the things she dealt with. Speaking of... Deadwood perked up in interest as he saw Meadow bolt upright, looking worried about...

The tom squinted at the pale cream warrior that seemed to be making all the fuss. It was... Owl-whats-her-face... Admittedly, he had never been the best with names, but it hardly mattered. All the cats he usually interacted with he had known for many, many moons. The tom really didn't want to move from his comfortable spot in the sun, but curiosity quickly got the better of him and he began languidly making his way over.

For better or worse, he was just in time to hear the barked words of that one brown and ginger fella he had never cared to learn the name of. Almost immediately, his fur bristled, tugging on the heavy matting on the back of his neck sharply. The sudden flame in his chest only sparked and glowed brighter at the sight of what must've been Meadow's fearful scrambling away from the tom. "Now that's no damn way to be talking to my friend—" Deadwood started lowly, his tone like a viper ready to strike as he stalked towards the tom. The rest of his words were lost to the wind as Meadow disappeared from sight, like a tree falling in a forest with nobody to hear.


But of course, he didn't stop. As Meadow raced back towards the scene, Deadwood was still raving to a foe who could never hear him, thin tail lashing like a whip. "—SHE HELPS PEOPLE, WHICH IS MORE THAN YOU HAVE EVER DONE, YOU LAZY, GOOD-FOR-NOTHING OLD SACK OF BONES—" The tom yowled, claws sinking into earth that was not disturbed by his anger. In the midst of his raging, he glanced back at the three-legged calico and paused for just a brief moment. "—Oh, hello Meadow—" He said with a grin, one that quickly fell as he rounded on the other tom. "AND SECONDLY—"

They followed us into the trees

Wearing crowns of twigs and leaves

• !!! please note he can ONLY be heard by cats that can hear spirits !!!!
• 
  Deadwood
  ☾—Dark Forest Warrior | 19 Moons
  ☾—He/Him
  ☾—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ☾—A thin, dark brown tabby tom with pale eyes
  #A68040 #ACAB9C

 

[Gladebloom Gladebloom]

Gladebloom had been sorting herbs from the recent herb patrols while she listened absently to her clan's busy life outside and heard her name called out a couple of times. In the next moment, she hears paws padding closer to her den and then a tone raising in aggression, but it's not a voice that she's ever heard before. What has happened? Just as she gets ready to stick her head out and investigate, her apprentice is already coming for her with an urgent expression.

"Woah, slow down. What's wrong?"

The chocolate tabby would state as her eyebrows furrow in concern before her apprentice speaks up once more. Owlbear i-is having trouble breathing! Her ears perk as she nods as she follows Meadowpaw back to Owlbear's side.

As the shouting continues unabated, a strange figure appears, and Gladebloom stares at the strange figure for a moment. Her cerulean gaze flicks to Meadowpaw as he greets her before continuing on his tangent as she shakes her head mentally to ignore everything else happening on the scene.

"Okay, give her space."

The medicine cat meows as she waits for everyone to step back as she comes to Owlbear's side.

"Let's sit up straight and take deep breaths on 3 ... 2 ... 1"

She instructs as she helps the older she-cat sit up as she follows along, taking a deep breath on one and releasing it. By sitting upright, it would allow for her breathing to be slightly improved with deep breaths followed to calm herself to avoid panicking and making the situation worse.

"Meadowpaw, can you see if we have any coltsfoot or juniper berries? Also, grab some honey and damp moss while I sit with her, please."

Gladebloom would instruct her apprentice as she kept a watchful eye on Owlbear to observe her breathing to see if it helped to take the deep breaths and fix her posture while she waited on the herbs. She didn't know much about the cause of her breathing difficulties—possibly the smoke—but she did know that juniper berries and coltsfoot helped her breathe, which was what she needed right now.

 

[Meadowpaw]

The apprentice scurried after Gladebloom, flame-bitten ears twitching at the sound of howling as they stepped past the drapery. If she didn't know that voice by heart, she might have thought it was Merry and Sassy going at it again, judging by the volume alone. But no—she knew that voice, dry and rasping like creaking branches. Oh, Deadwood... no!

It didn't surprise her that Gladebloom could see him too, though Meadowpaw had nearly forgotten. Embarrassment prickled under her fur, and she ducked her head, barely meeting her mentor's gaze. She would have asked him to stop—or why he was shouting at her clanmate like that in the first place—but not with so many eyes around. Talking to the air would've raised far too many questions she wasn't ready to answer.

She swallowed, looking anywhere but at the umber tom whose colorful insults echoed across camp. Daisies and bumblebees, please let him stop! But despite the distraction, her concern for Owlbear does somewhat drown out the noise.

Meadowpaw observes as Gladebloom instructs the struggling molly to take deep breaths. What had happened to leave the kind molly like this? Owlbear had been worried about Finchkit, who still wasn't anywhere to be found. Worry pinched at Meadowpaw's brow.

"Can someone please go look for Finchkit? Owlbear was looking for her." She chirps softly to those gathered.

When she's asked to fetch herbs, she's sent scurrying off to the medicine-den again. It's a relief really, to be able to help. "Okay!" Meadowpaw hops past the curtain, green eyes sweeping over the shelves as she searches for the familiar bright yellow of coltsfoot. The flower looked strikingly similar to dandelions. Coltsfoot petals were more fanned out with more clustered centers, but the pocket where it should be was… empty.

Panic flutters in her chest like moths under a porch light. "Mmmn... no no no..." She steadies herself with a deep breath. Getting flustered wouldn't help Owlbear. So she looks for the other items first, instantly spotting the shriveled purple of juniper berries and near that a few sprigs of thyme. The strong-smelling herb was good for coughs, so she hoped it would do...

She placed the herbs into a flat leaf and gathered the soaked moss and honey next. Afterwards, she hurries back to Gladebloom, careful not to drop anything as she placed the herbs down beside her mentor. "There wasn't any coltsfoot." She panted, nostrils flaring as she makes an effort to wrangle her heartbeat. "B-but I brought thyme instead. Is that okay?"

______________I believe that there is a courage ✿ but its burnin' like ash in the wind_____________

• "speech" - thoughts
  
• ​
• Meadow she/her & windclan
  ✿ Three-legged black and red tortoiseshell with green eyes.
  ✿ A light crisp-sounding voice
  ✿ Loves flowers and always has some woven into her fur
  ✿ Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. All others DM.
  ✿ Fur smells floral and mildly sweet.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​

 

[HoneyflowerHoneyflower's icon]

Slow Down, Just Breathe

The walk back to camp had been relatively silent, Honeyflower occasionally looking behind to be sure that Finchkit was there with Cometpaw. The sharp pain from when she initially tripped had dulled to a low but constant throbbing with each step taken, making the journey back slower than normal.

She can hear some kind of commotion in camp as the patrol comes within earshot, and Honeyflower doesn't need to guess what the cause of it is when the kit was swinging in Cometpaw's teeth with every step her apprentice took. 'Can someone please go look for Finchkit? Owlbear was looking for her.' Meadowpaw's voice calls out and the molly can't help but sigh as she picks up the pace, nearly stumbling on her sprained paw before she corrects herself with a grimace through the pain.

"Finchkit is here, she's safe." Honeyflower calls out, nudging her apprentice forward before taking the scene in with worried green eyes. "...What's happened to Owlbear? Is she alright..?"

She suddenly felt very silly for wanting to complain about a sprained paw on the way here when she was watching the other struggle to breathe.

xxx

All We Have Is All We Need

Tags

Honey

✿—Moor Runner Of WindClan
✿—She/Her
✿—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
✿—Dilute Calico Shecat With Green Eyes And A Floppy Ear
#a4e1ba

 

[owlbear]

Merrystalk arrives, ever the helpful sort, though none of it helps her mind relax or breathing come easier. She's still fighting for every intake of breath when Meadowpaw arrives, quickly sent to fetch Gladebloom– who arrives, with yet more instructions for her. Her words are gentle, but it's grating in Owlbear's ears, unwelcome and useless–

"Space?" She coughs out, her throat now starting to hurt from all the coughing and wheezing. "I don't need–" cough– "space–" cough– "I need– Finch–"

Another cough, and she tastes something metallic in the back of her throat, which she spits out, staring wide eyed at the small splatter of blood in the dirt. She blinks, and turns to stare at Gladebloom, as if she would somehow have the answers, or her daughter.

More noise, the return of Meadowpaw, and then– she is still breathing raggedly, still coughing and wheezing like one of those monster's the two legs would bring out to take down the wheat during the summer–

Finchkit is here, she's safe.

"Where?" She gasps, eyes scanning the entrance for any sign of her daughter– who comes into camp, carried by Cometpaw. "Oh, Finch…"

She coughs violently again, hacking up more blood. But she tries to remember what Gladebloom had said, and straightens her back, trying to slow down her breaths. But it's hard when no matter how deep and slow you breathe, not nearly enough air seems to make it to your lungs.

i can't look at the stars

they make me wonder where you are

• ooc: -
• 

  
  

  Owlbear, - 50 moons / windclan warrior
  peaceful powerplay allowed

  
  

 

[Merrystalk Merrystalk]

—————————————— Dreaming along in a pace you'll understand. ✦

It was the moment the word left Merrystalk's mouth, when he turned and actually registered who he barked at, his blood ran cold. "Shit- Li- Meadow 'm sorr..y..." The apprentice darted off before he could finish his words, a bitter taste lined his maw as guilt quickly writhed its way into his stomach. He couldn't leave Owl here alone, but oh, Starclan, why did it have to be Meadow there? He had already been frankly a prick to the poor kid and like hell she deserved to deal with any more of his shit. He'd try and find her later to apologise, she wouldn't want to deal with him immediately. She liked her space.

Merry swallowed hard, turning again to Owl and pressing a gentle nose to her in a reassuring manner. "Yer okay Owl, Meadow's gettin' ya' help." He tried to be a semblance of a steady presence for her, but his mind was a blur. Owl was in agony, breathing, he had yelled at Meadow, and Finchkit was still missing. He couldn't let this spiral more out of control. the moment Gladebloom had Owl safe, he would go looking for the kitten.

His ear pricked as Glade hurried over, wasting no time. "She realised Finchy were missin' 'nd she started makin' this awful wheezin' noise 'nd now-" Merry's words faultered as a strange expression crossed Glade's face, a weird almost cold shiver shot its way down his spine in the same moment. It was far too hot for a cool breeze, so he assumed it was nerves. Though his face fell as little as the medicine cat hurried him away a little, wanting to push back and not leave Owl's side but then again, he had caused enough issues today.

The gale guard stepped away as Glade busied about Owl, he turned and- His heart dropped. Meadowpaw had, of course, returned, but she shifted awkwardly, refusing to look even remotely in his direction. That broke something in Merry, the guilt eating him up far too much for him to handle. It wasn't like he could show it; he couldn't even bear to try and get Meadow's attention, she clearly didn't want anything to do with him. A lump found its way in his throat, realising he had become the very kind of cat he hated growing up. Sharp and cruel, making others walk around on eggshells near him. Merry gritted his teeth, seething at himself.

Though she reminded everyone about Finchkit. Now Owl was safe, he would make himself useful finally, rather than sit there useless as a weed in a flower garden. "Aye, I'll look fer the tyke." He looked away from the apprentice, guilt writhing in his chest as he moved away from Owl. He decided that Finch must not be in the camp; the commotion of her mother would have drawn her out by now. He readied himself to leave camp in search of her, only to hear cats. A patrol?

Honeyflower came to view, of course, Merry had to shoot her a weak smile despite everything. But his eyes widened as Honey revealed the patrol had found the kitten, Cometpaw, walking into the clearing with the kitten dangling from their maw. He had to sigh in a slight relief. he went to try and gently question the kitten, but her eyes widened as she wriggled free from Comet's grasp and fled towards her mother, face knit in panic.

His shoulders slumped, not in relief but at least comfort, the kitten was okay. But far too much had happened in such a short span of time, and he was suddenly exhausted by it. He looked to Honeyflower, who looked frankly horrified at what was happening and, well, he couldn't blame her. "I think she's gonna be okay, Glade 'nd Meadow 're good with herbs. But, well, Owl realised Finchy there were missin'; she panicked cause none 've us had seen 'er 'nd..." He motioned absently towards his friend, eyes downcast. "Thank yous fer bringin' Finchy back, did she follow y'all out on patrol?" Merry looked at Honey, now trying to decipher where the kitten had gone.

— And it's harder than you think,

Telling dreams from one another. —

• 
  Merrystalk
  ✦—Windclan Gale Guard | 28 Moons
  ✦—He/Him
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A skinny, tortoiseshell cat with bright green eyes and pelt speckled with hay.
  #9D6E46

 

[Finchkit Finchkit]

————————— There might be something outside your window. ✦

Finchkit dangled quietly from Cometpaw's mouth. Her stomach felt funny, like it was turning and churning when she couldn't keep food down sometimes, but she hadn't eaten in a while. She didn't look at the rest of the patrol as they had finally emerged from the tunnels, getting closer to camp. Her face flushed warm, embarrassed to be carried back like this, like a baby. She was small, but she was big and brave! Though her body shook in a way she didn't recognise as panic or fear.

As they grew close to camp, Finch could hear a whole load of voices, talking over one another. And in a glimpse of a familiar voice, Meadow, maybe? She heard her own name. She swallowed hard, feeling like she was gonna get into trouble. But as Comet carried her into camp, Honeyflower said something, but she wasn't paying attention. Her gaze fell on her Mama.

Something was wrong...

She made a terrible, awful, wheezy kind of noise. Like she was struggling to breathe. Tears prickled at her eyes as her Mama's eyes met hers, but the kitten panicked immediately as her mother doubled over coughing, something red leaving her lips. "MAMA." Finch shrieked, wrenching out of Comet's grasp and running across camp as fast as her tiny paws would carry her.

Finchkit dove to her mother's side, now sobbing with guilt. Tears streaming down her face as all at once the fear of seeing Owl hurt and the panic of the stampede overwhelmed Finchkit as her whole body shook with tears. "Mama I'm sorry-" Her voice was cut off as she buried her face into her mother's fur, soaking it with tears and hearing the wheeze of every breath as she clung to Owl like her life depended on it.

———————— But you'll just....

Never know. —————————

• 
  Finchkit
  ✦—Windclan kit | 2 moons
  ✦—She/Her
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A small creme tabby with a long bushy tail and wide owly eyes.
  #F5A837
  
  ⤷ Written by Phoenix ​

 

[Gladebloom Gladebloom]

"Finchkit will be here in a second, don't worry."

Gladebloom would coax as Meadowpaw instructs for those gathered around to fetch someone, or anyone, to find Finchkit to relieve the distressed warrior. While Meadowpaw goes to retrieve the herbs requested, Honeyflower and her apprentice come forth with the creme-colored kit that had mysteriously vanished. The padding of hurried paws and Meadow's voice catch her attention as she senses the nervousness dripping off her as her eyebrows furrow in concern. Was something wrong? Her gaze drifts down to the thin herb decorated with thick, sticky leaves of the thyme plant.

They didn't have any coltsfoot or juniper berries?

"We don't… We can go looking for some after."

Her words are more meant for herself as she speaks her thoughts aloud, momentarily lost in thought. Thyme didn't help with easing her breathing, but it did help with coughing. Maybe she could have Owlbear take some honey to soothe the inflammation in her throat?

"It can; it'll help with her coughing and calming her."

The chocolate tabby would state as an answer to Meadowpaw's question.

Gladebloom turns her attention upon Owlbear once more just in time as she starts to cough. It comes out rugged and normal like the previous ones before until she stops for a second, and then all of a sudden she's coughing up blood. Her eyes widen in shock as she quickly picks off a thyme leaf and gives it to the warrior.

"Chew on this; it'll help with the coughing."

She instructs Owlbear. Okay, okay. This was something she's barely ever dealt with, but she knew the herbs that could help with the symptoms that were happening at the given moment. Once the thyme was taken, she would then push forth a juniper berry and motion for her to take it.

"Juniper berries have different medicinal benefits, like many others,"

The chocolate tabby would murmur to her apprentice in a quick lesson while on the job.

"They help with troubled breathing, bellyaches, and coughing as well."

"Okay… let's get you some honey and water."

Gladebloom would say as she silently curses herself for making her apprentice run back and forth to the medicine den. Her eyes nervously flick back to Owlbear, who continues to cough as Finchkit snuggles into her chest, sobbing out apologies to her mother. The older warrior continues to take deep breaths as she was instructed, though it feels like she can hear the other's breaths rattle like a skeleton's rib cage.

"We should go hunting for more juniper berries as they're shriveling up, which is when they start losing their potency; maybe some coltsfoot and anything else we're low on once Owlbear is feeling better."

"It should help and get rid of that taste in your mouth."

The medicine cat would rumble as she attempts to keep the other calm in the situation and not panic further with the coughing of blood coming into the situation now. It seemed her devoted love for Finchkit ended up being a trigger to her coughing fit, but she doesn't remember Owlbear being like this before the fires? It seems that the exposure to the fires affected others more than it showed on the outside.

"Has this been happening a lot since the fires, Owl?"

Gladebloom would ask curiously as she tried to pinpoint the problem because there is the possibility that this has been happening before and she never saw it before.

 

[Chickenscratch Chickenscratch]

My broken wings dream of the sky
and they'll never be able to fly,​

---

CHICKENSCRATCH, She/Her / 53 moons /
Long hair Amber 'blue' molly with flame point / short hair cream tabby chimera with golden eyes
Daughter of HOOT, Sibling of OWL(BEAR)
Super chill and a good listener, tends to look on the bright side wherever possible (maybe even a bit too much), almost always gives other cats silly nicknames so prepare yourself
Tagging [@]

---

Chickenscratch had been hanging around still, generally she operated as usual, but she was unsure of her place here now that she had time to think after the disaster at the barn. She would often be seen at the memorial that Meadowpaw had started or otherwise scouting around near the old barn— not too closely mind, she knew that would open emotional wounds if she tried. There were other cats from the area back there that she was worried about, those cats typically stuck to other areas or the smaller barns of lesser note but she still wondered how they were. One cat in particular was one she worried about the most because she knew they would be worried for her as well.

Even so, Chickenscratch had a duty and devotion to her family. Owlbear, her sister and those rascally kittens that Chickenscratch was an aunt to. Now, Bushrunner, once Daz, was family too. There was no way that Chickenscratch could leave them behind, but she needed closure. One day she would seek it.

Today was not that day however.

Returning earlier from a short patrol and snatching up a couple of mice, Chickenscratch had overheard that one of her nieces was missing and came rushing straight over to Owlbear only to almost be shocked silent by what was happening to her. "Owly, Owly, sister- I'm here...!" Thankfully Meadowpaw and Gladebloom were swiftly arriving to take care of her. Her eyes darted around as she began to look for Finchkit, only to ease up having seen another patrol had managed to find her. "Oh stars, thank goodness." Chickenscratch nodded to Honeyflower, noticing the limp they were displaying as Cometpaw passed by with Finchkit himself. "Honeyflower, what happened out there? Are you all okay?" She asked, only for Finchkit to rush toward her mother moments after...

---

Only if we never try...
On my

LOOOOOOOVE

​

​

 

[Comettail]

Well I'm still here...
They can't tell me who to be... Cuz I'm not what they see—​

---

COMET(TAIL), He/Him / 9 moons / Barn Cat (Future Windclan Apprentice)
Short fur black self tom with low white and fluffy tail + ginger somatic mutation in tail, bright yellow eyes
Son of ASTRO and NEBULA, Sibling to TWINKLE(TUFT), & ECLIPSE(SHADE)
Doesn't typically sit still, Quick on his paws and with his wits, Mischievous and a bit of a prankster but not unkind
Tagging [@]

---

Cometpaw had gained a laser focus, all that he was thinking about was the safety of those around him. While he carried Finchkit, Cometpaw had also made sure to try and support Honeyflower's stride since she had been injured as well. What a chaotic disaster, but at least Cometpaw felt that he had done something right. Now that his pace had slowed down to a calmer walk, the shock had finally begun to catch up with him, as did the strain he put on himself at going full tilt after a long while of emotionally avoiding it.

He strained a small stretch, and that was enough for Finchkit to wriggle out of his grip. "Wait- Finch!" Competpaw grunted, unable to bounce into a run to follow her. He shook his head, and blinked a few times to refocus. "Ugh.." To his relief, Finchkit had run off to her mother Owlbear. With a tired sigh, Cometpaw attempted to move forward at Honeyflower's nudge forward and see what was up— he was sure that Owlbear would be stressed, he wanted to see if she was okay.

But he couldn't take that step or move forward, he slumped forward, his energy spent. Almost curling into a ball, before glancing up to Honeyflower, Merrystalk and Chickenscratch. "I'll jus'... Sit 'ere for a sec.. Jus' a sec... Don' worry 'bout me. I'm fine." Cometpaw muttered. Taking a deep breath, he realigned himself enough to be able to take in what others were saying. "How's Owlbear? Wha's 'appening?"

---

Yeah the world is still sleepin' when I keep on dreamin' for me,
And their words are just whispers and lies that I'll never believe!​

​

 

[owlbear]

Owlbear manages a smile as Finchkit comes up to her, burrowing away into her fur. She desperately wants to lean down and press her nose to her forehead, but imagines that would only make breathing harder. Instead, she wraps her tail tight around the two of them.

"There you are, little bird," she coughs. "It's alright… I'm alright…"

Their ears flick as Gladebloom speaks again, and they think back, trying to remember, while they chew on the herbs provided.

"It's never been this bad," she says at length. "Just… just for a moment or two, it's like I can't breathe, but then I can, so I never needed to go botherin' you about it. And it's only when I… when I'm afraid, or doing somethin' physically hard. I remember havin' a hard time breathin' when I was kittin'. Thought that was normal, mind, so I didn't say anything then either."

i can't look at the stars

they make me wonder where you are

• ooc: -
• 

  Owlbear, - 50 moons / windclan warrior
  peaceful powerplay allowed

 

[HoneyflowerHoneyflower's icon]

Slow Down, Just Breathe

Honeyflower stood awkwardly with her front paw raised slightly off the ground, not wanting to crowd around Owlbear and Gladebloom but still wishing to be nearby if she could somehow help. Oh stars, what was happening to Owl...? Cometpaw was a steady presence at her side, supporting her larger frame without complaint even as he carried Finchkit as well until she had struggled from his grip.

Gentle green eyes rested on the apprentice for a moment, giving an encouraging brush of the tail along his flank. "Take all the time you need, Cometpaw. That was scary, any cat would be shaken and need to take a moment." Truthfully she was surprised she hadn't been hit with it all yet herself.

Chickenscratch asks what happened on the patrol and the gale guard winces, not wanting to stress Owlbear out more when they were already struggling to breathe. "There was a herd of bison and they got startled-" She decided not to explain it had been Finchkit's foolish bravery that'd been the catalyst. "Everyone's fine and none the worse for wear, I just tripped into a hole is all when I was running away from the stampede. I-I'm fine, really."

She paused to stare wide eyed at the ground, the gravity of all only now hitting her. Stars, she'd almost become a flattened mess of fur.

xxx

All We Have Is All We Need

Tags

Honey

✿—Moor Runner Of WindClan
✿—She/Her
✿—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
✿—Dilute Calico Shecat With Green Eyes And A Floppy Ear
#a4e1ba

 

[Cricketkit Cricketkit]

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs from ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance
A foxtrot above my head, a sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

.

Cricketkit sat still for once, her one bright eye wide as she watched the camp swirl with tension. The air was thick with worry, and her gaze locked onto Meadowpaw, who moved swiftly and surely by Gladebloom's side. Cricketkit's little chest swelled with pride, how lucky they were to have such smart, brave medicine cats. But still... Her gaze wandered. Owlbear... Was she okay? Was Honeyflower? Her breath caught as she spotted her adopted mother and in an instant, her paws were moving. She darted across the clearing and tucked herself tightly against Honeyflower's side, pressing her face into the soft fur she knew so well.

" Honey... Are you okay? " she whispered, voice small but firm. Her cheek rubbed gently against Honeyflower's. She could feel the tremble there, and it made her hug even closer. " It's okay. " she said again, more to reassure them both than anything else. " I'm here. " She hesitated, then added quickly. " I can get shinies if you want... And I got stories, too! Like... like the one about the flower and the sun! The flower loved the sun sooo much, so every day when she woke up, she turned her face to it and stretched her petals all wide and pretty! And the sun loved the flower back, and always shone down so she could see her friend smile! "

Cricketkit looked up at her mother then, her good eye shimmering. She didn't really understand everything that had happened. Cometpaw. Finchkit. It all felt big, and scary, and too fast. But she could say this, and mean it with all her tiny heart. " We're safe now, Mama. I promise. We're safe. "

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

5 MOONS

𖧧

WINDCLANNER

𖧧

SONG

𖧧

bio

 

[Gladebloom Gladebloom]

The chocolate tabby nods as she explains how it occasionally triggers during stressful times like labor or anytime she's feeling nervous, giving Owlbear and her kittens some space to establish their own personal boundaries.

"It doesn't matter how miniscule or major it is; come see me."

She would answer honestly as her plumed tail gives a flick. This was all new ground for her besides knowing what herbs could do, but the cause or why Owlbear was experiencing this was a foreign concept to her. It could be from smoke inhalation that damaged her lungs, or the older molly had weakened lungs already that became strained during the barn fire collapse.

"I would assume breathing during the kitting to be harder since the strenuous activity, but not if it felt like you were suffocating."

Gladebloom would idly muse to herself before giving a subtle shake of her head to shake away the thoughts for a moment.

"Just come to Meadowpaw or I whenever you feel it acting up a little so we can give you something to help with it."

A treatment plan would perhaps work to help the queen. Honeyflower mentions the bison stampede as she glances over with concern etched on her features.

"None got hurt? That's good..."

The medicine cat would coo softly as she lets out a sigh of relief before glancing at the Gale Guard's paws for a moment.

"Does it hurt when you walk or move it certain ways? You may have sprained it. Come to my den after, and I'll check it out."

Gladebloom would instruct with a soft smile as she glances at Cricketkit and nods at his words.

"He's right; they're safe. We won't let anything happen to your kits or anyone elses."

 

[Meadowpaw]

While it was frustrating not to have what they needed in stock to help Owlbear, they would have to make it work. Thyme and honey were enough for now, and while it shouldn't have taken one of their own falling ill to point out gaps in their storage—it had. A vine of guilt wrapped tightly around her heart. Making sure they had everything needed to treat their clanmates was as much her responsibility as Gladebloom's. She couldn't help but feel partially responsible for Owlbear's prolonged suffering.

Meadowpaw disappeared once more to fetch more honey and water as told. She reemerged not long after and placed both in Gladebloom's care, watching attentively while the herbs were given to Owlbear.

The wet hacking was bad enough, but watching the kind molly spit blood is the stake that drives her feelings even deeper. The sight of stringy crimson speckling the dirt is enough to stir panic in the inexperienced apprentice. Immediately, she looks to Gladebloom for guidance. Seeing the tabby so calm, Meadowpaw is reminded of her duty. A medicine cat should be collected, especially when others are frightened.

Right now, above all else, she wanted to be some sort of comfort—a rock for Owlbear and her family to lean on. Not only because of her promise to Hoot, but because she was one of the few who could be that, alongside Gladebloom. Taking a breath, she limps forward to apply gentle pressure to the hacking caretaker's back with her tail. When the other drew breath, she could feel the struggle. Soft tumbling stones in the other's lungs. Why was that happening? Stress and strain could do all that? Or was it something else? She could ask Gladebloom about it, away from other ears. Whatever the case, they needed to keep her calm.

Meadowpaw leaned down, taking the chance to look the Finchkit over. No wounds, far as she could tell, but it sounded like they'd had one heck of an adventure. A scary one at that. Then to come home and see their mama in distress…

Oh, poor Finchy. Those little sobs were just wringing her heart out...

The calico leaned down, nose brushing Finchkit's ear. "We missed you a whole bunch, Finchy. I'm so glad you got back safe." She said tenderly. "It'll be okay. I know you had a scary day, but do you think you can help take deep breaths with your mama so she can feel better faster?" If she just needed to get it all out, she wouldn't press. But she tried to gently divert Finchkit's attention toward something helpful—for Owlbear's sake. Cricket was doing her best too, trying to keep their spirits up. She always was a little light in the dark.

What happened was scary, but wallowing in it wouldn't make it better.

______________I believe that there is a courage ✿ but its burnin' like ash in the wind_____________

• "speech" - thoughts
  
• ​
• Meadow she/her & windclan
  ✿ Three-legged black and red tortoiseshell with green eyes.
  ✿ A light crisp-sounding voice
  ✿ Loves flowers and always has some woven into her fur
  ✿ Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. All others DM.
  ✿ Fur smells floral and mildly sweet.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​

 

[Finchkit Finchkit]

————————— There might be something outside your window. ✦

Tears rolled down the kitten's face as she struggled to hiccup a breath through sobs. Everyone else seemed so scared, and she was ever so worried she had done something terribly wrong. Finchkit clung to her mama like she might disappear, that's what felt like might happen with everyone's state of panic.

Until someone gently nudged their ear. Finchkit snivelled and tried to paw away the tears from their eyes as they peered up. Meadowpaw. Kind, lovely, gentle, Meadowpaw. She hiccuped as she listened quietly to the smaller medicine cat's words. "I'm s-sorry…" They mumbled between stuttered breaths, guilt making it hard to look up at the apprentice.

But, well, Meadow wasn't mad at her. No one was. They all just seemed scared and worried for her. Meadowpaw nudged her gently, making sure she wasn't hurt. Again, they wiped away the tears that stuck to their face, swallowing hard the nausea they began to feel, crying so much. They nodded, listening to the medicine apprentice's gentle guidance to take deep breaths. She was helping Mama, and she had to be brave, too.

It took a while, the kitten still clung close to Owlbear as she managed to catch her breath again, tears ceasing, but her eyes were still puffy and fur wet on her face. Finchy let out a shaky sigh, wiping her face again but now trying to wipe away the wetness on her fur.

Shakily, she stood up and toddled over to Meadowpaw and very gently nudged her forehead against the side of the calico. Speaking felt difficult for her even then, but she wanted to show her gratitude to the apprentice.

———————— But you'll just....

Never know. —————————

• 
  Finchkit
  ✦—Windclan kit | 2 moons
  ✦—She/Her
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A small creme tabby with a long bushy tail and wide owly eyes.
  #F5A837
  
  ⤷ Written by Phoenix ​

 

[Swiftwatcher]

SWIFTWATCHER OF WINDCLAN

" Dear heavens above! " called out the black long-furred tom as he trotted into view, his yellow eyes wide with worry. His gaze swept the gathered cats quickly, sharp and searching before landing on Honeyflower, his daughter-in-law. " Are you all okay? " he meowed, voice thick with concern. His long tail swished once across the earth before he gave a little shake of his head, frowning. " That must've been quite a startlement... " he muttered, mostly to himself, ears twitching downward as he moved in closer with caution.

Everyone seemed mostly unharmed... Though Owlbear's coughing tugged sharply at his heart. She was in the care of the medicine cats, though. Good paws. He had to believe that. But his eyes caught on Finchkit, small and shaken. His expression softened instantly. " There, there, little one... Everyone's okay now, hmm? " he said gently, voice dipped in that soothing, honeyed tone he saved for kits. " Your mother is a champ. Very strong. " He gave Finchkit a bright, comforting wink, as if to share a secret: She'll be alright, you'll see.

Then he turned his head, offering Meadowpaw a respectful nod and a smile of quiet pride, he could see how hard she was working. She was becoming something fine. Finally, his eyes settled on Honeyflower, and all the joviality in him dimmed just a little. " Honeyflower. " His voice was softer now, lower, as he stepped nearer. His worried gaze met hers, unflinching. " Are you fine? "

I'll be your light, your match, your burning sun ——･ﾟ✦​

･ﾟ✦ —— I'll be the bright, in black that's making you run