[Luna16]

 

Originally Posted by squidz

| BERRYSHINE |

small & nimble dark brown she-cat with darker flecks and light, leafy-green eyes | the collector | dreamwalker |

[ riverclan medicine cat | she-cat | 17 moons | timid, kind, hardworking ]

—

 

Berryshine nodded as Whisperingpaw said she was doing alright, though the medicine cat got the sense that there was at least something weighing on the apprentice's mind. She wouldn't pry, though the flicker of concern in her gaze was like a silent question.

Thankfully, Whisperingpaw seemed to keep going without too much of a push from Berryshine. Green eyes softened in empathy, nodding with a chuckle and a sigh. "I can relate to that," she mused, giving the apprentice a sympathetic flick of her tail. Overthinking could've been Berry's true medicine cat name, though she was glad it wasn't all of who she was. Sometimes thinking of every possibility paid off as a medic, when you had to get creative or consider all consequences... other times, it could be paralyzing. But she was working on it, day by day.

Berryshine did brighten, however, when the pale-coated apprentice went on to say she'd enjoyed the first aid course; the medicine cat purred, maw lifting into a small smile. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," she purred, sounding pleased. It was nice to get positive feedback; with the wealth of information that she had to remember and try to teach, the herbalist could only hope that she'd done an alright job. Even if only one cat had retained something, that was a good start.

The small brown molly could also sense how nervous Whisperingpaw was, and her heart ached — it reminded her of herself, in a way, and Berryshine didn't want the apprentice to feel nervous around her. Her voice was soft and warm as she spoke, giving Whisperingpaw a reassuring look. "I-It's by the grace of StarClan, really, that I'm able to. It's a h-hard job, I won't lie, but... very rewarding, too. To devote my life to h-healing my Clanmates, searching for new knowledge... it's something worthwhile. Besides, I do enjoy learning a-about herbs and remedies, believe it or not," she added with a faint chuckle. Not every cat was like that; it reminded her of someone like Salamanderpaw who'd looked absolutely bored when poking at the leaves.

"Speaking of... i-it's a lovely day. Newleaf is nearly here," the medicine cat mused, tilting up her head to glance at the sky. "I'll have to go for a quick trip and see i-if any new growth as surfaced; some of my stores are getting low." Her gaze lowered back down to Whisperingpaw with a soft smile. "If you're not busy, you're welcome to come with."

Whisperingpaw immediately found herself smiling when Berryshine said she could relate. She could tell, from the look in the medic’s eyes, that she was speaking from the heart. And that brought out a purr from Whispy. “I tend to just…wonder. When I’m not keeping busy.” She felt…guilty saying too much more. Whispy knew that Berryshine was close to Cobwebstorm, she didn’t want to say anything to make the healer feel pressured in any kind of way about Whispy’s own issues. Or even feel guilty. Whispy didn’t even know if Berryshine was considering taking on another apprentice anytime soon, and she didn’t want to add any type of influence into the decision regardless.

Ugh. There she goes again. Thinking herself into circles. She was glad to see Berryshine brighten though, smiling at the sight. She didn’t want the healer fretting over her mental status. “I-It’s amazing! Truly, StarClan could not have gifted us a better healer.” She purred, shuffling her paws anxiously. “How…how did you know?” She murmured her questions gaze moving from her paws back up to Berryshine’s eyes. “How did you know to recognize StarClan’s call? That this is where you can best serve the clan?” She wants to protect them, she wants to serve RiverClan and StarClan however they need her. But…she had to know.

She giggled softly when Berryshine said she enjoyed learning about the herbs. “I would imagine so!” She mewed, purring in amusement. “It’s all so fascinating! Honestly I don’t know how others aren’t curious.” She confessed timidly. Watching Berryshine lead the event made her wonder…how did their ancestors figure all of this out? Who was the first? It must have been scary, not knowing if something would work or not. But all of that foundation led to the medicine cats being what they are today. Which brought them Berryshine. Everything with a design…with a path. But before she could once more wonder about her own path, Berryshine brought up an interesting proposition…

Whispy brightened immediately, ears erect as she sat straighter. It took restraint not to bounce to her paws in joy. One on one time? With Berryshine? Looking for herbs? It was a dream come true! “O-Of course!” Oof. Her voice cracked from her excitement. Embarrassed, Whispy gave her chest fur a few licks and cleared her throat softly. Trying to regain her composure. The pale gray she-cat dipped her head respectfully to Berryshine, but when she blinked up at the medic her eyes were still sparkling with excitement. “I would love to accompany you! I-If you don’t mind my company and help.” She practically bounced to her paws still, so much for decorum. But…she didn’t care. She was going to be spending time with Berryshine! Maybe see some new herbs and learn some new things!

Whispy moved to head off in her excitement, but then realized that she didn’t know where they were going. Laughing softly, flustered, she looked at Berryshine with an apologetic blink. “A-Are you ready? I’m g-good to go when you are!” She purred, her stammer sourced from her embarrassment, but her excitement not dulled in the least. This was a rare opportunity, and no matter where StarClan led her paws she was going to make the most of it!