Cloverpaw & Laurelpaw's Moonstone Journey

The early afternoon air was tinged with the faintest hint of the unbearable heat that the late Greenleaf day held in store, but the thought of the scorching heat it did little to quell the storm of excitement and pride that was filling Brindlewhisker's chest. A few sunrises earlier it had been decided that several of the apprentices were reaching the stages in their apprenticeships where it was finally time for them to meet their Warrior ancestors- likely one of the most exciting adventures of their young lives thus far. The Deputy remained settled on the soft earth beneath the cool shade of the Gorse Wall as she waited for the lucky Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw to make their appearances.

Yesterday evening Brindlewhisker had managed to corner the two young she-cat's privately to inform them of their upcoming journey, but she had decided to let them sleep in for a bit before they took off. They were all facing an incredibly long day, so a little bit of extra sleep couldn't hurt, right? She was even willing to travel during the hotter parts of the day if it meant not having to deal with two sleep deprived apprentices. Wrapping her tail around her forepaws neatly, she continued to remain seated close to the camp's entrance as she waited for Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw, two small bundles of traveling herbs also seated nearby.

Laurelpaw emerged from the tall grass where the apprentices made their nests, purring as warm afternoon sunlight warmed her pale pelt.  Grateful that they weren't leaving too early in the day, the young she-cat turned with bright, fully-awake eyes towards where Brindlewhisker sat waiting for them.  Turning to look behind her, she smiled at the other apprentice that would be going with them - Cloverpaw - and purred jokingly; "You better hurry up Cloverpaw, or were gonna leave you behind!"  

Dashing halfway across the clearing, she slowed down a bit when she got closer to the deputy, wanting to look mature and ready for the tasks ahead.  I'm so close!  This is the last stop on the way to becoming a warrior, I want to make a good impression!  Greeting Brindlewhisker with a friendly, but respectful, meow, Laurelpaw crouched down to inspect the strange-smelling bundles of herbs that sat on the ground in front of the older she-cat.  Wrinkling her nose a bit at the....unique scents wafting from the leaves, she gazed up inquisitively at her deputy, head tilted slightly.  "What are these?"  She yearned to add they smell like dung to her statement, but figured it probably wouldn't be appropriate.

Cloverpaw bounced from the tall grass his bright green eyes wide awake, really he couldn't get any sleep last night from the excitement. He was beyond excited for this opportunity to visit his ancestors, he wondered who he will see. Maybe his grandparents? Hopefully they aren't as mean as his real parents. Maybe he is related to one of the clan former leaders? That would be so cool! He tried to get himself to look presentable as he groomed down his ruffled tan and white fur. He tried to hurry up as he heard Laurelpaw's voice he bounced along, "No wait for me! I'm coming I'm coming!!"

Dashing after her he had to skit to a halt before Laurelpaw and Brindlewhisker almost slamming into the other apprentice. He nodded at Brindlewhisker suddenly shy and quiet around the warrior. He looked to his paws before noticing Laurelpaw inspecting something and turned over to look himself. He winkled his nose at the scent of the herbs even rubbed his nose, "They smell like dung." Then blushed as he didn't think before he spoke as he went quiet.

Brindlewhisker chirped out a short friendly greeting to both Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw, watching the two apprentices with eager eyes. "They're traveling herbs- they'll keep you from getting overly tired or hungry while we travel so make sure to eat all of them." She answered softly, a twinkle of laughter evident in her eyes as she looked down at the two apprentices. She decided to leave out the fact that eating the herbs often tasted like eating the rotten corpse of a fox, but she knew the two young cats would soon find out. Stifling a laugh, she found her gaze lifting to the sky in anticipation- they could be leaving shortly after this and finally get this journey underway. "Now hurry up," Brindlewhisker continued briskly, "We should get going now or else we won't get to the Highstones before sunset."

Laurelpaw wrinkled her nose disgustedly as she sniffed the nearest herb bundle, the thought of having to eat these gross-smelling things making her stomach churn already; but it must be done.  Swallowing tensely, the white and gray she-cat grabbed up the whole pile into her mouth at once and began to chew, eyes screwed shut from the revolting taste.  Finally, she managed to swallow the pulp with a shudder, and turned to face Brindlewhisker with a defiant glare, clearly not happy that the deputy had made her go through that terrible experience.  "I sure hope this is worth having to do that!"  Rolling her eyes slightly, the young she-cat sat down to wait for Cloverpaw, licking her paw in hopes that she could clear off the lingering flavor.

Cloverpaw turned his head away not even able too smell it anymore. His eyes widened in awe as Laurelpaw swallowed it with difficulty, how was she able to do that? Once she swallowed it and turned to Brindlewhisker he looked down at the herbs. Now he has to do it?! He glanced to Brindlewhisker, this better not be some horrible joke or something. He took a deep breath and held his breath as he scooped it up with one paw. It took everything in him not to spit it out. He didn't know which was worser the smell or the taste as he had to shut his eyes to get it down. As soon as he swallowed it the taste lingered on his tongue and roof of his mouth he turned around and tried to spit out the taste. And of course that did nothing he turned around and shook his head.

"I would assume the momentary bad taste is better than being hungry all day- after all, you can't eat before speaking to StarClan." Brindlewhisker chided softly, resisting the urge to chuckle at the disdained look upon each apprentice's respective faces- she assumed that she had made a familiar face whenever she had eaten her own traveling herbs a few moments earlier. Rising to her paws, she allowed herself a grace period of a brief, careful stretch before tossing her head in the direction of the camp's entrance, signaling for Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw to start heading that direction. Slipping through the prickly Gorse Wall, Brindlewhisker picked up a brisk pace as she left the shelter of the camp, occasionally throwing a glance back over her shoulder to check and see if Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw could keep up as they began their journey.

Laurel let out a disapproving sniff, and hissed under her breath; "Starving to death would honestly be better than having to choke down those disgusting things...", making sure to keep her voice low enough so that Brindlewhisker didn't hear. She didn't feel like getting told off by the stern deputy today. With a flick of her tail and an excited sideways glace at Cloverpaw, the white-and-gray molly took off after the older she-cat, her ears flattened by the breeze as she rocketed over the moor after her.

Cloverpaw was still recovering from the nasty taste as Brindlewhisker spoke then Laurelpaw, he simply nodded at Laurelpaw's words. He shook his head as he returned her excited gaze then bounced after them. Despite that horrible herbs and taste in his mouth his excitement came back. His tail was high in the air and he had a bright smile on his face as the tan white tom bounced on his paws after them.

-time skip-

The sky was bleeding red behind the imposing outline of the Highstones and the faint light of Silverpelt was barely visible in the early night sky that unfolded around them. The gaping wound in the Earth that hungrily swallowed what little light remained in the late dusk of day eagerly awaiting their approach with an eerie calm. They had finally arrived to the Highstones a few hours earlier and spent the majority of the day lingering in the shade of nearby trees to escape the brutal heat that had followed them during their trip. Brindlewhisker's head lifted towards the night sky with wide eyes, watching as the rest of the light was finally swallowed whole by the darkness of night. It was time.

Rising to her paws and giving herself a brief shake, the Deputy strode away from where she had been previously resting. Twitching her tail in a signal for Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw to follow suit, doing her best to refrain from disturbing the strangely silent atmosphere that encased the little trio. A part of her envied that the two young apprentices were able to meet their ancestors in a manner like this- after all, all she wanted to do was to speak to Thistlefall or Goldenflame- but she knew that this was far too important an event for her to become caught up in her wistful fantasies. Pausing at the entrance to the sacred cavern, Brindlewhisker turned to look back at Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw with intent eyes that gleamed sharply in the faint light of dusk before finally speaking. "Shall we begin?"

Laurelpaw was prodding absentmindedly at a stray leaf when Brindlewhisker finally beckoned to them, signaling the start of their descent into the dark tunnels where the Moonstone resided.  It's about time, we've been waiting around for hours!  The young she-cat had quickly realized earlier the benefit of taking those strengthening herbs; she hadn't felt hungry for the whole day, and her paws felt lighter than clouds, coursing with strength and energy.  That though came with a downside; once they had reached their resting place all she had wanted to do was run, to hunt, to do something!  The hot weather though - and the deputy's orders - had kept her from doing so.  

Rising to her paws, Laurelpaw could feel that the herbs were beginning to wear off.  She didn't feel quite as energetic as before, she felt normal.  Normal for her though was still crazily energetic.  Shifting on restless paws, the pale-pelted she-cat smiled and nodded in response to Brindlewhisker's question, distracted by trying to peer past her to gaze into the pitch-black depths of Mothermouth.

OOC: I'm so sorry I have been so busy lately!!!

Cloverpaw either watched Laurelpaw or was looking at his paws, now that they were out here he was getting scared. He never really liked the darkness nor going to far away from camp other then to see Swanpaw..but this was even farther..and he didn't like it one bit. He did notice the herbs were taken effect his paws did fell lighter, like he could walk on clouds, and he hasn't been hungry all day. But still he stayed quiet and still, he did make sure he was close to Brindlewhisker at all times..just in case. But at the same time he knew he was being annoying so he didn't know what to do.

As Brindlewhisker announced it was time he gulped his eyes getting wider and his tail flicking. He got up and padded slowly to Brindlewhisker keeping his head down. But his fur was ruffled and his eyes were wide showing that he was scared. What would they see down there? What if his parents are waiting down there for him? No they were alive but they still could be there..he gulped as he kept his gaze to his paws.

"Good." Brindlewhisker mewed softly, carefully observing the stark contrasts between the emotions on Cloverpaw's face and the ones on Laurelpaw's, although she chose not to say anything. Whatever was obviously bothering the young tom perplexed her but she knew that soon enough he would have no reasons to be fearful of their ancestors. "The tunnel we are about to go through is very dark and it will feel like you might get stuck in the passage, but just remember to breathe and keep walking- the tunnel does open back up towards the end." She continued briskly, turning to eye the dark opening in front of them, her voice slightly reassuring. Turning around with a soft chirp, Brindlewhisker plunged down into the gaping entrance of the Mothermouth, her pupils dilating as she tried to find an adequate light source within the dark depths of the tunnel. For several long heartbeats as the little WindClan trio continued further and further into the passage, it began to grow tighter and tighter around them until the stony walls were pressing against their sides in a menacing manner. Her ears were pricked in an attempt to check on Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw, but she didn't dare halt their progress.

The tight tunnel around them slowly began to widen with every step the trio took and there was the faintest hint of fresh air wafting from deep within the darkness. The soft muddy earth beneath their paws was softly sloping upwards towards an unknown destination. Exhaling quietly, Brindlewhisker felt the walls that once pressed in menacingly around them begin to slowly open up around them and suddenly, deep within the unmerciful darkness ahead of them, the faintest glow was barely visible. Pushing ahead with a new vigor in her step, the Deputy began to pick up the pace to a brisk trot as they finally entered the sacred grounds. A massive cavern unfolded around them, bathed in massive shadows thrown by the various rock formations that spilled into the sacred cave, while the imposing figure of the Moonstone lay nestled in the center as if it was guarded by the teeth-like rocks. The Moonstone was glinting softly in the weak light that streamed down from the jagged opening in the ceiling above them- they were a bit early but better safe than sorry.

Turning to face Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw, Brindlewhisker beckoned the two young apprentices forwards  with a twitch of her tail before she approached the softly illuminated Moonstone. Settling down at a comfortable distance from the stone, she lifted her head to watch the night sky from the slightly rounded hole in the ceiling. The moon was slowly rising higher and higher in the dark sky until finally it reached the top of the cave's ceiling, flooding the space with its soft, silvery light. The entire cavern was instantly lit up in a dazzling light that erased nearly all the shadows that had previously made their home in the cozy little cave and the Moonstone itself twinkled and glittered as if it had swallowed every star in Silverpelt. Turning to look at Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw, the Deputy had to squint slightly in the harsh light as she stared at the two apprentices with commanding eyes. "Cloverpaw and Laurelpaw, you are now able to speak with our Warrior ancestors so come forward and press your nose to the stone. Remember that I will not join you on this part of our journey, but do not be afraid- trust in our ancestors and take heed in their words. I wish you both good luck." Brindlewhisker finished softly, making herself as comfortable as she could as she prepared to wait for the two apprentices to complete their spiritual journey.



ooc) speak to StarClan friends

Her paws twitching from barely-contained excitement, Laurelpaw followed Brindlewhisker down into the tunnel, the solid darkness closing around the trio of cats like a menacing creature, closing it's jaws to trap it's prey in an inescapable hold.  For the first few minutes as they walked, her claws clicking against the stone, Laurelpaw felt a strange tension in her chest, and she constantly felt the need to check the shadows behind and to the sides of her, even once extending her search up towards the ceiling.  She was so used to being out on the open moorland, with it's wide expanse of vegetation that seemed to blend into the sky it's self; seemingly endless, without the confines of trees or waterways.  This tunnel was the dead opposite, but Laurelpaw wouldn't say that she was scared of the trek; just wary.  Unused to being closed in, and feeling the need to be extra alert.  

Soon enough though, the tunnel widened out to reveal a large cavern, a small hole in the roof allowing the dim night-light to filter in and brighten the space.  In the middle of the cave stood a tall crystal, sparkling slightly with limited light.  Laurelpaw was very unimpressed.  This is the Moonstone?  This is what everyone's so impressed by?  Pfft, it's just a lame rock!  How could StarClan want anything to do with that?  If she wasn't bound by common sense she most likely would've hissed her thoughts aloud, but she knew that Brindlewhisker would not have been very pleased about that.  Instead, she settled down with a irritable flick of her sleek tail, eyeing the stone with a resentful glare as they waited for....something.

Just as she was about to lean over and whisper to Cloverpaw; "I think it's a sham."; the moon drifted in front of the small opening, and Laurelpaw gasped as the Moonstone suddenly burst into life, light that could only be fueled by the power of the stars flooding the cavern and covering the cats in an unearthly glow, making the she-cat's pale white and spotted pelt look like the moon it's self.  Awe took the place of contempt, and Laurelpaw jumped to her feet and gazed at Brindlewhisker, seeing only a silhouette of her form against the light.  Her words were clear though, and with a bit of a nervous gulp, she took a few steps forward towards the moonstone.

Closing her yellowish-green eyes, Laurelpaw sucked in a deep breath before laying down, her face pointed towards the crystal.  In one quick movement, she touched her nose to the bright stone's cold surface, and at once she felt herself growing sleepy, as if the chill inside of the Moonstone had reached out and spread through her body, paralyzing it.  Her eyes closed and breath slowing, Laurelpaw fell into a deep sleep, where her consciousness lay waiting in the beyond for her encounter.

Cloverpaw gulped at Brindlewhisker words not liking the sound of it at all. But he kept his head down as they finally entered the tunnel. His paws were twitching not from excitement but from fear his tail was curled up around his small drama as his wide eyes darted around them. And as the moments ticked by his fear only grew, it grew to his chest, his tail and down to his paws. The inky darkness seemed to want to eat the trio his head whipped behind him as he swore he heard something behind them but he couldn't see anything. Oh he didn't like this at all. This really was the most darkness he has ever seen in his life. Even back at camp at nighttime the stars shone down on them illuminated everything around them like it was day time, but here there were no stars to light their way. His eyes grew even widener and his breathing quickened he could feel something breathing on his shoulder. Right when it felt like he couldn't take it anymore and he was about to bolt right back outside he blinked as he realized the tunnel started widening.

Before long they were in a cavern with the hole in the rode top allowing him to see. He closed his eyes to get himself to calm down his breathing eventually calmed and his fur lay flat. He opened his eyes to see the tall crystal before them and it finally came to him, this is the moonstone! This is where they talk with their ancestors! His jaw opened in awe as he saw the stars light shined down on it illuminating the small cavern. He closed his eyes from the sudden light from the stars power taking a step back. His eyes looked back to Brindlewhisker then to Laurelpaw with fear and worry. As Brindlewhisker spoke he was even more fearful, why can't she come with them? He doesn't want to be alone..Want if they say he is never destined to be a warrior like his parents tell him..What of they say he is weak..He started shaking as his imagination went wild he watched Laurelpaw stepped to Moonstone and he shook his head taking another step back.

What if he can't do this? Will he never be a warrior then? He gasped as he hit the rock wall his breathing quickened as he looked around him shaking his head. He knew they would say what his parents say to him..he doesn't deserve to be a warrior. He's to weak..He will never make it he will die a apprentice and that's all there is too it...