Ospreypaw's Moonstone Journey

Another apprentice had reached their training goals, and Basilbloom rushed to prepare the traveling herbs.  Chewing down her own before padding out into the clearing, the medicine cat peeked her head into the apprentice's den and called out; "Ospreypaw, time to go!"  Setting the traveling herbs in front of her, she waited for the apprentice to emerge from the den.

Groaning to herself at being awoken from a surprisingly decent sleep, the molly lifted her head and peeked over to where the voice had come from. That was Basilbloom, right? It certainly sounded like her. She was too tired to even think properly. She was honestly debating just going back to sleep but stopped herself right before. The reason for Basil's beckon was lost on her i=until she remembered that she'd been due for a moonstone trip. Ah. So that's what this was for. Well, better not keep Basil waiting.

With a heave, the she-cat lifted herself to her paws and began to take some time to stretch. She let out a big yawn before shaking her pelt. It was a mess but she just didn't have much time right then to groom it. Huffing, the apprentice waltz out of the den, green eyes hazy and half-lidded. Osprey spotted the medicine cat waiting for her then walked right over. "I'm up. Where's the 'nasty' herbs I'm supposed to eat for the journey or whatever? Heard about them from some of the warriors."

Basilbloom smiled as Osprey emerged from the den, gesturing to the herbs at her paws.  "Right here my friend, have at 'em!"  Once Ospreypaw had finished off the herbs Basilbloom got to her paws and led to way to the camp entrance, meowing over her shoulder.  "Let's head out, we have a lot of ground to cover!"

---

By the time the two she-cats reached Highstones the moon was high in the sky and Basilbloom wasted no time in entering the cave once Ospreypaw was ready.  She led the way through the twisting tunnels, using her tail to guide her, until a bright light shined ahead.  The Moonstone was beautiful as always, glowing with its ethereal light.  Nodding towards the stone, Basilbloom purred; "Touch your nose to the stone and StarClan will bring you sleep, good luck!"

The herbs were...bitter, like she'd been expecting. The only visual implication that the taste had bothered her was the very brief crinkle of her nose. After that though, it was all smooth sailing. Osprey hurried after Basilbloom as the medicine cat began to lead her to the moonstone. "Lead on, then." she replied, a slight undertone of eagerness was mixed within her passive words. Despite her nonchalant expression, she was actually looking forward to experiencing the moonstone, just like all the other apprentices had.

---

She wouldn't ever say it aloud but the journey had been...nice. By the time they had arrived to mothermouth, she was already starting to feel the exhaustion creeping up. She didn't pay it any mind, though. They were there and she didn't want to miss a beat.

After entering the caves and cautiously following the meddie's lead, they finally arrived at the main cavern. The Moonstone was brighter than she had expected- more ethereal and mystical. She could certainly see the resemblance it shared with the actual moon.

She began to walk up to it once Basil relayed some final instructions. Alright. This was it. There was no turning back now. She breathed in and settled down in front of the rock. Pressing her nose to it's cold exterior, she let out the breath. Her eyes fluttered shut. Was she ready to meet her starry ancestors? Probably. She made it this far.

Fallencloud trailed down the misty, starlit path, and reached. It took a bit of effort — perhaps because she’d been among the stars so long — but after a moment, she seemed to find the presence she was looking for.

A young Shadowclan cat. She’s very close. Yes! I’m right on time!

The Starclan warrior was dark gray and sleek, with shimmering fur, and she landed gently in a field of calm, swaying grass. It was as if it were night here; a warm, peaceful night. Perfect for running, and hunting, and simply sitting in the grass by yourself. But this time, Fallencloud was certainly not alone.

She noticed the newcomer immediately. Black fur, a white underbelly… It was hard not to smile. The apprentice was slumbering quietly. Cats haven’t really changed that much, have they?  

Clearing her throat — to be polite of course — Fallencloud crouched down, whiskers from the visitor’s face. It was hard not to be close! And to keep her volume reasonably quiet. “Hey there! It’s Ospreypaw, right?”

Slowly blinking awake, the molly opened her eyes only to see two large green eyes peering back at her. Oh...Oh. She blinked again but in a more exaggerated manner. She wasn't losing her mind was she? When the image before her didn't fade away, her expression turned blank. Well, what a first meeting this will be... "Um...Yes..." she replied slowly with a small nod. She swiftly sat up to put a bit more distance between herself and the Starclan molly. "I assume you're the Starclan warrior I'm supposed to talk to since there's nobody else..."

The apprentice carefully eyed the surrounding area then the starry cat in front of her. "This place is as...sparkly and quiet as I expected..." she said suddenly with a faint amused twinkle in her eye. It was gone just as quickly as it had appeared. Before the other could reply, she spoke up again, "Do all Starclan cats greet other this...close? Any closer and you'd probably smell all those bitter herbs I ate earlier..."