Allegiances
So, Winged, The Pale begins, leaning over his arm to rest his chin closer to yours. Have you thought about what kind of apprentice you want to be?
'Course! You say, because obviously you have. The Broken was apprenticed last month, but even before that you both speculated about it - she was content with anything, but you've been thinking about the special roles. I was thinking about being a healer.
Oh, that doesn't surprise me, The Silky chuckles, turning her head to look at you. She's relaxing on her back, head on The Pale's flank, with The Light snoozing on top of her stomach. You've been following after The Little for a good while now, haven't you?
The Pale laughs too, then pauses as The Spark squeaks and bites at his damp fur. Ouch, baby, that's going to hurt when you have teeth.
He adjusts her, then continues speaking. It's good when you're sure you know what you want in life, but I don't want you to fix yourself in, either. That's why we wanted to talk to you about the different roles there are, and why I hope you'll observe more of the other roles so you can see what they're about too. Maybe you'll like another one better!
You've got plenty of time to decide, and you can always change your mind in the middle of your training too... Or even after you graduate, if you decide that you want to have a change of pace. You don't have to lock into something forever, if you want to learn everything. You know, a jack of all trades is just as helpful to have as an expert in one thing.
I can tell you about the role of queen, The Silky says with a nod. I'll also take you out of camp later to watch one of the training sessions for the normal apprentices. We all learn self-defence, but it's a skill most important for the general members of the clowder, as they'll be the ones outside of camp in the thick of the danger. Finding food for us, scouting for danger... Just because they aren't a special role doesn't make them unimportant, you must understand. They are as important as any of us.
You bob your head. You know this, of course - you would never say The Storm is more important than The Amber, and The Broken isn't one of the other roles either!
It's something that some slugcats love to do, something that some slugcats insist on being, you've had explained to you before, and you can see why. It must be exciting, being able to go out every day and go on adventures, exploring in the morning or the night. It's not that you don't think it's exciting too, but a healer can also do those things, even if you'd be hunting for herbs more than food.
As Silks said, there's the traditional role, as general members of the clowder - apprentices overall will all learn some of the skills, but then if you're not training for something else, you'll focus on it so you can keep yourself safe better.
The healer role, of course, you also already know, but I'll say a little about it anyhow; as the healer, you'll have to learn a lot of herbs and other medicinal solutions to everyone's injuries. Not every clowder has a dedicated healer, and we like to make sure all the members of the clowder know a bit of general first aid, but you'll probably learn a lot more about the slugcat anatomy and how to heal hurts from The Little. What to pick, what not to pick... They've told me before that even poisons can be helpful, if you apply it right! So I suppose you get to learn that too, as a healer.
That's exactly what you're looking forward to. You wiggle your ears and beam a little. Yeah! I already know some plants, and how to help with some stuff.
That's right, The Silky smooths your fur with her paw, fond. Our little doctor, always toddling after them. Should you ever change your mind though, I would be happy to teach you what I know. As a queen's apprentice, you would have some minor overlap with a healer, though your focus is on slugpups.
Their hatching, their laying, the raising of them, if you were learning under me you would also be working with The Little back to back. We keep an eye on slugpups and make sure they are healthy and hearty, and if they've any conditions then we make sure that they get the care they need. I don't know as much medicine, but I certainly do know quite a bit about childcare.
In this clowder, we really are quite small, so you've never seen it, but in a larger one, I would also watch over others' children while their parents are out hunting. I did take care of The Broken, as you know. The Untouched and The Wind I also briefly tended to, as well as The New Sun - though her far less, given that her grandmother was there.
Then there's the mediator role, of course, The Pale finishes with. They help you when you've got some problems to vent, or you want someone to help solve arguments you have with someone. They also can help you with your relationships in general, if you've got some little issues and such. If something scary happened to you, then you could also talk to a mediator about that.
You kind of think that in that case, The Bouncy seems like he could do with his mediator skills being used on himself, but you don't say this because you're pretty sure would be rude.
Well, they all sound pretty cool, You agree. I think I still wanna be a healer.
And that's just fine, dear, The Silky says. We'll arrange for you to tag along with one of the mediators sometime too, just so you can take a taste of a day, but it can simply be a fun new experience for you. For now...
She deftly picks up The Light off her stomach, who doesn't even have the chance to do more than stir sleepily, before depositing him against his sister at your father's side.
We can go ahead and check on one of the apprentices' training sessions. She stands up and stretches, then holds out her paw to you. Eagerly, you take it - the idea of finally getting to leave camp, even if it's with adult supervision, makes you bounce up and down with excitement.
Oh!!! Hi Winged! The Broken breaks out of her crouch and bounces to her feet, turning to wave enthusiastically at you as you emerge from the trees to the clearing.
Your mother told you that this clearing, a fair walk away from camp, is where the apprentices train - it's even more sandy than the clearing you're used to! Where the camp is sand and dirt, this is all sand; the grains slide smoothly under your paws, and it makes you feel like you might fall over if you're not careful.
Hi, Broken! You say, waving back to her with your free hand as you take in her surroundings.
Your friend is standing in the middle of the hollow, facing off against The Untouched - he was also in a tensed stance, but he's relaxed now into just standing upright, and he gives you a friendly nod as you meet his gaze. Your father is still in the nursery, of course, so in his place overwatching the training is The Wild, while The Rain stands beside him.
Don't turn your back on him, girl, The Rain calls to The Broken. The Winged is here to watch you learn to fight against a bigger, tougher opponent, not watch you show The Untouched your tail like an angry pup. He could knock you over in a second with your eyes off him. You sure don't want to do that against a real danger.
Lighten up, old man! She shouts back, sticking her tongue out at him. We're not IN a real dangerous situation! We didn't even start yet, I'm allowed to say hi to my best friend!
The Wild chuckles and rolls his eyes. You might as well let her, or she'll take it as another affront she'll hold over your head forever. Remember when you said to her that there's nothing dangerous in the hollow sand, and then she stepped on a thorn?
And I still have a scar over it! She yells.
It is not a scar, it's a healed over mark, The Rain retorts. It'll fade in time, it didn't go that deep!
You remember the scratch that The Broken got one training session, and the story she told you when she came back. She moaned a lot about how The Rain had betrayed her forever, but she didn't even look a bit sad, so you didn't really take it to heart. You're glad you know her enough to not take her seriously when she's being silly.
I wouldn't push her over while she's talking to The Winged anyway, The Untouched adds. It'd be rude. Plus...
He tosses her a teasing grin. She's so much smaller than me, it'd be like bullying a lantern mouse.
She squeaks in indignation, but it's true; The Untouched has only grown bigger and taller as the months have passed, and now the teen looks closer to a grown up than a pup like you or her.
The Silky chuckles. Lively as ever out here, I see. Come here, Winged, if we stand next to the mentors we'll keep out of their way.
Alright, let's give them a good show, The Untouched says to The Broken, smiling before dropping his face into a more serious look, ears flattening and falling back to a crouch.
The Broken nods too, and scowls in concentration as she moves her paws. The stance that comes easy to The Untouched is one she's still learning, you think, but she steps into it gamely.
Adjust your tail, The Rain calls. Lift it higher, tilt it to the side - that's the ticket. You want to let it balance you, not be somewhere for you to trip on. And... Go!
It's almost scary, how quickly the training session starts out. In a second, The Broken has lunged at The Untouched, mouth open in a snarl - but he deftly dodges away, his tail coming up to sweep at her feet. She jumps back, but in that instant he's snaked himself forwards.
It's almost a blur, the way they dance against each other. Watching them fight, even knowing that there's no weapons, and no hard bites, because this is just training, is a bit frightening. Knowing that you'll be in this situation in a few months too, being knocked into the sand... It's a little intimidating.
But you know it's important for self-defence, and you know your parents will be there for you no matter what. You don't have to be good at it, you think. You just have to know how to do it at all.
It won't be your main focus, after all.
It's almost surprising how fast your siblings grow over the weeks.
You knew that they were close to opening their eyes already, and that even after that you'd still need to wait longer before they'd be strong enough to really play with you, because your mother had told you so. You expected to be so bored and have to wait so long for it, and you are, you do!
But at the same time, it also feels as if you turn around and your siblings have become just that little bit older.
First it's when The Light takes his first, wobbling steps after you - he's so shaky even on all fours, he can't even begin trying to stand upright. He falls over before he even manages to leave the nest, but it still distracts you from leaving the nursery as your parents cheer for him.
You do too! You squeal and pounce near him to wiggle your butt in excitement, gazing into his tiny eyes with fascination. The leap startles The Spark, who tumbles over onto her side and starts to cry. Your joy fades into sorrow at accidentally scaring her, and you try to comfort her the way you've seen The Pale do it, with little rumbles and clicks, reaching out to touch her small flank with a finger.
She kicks out her little foot, which collides with The Light and makes him mewl in complaint. Even so, when you try to lick her cheek, she allows it.
The Silky folds her tail against The Spark and lets the tip slide along in front of their eyes, letting them track it. The distraction works, gaze following the movement with growing fascination as her sobs slow, and then stop.
You feel disappointed that you couldn't make her stop crying on your own, but at least your parents are still there to help...
After that, they both keep getting better at walking, until the both of them are chasing and tumbling after you in the nursery, pouncing on your tail and biting with mostly-empty gums as you trot ahead of them in circles - slowly though, because they keep getting tired and falling behind when you go too fast.
You still can't play with them too long, because then they fall asleep, but it's better than before. After that, you can go look for The Broken, or find something else to do.
It is quite the tough life, being a little pup, The Silky says fondly.
That's right, The Pale agrees. You're always seeing new things and having to figure out what that's about, and then after all that you still have to keep growing!
Did I really sleep that much when I was this old? You wonder, poking at one sleepy little tail. It thumps at you, then is still.
Of course! The Silky laughs.
Your little snores were very cute. The Pale says, tilting his head as he imitates a small whistling sound.
You giggle, and lie against his side to pretend to go to sleep too. Then you start making little fake snores, much to the delight of your parents.
Mama. The Spark is the first one to speak, her voice high-pitched and anxious as she calls out for help. She's seen a small flying bug of some kind that wandered into the nursery, and she bushes out her pelt in threat with wide eyes as she looks at it.
Though The Silky is there, you're the one who pounces on the insect and catches it in expert paws.
I have the bug! Don't worry, Spark! You say with confidence, giving her a look that you hope is soothing. I'm going to go put it outside, okay? Then it won't be here anymore.
She looks at you with wide eyes, so you're not sure at first she understands you, but then she nods with enthusiasm, emphatic. Her fur slowly starts lying flat now that the scary thing is contained, and she begins to sit back down again. The Light beside her barely seems to have noticed his sister's fear, and is looking off into the distance. You notice he does that a lot, and wonder what he's thinking or looking at; or, what did you think about, when you were that old? You can't remember.
Go Winged, Your father cheers quietly. Our best little older sibling ever.
By the time they've grown to a month old, you're surprised by how many words your siblings have learnt.
What's that? The Light asks your father, looking at the lantern he keeps by your nest.
Who's there? The Spark asks your mother, looking uncertainly at The Old Sun when she walks by.
I don't think that's fun, The Spark says decisively to The Light, trying to figure out a game all three of you can play.
I want to see what's outside, The Light says, looking at the opening of the shelter with curious eyes.
Why does Wiwi not drink milk with us? The Light asks, looking at the fruit in your hand.
I don't like it when it rains, it's too loud, The Spark complains, as the shelter roof thunders with the sound of the water hitting it.
This is also the time that your parents take their small paws in their own and lead them outside the shelter for the first time. You're sitting outside when they are, and their small gasps of awe to see the grey, fluffy sky as well as the camp clearing makes you think about when you first came out of the shelter for the first time, and how big the clearing seemed in your memory.
Now it seems so small, a little confining, and it surprises you to compare these memories. You guess you're getting bigger now, and you're getting closer to moving on to an even bigger world.
The Light toddles carefully up to you, still unsteady on his hind legs, and grips your paw. You look at him and tilt your ears, curious. He gives you a gap-toothed grin, and brings your paw up to his mouth to suck at the fur. You let him do it, though you're not sure why he wants to.
The Spark is still holding on to your parents' paws, this time gripping both of theirs as they lead her over to you between them. Once you're close enough, she tries to touch you with a hind paw, then loses her balance. She's saved from falling onto her tail by your mother and father's grip on her, and she wiggles a little as she finds her footing again.
Wiwi, She says, plaintive. You don't know what she wants, but you hold out your other paw to her. She puts her face in your palm, snuffling in your scent, and that seems to satisfy her.
You look up at both of your parents, confusion plain on your face. The Silky giggles and shrugs back at you - pups are just like this, you suppose. Did you ever used to do something like this?
You don't mind though, really. You like that your siblings like you - it makes your chest warm and puff up, proud to be their big sister, brother, and sibling.
You're the one watching over both of your siblings, for once, when you notice your father climbing up to the top of the shelter. Another ceremony, you think - someone's graduation, surely, because you're still not old enough for apprenticeship.
He calls out for everyone's attention, and the idle conversation in the clearing dies away, slugcats coming to gather in front of the shelter.
What's happening? The Spark squeaks to you, huddling close to your side. The press of all these other slugcats seems to make her a little uneasy, so you wrap your tail around her.
It's a ceremony! You explain, feeling some pride that you get to be the one to tell this to them. Someone's gonna graduate, I think.
That's right, The Silky agrees, rematerializing at your side. She tickles The Light, who wiggles under her paws and squeaks, climbing on you to get away from her. It's both of yours' first ceremony, so this must be exciting for you!
You lean closer to her and cup a paw over your mouth, whispering quietly enough that your baby siblings can't hear you. Are there any dandelion peaches this time?
No, sorry, She whispers back. I'm afraid no one found any in time for the festivities.
You're disappointed. Oh... I wanted them to taste it.
I know, darling. You're very sweet for it, but they'll have their first time.
What are you whispering about? The Light asks, pushing his face up in between the two of you.
That's a secret for big pups like me! You say, tickling him too. He squeals and pushes at your face, to which you lick his paws. This makes him squeal even more, and he kicks at your tummy with his hind legs. It's a surprise.
I wanna know too, The Spark pipes up, as The Light begins pushing at you with all four limbs now. I don't know if I like surprises...
Don't worry Spark, it won't be scary or sudden. It's a little surprise, okay? With expert skill you learnt from being older than them, you change the subject so they can't keep wondering about it. Look, Papa's about to start.
Everyone, The Pale starts from his perch, raising his arms up to everyone in welcome. We're here again! Today we celebrate the graduation of another of our young pups. I'm sorry I haven't been able to train you the rest of the way between my children, but I more than think you've earned this certification now, between learning from me and The Wild.
That more than answers the question of who's going to be graduating among the apprentices this time, and it does make sense for the older teens. The Wind looks a little disappointed, knowing she's going to be left behind as the only apprentice among them, but her fellows give her a soothing nuzzle.
You started training a month later, after all, You barely hear The New Sun murmur to her. It only makes sense.
The Untouched, it's my opinion that you've learnt all that I could possibly teach you to make it out in the world. I'm looking forward to watching you continue to grow, and I can't wait until you've your own apprentice as well - but first, of course, I have to ask you. Do you feel ready to be considered a fully trained member of the clowder? Do you think you're well-versed in everything you could know?
I'll always be able to learn more, of course. He replies, wiggling his ears. Even in my golden years, I'm sure I'll be learning. But I think I'm prepared now.
The Untouched stands to his full height and lifts his head up to regard his former mentor with pride, raising his tail behind him. I do.
The Pale doesn't even need to tell him to come up here, and he knows he doesn't - The Untouched is already in motion, reaching up to climb deftly onto the roof, and your father is reaching out his paw to clasp his, pulling him upright with a smile. They have similar personalities, you've noticed, so it makes sense that The Untouched is so ready in the spotlight too.
Your father murmurs something to him, pride in their gaze. The Untouched nods back, and turns around to look at the rest of the clowder as he steps back.
You cheer his name as loud as everyone else, chest warm with pride. That's your dad's apprentice, after all! He's almost like a big brother, in that sense - but even your cheering can't beat out The Wind's. The New Sun is trying her best too, but her quiet voice just doesn't carry as well.
Even your siblings try to join in! Though The Light seems confused about the whole hubbub, he mouths along to the chanting. The Spark flattens her ears at all the sudden noise, crouching down against you and your mother, but quietly says The Untouched alongside you. The Silky gives her an approving, and soothing, brush of her tail.
While you're looking up again at The Untouched, perched so proud on the shelter, you catch a glimpse of something high, high up, far behind him. You can't make out what it is, but it's shining against the wall - coloured like the rainbow in the clouds you've seen just once, after a cycle's rain.
It's so pretty. You think it would be nice to have something that looks like that, and wonder what it could be.
Over the month, The Amber's egg has also been growing. From into her tummy to out of it, she's finally, grudgingly, resigned herself to the need to settle in the nest your parents made for her in the nursery, knowing she will have to take care of the egg and keep it warm.
Your mother explains to you that while for a live birth, a parent would be keeping to rest for longer during the pregnancy, for slugcats it's mostly something they choose to do in clowders around when they lay the egg, because it's more about the nesting than the pregnancy in itself that slows them down.
If you were a lone slugcat, then you wouldn't have to nest at all, for you only need to look for a safe spot to lay it. After that, you can hold your egg in your pouch and stay on the move while keeping your to-be pup warm.
She informs you this while giving The Amber a soothing massage, kneading the other slugcat's back as she curls around the egg she's laid. The Amber's one is neither green nor white, but rather a pale blue - you think that's pretty weird, since she's so orange, but slugcat eggs seem to just be any colour they want.
It's also at this time that you observe who the other parent is.
When The Rust comes shambling into the nursery while The Little is looking over The Amber, no one there thinks anything much of it. Your father's head snaps up though, as The Rust gruffly clears his throat.
I need a nest too, He states. He seems unimpressed to be the centre of attention from just about every other adult. Ach, don't look at me like that, The Amber and I only wanted to have pups to take care of individually. The Sun's been prodding me enough for her little jokes.
I could do better than him for a mate, The Amber agrees drily. The Rust flattens his ears at her, but it seems playful, and there's a glimmer of amusement in his eye.
The Pale pins his ears against his head too, but it doesn't seem playful on his part. Your mother frowns a little, but also says nothing. The Little, for his part, reacts completely neutrally.
Very well then, The Rust, They say, all professionalism. Please expel the egg from your pouch and I will look it over as well. No excessive soreness on your end, I imagine, or you would have reported it? I'm sure you remember roughly how it is meant to feel.
Yes, yes, He replies, impatient. Look over her first. I'll be here.
Winged, The Silky murmurs to you. Would you be able to go out to the camp and find some nesting material for him?
You wiggle your ears, disappointed to have to leave off your game of pebble roll with your brother and sister. Okay...
When you trudge back in, arms full with bundles of plants and a feather you found off the ground, The Rust has expelled his egg and is curled protectively around it on the floor.
Your mother helps you arrange the materials into a nest, and much to your surprise, he even grunts a thank you to you as he arranges himself into it, body creaking as he settles back around his child. You were curious about the colour of his egg, but it's just white without any markings.
I will need you to show me your egg so that I can check it over, The Little says to The Rust, calm and gentle. The Rust shows his teeth to them, just a little. Though he doesn't move from it entirely, nor does he fight it when The Little very carefully pulls the egg out of his coils.
The healer looks over the shell, paws skimming over its surface to make sure there are no premature cracks or leaks, sniffing it to be sure there is no bad smell from inside, and nods in satisfaction before setting it back down.
It looks healthy indeed, They murmur to him. Congratulations. You are getting on in years, so it is lucky for you to have such a smooth birth.
Hmph, The Rust replies. He turns his head away from them.
You notice that The Light is wandering towards The Little's section of the shelter.
The Spark is huddled up in the nursery nest, peeking out with wide eyes, then squeaking and hiding her head when someone looks at her.
The Broken is waving at you - she seems to want your attention!
The Old Sun calls your name and nods invitingly in your direction.
The Olive and The Wild have come back to camp with a strange teenager.
The New Sun is frowning in The Broken's direction, who remains unaware of her.