A Light in the Looming Darkness

[cloverleaf]

In was well into mid-day, the sun half hidden by puffy clouds. The undergrowth was still covered in frost, chilling the pads of four white paws as they made their way towards a ledge. It was a delicate she-cat, her pelt a gray blue color with ebony stripes slashing across her body. Her paws and tail tip where a snowy white, and her eyes sparkled a clear green. The cat was definitely a beauty, and it was strange that she had no mate. But as the ThunderClan leader, she had a lot of other things to worry about. But every once in a while, when she saw a couple, she would feel a desire in her heart, and a bitter sadness. For she had a mate once; Cycloneheart. And her son Dragonpaw, was moving up the ranks. The apprentice reminded her of her previous mate that now walked the skies with StarClan. Their personalities weren't very similar, but there was just something about him....

There she went again, her mind wandering off. Shaking her head slightly, Leafstar decided that it was a reasonable thing to wonder about. But at the moment, she should be thinking about something else, about what she was about to do. It would be an important event for her clan, and it would especially help Wolfpelt and herself.

Arriving at the ledge, the tabby crouched a little and leaped onto the edge with grace and ease. Although she did not look it, she was strong and lethal; a warrior cat. Able to beat any kitty-pet in a fight. It is what she was trained to be. She would not be leader if she was defenseless. Padding up to the edge of Thunder Ledge, Leafstar looked down at the camp. The cold was keeping the cats inside the dens, huddling for warmth. And it was not even snowing yet. She sighed, and she could see her warm breath colliding with the cold air. It will be a harsh leaf-bare.

"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather underneath Thunder Ledge," she yowled out. The cold air stung her lungs, and she did not want to sit on the chilly stone. But at least today ThunderClan would rejoice today.

[flarestorm]

Crawling out from under the warriors den, Infernoheart stretched his forepaws, crunching up some frosted leaves before him. Arching his back, woken from a good sleep by his leader's summons of the clan. The large white tom looked around the clearing, not seeing many cats, only Leafstar stood tall on the Thunder Ledge. 'The others are more than likely curled up in their dens,' Infernoheart thought to himself.

Padding towards a spot beneath the Thunder Ledge, Infernoheart looked up at his leader, the mighty Leafstar, as wise as they come. Trying to stifle a yawn, he could feel the chill in the air, and the clouds told the same story, snow was coming. Letting out a breath he saw it reflected in the breeze. Glad of his winter coat, Infernoheart sat down, his tail crossed over his paws.

[Sunspirit]

Even in her sleep, Sunspirit could feel the cold. She did not dream, for she could only see blackness. She knew she was luckier than others for her long coat that offered extra warmth. And she was thankful for that. Opening her amber eyes at the sounds of her leader's call, the golden warrior was awakened. She slowly raised her head and opened her jaws in a yawn. Although sleepy, she was curious to know what the meeting would be about.

Getting up was regretful, as the chilly breeze hit her harder. But Sunspirit tried to ignore it and instead walked out of the Warrior's Den, padding on cold paws to the Thunder Ledge. She was among the first, with only Infernoheart ready. And of course Leafstar. She greeted the tom with a flick of her ears and sat down, ready and attentive for the meeting.

[hawktail]

Deep within the belly of the medicine cat den, the fluffy shape of Wolfpelt was bustling back and forth throughout the den, the scent of herbs ringing off of her pelt. She was busy sorting the catnip that she and her apprentice, Frostedpaw, had collected. The coldness of the day was intense, making the cat shiver at the cold stone beneath her paws every now and again. The only sound was that of her tiring paws, scuffling across the floor of her den as she hurriedly ran about her errands. She paused, heaving a yawn that sent her breath out into a large white cloud. Blinking a few times, the cat cleared her eyes of the tears of exhaustion. She had been up rather early, wanting to get the job before her done. Looking reluctantly back down at the pile of herbs before her, she sighed, her breath once again billowing before her. It was these kinds of things that wore her down. "Oh well, no use complaining," she murmured to herself, picking up a paw and beginning to sort once more.

The yowl of Leafstar made the gray she-cat's amber orbs glance up from her work. Looking over her shoulder, Wolfpelt listened carefully to the call. "-gather underneath Thunder Ledge" was all the shaggy cat had caught, but she knew that the leader had summoned them properly. Rising to her paws, the medicine cat picked her way out of her den and into the cold air. It hit her so suddenly that she gasped, the cold air hitting the back of her throat with a stinging pain that made her cough. Once the coughing fit was done with, the she-cat shook her ruffled pelt and padded forward to be within ear shot. Seating herself, the healer looked around. Only a few cats had crept out and were going against the elements. Leafstar was sitting atop the ledge, looking about ready to freeze her rear off. Smiling humorously at the thought, Wolfpelt nodded in greeting to the leader cat. Sweeping her tail around her body, Wolfpelt curled tighter together and sat still as she waited for the rest of the clan to appear.

[cloverleaf]

Dirt was in between the claws of a dark tabby tom. Hard, frozen dirt. Dragonpaw definitely had a scowl on his face. There had a been a small opening in the back of the Apprentice's Den, and none of his denmates had bothered to comment on it, although they all shivered in the night from the seeping cold wind that entered. The tom wondered how so much cold could enter through such a small hole. But he had decided to do something about it. Especially since he slept in the back because he was an older apprentice. And the back was supposed to be warm. Hidden from view by the stump, the apprentice did his work effortlessly. Sure, the dirt was hard, but nothing the tom's muscular body could not handle. Soon, he had the hole covered. Just in time too, because he heard his mother, Leafstar, calling for Clan meeting just as he finished. He looked down at his dirty paws but decided to wait until after the meeting to clean them in the stream. He did crape his claws on the ground to get the larger pieces of dirt though. Then, still not satisfied with his paws, Dragonpaw made his way over to Thunder Ledge, sitting down a little behind the two warriors that were present.

Smokepaw too, had a scowl on his face. He had been taking a nap, hoping to escape the noise and cold for a bit, but no. Dragonpaw just had to chose to fix the hole right when he was sleeping. He could hear every single scratch his friend's claws made on the dirt. It was annoying. He appreciated the older apprentice's work, but the noise just got to him. And right when the tabby tom stopped working, and the gray tom thought he could finally sleep, Leafstar called for a meeting. He groaned loudly, flipping over and placing his paw over his head in annoyance. 'StarClan doesn't want me to sleep today...' he thought to himself, yawning widely. But he wouldn't complain. It wasn't him place. Instead, he just stood up wearily and with his tail and head drooping sleepily, he walked out of the Apprentice's Den. The wind ruffled his warm fur, and the cold was numbed for a bit, but then it bit back as hard as ever. The gray and orange-flecked tom growled slightly at the cold, wishing he could strike it. Sitting next to his mentor, Sunspirit, Smokepaw meowed out weakly, "Hello Sunspirit." He really needed the sleep.

[Leopardstar]

Hawkswing rose to her feet inside the nursery at the sound of her Leader, Leafstars call. Groaning and stretching she snuck out of the nursery, careful not to wake the other peacefully sleeping cats and cringed as the bushes she had to walk through the exit her shelter rustled. She would comply although the normally kind she-cat wasn't happy about it.
Even before the start of Leaf-bare showed she knew that what the coming moons would bring Thunderclan was nothing that had been witnessed for a long time. She didn't need to be a medicine cat to know. Still stiff from her sleep she finally reached the meeting spot, below Thunderledge and gazed around. Already the tempreture had dropped considerably and she could see the puffs of air that formed and quickly disspeared each time she breathed.

She could tell that she would be one of the ones to catch the almost fatal greencough these coming moons. The signs were already starting to show. Her through was hurting when she awoke, not to mention every ime she breathed. But Leafstar by the way she looked, seemed to have enough on her plate at the moment and she didn't want to bother her at a time like this. Glancing around she notced Sunspirit and Infernoheart had also gathered before their leader and walked towards them. She greeted them with a flick of her tail and a quick mrrow of greeting, carefull not to let her coming illness show.

[cloverleaf]

The weariness from the cold was inevitably present in the ThunderClan warriors. A frown appeared on the tabby, as she knew that her Clan would suffer this Leaf-bare. But she knew they would get through it. Deciding not to wait any longer, Leafstar waved her tail once as a signal that she was about to begin. Brushing aside her worried feelings, the leader created a new vibe. One of pride and joy. Then, her voice regal, she began her announcements.

"ThunderClan! Today we shall rejoice! Firstly, as you all know, Wolfpelt has taken unto a new apprentice. Frostedpaw learns the way of the Medicine Cat with determination now. However, she did not receive a proper apprentice ceremony, so I would like to do that first. Wolfpelt, I know you will teach her all that you know and train her to be an outstanding Medicine Cat. Frostedpaw, learn all that you can from ThunderClan's best," Leafstar finished. She waited for everyone to congratulate the young she-cat before she would continue the rest of the meeting. She herself offered a deep nod to the apprentice.

[OOC: I am just pretending Frostedpaw is at the meeting, so when you do reply Frostedpaw, just pretend like I started after you arrived.

[Ebonstar]

Hearing his leaders call, the large russet tom known as Dawnsghost scrambled out of the warriors den, and a deep sleep, to see the gathered cats under Thunder Ledge. He shook of the last remaints of both moss and sleep before padding over to his mate. He sat next to her, giving a quick grin to his apprentice, Dragonpaw. He looked up at Leafstar as she announced Frostedpaw as the Medicine Cat apprentice. The tom began the customary cheer, calling 'Frostedpaw, Frostedpaw!'

[Sunspirit]

Not knowing what the meeting was, Sunspirit could nevertheless feel the excitement radiating from her leader. But once Leafstar began the meeting, she suddenly knew why and therefore felt happy. It was glad to know her clan was prospering in a time of such darkness. Or at least semi-prospering. But she enjoyed the news. She followed Dawnsghost's lead and began chanting the apprentice's name. "Frostedpaw! Frostedpaw!" her cheerful yowl called. Then she looked back up at Leafstar, as the tabby looked like she had more to say. The ThunderClan leader did not look like the coming news were bad either, so Sunspirit's spirit did not dim. Instead, she watched her leader curiously with her gold eyes, eager to know what was next.

[Leopardstar]

Hawkswing sat quietly on the edge of the gathered cats with her tail wrapped firmly around her paws. Her blue eyes flicking from one cat to the next, paranoia setting in at the thought of others finding out that she probably wouldn't survive this coming leafbare.
She didn't know why she didn't want to tell any other cats about it... she just didn't. She supposed that the clan had enough things to worry about without worring about her. They would probably find out soon enough anyway. The illness was already setting in.

She jumped at the sudden outburst of noise coming from the surrounding cats as they praised the new medicine cat apprentice. Her head throbbed even at the slightest thing and she wanted to shout like the rest of the clan. She didn't want to be rude so she just smiled apologeticly at the new apprentice. Her eyes showing that she was sorry.

She toddled over to her mate Dawnsghost and rubbed her head against him. "Im going to lie down" she murmmed "Im not feeling well."

[hawktail]

Wolfpelt, though tired, raised her head with pride as her apprentice's name as called. ThunderClan's best... The words echoed lovingly into the shaggy cat's mind. Glancing down at the young cat at her side, the medicine cat's amber eyes glowed with pride for her. Bending down her head, the gray cat brushed muzzles with Frostedpaw. "And, soon enough, you shall be the best of ThunderClan," she murmured into the she-cat's ear. She straightened up and chanted with everyone else. "Frostedpaw! Frostedpaw!" she yowled. The other cries of the gathered cats around them rang up into StarClan itself as they seemed to return the gesture. Wolfpelt felt like she had when Singleflame had become her apprentice: pure happiness. But, the full amount of happiness would never be there as it had with the young tom. He had been a wonderful cat... Wolfpelt snapped back to the present and looked up at the sky. She could almost see Singleflame there, chanting with everyone else. Wolfpelt's full happiness was restored and she rubbed up on Frostedpaw once more. Help her, Singleflame, she prayed. She has much to learn and she needs your help as well as mine.

Glancing around, the medicine cat watched as one cat detached from the group. Hawkswing. Giving Frostedpaw one more congratulations, the shaggy cat padded over to Dawnsghost. "Is something wrong with Hawkswing?" she asked quietly, not wanting to draw attention to the two. The she-cat's movements had been slightly sluggish as she made her way back to the nursery. Wolfpelt eyed her, taking in every little bit of her. She didn't seem like the normal Hawkswing. The one that Wolfpelt knew was much peppier. Flicking her amber gaze back to the she-cat's mate, she tipped her head slightly to put some emphasis on her question.

[Ebonstar]

Dawnsghost was beginning to worry about his mate. She hadn't been looking very well for the past few days, and now the noise of a Clan gathering was making her retreat to the Nursery. How he hoped it was just something small, like the sniffles. StarClan, please let it be the sniffles he prayed as he watched her wobble back to the den. But, somehow, he knew it was more. Her throat rasped as she talked to him, and a faint look of pain flashed across her features every time she inhaled.

"Is something wrong with Hawkswing?" The voice came from behind him, and the tom spun to see it was Wolfpelt who had spoken. Keeping quiet, he murmured, 'I don't know. She's seemed a little off for a few days, and it looks like it hurts her to talk. I'm worried about her. Do you think you could take a look at her?' The request was an honest one, coming from the worry deep inside him. 'And could you check the kits too? If it's contagious. . .' Dawnsghost didn't want to finish the sentence, and looked at his paws.

[hawktail]

Wolfpelt had listened completely as Dawnsghost listed a few symptoms. Hurting to talk. That wasn't very helpful. "Do you think you could take a look at her? And could you check the kits too? If it's contagious..." The tom's meow had begun to fail him at that point. The shaggy cat brushed his shoulder with her tail in a comforting manner. "Do not fear, alright? I shall go and check on your family. No negativity anymore; they'll be fine." But the she-cat wasn't sure. If Hawkswing was ill, the oncoming weather wasn't going to be very helpful. Let's just hope that it's small an easy to treat. The thought didn't comfort her a single bit. Heaving a small sigh that wasn't detectable, the healing cat padded slowly to the nursery. Thoughts were swarming through her mind. Sore throat, sensitivity to sound... Blast it, what else? I don't have enough to figure it out! Guess I'll just have to speak with the she-cat myself... Wolfpelt's gray paws stopped at the entrance to the nursery.

OOC:: I'll continue this in a different thread so I don't take up this meeting...

[cloverleaf]

Aware of what was happening between Wolfpelt and Dawnsghost, Leafstar decided that what she was planning on announcing next would better be announced at another time, when their attention was more... fixated. But at least she had accomplished half of her intentions. The other half could wait for a couple more sunsets. With that last thought, he green gaze strayed down to her young son. The oldest apprentice was larger than the average warrior now, his dark fluffy kit-fur replaced by a thick tabby pelt. In fact, perhaps she would ask Dawnsghost to take him on an actual assessment, just to see him prove his abilities again. Being his mother, she watched him closely, and that is why she had planned to give him his warrior name today. But it may just be better to see his similar eyes bright with the excitement of knowing what was to come. With one last reassuring nod to herself that no one could have possibly distinguished, she placed her full attention to all of her assembled clan.

"Thank-you all for attending this meeting and braving the cold. You may all return to what you left behind," she concluded. Just as her warriors began to disperse, she herself leaped off the ledge, snarling as the cold air bit her face. With one worried look at the direction of the Nursery, she made a mental note that she would see what was happening later. But she was confident that whatever it was, Wolfpelt and her new apprentice, Frostedpaw, could take care of it. For now, all she could really look forward to was the comfort and warmth of her own den and nest.