Mottlepaw had been settling in to rest, only to get word that she would travel tonight to the Moonstone. It was one of the most important rites of passage for young apprentices - to be able to connect with their ancestors, and receive a word of advice and guidance before they became warriors. Upon hearing her name called, she quietly slipped out of the den, dipping her head in respect towards the tom. Mottlepaw did as she was told without much question, although her maw scrunched at the taste of the herbs.
The journey felt just a bit tense as they traveled, but she knew better than to press. After all, Dovefrost had just arrived back from being gone for moons. That had to put strain on a cat - especially the medicine cat, whose duty was to take care of the clan much like a queen to her kits. It was rather marvelous to see the moonstone and be here, and she settled down in front of the stone and gently pressed her nose to it. She jolted her head back at first from its cool sensation, but now that she anticipated it she was able to settle down proper.
It wasn't long until the apprentice was whisked off to sleep, stirring in a forest shaped of stars. It had a familiar feeling but also felt completely foreign. "This must be StarClan..." She thought, padding forward.
A sleek cat of a peachy creme appeared from the starry forest, with warm amber eyes and a very sweet appearance. Mottlepaw felt at ease in her presence, but her head tilted with confusion as she attempted to puzzle together who it was.
"Greetings, sweet kit. I am Brindlesong of WindClan, a warrior from long before your time." Her tone was sweet like a mother's milk, a gentle purr accompanying her words that almost soothed the apprentice back into the lull of sleep. "Nice to meet you, miss." The apprentice dipped her head in respect, as she always did with those older than her.
It resorted in a gentle giggle from the StarClan warrior, who signaled for the apprentice to follow her. "You have a sweet heart. I see that in you clearly. Do not forget where that comes from, sweet kit." Brindlesong purred. Mottlepaw simply followed as they walked, being a cat of otherwise few words. "Love is something powerful we all share. Even in this world of evil and battle, love connects us in one way or another." The fawn feline offered, stopping them to sit after walking in mostly silence for a bit.
"What if it gets too hard?" Mottlepaw finally asked, having slowly started shaking with fear. She tried hard to take care of her Clan, taking whatever moments she could to ensure Minnowfin, Stoatstar, Swanmist... everybody had eaten and slept. It was all she could do. Brindlesong pressed her nose to the apprentice's shoulder, the gesture warm and comforting. "Remember to keep being kind. You have a heart of gold, but at that same time, you must also remember to take care of yourself, young one." It was that statement that surprised Mottlepaw the most. Being selfless had become a staple of her personality - but after taking a moment to reflect, it made sense. It was the same rules she applied to pestering Stoatstar into napping - it's no use training if you can barely stay awake or all you can hear is a growling stomach. Mottlepaw gave a nod to the older warrior, and dipped her head.
"For now, it is time for me to go, sweet kit. I hope we can talk again another time, and may we here in Starclan continue to light your path." Brindlesong gave another comforting purr, and Mottlepaw watched the WindClan warrior leave.
"I hope I get to meet you again, Brindlesong."
Those were the molly's last words before she stirred, a deep sense of peace resonating from the apprentice. Despite having spoken to a cat from another Clan, the advice she took would be one carried for the rest of her life.
Taking a moment of silence and thanks to her ancestors in the stars, Mottlepaw finally stirred and turned to Dovefrost. "I'm ready to go when you are, sir."
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