Littlepaw’s Moonstone Journey

Under the soft glow of the moon, Echosong, the youngest medicine cat of Thunderclan, stood before the entrance to the apprentice den with a bundle of herbs at his paws.

“It’s time, Littlepaw,” Echosong called into the den, he had warned her earlier in the day that he would come to get her when the moon was rising, “It’s time.”

His tail swished gently as he waited for her to emerge, “Eat these, they will keep you strong and focused on our journey.” He mewed, the taste of his own herb bundle lingering on his tongue.

Together, they ventured into the depths of the forest, their pawsteps muffled by the carpet of snow beneath them. The night air was cool and crisp, and perfect for the journey.

As they walked, Echosong found himself filling the silence with conversation, simple things: asking her favorite clan member, how her training had gone. He of course would bring up his rock collections, and his apprenticeship under Briarrose before he became a medicine cat. The tom had always loved telling apprentices about how he was kidnapped by Twolegs, brought to the Cutters where he had to live with Nightstar and a few others, which led to their daring escape. It always made him feel cool. The tom struggled to keep from echoing certain words and he hoped it hadn't bothered Littlepaw. In recent moons with the stress he found himself echoing much more than normal.

Eventually, thay arraved at Highstones, the man made clearing bathed in moonlight. "We're here, stay close, close, it's dark and the tunnels are extensive." he meowed before they entered the tunnel. It was cold, a shiver running down his spine as they descended, the only sounds were their breathing, their pawsteps and a soft drip of water coming from somewhere deep below them. The tunnel opened up before them and a soft glow emitted from the Moonstone.

It sat in the center of an open room about the size of three Two-leg monsters long and wide. It was large, spiky and shimmered with a faint, otherworldly light.

Echosong gestured to it, "As you know, this is the last step before you become a warrior - besides your naming ceremony. This is where your journey truly begins. It can be overwhelming, remember to breathe. Touch your nose to the stone, and you will meet with Starclan in your dreams." he told her, "When you wake up I will be here, when you wake up."