BEGINNING OF THE END // sick

[Grimm]

Inescapable aspect of the months caught in frigid weather, favour of fortune all that allowed a short and easy time of it. Other factors may be so inclined as to wrought change upon the unyielding, but more pleasant the notion of control not held, beyond reach and thus responsibility may not be handed over lightly.

Mistake his own, this factoid known and rather wide had it spread in a frame of time rather short, the exaltation of experiencing the unknown outweighing the probable downside. Hard the lesson learned, one unlikely to be shaken if experience proved an apt teacher, which it indeed seemed, away hidden the silver hued youth. Back around had come his desire to expand horizons, a wanderlust imposed during those early days fulfilled without care, wet the ill advised sniffs that echoing off reinforced walls. A mere nose, discoloured in odd splotchy tones, and a deeply settled frown all he had become, hidden beneath collected blankets and pelts.

"Come on, lying about all day isn't good for you." Fond the hushed murmur, if apparent the edge that grew more evident with every word Cottontuft deemed necessary, as with the rest her present requested where it was possible. With the symptoms Foam showed, and a lack of healer who may tend greater issues, minimised her work but, as with the child that ground out a drawn out grown, she had been subject to restlessness.

No warning prevailed the sudden removal of his covering, indignant the squeak torn from jaws that fell open in shock, upwards scrambling Foam. At the least one was returned, over shoulder draped with gentle care, beneath huddling as his prior sniffing ended in a sneeze, raw and aching his throat once it had concluded. A quiet static buzz any further words spoken, drowsy and lost in thoughts that swirled about, chasing itself without end until meaning had been striped, after Cottontuft stumbling. Yet, where she exited the nursery with a small smile directed towards him, within the entrance did Foam heavily fall, as difficult as it had grown simply to keep his eyes open glaring at the snow that gathered not too far ahead of him.

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I think I’m not quite ready to let you circle the drain. all the things we’ve broken can be puzzled together again, all your sums and your pieces are enough to clean up all the messes you’ve made

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code by Wisker

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Lately, things had grown much more difficult for Rhinestonestar. Really, things had grown more difficult for the group as a whole, but Rhine especially was feeling the effects of it all. There was a great deal of stress that weighed heavily down upon his shoulders, and each day that passed only made it worse. More and more of their prey seemed to be escaping underground, intent on getting away from the sudden cold weather that plagued them. The rust colored tom had even begun to grow used to a feeling of hunger within his stomach, everpresent and difficult to get rid of. Even when food was offered to him, he often turned it down, not wanting to take it away from other members of the clan. Members like Foamkit, who he knew to be a growing boy going through his own struggles with the recent rash of harsh weather they were having. On some level, the older feline knew that he was behaving in a manner similarly to Foamkit – impulsive and without prior thought, no doubt eventually leading to some kind of downfall. However, Foam had time for sickness now. There would be time for Rhine to succumb once he knew that his clan was safe.

The male had been returning from yet another unsuccessful hunting patrol, when he noticed Cottontuft emerging from the nursery, flanked by a rather weak looking Foamkit. Wincing as soon as Foam fell down within the entrance of the nursery, Rhinestone made his way over, ignoring the growl of protest his stomach put forth. Sparing a brief glance towards Cotton, Rhine hesitated before muttering to her, concern clear in his voice, "Looks like he hasn't been recovering as quickly as I'd hoped..." On some level, the ruddy feline felt as though that was his fault. He should've been able to find a proper medicine cat by now, so that Foam wouldn't be forced to suffer. Sighing heavily at his own continued failures, the leader then moved forward, sitting down between the child and the corner of the nursery entrance. He laid his long tail down upon the blanket covering Foamkit, questioning softly as he sat, "Foamkit...? Are you alright? I know things are tough right now, but laying down here in the cold isn't going to make things any better..." Rhinestone found himself conflicted, between helping the boy outside or ushering him back within the den. On one hand, he didn't want Foam to get any worse, but going outside could be good for him, even with the weather.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan

[Honeypaw]

[align=center][div style="width: 51%; text-align: justify; font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: -1px; font-family: georgia;"]The doberman could tell that someone was sick. The canine was able to detect the pungent odor of illness in the air, which was not surprising giving the unusually cold weather. With the sudden cold front, there was bound to be a few sick PalmClanners. She was grateful that she hadn't fallen ill herself, given her thin fur coat. She was bundled up with a blanket she had found on the beach, nestled inside her den. In all honesty, she hadn't been feeling the very best lately, and hadn't been very productive. She was spending more and more time in her den, as opposed to training or hunting. The chilly air had forced her into hiding, against her will. She figured it was better to be less productive than come down with hypothermia or a cold.

Somewhere not too far, she could hear a little sneeze. She peaked out of her den after hearing Rhinestonestar speak to Foamkit, ears perked. Was it Foamkit that had a sickly odor? Honeypaw emerged from her hideaway, leaving blanket behind, and exposing herself to the cold breeze. Paws left prints in the snow as she approached the trio, concern clear on her face. She sniffed the air, canid nose analyzing the scents and confirming her suspicion. There was definitely something wrong with Foamkit, at least a little cold, judging by his runny nose. "Maybe some honey? Or some palm sap? To make him feel better," The dog suggested. It was too cold for bees, so unless someone had honey stashed somewhere, that wasn't really a viable option. However, she had found that the sap from palm trees was somewhat sweet, and similar tasting to honey. It was soothing on the throat, and could potentially give a tiny energy boost.

[rhosmari]

Being sick was the worst and he knew that from personal experience. But he was sure that others also knew that since well, being kids and all it was a bit easier to get sick then. He had gotten sick a lot but he was resilient and always bounced back. Though that couldn't be said for everyone and with this intense cold he knew that it would be harder for some to bounce back. Sickness had a way of coming when the cold came and he was a bit worried that it wouldn't bode well for them. Still he was trying to keep up a happy demeanor even as he saw how the kid looked. He was also shocked to see a doberman here, and one with wings no less. After all he was only really used to seeing Quasar but here and now he was seeing another dog and they weren't trying to rip his tail out from his butt. So cool! He tried not to stare at her and the wings she possessed as he walked up to the scene, focusing his sunset orbs on Rhine for a moment before looking at Foamkit. Hmm, he wasn't sure what he could do here and he only knew a select number of things himself. He knew that yarrow made him vomit, and that he could eat lamb's ear to keep himself going even when his body wanted to drop dead. He knew that chewing chamomile helped to soothe his brains and a few other things. He looked to the leader then before looking back to Foamkit who had thrown that awesome little cup party. "How is he feeling? Like, achy, sore throat? Cough?"

He was troubled a bit but he wasn't sure what he was going to do. Maybe someone with better knowledge would come along because he definitely hoped so. His ears pulled forward a bit, twitching with a small amount of agitation as he sat down and curled his tail around his paws, eyes flicking between all three animals within the party.

[sup]template made by tikki[/sup]

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

The approach of both Honeypaw and Dovah caused Rhinestone to lift his head, tail flicking behind him as he looked the both of them over. They seemed in much better shape than Foamkit was at the moment, a fact which gave him a great deal of relief. At least it seemed to just be a sickness brought on by the sudden cold, rather than something that was spreading. With this in mind, Rhine looked towards Honeypaw before he spoke, sighing, "Some palm sap isn't a bad idea... not sure how great it'll taste, but medicine doesn't always turn out tasting good." Honey definitely would've been better, especially for a child like Foamkit, but most of their supplies were running low as of late. He knew there were plenty in the group that were scrambling to snatch up what little they could before everything completely frozen over, but there was only so much they could do. What honey they did have would have to be saved for later on, when things seemed truly dire.

Turning to Dovah next, Rhine was slightly caught off guard by the curiosity in the other feline's voice. He was so used to the other being slightly clueless, and it was surprising to see him asking questions, as if he were trying to get to the root of the problem. Not that Rhinestone particularly minded that. If Dovah ended up showing more of an aptitude for healing, then he was welcome to take up the practice with a little bit of teaching, especially with the coming winter. However, those thoughts could wait for later, when Foam wasn't sniffling nearby. With a sigh, Rhine explained, "Well, he's been sneezing a lot... I can't imagine that his throat is feeling great, either. Cottontuft might be a bit more knowledgeable about it, since she's his primary caretaker." He had spoken to her a few times before, curiously wondering how the kit's condition was progressing. However, he found himself slightly struggling to come up with that information now.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan

[number nine.]

It seemed as though sickness was beginning to plague Palmclan as of late, not that it was particularly surprising. After all, the abrupt change from tropical weather to harsh and snowy conditions was sure to throw some people off, and that would end up with some compromised immune systems. However, just because Nine acknowledged that didn't mean he wanted anybody to be sick. He had been sick with various illnesses several times in the past – usually with Lewis taking care of him – and he knew just how much that it could suck. Number Nine wasn't even a child anymore, and he still felt energized and pumped up usually, eager to take on whatever life threw at him next. However, when he was sick, he was forced to just sit around and wait until he was able to get better, growing restless and irritable. He felt bad about all the times his husband had been forced to take care of him, only to end up with a cranky jaguar snapping at him every few minutes, shoving at his side and absolutely begging for anything to do. Lewis truly did have the patience of a saint. On the flip side, Nine couldn't even imagine being a child and having to deal with all that pent up energy.

This was why, as Nine made his way over from the prey pile to where a group of people had gathered, he found a small frown on his muzzle. He felt bad for Foamkit, and wished that there was something that he could do. The jaguar certainly wasn't any kind of medic, and didn't think he could ever be, but the mention of honey and palm sap intrigued him. Like Rhine, he doubted that palm sap would really taste all that good, but honey? Honey had potential. The issue of short supply was obviously hanging over all of their heads, but Nine simply shifted the wings upon his back before offering, "Maybe he can have some honey. I know stuff is scarce around here, but there's probably some out in the uncharted lands. With my wings, I can fly right out there and grab some, and then come back right away. That way the kid won't be forced to choke down raw tree sap in order to help with his throat." Nine's tail was twitching as he glanced at those around him, wondering how they would react to his plan. Palmclan had a habit of still remaining fairly solitary, so he wouldn't be surprised if his idea of flying out into the uncharted lands was somewhat frowned upon.

HELLBENT ON MAKING YOU LOVE ME TOO

[rhosmari]

Living along and having to forcibly grow up without his parents he had to learn a lot of things. He took to the stuff that he didn't have to race and chase after to get. The stuff that couldn't fight back. He learned because he had to, not because he actually wanted to. And he wanted to show his brother he wasn't a lost cause either, that he was useful for something. He had been toughing it out with a few plants here and there that sat in his stomach like bricks. It felt uneasy but at least others had more food because of it. Even now he hoped that this snow and bitter cold would come to an end. Listening to Rhinstone he would pull his ears forward and try to figure things out. Runny nose, and what looked to be lethargy. He was no expert though and he didn't have the know kd where to find the things he did know about. He wiggled his nose a bit and shifted his sunset orbs to Number Nine who spoke of flying to get honey. "That is a good idea. For someone so young it would be better I think...to not make him have an aversion to medicines. Honey is sweet and I can mix it with umm...." Well, he didn't know yet because he didn't know what the kid was suffering with save for the runny nose and the lethargy. He could give him some of the lamb's ear that he had been taking to keep the child's strength up. It sounded reasonable enough. Maybe.

Really he would rather wait for someone with more proper medical knowledge then to do things on his own anyway. He shifted a little and looked down at his paws. Well. He was sure that Foam was already in capable paws here and he gave a small but encouraging smile toward the youth as he tilted his head a little bit. Getting the honey seemed like their best bet and he wondered if Nine would allow for him to come. After all he had never flown before but his muzzle stayed closed, a bit afraid to ask.

[sup]template made by tikki[/sup]

[Grimm]

WHEN I WAS ONLY TWELVE YEARS OLD

MY PARENTS WENT WALKING

I HATE THOSE WICKED WORDS THEY'D SAY

Balance derived from endless cycle.

Among suspended points carded against the dark belly of the sky they may draw tentative lines, deem them thrones for those who crafted all and guided with sure hands, alive kept such by belief. But felt the shift, how seasons arose and fell, at times a gentle sweeping presence noticed with deliberate minute change, others a raucous and dangerous affair. Unprepared and thus off guard, onslaught the raging snow tiny paws worked through, frigid chill penetrating thin covering.

Worry touched lightly against vision that seemed incapable of shift, yet performed it at times, from child to the wider world moving before back drawn as though she were at his whim. Helpful thought a simple walk with her acting as support, too long had he been left alone within for necessary those capable, tended by others until stranger the denmother he looked to with an empty expression. Gentle the press, nose beneath belly guiding him to stand. Apparent now the improvements she had seen were imagined, her fear weighing against quickened heart, her movement stilling as silence broke.

Known identity before attention departing ailing charge, relief adorned tense smile, words falling from lips that trembled not with cold but something else. "I had hoped it was just a cold," hushed murmur fell from growing frown, fault her own even as blame shifted in mind of other, rolling hitch breaking uneven breath. "I should have known better." She did, had seen the signs yet ignored each, untempered the spirit simmering low, brought down by sickness that drew child deeper beneath his covering.

Slight the jolt, weight barely present, all the same coarse the fabric that dragged against short strands. Lips contour, voiceless words arising before pressure is built, parting about dry cough and not reprimand. Dark the narrowed eyes that peered through crack, smoothed those edges with realisation, however, strained the squeak he voiced. Together joined words, coalesced into a ceaseless hum of noise, adrift left Foam as looked to Rhine with evident confusion. "No go back." Harsh voice tumbling forth, to unsteady paws child once more standing yet collapse imminent, flakes sticking to nose that twitches with each sniff.

Denial stronger than anything his body wished to confirm, again struggle, upwards surging. Alone did he stand and lumenous the grin he turned towards Rhine, it seemed he accepts this as enough proof he was well. Disagreement from others as each approached in turn, over head conversation conducted. Quiet the anger that built as each took their turns, spoken of the best method to sooth throat that indeed ached, grown raw from the numerous coughing fits he had been subjected to. To Cottontuft vision turned, yet no respite found there, silent as she merely listened, hope present in tentative smile as handled that she was incapable of tending alone.

Annoyance built, lip caught and ground between teeth. Behind left once prior covering and between did he slip without care for response that may be caused by his sudden departure, left them to continue talking as he wandered the snow laced divet. He would not get far, particularly loud the sneeze that knocked his paws from under him, upon his hindquarters Foam left to fall, groaning as sodden paws rubbed at his nose. He was not sick, contrary to all the evidence that was continuing to pile up, and he shuffled about until his back was turned to the onlookers who deemed him such.

code by Reggan