« BERRYSTAR »

Leader of RiverClan

(Former Medicine Cat)

"I vow t-to do my best to fulfill StarClan's purpose — and for RiverClan's good."


Name: Berrystar (Berryshine, Berrypaw, Berrykit)
Meaning: Berry- small, often sweet fruit grown from bushes; she was found as a young kit abandoned in a berry bush.
-star - Traditional suffix given by StarClan to a leader once they earn their lives in ceremony.
(-shine , her medicine cat name, was a suffix given by Fawnlight (a former RiverClan medicine cat) to symbolize being a light in the dark for her Clan; bright and hopeful.
Nickname(s): Berry, Berries, Squirt, leaf cat, Berry-sis, Bear
Rank: Leader (previous medicine cat, medicine cat apprentice, warrior apprentice, kit)
- Leader lives: Radiance (Fawnlight), Dedication (Fallenstar), Dignity (Sprucepaw), Critical Judgement (Hawkstar), Courage (Gingerfrost)
Age: ~29 moons
Gender: she-cat (female)
Orientation: ...?
Song: Two - Sleeping at Last
Voice Claim: Flora - Winx Club Rai Version, S3
Creation Date: January 19th, 2024
- MCA as of: 05/07/2024
- MC as of: 09/22/2024
- Leader as of: 02/27/2026
Purrks: The Collector | Dreamwalker | Mindreader T3 | Double-Jointed
Description: small & nimble dark-brown she-cat with darker flecks and light, leafy-green eyes. Smaller than most with a thin frame; short- and sleek-furred, small-pawed, skinny-tailed. Has a distinctly sweet smell like fresh berries & aromatic herbs from her past work. has a stutter that worsens when nervous. Polite, warm demeanor.


[ † = Deceased | * = Missing ]Residence: RiverClan
Previous Residence: Loner; she was only 2 moons old when found.
Mentor(s): None
- (Previously: Mistyshard* for medicine training; Mistyshard & Pepperbounce* for warrior training)
Apprentice(s): None
- (Previously: Whisperingrose and Cobwebstorm* for MCA)
Father: Unknown; adopted by Stagheart of RiverClan
Mother: Unknown
Siblings: Unknown; Willowtail, Weepingpaw†, & Daisylight are her adoptive siblings
Mate: N/A
Kits: N/A
Crush(es): ...?
- Berry has a hard time differentiating between romantic feelings and platonic; she may not realize what she's feeling for a long time.
Scent: sweet, floral; most akin to fresh berries and springtime blossoms
Quirk(s): Stutter she's had since kithood that worsens when nervous. Gets restless twitches when anxious/idle. Shuffling her paws is a nervous habit.
Likes: RiverClan, family/friends, StarClan, teaching, learning, trips to Seagrass Fields, herbs/flowers, prayer/meditation, the color green, greenleaf/warmer weather.
Dislikes: Conflict/strife, cruelty, not being able to see (shadows, dark water, etc.), being the center of attention, putting those she loves (+her Clan) in any danger, hurting anyone.
(+) Positive Traits: Kind, hardworking, faithful, compassionate, considerate, friendly, organized
(=) Neutral Traits: Persistent, careful, shy, selfless, restless, determined
(-) Negative Traits: Insecure, naturally timid, anxious, overthinker, jumpy, scattered (when anxious)



Berryshine Scene for WCOn by wolfie

WCOn 2025 Roleplay of the Year - "We Ain't Angry at You, Love" by Starphobia

CW: bloody image below (last one) <3

Berrystar was a 2-moon-old kit when she was found abandoned in a berry bush with no trace of any other cats' scents on her — Clan or otherwise. Stagheart, a senior warrior of RiverClan, happened to stumble upon her one day while he was out hunting. Not knowing what else to do and moved to pity, he took the helpless kit back to RiverClan. Though she stood out from the strong, bulky warriors of RiverClan with her small, nimble build, she was accepted and raised up in Clan life. She was thus named Berrykit, in regards to the type of bush in which she was found. Stagheart was essentially tasked with fathering the kitten, despite knowing nothing of fatherhood himself and initially trying to pass off the task. But the two grew close, as Berrykit heavily relied on Stagheart to teach her everything — none of the other kits and queens paid her much mind. So eventually, his hardened heart was moved, and he relented.Berrykit was already timid in nature, but she grew insecure and fearful from being taunted for not being Clanborn and teased for her weakness; between her stammer and small stature, she couldn't defend with bark nor bite. Resigning herself to more of an introverted lifestyle, Berrykit figured out how to enjoy her own company and the limited time she could spend with Stagheart (a warrior is always busy, is he not?) whom she looked up to as a father. Though, she was still lonely... and would be for awhile yet.When Berrykit was named an apprentice, she was both excited and terrified. Warrior training was something she'd heard about countless times, but now that she was in it, well... she figured out pretty quick that it didn't come naturally to her. Blame it on her Clanless blood or not, Berrypaw struggled to complete the basics; while she seemed alright at agility and basic land hunting, she had no aptitude for battle training — in fact, she held a fearful aversion to it. Her first mentor, Mistyshard, was more than patient and kind with her. But then, the warrior was promoted to be the Clan's sole medicine cat. Berrypaw was devastated by this, though she tried to be positive. When she was reassigned to a new mentor, Berrypaw had only gotten in a few sessions with Pepperbounce when she was approached and asked to become the medicine cat apprentice. Flustered and shocked, she eventually came to her senses and agreed — thus beginning an entirely new realm of training and beginning to understand who she is and what she means to this Clan.The Clan soon suffered a raid where all three of the other Clans turned on RiverClan, driving them out of the territory and into exile in the mountains. This took a toll on Berrypaw's mental health, especially with all the injuries she'd had to try and heal with limited medical knowledge and being quite new in her role. That, and she'd been haunted by a ghostlike cat that'd kept her rooted in place during the battle, forced to watch a ShadowClan cat (one she now knows as Sleepysunrise) maul the lame leg of Berry's best friend, Cobwebstorm (Cobwebpaw at the time). Berry still feels guilt over this cowardice—how she'd frozen up, unable to help—and it's a frequent scene in her nightmares.During the exile, Mistyshard became more absent in her role, eventually revealing her pregnancy. Shocked, Berrypaw had to accept the reality that she was now going to be entirely on her own as her beloved mentor stepped down. This was a huge turning point for Berrypaw, especially following the traumatic events of RiverClan's exile and the life-changing raid. For awhile, the young herbalist had to shoulder the healing for the entire Clan while not knowing many herbs nor procedures, just praying to StarClan she'd get it right. This matured her in more ways than one (for better and worse).After RiverClan returned to the forest and Fadingstar was driven out, Dusklion took over and hurried Berrypaw to the Starcave for them to earn their new names. Becoming Stormstar and Berryshine, the two returned to their new camp to usher in a new era of RiverClan. Berry chose Cobwebfern, her best friend, as her apprentice and helper. While she still struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, Berry earning her new name and being deemed worthy to become RiverClan's full medicine cat boosted some of her confidence and helped her recover from the funk she'd been in ever since the raid; a new spark of hope had regrown. Things were still changing, and quite often, but she felt more prepared than ever. She simply wanted to provide her Clan with as much stability and grace as she could during these tough times — and who better than her best friend should be at her side?....That is, until the tragic death of Stormstar, which shook everyone. The Clan was once again left to switch leaders, and Owltalon arose as the faithful deputy. Berryshine went with Owltalon and Cobwebfern to earn their new names in their positions, Owlstar and Cobwebstorm (the suffix -storm taken as an honor name). However, the Starcave collapsed right after this ceremony, severing the Clans' ties to StarClan. This greatly shook Berryshine, whose faith is integral to her very being. For a bit, Berry enjoyed the new stability in their ranks, with Sunheart being a happy addition to their team as deputy; he became like a big brother to her, watching over her.But another tragedy wasn't far on the horizon. Cobwebstorm, after an incident with ThunderClan's leader BUmblestar, self-exiled and left the medicine cat on her own once more. Berry greatly grieved the 'loss' of her best friend and previous apprentice (one she'd dearly loved), feeling as though she'd failed her. She did not choose an apprentice for many moons, trying to focus on learning more and remaining cautiously optimistic about Cobs' return. But as the days ticked by, Berryshine knew she would need to fill the gap eventually.Her prayers to StarClan were answered when Whisperingpaw, a sweet and faith-centered young she-cat, expressed her love for the Clan (and herbs!) through multiple interactions with the medic. Berryshine had plenty of great options to peruse, but after discussing with Owlstar and Sunheart, they concluded that Whispy would be Berryshine's chosen successor. Confident in her choice, Berry was given renewed vigor upon seeing Whispy's eyes light up whenever she taught her something new. She felt like maybe, somewhere out there, Cobs might return and be happy with her choice.Eventually, StarClan sent the sign Berryshine had been looking for: a plea to help their connection, gifting her a crystalline shard and a vision that would guide her the way to restore StarClan's borders with the Clans' world. Going on a quest that included the three other full medicine cats at the time (Lightningstorm, Treetiger, and Sleepysunrise), Berryshine remained the sole member of the party fully confident in the stars and convicted to do whatever she could do fix this. She aided in what would become the single most dazzling, jarring moment of her life as the medics found a new Starcave, restoring the balance and being thanked by StarClan themselves. Berryshine humbly requested that Owlstar, who'd also remained steadfast and allowed Berryshine to go on this journey through pure faith, earn a life for these efforts.Eventually, RiverClan was given a mysterious ill omen about the waters being poisoned; it was coined as the "Red Death" by some. Unbeknownst at first to the Clan, red algae poisoning had cursed the very water itself, killing those who ingested it or tainted prey. Berryshine and Whisperingpaw worked tirelessly to treat their Clanmates, but nothing seemed to touch the symptoms nor save lives; even Sunheart, the beloved deputy, lost his life. They were awaiting a sign from StarClan or some "outside help", as was prophesized, to give them the answers...After striking a deal with ThunderClan to use Cattail Pond for resources (and a failed previous attempt to take it back), Owlstar collapsed from the illness, losing both of her lives in a coma. Shaken, Berryshine maintained the Clan's chaos and took herself and Whisperingpaw to the Starcave to convene with the ancestors. There, she was shown a miraculous sign and told that she was to be the next leader of RiverClan. Stunned, she could hardly believe it, but the calling from each of those that came to her emboldened the healer. Earning five lives, more than most of her predecessors in recent memory, Berryshine took on the suffix -star at the same time that Whispy earned her full name: Whisperingrose, a name Berry chose and asked Fawnlight to bestow.Returning to her shaken Clan, the newly named Berrystar grieved Owlstar (who'd been like family) while trying to move the Clan forward. She named Ghoststalker, an ex-rogue but loyal and faithful tom, as her deputy. She appointed Eaglewing as her Head Lionheart and named many more positions to help keep the Clan afloat. As of today, Berrystar is trying to lead the Clan in a positive, moral direction and remains faithful to StarClan, hoping she can inspire this in others as well. She is doing all she can to find a cure from the Red Death and see RiverClan establish itself in prosperity once more.

Known Herbs

  • Alder Bark - scaly bark found on alder trees, often in boggy areas; large oval leaves with jagged edges and small pinecone-like growths. bark is chewed or gnawed to help with toothaches, gum pain, and pain from teething. Can be used for indigestion, sore throat, infections, and improving oral health

  • Bindweed - Common, fast-growing, vine-like weed with white or pale purple flowers; combined with sticks, it can help mend a broken leg and keep it in-place

  • Blessed Thistle - large, round, spiky flowers with fuzzy leaves like a dandelion; eat the leaves to increase blood circulation (useful for kittings!)

  • Borage - leaves must be chewed and eaten by a cat suffering from internal infection/fever to help heal it & bring down temperature. Helps queens produce more milk; helps soothe bellyaches and ease tightness in chests

  • Broom - very tall with thick stems, small rounded leaves, and oddly-shaped yellow flowers; grounded into a poultice and applied to affected area to help broken bones

  • Burdock - large leaves with thistle-like flowers; roots are used for infections and numbing an area. The best remedy for rat bites

  • Burnet - jagged, fern-like leaves that are eaten to give strength for long journeys and expecting queens; "traveling herb"

  • Catchweed - Common, sticky weed with hooked bristles that catch on fur; burrs stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin

  • Catmint - Best treatment for greencough & whitecough; can be a backup for stress/shock (though not the best option)

  • Cattail - Fluff can be used as an emergency blood-stopper. Roots can be applied (or eaten) to help heal injuries or burns, stopping minor-ish bleeding, preventing infection, or to soothe stomachaches. the leaves' gel can be used to soothe pain in injuries

  • Celandine - Small, yellow-flowered plant with orange sap; crushed into a juice & trickled into weak/damaged eyes. Quick treatment for allergies ("aching/weeping eyes") to soothe/prevent worsening.

  • Chamomile - daisy-like flowers with single layer of petals and short, stringy leaves; can help strengthen a cat when eaten

  • Chervil - branching, rounded leaves in three clusters from the main stem; roots are more potent and eaten for bellyaches caused by nausea (useful for kittings). Juice of leaves/roots can be used for infected wounds

  • Cobwebs - Patch up wounds/stop bleeding, hold poultices, and to bind broken bones/other injuries.

  • Coltsfoot - grows in large clusters; eat the leaves for breathing issues, kittencough, and whitecough (safe for kits); can be chewed into a poultice to help cracked/sore paw pads or minor scratches

  • Comfrey - bluebell-like flowers, rough leaves that grow upwards; leaves eaten to help with cough attacks and inflammation, while roots can be crushed into a pulp to help heal broken bones, wrenched claws, itching, inflammation, and burns. Paws can be wrapped in the leaves and/or nests can be lined with them to ease muscle stiffness

  • Coneflower - Rare herb, toxic if eaten in large doses; roots are eaten for healing respiratory illnesses or internal infection, or applied for external infection or for swelling. Leaves and petals are eaten to ward off infection

  • Dandelion - Leaves are chewed as a painkiller; alleviates pain from bee stings when applied as a poultice. Can help feverish cats sleep

  • Deathberries - small, red berries that grow on green bushes; fleshy part is edible, but the seed is poisonous. Considered very hazardous, especially for kits!

  • Dock - long, oddly-shaped leaves that can be crushed into poultice for anti-inflammatory dressings (scratches and stings), soothing sore pads, or used as a 'bandage' when cobwebs are low; can also be used to carry other herbs

  • Fennel - grayish-blue with hollow stems and leafy bulbs at bottom, found in dry areas near coasts and rivers; juice inside the stalk is consumed to ease hip pain, stomachaches, hunger pains, and whitecough (useful for kittings!)

  • Goatweed - white or purple flowers that grow in bunches with jagged, rough leaves and fuzzy stems; leaves are eaten for calming, anti-anxiety, and grief treatment.

  • Goldenrod - long, thin stems with a cluster of golden-yellow flowers at top; speeds up healing and used to clean wounds (does NOT directly prevent infections like marigold)

  • Hawksweed - used to help cure kittencough.

  • Honey(comb) - eaten or given with moss; soothes infections and helps with smoke-damaged or sore throats, coughing, helping cats swallow other concoctions, and gives energy. Can be used to draw poisons from wounds such as bee stings and to bind poultices together (but must be wrapped tightly to prevent spilling)

  • Horsetail - mini pine sapling that never grows bark; small and frilly with many branching leaves. good for preventing/treating infection and minor bleeding, even with the juice (or chewed into poultice); stings when applied. Sap can reduce eye swelling.

  • Ivy - Can be used to help bind splints and other things together.

  • Juniper Berries - calming, soothes bellyaches, helps with coughs, gives strength, and helps troubled breathing. Too many berries can cause a bellyache

  • Lavender - Calming scent (often used to dress cats for burial); helps ease headaches, fevers, and chills when consumed. Can be used as a mix-in for a bee sting poultices (not entirely effective on its own)

  • Lovage - Dark green plant with heart shaped leaves speckled with gray, found in moors. Used to treat yellowcough.

  • Marigold - stems, petals, and leaves are chewed into a poultice and applied to fresh wounds to prevent infection; helps with swollen joints, minor bleeding, broken bones, and flea bites

  • Moss - used for bedding, to soak fluids (water, mouse bile, honey, etc.), used to help soak and stop bleeding

  • Mousebile - Moss is soaked with this and dabbed onto a cat's pelt to lure out ticks; commonly done for elders

  • Parsley - jagged, branching leaves, three clusters from the main stem — the stem is eaten to help with stomachaches, and stops a queen from producing milk; looks similar to chervil, but must NOT be mixed up

  • Plantain Leaves - leaves can be crushed and applied to wound to help wounds heal faster and reduce swelling

  • Poppy seeds - Helps induce sleep, soothe shock or distress, & easing pain; not to be used for nursing queens, kits, or in large, prolonged doses. Can be used to ease pain for dying cats, letting them "sleep" peacefully into it

  • Raspberry Leaves - To ease pain/stop bleeding, especially during kitting; safe for queens and kits

  • Rosemary - tall, pungent plants with needlelike stems; hides the smell of death

  • Sticks - strengthen broken limbs to heal properly, provided to queens to chew on for pain during kitting, used to carry soaked moss or cobwebs

  • Stinging Nettle - used to make a cat vomit

  • Sunset Roses - small, delicate pink-and-red flowers that help cure 'snow fever' - not sure what that is yet, or how to use them

  • Tansy - round yellow flowers with dark green leaves that are curled, feathery, and pointed; distinctly sweet smell (can mask scents). cures whitecough, helps greencough recovery, and soothes sore throats when eaten (ONLY small doses; may be dangerous). cures wounds and extracts poisons by squeezing juice until bleeding stops. leaves crushed into poultice can help wrenched legs. Dangerous for pregnant cats!

  • Thyme - grows in small bush with purple flowers and many small, thick leaves; leaves are eaten to help with anxiety or calming cats with its scent

  • Valerian - roots are eaten for sleeping, anxiety, chronic/minor pain

  • Watermint - fuzzy, oval-shaped leaves with purple flowers; chewed into a pulp, eaten to help with bellyaches (trapped wind, not nausea), can be rubbed on a body to hide the scent of death

  • Wild Garlic - long, smooth leaves grow low to the ground and on a single stem with white flowers (5-6 petals); wards off infection, but not sure how to use yet. Can mask scent, but is rather odorous

  • Yarrow - reddish stem with green leaves, many pointed edges; white flowers with a cluster within. crush leaves and apply to wound to extract poisons; leaves make cats vomit up toxins, but a little bit cures stomachaches and mild coughs. poultice helps heal cracked & sore paw pads.

OTHER KNOWN REMEDIES/CONDITIONS

  • How to identify pregnancy and help a cat give birth; how to clear obstructions for a kit's breathing

  • How to spot/treat infected wounds and their basic symptoms

  • How to identify/treat allergies ("aching/weeping eyes", "hayfever", etc.)

  • How to treat fevers/internal infections

  • Fixing broken limbs/making splints

  • How to identify blindness and deafness; can try to help set up communication

  • Amputation (has done legs, ears, and eyes)

  • Talk Therapy; helping guide cats through thought processes and providing advice, comfort, behavioral changes, etc.

  • Desensitization therapy (for fears/aversions)* (*this is experimental! VM for more info!)

  • C-Section Birth (experimental); note that Berry will NOT perform this unless absolutely necessary/consensual, as the queen is guaranteed to die

  • Morning Sickness: mild chills, fatigue, nausea/vomiting; not a true illness, only for expecting queens. Let them rest. Give them water. Use burnet to support their strength and juniper berries to soothe the stomach, honey if youre worried how little theyre eating.

  • Simple Chills: cold winds, falling into water, etc. Begins with shivering, mild fever, sneezing, & aches; not dangerous unless ignored, then becomes "freezing waste". Honey for the throat, poppy seeds for rest, & feverfew/lavender. Keep them warm and let them recover.

  • Freezing Waste: body failing to hold and create its own warmth; most common in leaf-bare, especially falling through ice. Stages: sluggishness, confusion, stumbling, forgetfulness, even hallucinations. Body slows, heart, breath, thought. Exposed areas like ears, paws, & skin may turn white/blue. In the worst cases, the shivering stops/muscles stiffen/pulse weakens; death is close. Must warm them, but slowly. Too fast, and you may do more harm than good (seizing). Shelter them from wind. Place them in a warmed nest, and have other cats press close to share their heat. Stay with them, watch their breathing, do not leave them alone in this state

  • Carrionplace Disease: caused by tainted prey (i.e. rats); begins like greencough with vomiting, but turns into more with a bad fever, no sleep, & peculiar stench. Must act quickly; use a variation of borage and juniper berries with coltsfoot, watermint, and feverfew to cure; if caught early, can make cat vomit with stinging nettle/yarrow.

  • Kittencough: Illness spreads through poorly kept nurseries, stale air, damp bedding, neglect, apprentices skipping duties; passes by coughing/air. Separate sick kit immediately & air out the nursery of all its bedding/let it breathe. The symptoms mirror whitecough, but the patients are smaller, weaker. And if allowed to go untreated the sickness could kill, and even if the kit is recovering it will hit their systems hard making it all too easy for them to develop whitecough or worse. treated primarily with coltsfoot, though hawksweed and tansy (if worried about greencough) can be useful. Prevention is most important.

  • Yellowcough: Very rare; not sure how it's caught. Loss of appetite, delirium, fever, difficulty breathing & sore throats. As with whitecough coughing up white phlegm, and greencough green, a cat in this case will produce yellow. This disease is notably resistant to catmint unlike others and deadly unless treated with lovage.

  • Whitecough: Very common illness; begins simply, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, & a slight fever. Patient will seem tired, but not gravely so. Left alone, it becomes greencough (or worse). Treat it early. Catnip is best, but if not then chickweed, coltsfoot, & hawkweed are useful, in order of effectiveness. Tansy can prevent it from becoming greencough but not cure it. Above all: water, food, & proper rest. Should be quarantined, but not fully necessary.

  • Greencough: Leaf-bare killer; far more virulent than whitecough — NEED to quarantine greencough, will spread like nothing else to anyone in the area. Even the bedding of sick cats needs to be carefully disposed of. Cat will grow sluggish, feverish, wheezing with every breath. Phlegm will stream from nose and mouth. Treat with catmint; can be the only thing that works. Still needs ~4 doses spread out every couple of days. Due to its rarity, chickweed and hawksweed are less effective backups to catmint.

  • Blackcough: Sometimes called Redcough; final stage, no going back from. Cats may make it out of this stage when taken to the Twoleg healers, but not confirmed. Relentless coughing, breathing ragged, blood or pus may leave the body. Fever rages, strength fades, cat becomes little more than a shadow of themselves. Snakeheart suggested a mercy kill for this agonizing illness (ease suffering; poison or poppy overdose).

+ POSITIVE +

  • STAGHEART - "He m-may not be my father by blood, but he is in every way that counts. I am i-incredibly grateful to have such a steadfast, strong presence in my life. He h-has supported me through every stage, every promotion... I thank StarClan often that he was the one that found me."

  • WHISPERINGROSE - "I a-am so proud of the medicine cat she's become. I trust no one more than her t-to fill my place after Starclan's new calling for me. She's wonderful a-and brilliant, by my s-side while we lost so much else... and I know that she will surpass me as a healer, if not already. Thank StarClan f-for her!"

  • GHOSTSTALKER - "I understand e-everyone's skepticism for how quickly he's made his way up our ranks, especially a-as a former outsider. But I can truly speak for his loyalty, courage, and true heart for the Clan. Owlstar trusted him deeply, a-and so do I. I truly believe he will serve as a faithful deputy, and I pray StarClan guides us in th-the days to come."

  • DOGPELT - "O-Oh, Dogpelt...? He's... well, h-he's wonderful, really. A strong, loyal warrior who never asks for much. He w-was kind enough to look out for me a few times, and I do enjoy his presence. He's... c-comforting, in a way. Like I'm m-more grounded around him, like... things... make more sense. (cough). A-Ah... yeah... anyway..."

  • SUNHEART † - "He.. was like a big brother to me. It was like a light had gone out wh-when he died. Now he's back, and... e-even if the plague is still so fresh, it's been incredible to have him again. So much h-has changed, but I'm so glad to have his support."

  • WILLOWTAIL - "My adoptive sister i-is a wonderful she-cat! She's been through a lot, y-yet remains strong. Especially after her m-mate's death a-and raising her single kit. It's... nice, t-to have a sister. Not by blood, but something stronger. I'll continue to support her in all I can!"

  • DAISYLIGHT - "My faithful Head Caretaker! Heh... Days i-is my adoptive younger sister and an inspiration to be around. Her fire reminds m-me of the spirit that the Clan thrives off of. Despite her condition, she c-continues to serve us and do her very best everyday."

  • EAGLEWING - "Ever since t-that incident where she helped me retrieve and heal Sunheart after he fell, I r-really feel like I can trust her as a Clanmate. She's sweet yet strong, a-and I admire her tenacity in the face of what we've endured. Now, I s-see how well she's doing as our Head Lionheart. I am so grateful for her a-and her presence — I hope we can become closer."

  • ADDERSTRIKE - "Y-You know, it's funny... I used t-to be intimidated by her w-when I was a warrior apprentice, but a-also inspired by her at the same time. S-She was always ready to speak her mind, to stand up for what she thought was right. I w-wished that I could be like that, too. She'd mostly seemed to avoid me and the medicine den for awhile, but recently, w-we've become close, and I cherish our bond. She didn't even make fun of me for not knowing h-how to swim! Just taught me kindly!"

  • SHADOWEDCALL - "Ever since he... died (and came back) f-from the Plague, I have a renewed appreciation for him. Despite being such a r-recent addition to the Clan, he's proved his loyalty and helpfulness. He taught m-me many of the herbs I know today as I continued to struggle without mentors. His presence is v-very comforting to me, as if I know I can trust him to watch my back. "

  • RAINWISH - "Somebody that I know I c-could go to with anything, as she has for me. Trustworthy, kind, a-and patient, she is easy to talk to and also taught m-me a few things about what it means t-to have a friend. I'm glad t-to know that she can trust me, too."

  • CAVECLAW - "I r-really hope I don't have to fix their leg again... poor thing's been through it. Glad she's still around, though; a good, reliable Lionheart who doesn't shake easily."

= NEUTRAL =

  • SPIDERSTAR - "Ever since th-the first few Gatherings with him, my impression of Spiderstar was that he was a liar. B-But he made that deal for Cattail Pond when our Clan needed it, a-and now... I'm not so sure. I suppose I have to see i-if he keeps his word. I feel like I can trust him i-in this, for some reason... I pray that I'm correct. This is o-our Clan's current best option to survive."

  • SLEEPYSUNRISE - "Ah... sh-she's a hard one for my me. I mean, I d-don't know if I can ever forget what I witnessed in the 3v1. But she's very competent, even if she's... complex in ways I s-still don't understand. I was always shocked how a ruthless cat like her c-could become a healer, but I saw the way she helped us with Wisteriabird's kitting, and... well. My opinion h-has been convoluted ever since."

  • LIGHTNINGSTORM - "One of the cats I h-helped discover the new Starcave with. She does not seem t-too keen on StarClan, but willing to help. She's one I feel like I c-could learn much from; now that I'm leader, I doubt I'll h-have much chance. But I grew to respect her, d-despite our differing outlooks."

  • ROOKFIRE - "W-Well... I guess my problem is that I have n-no direct problem with him. S-Sometimes I can catch him looking at me during Gatherings, though. I wonder w-what he thinks of me, ever since I accidentally s-stumbled into one of his dreams. Does he hate m-me by RiverClan association? I-I don't know... I'd hope not. But I'm n-not too naive to assume that it'd be far-fetched..."

  • DRAGONFLYPAW - "W-Well, I've only really met her o-once at a Gathering, so... first impressions a-are limited. She seems sort of... conceited, I-I guess...? But I try not to base it on that. I-It's hard to talk a lot before a Gatering begins, a-and ThunderClan had just gone through a lot b-before she was promoted."

  • BLACKJAW - "Blackjaw s-seems... nice, actually. It's surprising to me t-to see someone like him as Sleepysunrise's apprentice. I'd expected someone more...ahem... well. Th-there's really no good way to end that sentence. But anyway, m-my first interaction with him was that Gathering where ThunderClan a-and ShadowClan nearly broke the truce, and he was very tense. I think s-someone close to him had gotten hurt. But besides that, h-he was friendly to Whisps and I, so... I'm hoping th-that's a good sign."

  • COTTONPAW - "Oh... C-Cottonpaw seems like a lovely soul. He was quite timid when we met, a-and something about that just... well, perhaps I'm biased. But h-he seemed so sweet and meek in a way that made me feel like there must be a good heart in him. Between him a-and Blackjaw, I'm hoping the f-futre of the medicine cats is pointing towards a cross-Clan bond once more... just like Cobs and I dreamed about."

  • SPARROWPELT - "I didn't r-really get to speak to ThunderClan's new medic, but... maybe he's alright?"

- negative -

  • MYSTERY CAT? (LARKFIRE) - "I... s-still don't know who came up to me that day. The day of the raid. I-I just felt this... this darkness s-surrounding me, a-and... all I could smell was blood... (shudder). I-I try to forget it, especially remembering how... helpless I was, w-when Cobs was being attacked by Sleepysunrise. I just wish... I... c-could've done something. Maybe I could've, but... I was just frozen. D-Did I... fail her? Even if I could've done nothing, w-with no battle experience...? I... I d-don't know. But I'd be lying to say that the incident—and this mystery c-cat's voice—doesn't still h-haunt me to this day. Part of me wonders if... i-if it was even real... (cough). C-Can we, uh... move on...?"

  • MYSTERY MED? (TREETIGER) - "I... s-still don't really understand her. O-Or whatever ThunderClan was up to, for that matter, lying a-about her position... When I discovered the new Starcave with her, she was volatile a-and seemed to hate everything about StarClan. I-It's a miracle she even helped us restore th-the connection. And I could sense this... thing around her, l-like a dark presence... a-as if it has its own soul. I don't r-really understand it, but all I know is that it unsettles me..."

  • BUMBLEBREAK - "Her focus w-was mostly on Cobs during... that, a-and so... I guess I don't really h-have anything personal against her e-except how she tormented my best friend in a dream, a-and led to her demotion, which t-then led to her self-exile... well, n-now that I say that out loud... I guess I do have things a-against her. But since she'd stepped down, we've been on strangely good terms with ThunderClan. M-Maybe if Cobs knew that the danger had passed... s-she'd come back?"

< EXILED, DEAD, MISSING >

  • COBWEBSTORM [E] - "I... I thought it might get easier, a-and in some ways, it does. It doesn't ache the way it used to, but... I think of her often. Especially wishing she was here f-for my ceremonies. She... she w-was my best friend at such a crucial time, and yet the way she left, staying gone all this time... part of me wonders if I failed. That part... s-still hurts, I admit. I hope she knows that RiverClan w-will always be her home, no matter how long she's away..."

  • OWLSTAR † - "I'm... s-still a bit in shock, really. She was like family and had done so much for RiverClan, restoring it after moons o-of losing leadership. I miss her daily and can only hope th-that I'm filling her pawsteps well..."

  • MISTYSHARD [M] - "...(sigh)... I w-wish I'd gotten to at least say goodbye to her before s-she left. I... have a feeling she m-might still be out there, you know? B-But she disappeared during a hectic time, b-before we returned from the mountains, and... I... w-well, I just wish we'd gotten more time. I didn't learn as much as I could've, a-and... last time I saw her, s-she was pregnant, so... stars. I just hope y-you're okay out there, Mistyshard. Maybe you'll... f-find your way back, someday. And... I-I thank you, for having f-faith in me when I never had it in myself, t-to choose me for this role all those moons ago. I'll n-never forget you as my first mentor, and the first one (besides S-Stagheart) who truly believed in me."

  • FADINGSTAR [M] - "F-Fadingstar... is a sore topic for many, I-I know. And I don't pretend t-to think it was all perfect, but... I know t-that he had the best intentions for his Clan, a-and was always kind to me, looking out f-for me when few others could. He did his best in the h-hard times we had, and I... miss him, r-really. It was hard to watch h-him getting chased out. I only hope t-that wherever he is, h-he's peaceful, or... at rest. I-I'm not too sure which."

  • STORMSTAR † - "O-Oh, Stormstar... I miss her a lot, too. S-She was one of the first besides m-my family and Mistyshard t-to... believe in me, you know...? Especially after she became leader, I f-felt like... things were turning around. A-And they really were, for a bit — she brought a bit o-of peace and stability that we really needed. And she was so proud w-when I got my full name. Cobs and I... w-we miss her a lot, and hope she's doing okay u-up there in StarClan. It really wasn't her time to go, a-and the way she lost two lives at once... (shudder). I haven't seen her since, b-but... hopefully, she's proud. I want to be as good of a leader as she s-seemed destined to."

  • FAWNLIGHT † - "A lovely StarClanner w-who has helped me when I needed it most! Not only has she granted me my medicine cat name, but also Whisperingrose's. And now, one of my leader lives. I aspire to have s-such an encouraging, kind presence as her and guide others to know cats like her are still watching over us in the stars.

  • WEEPINGPAW † - "E-Even if I wasn't as close with Weepingpaw (h-he was always more of the quiet type, y-y'know?), h-he was still... family. Again, n-not by blood, but... ah. I miss him, too. I-I know his sickness was far worse than I could t-treat, but... I still feel like I failed h-him. Sometimes I think a-about his death, the first patient I've lost w-where I... thought... it w-was because of my shortcomings. I just h-hope he's doing alright up there in StarClan, a-and is keeping Brightnight company."