Event Meeting Camp WindClan There will come soft rains ✪ 9/23 meeting

[Dustystar Dustystar]

✪ Align my Heart, my Body, my Mind​

indent "Every cat old enough to hunt their own prey, gather under the Tallrock now. It's time for a clan meeting."

indentDustystar's voice rings out through the cooling air of Windclan's camp, mingling with the sound of the rain as it lands onto the stones where she stands. She curls her tail around her paws, waiting for cats to make their way under the shade of the rocks. "Greenleaf is coming to a close. We've gotten through our first full season as 'Windclan.'" It was Greenleaf's growing warmth that had seen them chased onto the moorland, after all. "Despite all of the trails we've been put through, we have come out the other side stronger, and better for it. But now, as the season draws to a close and the weather becomes cold, we'll face a new challenge. Prey and herbs will become more scarce. We'll need to work alongside one another to make it through the coldest moons."

"Towards that end-"[/b] Dustystar purrs "Cloverpaw, I've always known you would take well to the tunnels. I hope that skill treats you, and the rest of Windclan, well. Tonight, you join the ranks of our warriors, with the name Cloverbloom."

indent"We'll be having some new 'paws' today, as well. Scorchpaw, Slugkit, Talon, please come forward." Dustystar's voice is warm with pride. "Slugkit, you've finally come of age to become an apprentice. From today on, I give you the name 'Slugpaw'. Weaselchirp will teach you well, just as she did for Cloverbloom." Although she's wary of giving Weaselchirp another apprentice so soon after her first graduated, Dustystar is sure the old molly will continue to give it her all. "Scorchpaw, you've had an apprentice's name for awhile, but your training hasn't truly begun. Today, that changes. Sassafrasschill, I'm putting her education in your paws." She sends the new mentor a pointed look. 'Don't dissapoint me again.'

indent"Talon. Although you're nearly an adult, you still have a lot to learn about how things are done in Windclan." The young tom still needs to learn he's not going to be kicked out, for one. Dustystar hopes his new role gives him a sense of belonging. "Until then, you'll become 'Talonpaw'. Our own Merrystalk will be guiding your path. I'm sure you'll get along well."

indentAll of this attention on the clan's youngest and brightest only serves to shine a light on Dustystar's own failures. "I'm sure you've noticed-" She starts, "That despite his age, Peonypaw has yet to receive a warrior name." She sets her jaw and wills herself to look her clanmates in the eyes, instead of averting her gaze. "Because of his past actions, and due to difficulties in his training, Peonypaw will be an apprentice for at least another moon. In the meantime, along with his normal training, he'll be assisting our medicine cat in stockpiling herbs for Leafbare."

indent"Sadly, I must also report that our search for Maremane has to be called off. I'm sure we all wish for her to be found, but we only have so many able-bodied warriors to commit to looking for her. In the meantime, we'll all just have to pray for her safe return." Bitterly, Dustystar wonders if Maremane ever plans to return. 'In the meantime, she's as good as dead to us.'

indentThe young leader clears her throat. "To end off on a nicer note. I'd like to thank Dimmingsun for agreeing to stay with us, in Gladebloom's absence. Along with training Meadowpaw, He'll be treating our sick and injured. Please, everyone, do your best to make him feel welcome."

- @cloverbloom @Slugpaw @scorchpaw @Talon @Weaselchirp @sassafraschill @Merrystalk @PEONYPAW @MAREMANE @DIMMINGSUN -​

Dustystar - 27 moons - Windclan Leader

 

[Yewkit]

YEWKIT

.

This was the first meeting Yewkit has witnessed since receiving her name. She was now part of WindClan, the second part of her name reflecting her position.

While most of her clanmates had gathered under the Tallrock, Yewkit watched from the safety of the nursery, not risking getting out into the rain and becoming sick. She might not have heard everything, but she deemed her health more important than listening to every word Dustystar had spoken.

She sat, her ears pricked, listening as Cloverpaw had received her new warrior name and three more young cats have been made apprentice. They all seemed to be of different ages and Yew wondered what the rules were for becoming one. She turned to mother, asking, "How old will we be when we become apprentices?" It wasn't like she was super eager to become one, leaving the safery of the nursery den and the protection of mother, but it was better to be prepared in advance. She didn't want to be caught off guard.

Dustystar continued, keeping Peonypaw an apprentice and welcoming Dimmingsun as an official medicine cat of the clan. Yewkit wondered what horrible thing Peonypaw must have done to be kept apprentice despite his age. Would every mistake be remembered and brought up as punishment until one becomes the perfect warrior? Publicly shamed for not being who their mentor or leader wants them to be? Yewkit wasn't sure what to think of any of this, though most of her clanmates seemed to have expected this outcome...

The rain kept on falling as Yewkit stared out the nursery den, her mind trying to understand the way of the clan life. Would she ever learn to fit in?

/ mentioning @Plague /​

 

[Talonpaw Talonpaw]

Talon sat close to the medicine den, this spot seeming claimed solely by him- placed there like an assigned spot when he watched windclan move like a shadow in the background. when he watched patrols form and leave, kits play, others share tongues as they ate prey. ritualistic, every day activity that only rarely broke free of its grip and something spontaneous happening. such was the day where Dustystar stood upon the rock- voice booming making his torn ears fold back against his skull before icey gaze flickering to her spot. He supposed he counted, he could hunt his own prey- though it was a confusing speak, considering even the kits in the distance gathered at the front of the den.

And for the first time, he finally understood why the extra paws were needed, and why it would be the biggest repayment to the clan. The moors would stretch cold, the prey would run thin- and he knew nothing of the cold. but it seemed, he would know soon. He shifted carefully as Dustystar spoke, blinking slowly. And for the first time, the tom would witness this strange tradition. A 'cloverpaw' would become 'cloverbloom', and his icey gaze would watch carefully- the noises of chants making yet again his ears flatten.

And then in a group of names, he was called forward with others. There was hesitation, a stiffness as he lowered his head and went far around the group gathered, giving plenty of space between him and the others, head sulking low and ears perked. Stoic, stiff- and weight shifted to the side and away from everyone, if the space didn't say it, his posture would. He was uneasy, teeth grinding against his others as he chewed on nothing. But he watched carefully with his good eye facing the group, Slugkit becoming Slugpaw- mentored by Weaselchirp who was seen moving. Scorchpaw mentored by Sassafrasschill. He took note of the faces, markings - as if it may mean life or death.

Then, the attention stood pointed to him, and Talon stiffened. If the weight on his shoulders wasn't enough, it was the eyes of dozens behind him. His weight shifted further, and Dustystar mentioned a familiar name already- Merrystalk. The other tom approached, and a question sat in his throat, waiting to ask once Dustystar finished speaking. Tired eye watched the other carefully, before flicking back to Dustystar.

What d'ya expect of me t' learn? Especially from someone who can fully see- how is that help?

​

Talon he/him, windclan 8 moons old.
black tabby with dark greyish brown undercoat and white underbelly. white crest on chest, and scars lining left side of face, blinding his right eye. icey blue eyes and white that is slowly starting to streak his features. Back scars non-existent for now.
mentored by Merrystalk // mentoring none
littermate to none
NPC x NPC / father/mother to none / mated to none
"speech" // "thoughts"
penned by Deidre ↛ deidre on discord, feel free to dm for plots. Art by PurpleCandyCorn.

 

[HoneyflowerHoneyflower's icon]

Slow Down, Just Breathe

She sits just outside the nursery when Dustystar calls the meeting to order, thick fur barely feeling the rain's chill compared to some of her clanmates. Ears pricked and attentive as she spoke of promotions and Peonypaw being held back. Honeyflower had initially argued for no punishment for Peonypaw, but Dustystar had argued that it might placate the more...disgruntled cats of the clan and so she had begrudgingly agreed with the logic of it.

Yewkit's tiny voice pipes up behind her with a question and the molly can't help but turn to smile at her, floppy ear bouncing slightly with the movement. Plague was still rather new and likely didn't know either just yet. "When you're six moons old, you'll become 'Yewpaw'. You'll be able to leave the camp with your mentor and see all of Windclan's territory and train to become a warrior." She wonders what the kit must think of all this. This was all she knew after all. Her own kits would never know the comfort and safety of the barn. How little they really needed to work for food or shelter compared to now... It was an entirely new world they were growing up in compared to her and Sassafrasschill's own upbringing.

"I'm sure you and your siblings will be wonderful warriors and make your proud." The last part is said with a glance towards Plague, whiskers twitching against the rain and nearly hiding her smile.

xxx

All We Have Is All We Need

Tags

Honeyflower

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

 

[Meadowpaw]

MEADOWPAW

x

// tw - vague descriptions of a panic attack.

Dustystar marked their first season as a Clan. They endured long enough to look back on that horrible night, though the memory still burned with pain, suffering, and loss. For a while, it had seemed like they might finally move forward. Only just...

Most of the meeting was filled with good news—or at least Dustystar had chosen to give the good news first. Apprentices were named, and among them was Talon. Hearing his name made a smile jump to her face. She watched from the mouth of the medicine den, studying his expression. He was awkward when he rose and made his way over, the muscles in his jaw clenching and unclenching. By now, she was used to reading the smaller details since he rarely put words to his feelings. What is it that she reads on him? Is it nervousness? Confusion? Uncertainty? There was likely a storm in his head, and no matter how much time they'd spent together, she was still working toward knowing his tells fully.

When Peonypaw is mentioned, her smile withers and dies right on her face. Meadowpaw shifts from one paw to the other uncomfortably. Then...

"…Along with his normal training, he'll be assisting our medicine cat in stockpiling herbs for leaf-bare."

Green eyes snap to Dustystar in disbelief, mouth flying open with silent protest. Nausea surges, as if something was clawing up her throat trying to get out. She couldn't bring herself to seek the other apprentice out in the crowd. What was he feeling right now? Ashamed? Guilty? His earlier outburst suggested as much. If it had been anything else, she might have tried to go after him. But that day, she turned back into the medicine-den as if nothing had happened. She picked leaves until her paws were raw and bloody, until there was nothing left to sort or pick or clean. Pretending was easier than facing the truth... that someone she had shared their former home with was responsible for so many deaths… and for the fire that had stolen her leg.

Something switches, and her gaze turns pleading. Sure to be missed by the leader with so many to tend to. Why? Why did Peonypaw have to help them? She and Dimmingsun were more than capable of doing their work. They didn't need the help! Even if they weren't, plenty of others would have volunteered. Anyone would help if she just asked! Surely Dustystar didn't need them all for leaf-bare preparations.

Oh, how she wished she could unhear his confession. Maybe Ragwort was right after all.

I can't do this.

Panic clawed higher, fluttering through her nostrils until she parted her jaw in desperate breaths. A bitterness coats her throat as she spins around, saliva so thick she could barely swallow. The rest of Dustystar's announcements drown as she spins back into the medicine den.

x

I BELIEVE THAT THERES COURAGE

BUT ITS BURNIN' LIKE ASH IN THE WIND

x

WINDCLAN

MEDICINE CAT APPRENTICE

13 MOONS

SHE/HER

Meadowpaw values kindness and remembrance. As a kit, she internalized her mother's lessons, but questioned whether her way is the only way. She has broken free from the heavy burden of her mother's expectations due to their estrangement after the fire. She remains kind and soft-spoken through all she's endured, but is not afraid to speak out for what she believes is right.

Meadow works tirelessly at any task she undertakes, desperate to prove herself capable and worthy despite her disability. Without her mother's guidance, she finds new ways to express herself.

In conversations, she is gentle, thoughtful, and withdrawn, often hiding her struggles, fearing others seeing her as incapable. She continues to have a strong bond not only with her sister, but with her adopted family as well. Meadow uses her new freedom to support and deepen the bonds with her clanmates. Additionally, she has started to explore the more spiritual side of herself…

Her worldview is a complicated mix of hope and frustration. She wants to believe that there's hope at the end of all the suffering, but feels trapped by her limitations. With enough time and support, she may find a way to overcome her limitations and accept herself.

 

[WHISPERPAW]

The air was damp, cold; the rain drip dripping down upon clan. A raindrop splashes upon his nose, making the apprentice scrunch up his delicate features on his face. A noise of annoyance escaped him. The cold has barely bothered Whisperpaw, his brushing against his plush fur all gentle like. He's thankful for not being born with short fur; he couldn't imagine how his clanmates survived this long, some of them donning short fur. It was odd. Pale lashes flutter as he glances from the spot he has claimed, watching the world go by before his ears flick towards the call of Dustystar. He shifts while his ears perk up in interest. Watching as Dustystar ascends to her throne above them all. Whisperpaw raised onto his paws, his pale– now slightly damp figure drifted towards where his gathering clanmates sat near where the Windclan's leader sits.

Rosy - pink eyes stare at the one who has marked their first season as Windclan. It listens to the meeting, blinking as Dustystar lists new warriors and making new apprentices. It chants the apprentice now warrior's new name along with the rest of the clan. Though, it's voice is softer than it's clanmates chants.

Then there's Slugkit becoming Slugpaw, Scorchpaw being mentored by Sassafrasschill, and that tabby being renamed to Talonpaw. It watches as the other apprentices get their mentors. Whisperpaw perks up the somewhat bad news, confused on why Peonypaw is being held back and assisting the Medicine Cat with stocking herbs. Eh? The corner of his maw curves slightly down. Another Medicine Cat? Windclan already has Meadowpaw. Weird... It watches from its spot, tail sweeping behind him as he listens to the rest of the meeting go on and go on.

ooc.

n/a

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐖𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐄𝐀 ⊹ . ݁˖ .

(

THERE ARE FASCINATING THINGS TO EXPLORE.

) ‧₊˚⤾⊹ .ᐟ

WHISPERPAW

╱ WINDCLAN APPRENTICE.​

a smaller-than-avarage petite albino feline, with flowing - like plush ivory fur upon it's bird - boned frame. paired with dusty, hues of pink sparkling with curiosity about the world around it. his tongue speaks upon riddles dripping from his maw, as the dust coat his paws.

➢

AMAB NONBINARY ; HE / IT ; CURRENTLY 13 MOONS OLD & AGES EVERY 3RD.

✿

questioning / single, not actively looking — mentoring none.

✿

thoughts ; "Speech, E7CCCC" ; attacks only

✿

may powerplay minor harm ╱ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted

✿

smells like water lilies & an undertone of wild strawberries

✿

— all opinions are ic

speaks in third-person. refers to himself as his name and the pronouns he uses.

— biography / @ on discord for plots
— penned by calzone

 

[Plague]

𓆝 . ° ✦

Why the leader called a meeting in a rain is beyond Plague, as she sits next to her kits with her muzzle catching the bits of rain that dropped from the upper mouth of the nursery.

"They're gonna catch their death out there,"

she comments, to no one in particular. Whoever would listen to her rambling. As she speaks, she draws her tail around her nearest, giving them a small smile. At least her kittens were smart enough to stay inside without being told.

She can hear the ceremonies, as they're called, being performed. New names are giving to cats deserving of them - something Plague can't entirely fathom. In her home, cats were named at birth for their most notable trait - it was through extreme circumstances in which a name would be changed, something undesirable and looked down upon, much like herself. Yewkit, her sweet curious daughter, asks her a question that she cannot quite answer, for she has yet to learn about all the customs of this place. Honeyflower's answer is enlightening to both kit and mother.

..But if it was up to her, her kittens would carry on the legacy of Plague's home. It was only through peer pressure that they gave them their Clanly suffix.. and it is too late to turn back, now. They will be given their 'paws and their 'blooms one day. The thought of them growing tugs at her heart.

"I pray that you get wonderful mentors when that time comes."

Cats with power were corruptive, unpredictable things. She can only hope that their teachers will abide by her own teachings. A small smile is given back to Honeyflower - whether it is genuine or superficial is unable to be seen.

"Yes. They will."

✧ ° . ✶ . ° ✧

ooc Information

• ooc: —
• 
  
  
  
  

  PLAGUE — SHE/HER ･ 25 MOONS ･ QUEEN ; WINDCLAN ･ PENNED BY IXORA

  a complex molly; timid and meek on the surface, but what dwells beneath?

 

[Weaselchirp Weaselchirp]

I'm a young soul in this very strange world
Hoping I could learn a bit 'bout what is true and fake
But why all this hate? Try to communicate
Finding trust and love is not always easy to make

.

Ah yes, another meeting, another gathering, more news tumbling from Dustystar's mouth! In all her moons among WindClan, Weaselchirp had found that Dustystar often had so much to say. But chatter was good, chatter filled the air and sometimes made hearts lighter. Not always, no, no, but often. This time, though, she knew. Of course she knew. She had spent the morning fussing over Cloverpaw, smoothing her fur, flicking dirt away with her tail, watching the young tunneler with eyes bright as embers. Pride, yes, pride and gratitude too, Cloverpaw had done well. And as she had taught Cloverpaw, Weaselchirp too had been taught by the apprentice... Cloverpaw had done so well. Weaselchirp had overseen much of her training, had dug side by side with her, had laughed and mused and hummed through the tunnels together. This was deserved, so very deserved.

When Dustystar's voice called Cloverpaw forward, Weaselchirp nudged her apprentice gently with her nose, whispering with soft pride. " The tunnels were made for you... " Then she sat tall, whiskers quivering, eyes wide and glimmering. And when the new name rang out, Cloverbloom, she hollered it loud and long, her voice rich with love and respect, and yes, pride too. Oh, how fun it had been, guiding an apprentice toward the path of a warrior. She would miss Cloverpaw at her side, but she would not lose her, not at all. Now, instead, she would gain a fellow warrior to stand beside her in the dark and the light alike.

Her head snapped sharply when Dustystar's next words named a new apprentice for her, and her orange eyes somehow grew even wider. Slugpaw. Oh, what joy! What joy indeed! Bounding forward, she pressed her nose to the younger cat's, voice soft but buzzing with delight. " Yes, yes, I will teach you much, of tunnels, of hunting, of the world itself! You will learn, you will see, you will grow. Even tunnelers must hunt, oh yes, that too. " Her tail twitched with uncontainable energy before her gaze flicked back to Dustystar, catching the somber note of Peonypaw being held back and Maremane's absence. Perhaps… one day… they would return. Alongside Gladebloom. Ah…

But the air shifted again, lifted with the cheer for Dimmingsun's new place among them, and Weaselchirp sprang tall, voice ringing bright. " Hurray for Dimmingsun, part of our clan at last! "

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

66 MOONS

𖧧

WINDCLANNER

𖧧

SONG

𖧧

bio

 

[Cricketpaw Cricketpaw]

'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

.

Cricketpaw bounced from one spot to another, brimming with restless energy. She absolutely, positively had not swiped a little trinket from under someone's nose earlier. No, never! And she definitely had not hidden it away before the meeting began. Of course not. Maybe later she'd even find something prettier and trade it back, that was the nice thing to do, right? Her bright eye flicked around the gathered cats, trying to wiggle her way through the crowd. A few indignant glances were thrown her way when she bumped shoulders or stepped on a tail, but each time she ducked her head with quick apologies before slipping further ahead. She heard Dustystar's voice above it all, of course she did! She just needed to get to her usual spot beside Meadowpaw.

And when she finally did, her paws stilled. Meadowpaw didn't look… okay.

Dustystar's words rang in her ears: Peonypaw would be helping the medicine cats. Cricketpaw's brow creased. Her sister didn't seem happy about it... Was Peonypaw mean to her? Had he done something? Her fur prickled as she whipped her head toward the tom, fixing him with a long, pointed glare. If he'd hurt Meadowpaw, even once, she wouldn't hesitate. She'd pounce him here and now, older or not. She'd been practicing her moves. She could do it. But then Meadowpaw spun on her paws and stormed away.

A small sound escaped Cricketpaw's throat, panic sparking in her chest. No, her sister couldn't be alone, not now, not like this. Quickly she slinked after her, paws light, determination heavy in her heart. When she caught up, she pressed close, fur brushing Meadowpaw's, her warmth steady and grounding. Cricketpaw tilted her head up, her voice soft as a whisper, a promise tucked in every syllable. " It's okay, sis. You're okay. Just remember to breathe… I'm here. You're not alone. "

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

8 MOONS

𖧧

WINDCLANNER

𖧧

SONG

𖧧

bio

 

[Ravenmask]

Ravenmask called out the names of their new advancements with pride.

"Cloverbloom! Scorchpaw! Slugpaw! Talonpaw!" There was a slight selfishness to his cheer - he was glad to provide an opportunity for these young cats to learn their place in the Clan and understand the responsibilities that came with being a full warrior. Which, speaking of...

He couldn't help but wince at the mention of Peonypaw being withheld from advancement, and of Maremane's abandonment of the Clan. He wasn't quite certain what the apprentice had done, but the look in Dustystar's eyes was pretty clear. Perhaps he could tease the facts out if the young'un had to help out with ticks and bedding in addition to his new work in the medicine den.

At Dimmingsun's official position in the Clan was verified, he gave the medicine cat a nod. Long as he treated young Meadowpaw with respect, he knew Dimmingsun was capable enough.

___________________ UPHILL IN THE SNOW ☆ BOTH WAYS ___________________

• "speech" || "thoughts"
  Tagging:
  Informal tag for Dimmingsun
  
• 
  
• RAVENMASK he/him, windclan elder, 93 moons.
  ☆ White and black tom with smoky stripes, bright green eyes, and a twisted back paw.
  ☆ brother of Mallowfeather
  ☆ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline when attacking/physically interacting
  ☆ penned by plot ↛ plot_twists on discord, feel free to dm for interacts.

 

[Jaypaw ⏾]

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ Jaypaw ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☽⋆⁺₊⋆-

Jaypaw listened to the news Dustystar presented with half-interest. It's not that he didn't care, but the rain was distracting, making him shiver as it landed on his pelt.

When Dustystar mentioned Cloverpaw's turning to warrior, Jaypaw was among the first to call out Cloverbloom's new name. Jaypaw was truly happy for her, but he couldn't help feeling a little jealous - he wanted to be a warrior too, not wanting to wait another two months for it.

He yelled the new apprentices' names too, Slugpaw and Talonpaw. But at the mention of Peonypaw and his punishment, Jaypaw's fur bristled. Not really for what Peonypaw had done, Jaypaw had no interest in that, but for the punishment he received - if one could even call it punishment. Peonypaw would be spending a lot of time with Meadowpaw, something Jaypaw would enjoy immensly - the medicine cat apprentice was just too fun to be around, despite the failures of his effort to get her to look at him warmly.

His tail swayed, annoyed, and he stole a glance at Meadowpaw. He immediately widened his eyes, seeing the panic on her face, her breathing shallow and fast. Standing up quick, he moved towards her, slow enough to not disturb anyone, but swift enough to get to her in time. Meadowpaw's sister, however, was faster and Jaypaw watched Cricketpaw soothe her sister gently. He sat nearby, watching the two concerned. "Can I help?"

Sure, the medicine cat apprentice was a fun challenge for him, but he still didn't like the look of things unfolding in front of him. Had Peonypaw's actions hurt Meadowpaw? Of course, he glanced at her missing leg. Peonypaw caused that...

He stayed away, but watched for any sign of his help needed, his eyes narrow, focused. No one was allowed to hurt Meadowpaw. Not on his watch.

 

[PEONYPAW]

Peonypaw doesn't look for cover and instead allows the rain to plaster his fur to his sides—he knows it's a foolish way to "punish" himself, but it feels too fitting. His head is bowed, back arched to support the weight of it as he sits, listening to Dustystar and the ceremonies. There are things to be joyous over; another warrior, more apprentices. Stability. Isn't that what him and Petalpaw sought, more than anything?

It feels ruined now.

Still... Peonypaw knows he could have ran away. Could have ignored Dustystar's surprising plea and turned his back on WindClan. But wouldn't that make the last few moons of agony into... nothing at all? A series of painful reminders that will never come to fruition, never be worth anything? His jaw hurts with the pressure. The Clan at least deserves his best attempts. It's the least he can do, after he had all but condemned them at the barn, before the word Clan had ever been uttered.

He doesn't move when Dustystar addresses him—calls him too old for the position of an apprentice, adding salt to the wound. The only sign that he had heard is the flick of his tail. Mere acknowledgement; he is in no position to get angry. Dustystar has to explain to the Clan she leads, after all.

Peonypaw sees Meadowpaw stiffen at the corner of his vision, turning tail like she just got sick. Peonypaw is no fool. He knows that she had suffered in the fire, how her body had caught aflame and led to the loss of a limb. Dustystar's decision to force him to help with herbs is, in his opinion, not a good enough punishment, especially now that he realizes that Meadowpaw will be hurt more than him. Or perhaps... perhaps it will force him to face his guilt head-on. It will not make it easier. In fact, it will only serve to make him yearn for an escape, just like he had always done- but there will be no way out.

He exhales through his nose, heavy and burdened. This will not be fun.