- The Origins of Smolderspirit -

Chapter Twelve: Blossoming

Gingerpaw walked through the forest with Lilypaw, Sagepuddle and Foxflight. She bounded around, chattering excitedly. "I'm so glad you wanted me to go on a herb patrol! I'm honored to help the practitioners!" the feisty, ginger-spotted she cat beamed.

Lilypaw smiled. "I am as well, Gingerpaw," she replied. Looking around, they searched for anything they could need. Thyme, moss, cobweb to name a few. Carefully, Gingerpaw carried a small bundle of herbs wrapped in dock leaves, which could also be used later. The forest was lively with prey and the sound of the waterfall rushed in the distance. It was peaceful. As they all walked through the forest, Gingerpaw spoke up.

"So, about Willowpaw! How is my sister doing with her training?" she questioned. She watched as she saw Sagepuddle and Lilypaw's neck fur stand on end immediately. They both recalled her terrible mistake, but Gingerpaw was unaware of it.

Fliching, Lilypaw turned to her and stated, "Well, unfortunately, she did mess up. Big time."

Gingerpaw's ears pricked. "What happened?" she questioned.

"Unfortunately, she mistook poppy seeds, which is a painkiller well known for its medicinal use, for foxglove seeds. Foxglove seeds are terribly poisonous if consumed, and can kill cats. Oftentimes quite gruesomely," Sagepuddle spoke heavily.

Gingerpaw's curious look turned into a horrified, open jawed stare. "I can't believe it! My sister is such a mouse-brain!" she meowed, angrily. "I can't believe she was even made a practitioner lionet!"

Foxflight whipped her tail over Gingerpaw's ear. "Hush! That is none of your concern, Gingerpaw!" she snapped at her lionet. Sagepuddle spoke again.

"It is reasonable for her to be upset. Willowpaw is her sister after all, and we seasoned practitioners even doubt our own abilities to perform well at times. However, our ancestors would not be pleased for us to abandon her simply because she made a genuine mistake," he meowed cooly.

Gingerpaw dipped her head. Then she looked up to the sky. "Have you talked with them about it?" she questioned. Sagepuddle responded, "Not me, but Cypresslily has."
   
Gingerpaw looked back to Sagepuddle, then noticed Lilypaw seemed interested. "Who visited her?" meowed Foxflight.

Sagepuddle sat down. "Spiritwatcher. Her grandfather," he replied. Lilypaw tilted her head. "Visited?" she asked. Sagepuddle put his paw up and licked it, and began rubbing behind his ear. He then said, "I think I recall her saying Smolderpaw was summoned as well."
  
Lilypaw and Gingerpaw looked at each other. Awe struck their faces, and in unison they said, "What did they talk about?"
 
Sagepuddle smiled. "You should speak to Cypresslily about that. I'm sure Smolderpaw is busy right now," he spoke, purring some. The two lionets seemed not to be disheartened, but interested, their curiosity growing.

* * *

Lilypaw and Gingerpaw sat down, their faces bright with wonder. Cypresslily had complied to tell them a bit about her dream.
   
"It is true, Smolderpaw was there, but not for the reasons I was," she spoke, and she touched both of the lionet's foreheads gently with her right paw. Suddenly, a bright flash of light drowned them, and they were in another place. Away from the clans. Away from the forest. Grounds unfamiliar from their home. The waterfall didn't rush in the distance, and the familiar sounds of the forest died. Looking up, the sky was dark and pelted with stars. It was night.
   
"Woah! Where are we?" Gingerpaw asked, startled. Lilypaw felt her own fear scent and Gingerpaw's come out in strong waves. "Worry not, young ones. You're safe. You are simply in my mind," Cypresslily explained.

Lilypaw breathed, and looked around. "You mean, you have powers?" she asked. "In a way, yes, I do," Cypresslily said calmly, "However, every practitioner has some ability given to them by The Clan Within the Stars."
   
Lilypaw looked to Gingerpaw. She was in awe of everything. Then the two lionets looked to Cypresslily. "Does that mean I'll have powers one day?" Lilypaw questioned.