Reedpaw's Moonstone Journey

Dovefrost moved somewhat slowly. Not moving like he used to to start these journeys. These days he just wanted to stay behind, to not leave camp in case an emergency happened, but he had no choice but to fulfil his duties. No matter how much pain stepping away from camp caused him these days.

With a bundle of herbs he headed to the apprentice den calling out for a certain apprentice. "Reedpaw, it's time for your journey." He nudged the herbs a little towards the apprentice. "Eat these and we can be on our way." He waited patiently. The longer he lingered the better.

Reedpaw obediently lapped up the herbs. it stung like nettles in his throat but he forced it down. "A-alright, let's go!" he declared, his breath becoming mist in the air. the sooner they went, the better. he swore his paws were going to freeze off in this weather. why did they have to go now?

Dovefrost nodded once the apprentice was ready. "Follow me." He told the younger, with a flick of his tail they set off out of camp.

The trip took as long as usual. The pair arriving just in time for the Moonstone to be at it's full glory. Dovefrost turned to face the apprentice sitting off to the side of the cavern. "Press your nose to the stone, and Starclan will meet you in your dreams." The tom explained, before settling down in his spot. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.

Reedpaw's jaw dropped at the sight of the glittering stone. honestly, it was blinding, and he had to make his way up to the stone blind, causing a few stumbles. finally, his nose collided with the cold rock and Reedpaw paw stepped back. he settled as he waited for "Starclan" to appear.

A small calico cat waited patiently as the tom appeared before her, slowly waking. Once he had fully woken up, she lowered her head slightly in welcome. "Hi there, Reedpaw. I hope the journey to the Moonstone wasn't too terrible, I know it's a long trip. My name is Mossbloom, I was ThunderClan's medicine cat moons ago." She purred, introducing herself.

"Hello Mossbloom!" Reedpaw squeaked, dazzled by the starry cat in front of him. Starclan was beautiful!

Mossbloom purred at the young cat's enthusiasm, he reminded of her own amazement of StarClan in her youth. Perhaps that was an amazement that so many had lost... Not that she really blamed them. "So, Reedpaw, you've come all this way. What wisdom would you like to know? I can't guaruntee I'll have all the answers, but I will certainly do my best."

wisdom? he was supposed to get wisdom? Reedpaw stood there with that dumb grin still on his face for a long while. he looked like a mouse-brain, didn't he? "Umm... are my parents in Starclan? they look like me! My siblings mostly have a grey fur, and many of us have blue eyes!" he said suddenly, remembering how Stoatstar and Appledapple always danced around the subject whenever they asked. was their parents close to them?

Mossbloom only purred as she waited for a response, amused and endeared by the young cat's admiration. She blinked slowly when he finally asked, pausing for a heartbeat. How to word this... "I'm afraid I'm not sure, Reedpaw. I've seen many cats, but I'm uncertain if they were your family. Regardless of if they are here or not though, I know for a fact that they are watching over you, in their own ways. And I also know that they would be very proud of the cat that you have become, and growing into."

Reedpaw frowned. she was dancing around the subject, just like every other cat. why couldn't starclan give him a straight answer? his voice rose into a wail as he asked yet again, "Where are my parents? Who are they? Why won't any cat tell me? What happened to them? Tell me!" his wide eyes fixed on Mossbloom. "What did I do wrong?" he murmured softly.

OOC: his parents are rouge NPCs btw

Mossbloom gazed at the apprentice, her shoulders slumping as she sighed. "Your parents... Weren't of any clan, Reedpaw. They were loners, who died in a tragic accident, when you were but a kit. ThunderClan took you in. I'm afraid I can't answer who they are or where they are, as loners they walk their own skies in the afterlife... Skies that I do not know. What I do know, however, is that you did absolutely nothing wrong, Reedpaw." She mewed softly, lowering her head. "Sometimes bad things happen to good cats, and there's nothing we can do to change it. If I ever do run into your parents, though... I will do everything in my power to let you know." It wasn't possible, Mossbloom knew that, but still... Just in case.

reedpaw frozed. his parents were rouges? but Stoatstar hated rouges! did he...? no, he couldn't have. he didn't want to believe his perfect life was because two cats killed rouges and out of pity took in the litter of kits. so that was why Appledapple always acted like they were a burdern. Reedpaw never belonged.

"Calm your thoughts, Reedpaw, I believe you may be reading too far into this. ThunderClan is your clan, as much as it is any other cat in ThunderClan. Never forget that." Mossbloom mewed softly, watching the young cat intently.

"I-I have to go," Reedpaw stammered, his thoughts rushing around his head like a swarm of bees. he glanced at the starry cat, and filled with an unnamed fear, darted away.

Mossbloom watched as the young cat fled, sighing. It was clear that he was deeply troubled by something, yet the truth... To her knowledge, it hadn't been revealed. Hopefully, given his reaction just now, it wouldn't be. She turned, fading into the starry landscape as the apprentice began to wake.