Mistpaw's Moonstone Journey

The sun had long reached its highest point in the sky and was now beginning to dip in its trajectory. Despite the strong rays of sunlight, the clan cats felt little of its warmth. Leaf bare had finally arrived, and along with it came the snow. A cold not unlike the one during the eclipse plagued the forest. Seated at the camp entrance, Scorchclaw's already fluffy pelt was fluffed out even further to keep him warm. He would be leading Mistpaw to the Moonstone today and was only waiting for said tom to appear. Just a few moments ago, he had called out to the apprentice. The herbs meant for Mistpaw had been carefully placed on a flat rock that happened to be next to him. It would be troublesome if they were to get wet after all.

Mistpaw hurried over to the deputy with a few shivers racking his body here and there. "I'm here! D-Do we head out or..." The apprentice trailed off as he eyed the herbs placed next to Scorchclaw. 'Probably for me huh?' thought the apprentice as he approached the bundle. He sniffed a few times before opening his jaws to begin digging in. He flinched as he chewed the bitter herbs. He scrunched up his nose as he licked the taste from his muzzle. Then, Mistpaw nodded to the deputy. He was ready to go!

Scorchclaw dipped his head silently in greeting to the younger tom. Before the RiverClan deputy had to say anything, Mistpaw noticed the herbs on his own. Once he had swallowed them all, leaving behind barely a scrap, they were ready to set off. "Let's go." With those words, Scorchclaw led the way to the camp exit. The sky that day was wonderfully clear and blue, littered with a few puffy clouds that seemed as if they would disappear all too easily. The two cats, one large and one smaller, both with fluffed out pelts, trekked across the wide wetlands. Whenever they came across a stream or brook of some sort, Scorchclaw couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed. Before long, the water would be ensnared beneath a layer of ice, and their depths would prove treacherous. He kept an eye out for Mistpaw, occasionally slowing his pace down so as not to leave the apprentice behind.


The journey was mostly devoid of conversation. At last, after hours of travelling, the peaks of Highstones became visible against the horizon. As warrior and apprentice drew closer, the gaping darkness of Mothermouth came into view. They were here at last. Scorchclaw turned to face Mistpaw, his features knit into a stern expression. "The tunnel will be too dark for our eyes to make out much. Rely on your sense of smell and follow my scent closely. If I ever get too far ahead, call out for me immediately. We'll go as slow as we need to. The possibility of your getting lost exists, but it will be incredibly low as long as you follow my instructions." He paused for a moment or two, letting his words sink into Mistpaw. "When you stand before the Moonstone, touch your nose to its surface. You'll fall asleep and wake up in StarClan's territory. While you dream, I will wait for you." Truth be told, he did not see the point of letting RiverClan's apprentices talk to their ancestors. These were the very cats who had sent Lichenmask down. Were the clans going to overlook that fact? Perhaps Mistpaw made out the flicker of displeasure that flitted over the deputy's face, perhaps he did not.

Scorchclaw stepped into the darkness, and then it was the younger tom's turn.

Mistpaw followed the deputy quickly, eager to meet a Starclan cat. He was also very excited to see Starclan. It was what most apprentices looked forward to.

When the two finally made it to the main cavern, Mistpaw went directly over to the Moonstone. He looked it over with awe and wonder. It felt surreal how brightly the stone glowed underground. It was as bright as the moon. That's probably where it got its name.

Mistpaw laid down in front of the stone and pressed his nose to it, like Scorchclaw had instructed previously. He then felt his eyelids start to droop, before falling into a slumber.

The apprentice awoke in a serene field. It radiated beauty and peace. He scanned around with a giddy expression before settling down. He was ready to speak to a Starclan cat! He wondered who he'd meet as he waited patiently.