Gustclan Post 59

”Teasel-leaf?” Teasel-leaf looked up from where he’d been feeding Barnfish at hearing his name called. There was Ploverstripe, standing in the entrance to his den.

”Yes? Teasel-leaf asked, still continuing to feed Barnfish as best he could. If the elder was lucky, he might have just one or two more days left. Teasel-leaf was not looking forward to leaving the camp – with such young kits – entirely without a medicine cat for the days necessary to move the body.

”I’ve been watching you with Barnfish and… and obviously it’s heart-breaking but I thought? I thought maybe I could do this. I don’t think I’m much good as a warrior, I… I get too scared.” The warrior managed weakly, his voice dropping lower as he spoke his last sentence, as if he was scared of someone overhearing and judging him. ”I think I’d have no idea what to do if we actually ended up in a battle. I’d… I’d not know what to do, and I wouldn’t want to hurt anyone and? I? I don’t think I’d be much good. I’m fine at hunting, of course! But a medicine cat can hunt for the clan too. I think I’d be a much better fit here, right?”

Teasel-leaf considered for a moment, then nodded. ”I think you’ll be perfect.”

”Really?”

Teasel-leaf grinned. ”Nah, I’m just saying things to make the most obviously well-fitting cat feel good about themselves before turning away a sincere and promising volunteer for no reason. ‘Course you’ll be perfect.”

”…So…”

”You’re very welcome as a medicine cat, Ploverstripe.”

”Who’ll be my mentor?”

Teasel-leaf sighed, and jostled his head from side to side. ”I’d asked almost everyone else. The only cats I haven’t asked are yourself – and you were going to be next anyway – and those who’d obviously turn it down. You know, Squirrelclaw, Bugleclaw, Merlindash, Ospreystorm, Umbrastep… Cicelynose tried scratching me, y’know, missed on all eight attempts. She asked me if I was asking her to be medicine cat because Chubtail and Heronstar didn’t think a blind cat should still be a warrior and didn’t have the guts to just tell her, thought I was being prejudiced. Good thing for me she’s blind, or I’d be now instead. I told her I was meaning to ask her kits, but no, she wouldn’t listen to me.”

Ploverstripe laughed. ”That’s my sister, all right.”

”But only two volunteers.” Teasel-leaf sighed. ”Anyone else, it’d make the choice of whom to take easy. Do you think one of Troutstripe’s kits might want to be a medicine cat?” Teasel-leaf tried a smile. ”No. I’m just going to have to work this out one-on-one with Gannetpaw. When he’s back.” Teasel-leaf paused a moment. ”Though, I suppose, there’s no harm trying to teach you the very basics now, is there?”