Aspenpaw's Moonstone Journey

Scorchfang drew his tongue over his lips to wash away the still lingering bitterness of the traveling herbs he had just consumed. He was to take yet another apprentice up to visit the Moonstone. He enjoyed spending time with apprentices during their rite of passage, but at this rate he felt as though he would burn off his taste buds with all the bitter herbs that would burn his tongue, so he was glad Morningpaw was getting closer and closer to earning her full medicine cat name so that she could take up the responsibility in his place.

Aspenpaw's shoulder brushed against the brambles as he pushed his way out of the apprentice's den, his lithe tabby body tense with a mix of anger and spite.  Did he really have to travel all the way to the Moonstone in the company of a cat who had defiled the purity of ShadowClan?  Besides, why did he need to travel all the way to Highstones to hear StarClan's wisdom when he could just listen to Lichenmask?  He spoke the truth, not half-baked lies soaked in simpering pity.  His intense forest green gaze met the deputy's own bright amber, both eyes not bothering to hide his disdain and boredom.  He remained silent, eyeing Scorchfang, waiting for him to speak.  He did not bow to traitors.

Scorchfang did indeed notice the expression that was anything but happy or excited in the apprentice's eyes, but he didn't comment on it. Instead, he nudged the leaf wrap towards the younger tom. "Eat these, and then we can start on our way. They will sustain you for the duration of the trip so you won't grow tired or hungry."

Aspenpaw eyed the leaf wrap warily for a moment, before grabbing it in his jaws and crunching it between his teeth; instantly, the horrible flavor hit his tongue.  Gagging, he only just managed to keep the leaves in his mouth long enough to swallow them, cursing under his breath.  "Great StarClan above, that's rancid...!"  Quickly though, he pulled himself together; Scorchfang shouldn't have the privilege of seeing a true Clan cat weakened.  "Well...let's go then."  His eyes burning as he turned away, padding towards the camp entrance.