Warrior Cat Clans 2 (WCC2 aka Classic) is a roleplay site inspired by the Warrior series by Erin Hunter. Whether you are a fan of the books or new to the Warrior cats world, WCC2 offers a diverse environment with over a decade’s worth of lore for you - and your characters - to explore. Join us today and become a part of our ongoing story!
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11.06.2022 The site has been transformed into an archive. Thank you for all the memories here!
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The slim black tom was exiting Ratstar's den, the duo having just concluded a discussion about which of their youth were ready for promotion and the warriors who would guide those future apprentices into their adulthood. One such name to have been brought up had been Juniperdust, though Crow could sense some hesitation in the way his leader spoke of the warrior, and he decided to see for himself where those reservations stemmed from. He didn't know much about the she-cat other than how she excelled in her duties and gained some obvious respect among her peers, but he trusted Ratstar's judgment, sometimes a bit too blindly, and was making efforts at forming his own opinions.
Thus, that thinking brought him across the camp to where the she-cat was sharing tongues with her mother, the crispy leaves crinkling underpaw and signaling his approach. "Evening Wisteriawish, Juniperdust." He sat beside them, drawing his tail across his paws and glancing at the nursery where Juniperdust's younger half-siblings wrestled playfully. "Those little ones are growing fast," he remarked casually.
"Hello, Devotedcrow!" Wisteriawish greeted, perking up as the deputy approached. "Yes, aren't they lively? They're much more active than Juniper's litter- they did more imagination games than wrestling."
Juniperdust flicked her tail lazily, her eyes shifting to Devotedcrow curiously- but not overtly so. "Mostly because you wouldn't let us wrestle, momma."
"Well, you know how mothers are about their first kids!" Wisteriawish protested with wide eyes, though a smile played on her lips.
Juniperdust grinned, turning back to Devotedcrow. "How are your children? They must be more than halfway through the training right now, right? You've certainly done your part in contributing to our garden keeper ranks." Her tone was perfectly light, teasing, but appreciative of the work he'd put into raising his litter.
"Parents are always a bit overprotective of their first litter," he assured Juniperdust, sharing in the triumphant look Wisteriawish turned his way. Some - those that didn't know the events leading up to Orchiddrop's last pregnancy - might have considering him too overbearing, but Crow had been unable to stifle his concerns over their safety. "You're right, though; Ratstar and I were just discussing promotions. They'll be receiving their full names soon. I'm actually trying to avoid them right now," he laughed, "I'm awful at secrets. Cinderpaw can always tell when I'm not telling her something."
As if expecting her to appear at the sound of her name, his gaze scanned the camp, the tom rising back to his paws. "Mind helping me with that?" He addressed the gray warrior. "The fresh-kill pile needs to be restocked anyway."
"Certainly! Anything to help a well-intentioned father trying to keep his surprise unspoiled." Juniperdust stood in one smooth motion, pressing her nose to her mother's shoulder before turning back to Devotedcrow with a smile. "Lead the way."
They moved out of camp, Juniperdust's stride strong and self-assured, and into the woods. "Do you get to name any of your children for the ceremony, or is Ratstar doing the honors? I can't imagine having to come up with so many names, myself. I'm not the creative type."
The fresh woodland air was rife with pretty birdsong, undisturbed by the clamor associated with camp. It was almost too tranquil for his liking, and without thinking, he had turned their path toward the riverside, always drawn to the sound of the rushing water. "Well it's usually neither of us," he laughed, "Poppymask gets all the credit for names. But Orchiddrop and I have had some picked out for a while. I suppose that's another surprise to keep unspoiled." His eyes glittered knowingly, Crow's trademark humor apparent within them.
"Though, on the subject of ceremonies," he began, stopping to sniff at where some dirt was disturbed, the scent of water vole still lingering, "have you ever had an apprentice before, Juniperdust?"
Juniperdust smiled at his mention of having names picked out, though like all her motions it was a reflex, a long practiced move that held no sincerity to it. "How sweet," she said, watching the river flow along. She'd never wanted children, never really wanted a mate even, but she knew it was probably expected of her in the future.
"No, not yet," Juniperdust admitted with a sheepish grin. "Though it's always been a secret hope of mine. To train up an apprentice, teach them the ways of the clan, watch them grow from bumbling kit to competent warrior... it's the culmination of what it means to be a part of a clan. What about yourself?"
For fhe first time since meeting her, Crow noticed the shallowness in Juniperdust's mannerisms, if only because they were so similar to those of Goldenshadow and how absently the tom spoke of his son even after he was beaten half to death. He forced it away as just paranoia and, rather than draw attention to it, focused on the conversation at paw. "I've had two...official apprentices," he smiled back, though in his was a true and deep love, a reminiscence for times he could reflect on fondly. "Twilightpaw, who chose to leave SummerClan and see the world, and Hippostep. It's an...amazing experience, to be honest, knowing that you aren't just shaping the clan's future but that someone - a real, living being - is hanging onto your every word, reflecting on every shred of advice you give them. Suddenly, you aren't just responsible for yourself and what you do for the clan. A mentor is as pivotal to an apprentice's future as parents are to their kits'."
"Anyway," Crow cleared his throat, as usual embarrassed by the sudden fervor that took over him, "I bring this up because we've been trying to decide which warriors are deserving of apprentices. I'd like to see you become a mentor next moon, if you think you're ready for it?"
Personally Juniperdust thought he was getting a bit worked up over the whole thing- but then again, he was deputy. Perhaps mirroring some of his enthusiasm would work well for her. She smiled encouragingly at him, tilting her head. "That's a really touching way of looking at it. And I'm honored that you asked- I do think I'm ready, with all the training I've gone through and the experiences I've had. I can only hope that I do justice in the role."
"Did you have anyone in mind in particular?" She asked, her mind flashing to the growing kits and which one would reflect best on her as a mentor if she were assigned to them.