#oleanderheart

Yarrowleaf hurts whenever she sees Lobelia; she looks so much like her mother, who hurt her and betrayed everyone. She also can't take proper care of her other two kits ngl, but her family do try to swoop in (Sleek's side of the family have disowned the kits). Snowbird and Berryheart are at Yarrowleaf's side to take care of the kits, but bring a sentiment of shame in Yarrow. She (and Berry and Snow and the rest) betrayed the clan and these kits shouldn't have been born, she loved a cat who hurt her and these kits are as much her kits as they are the kits of her abuser.

Yarrow begins falling for Berryheart's points, joining her in the extreme conservatism in ASC, but her kits had to bear the heaviest load. all three were raised by a mother who struggled massively to even look at them, a judgemental aunt and a strict grandmother; it was never the best environment to grow in and they show it. Lobelia sought constant confrontation, was always acting out to gain attention, Oleander was meek and timid and didn't want to do anything, which annoyed Lobelia and Hemlock was just there in the middle, but more often than not choosing Oleander's side in arguments between the two siblings.

ngl, how ths kits manage to not fully rip appart before getting their warrior names is even a myserty to me, but the thing that fully sets things going is the time around TBC and ASC. Hemlock was one of the rare cats who were kinda on friendly terms with Shadowsight and she just wanted to support her poor friend. Lobelia, acting like a very mean bully to everyone, was mostly out to hurt Shadow whenever possible. things were on an awkward stalemate between the three siblings as things became more dangerous for everyone, but as soon as Ashfur was dealt with and the code changes began being rolled in the tensions became WORSE.

Lobelia is a contrarian; Lobelia wants what her family doesn't want, so the code changes themselves were not of interest to her, but being a pain to her family was definitely the point.

Oleander was still so chained to everything happening in their family. They want so badly to be seen as worthy by them that they will roll over for them in many ways. They definitely had a crush on a cat from another clan (reciprocated!!!), but would Never fight back against their family.

Hemlock again was just in the middle; avoiding conflict, doing the peacekeeping, being a bridge between both siblings, even if she didn't really like how far Lobelia was going.

eventually all three siblings had reached their breaking point. Lobelia was fed up with ShadowClan and everything and wanted to leave, Oleander didn't want to lose a part of their family and begged her to stay, but Lobelia refused. Oleander for physical, Lobelia fought back, Hemlock could only watch as Lobelia clawed Oleander's eye before running away.

both siblings know she's looking for Sleekwhisker; their infamous mother that the entire clan doesn't dare to speak of, but were always reminded of her existence by Lobelia. Lobo was always compared to her silently and she wanted to know who this cat, her mother, is to be such a hated figure to the clan.

Maybe if in ASC Sleekwhisker returns, it'd be because of Lobelia in this au, or maybe Lobelia would never want to return, hoping to find a better environment to live in at her own pace.

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for their names I immediately knew I wanted plants; plants that are toxic to cats. I also dabbled a bit in floriography for added meanings.

Lobelia is a flower that means arrogance/malevolence. the name lobelia also always made me think of the Spanish word for wolf: "lobo" and it made me think of that one tumblr post of the black sheep who becomes a wolf since everyone treats them like one

Oleander means desire, but also caution; something that is dangerous. I also decided to listen to Oleander from Mother Mother because it kinda fits the vibe of whatever Olly has going on here.