Dacepaw's Moonstone Journey

For the first morning in what seemed like ages, Mossbloom had not woken to a red sunrise. Even the tiniest threads of dark pink in the rising rays of sunlight had eaten at her heart, no further messages from StarClan helping to clarify what the meaning of the prophecy was. Today though, the ground was covered in cold dew, the sunrise pale with yellows and oranges, and only the lightest and palest of pinks. The forest was quiet, peaceful and serene, and she felt rested. A good thing, considering the journey that was coming.

Quietly chirping to herself in the cool morning air, she gathered the herbs with a careful paw. It didn't take long, she had been guiding the apprentices of ThunderClan to the Moonstone since she had become Pricklebush's apprentice, stepping in while he was training Mistlepaw. Gathering the traveling herbs were almost second nature now. Today was Dacepaw's turn though, the pretty, good-natured she-cat who had come along with Sparkfrost from RiverClan. Her heart went out to the young cat, especially after Torrentstar's words two Gatherings before.

Today would be a good day though. The chirpings of the birds had started, echoing softly in the forest. The morning promised clear skies and easy travels as Mossbloom made her way to the apprentice den, setting the herbs outside of the entrance and pushing her way inside quietly. Pressing a small pink nose into the she-cat's shoulder, she murmured just loud enough for Dacepaw to hear. "Come, Dacepaw, today is the day. We get to go on a journey together today." Carefully she turned, heading back the way she came to wait for the she-cat.

The dream was colorful and warm: something like the sun shone down to cast a murky, sleepy glow over the streaks of color that made up the memory of the forest. Dacepaw bounded over the terrain, her movements impossibly slow  and blurry. Before her, a squirrel raced. She chased it to the base of a fallen log and the flickering shape bounded atop it and suddenly sprouted wings, shifting seamlessly into a bird.

Dacepaw cleared the log in a blur and was practically flying along behind the shape as it raced towards the river. The forest wasn't shaped right, but it barely registered in her head. All her thoughts were fixed on the creature that flew in desperation just out of reach of her grasping claws. It veered upward for just a moment at the river bank only to plunge down into the swirling depths of the water. Dacepaw plunged in just behind it, but it wasn't quite like swimming so much as paddling through the sky, colors blooming and shifting around her.

A shape moved in the depths of the dreamy world, and a wild, dilute calico pelt drew nearer. Clear, bright green eyes full of love found Dacepaw's face, and suddenly all thoughts of the creature she had been pursuing were abandoned as she swam towards the tom she loved most.

The wispy warrior seemed to smile, and he glided beside her and said, "Come, Dacepaw, today is the day. We get to go on a journey together today." At last, he had finally come to take her away with him on his adventure once more, yet even as he spoke, Sparkfrost's unfocused shape began to dissipate.

The apprentice stirred in her sleep, and not a moment later Dacepaw's head lifted and she drowsily mewled, "Daddy...?" Quickly, though, the dream fluttered from the pale tortoiseshell apprentice's mind, and clarity blossomed through the depths of her gaze as she recognized the vibrant green gaze and calico pelt of the young ThunderClan medicine cat, Mossbloom. Thoughts of Sparkfrost and the remnants of her dream darted out of her grasp like minnows in the shallows, and the she-cat suddenly realized it had been Mossbloom who woke her.

The medicine cat was retreating as Dacepaw remembered what her day held in store. The tortoiseshell gasped and immediately leapt to her paws, charging out of the apprentice's den with hair sticking every which way. Dacepaw immediately whirled to the medicine cat, all recollection of her dream vanished. "Hi, Mossbloom! You woke me up so nice," she purred, giving her shoulder and chest a quick groom.

As Mossbloom waited, the word that Dacepaw had uttered as she first stirred in her nest hit. Daddy...? Feeling like the air was taken out of her lungs, Mossbloom's ears lowered. Oh stars, had she interrupted a dream of the apprentice's father? Moments later, the apprentice in question burst from the den, pelt sticking in all directions wildly. Guilt still pooled in her stomach as she heard the rumbling purr that was so characteristic of the young she-cat. "Good morning, Dacepaw, did you sleep well? I'm sorry if I interrupted a good dream..." Her voice trailed off, not sure what else could be done. Dreams were so fragile, and she prayed that the she-cat would have the chance to continue to walk with her father in her dreams someday.

Nudging one of the leaf wraps towards the she-cat as she groomed, Mossbloom opened it carefully. "Here are your herbs for the trip, they're pretty bitter, but they will help and you'll be grateful for them, I promise."

"I slept great!" Dacepaw purred. Regarding the medicine cat's apology, she answered, "I don't remember what my dream was about; I just know it was warm. It's okay! I can be warm whenever I want." Well, leaf-bare would soon prove her wrong, but that was beside the point anyways. Dacepaw didn't feel that her dream had been interrupted. It had all but slipped from her mind already. Mossbloom delicately pushed a leaf of herbs towards the apprentice then, and Dacepaw looked down curiously to examine with big, bright eyes. The medicine cat explained that they were bitter, but useful, and that was more than enough for Dacepaw.

The apprentice bent down to pick up the herbs, and the first bite made her mouth feel dry. She giggled and said, "Ooh, funny!" She smacked her tongue and lips a little before finishing off the rest, and then she turned her expectant gaze back to the medicine cat again. "You must eat lots of herbs. Do you not think they're bitter?" she asked with interest.

A smile graced the medicine cat's face at she purred. "I'm so glad to hear that, Dacepaw. I hope your dreams continue to be warm." A chilly breeze blew through the forest, and Mossbloom shivered, fluffing her fur out. In the cold, she wished she had longer fur to keep her warmer, but that was not what she had gotten. Oh well, she mused as she watched the younger she-cat examined the herbs with bright eyes before taking the first bite. The initial reaction was unlike anything Mossbloom had ever seen, the facial expressions that usually accompanied that first bitter taste was usually disgust, dismay, a combination of both. Dacepaw, however, giggled, stating that it was funny before taking a few heartbeats to smack her tongues and lips before finishing the herbs.

Mossbloom laughed as she watched the rest of the herbs get consumed, her tail tip twitching. This would be a wonderful day, she had watched the previously RiverClan apprentice from afar but she was looking forward to the journey to come. She was always so light-hearted and happy, which means that this trip would be anything but boring. The apprentice's next question caught her a bit off guard, but she nodded. "I used to think they were bitter, but after the last several moons I've gotten used to the taste. When you take them several times in a moon, between leading apprentices to the Moonstone and travelling at the half-moon, you grow used to them. Some other herbs also require being chewed into a poultice before applying them, so I guess the taste is something that just becomes normal. Although, if I'm tired, daisy leaves still make my face scrunch up."

Scrunching up her face the way she would if she ate something bitter, she laughed as she relaxed again. Bowing her head to quickly lap up her own herbs, she finished and looked up to meet Dacepaw's excited gaze again. "Alright, are you ready? We should head out soon, there's a stream nearby I like to stop at to get a drink before we leave ThunderClan territory, it helps wash the taste of the herbs away if you would like it."

As Dacepaw listened for Mossbloom's answer, she continued to swipe her tongue across her lips, marveling at the strangeness of the taste and feeling in her mouth after having eaten the traveling herbs. So far she didn't feel much different otherwise, and she wondered if she was supposed to. Mossbloom explained that she was used to the flavor after eating them so many times - much like Dacepaw had suspected - and even went on to say that she was used to other tastes of herbs, too. "Wow," Dacepaw breathed, and at the mention of daisy - and the medicine cat's scrunched face - the apprentice laughed. "Oh! That's really funny!"

Mossbloom laughed, too, and after the pair got their joy into the air, the medicine cat ate her herbs as well. Dacepaw stood tall, her tail up and flicking with anticipation. Houndheart had gone on this journey a while ago; the tortoiseshell apprentice tried to remember any information he'd been allowed to share, but honestly he was always so touchy about being near and talking about Mossbloom that Dacepaw realized she couldn't really remember anything. What was it about the medicine cat's sweet and soothing presence that always made Houndheart so flighty and grumbly? Dacepaw didn't know, and right now it didn't matter. The older she-cat spoke up with a kind invitation to stop for water as they made their way through the forest.

"That sounds great!" Dacepaw answered, swallowing to try to give her mouth a little moisture. "Lead the way, Mossbloom!" The apprentice immediately moved aside to give the medicine cat the space to maneuver how she needed. Dacepaw glanced around, then called through the clearing, Bye ThunderClan! I'll see you in the morning!" She waved her big tail and then turned back to Mossbloom, feeling proud of herself and eager for the trip.

Purring at the apprentice's enthusiasm, Mossbloom began to lead the way out of camp. She paused for a moment as Dacepaw called back to the camp, smiling as she listened to her words. The apprentice had always been so kind, light-hearted and joyful, a true ray of sun for ThunderClan. RiverClan was less bright to have lost her, she mused with a flicker of her tail tip as she recalled Torrentstar's venomous words and anger.

It didn't take long before they reached the stream, and at it's shore she hesitated for a moment before sticking a single white paw in. It was getting colder, and soon it would be freezing... But for now it wasn't too bad. Turning to Dacepaw, she nodded towards it. "Go ahead and drink your fill, Dacepaw. This will be one of our couple stops along the way." After waiting for Dacepaw to drink her fill, she set off to continue the journey. The weather was calm, sun filtering through the branches above to shine on the two she-cat's as they journeyed towards Highstones.

The medicine cat nodded once before she took off, and Dacepaw followed happily, the taste of the herbs still tingling on her breath. The trip to the stream took seemingly no time at all, and soon enough the pair were at its edge sating their thirst. The crisp, cold water almost numbed Dacepaw's tongue, but it had done more than enough to wash the taste of the herbs out. The tortoiseshell stepped away from the edge feeling even more invigorated and satisfied than before. "Where else are we stopping?" Dacepaw asked curiously, happily keeping pace with Mossbloom as they made their way through the forest.

The satisfaction gleaming in the she-cat's eyes was confirmation enough that she had gotten her fill, and Mossbloom turned towards Fourtrees with her tail and head high. This would be a mighty, wonderful adventure, even if it may have started out with the interruption of a dream. Looking back at the pretty she-cat, she smiled before responding. "We'll take a brief break at Fourtrees, and then another on the far side of WindClan's territory. From there, we'll keep moving until Highstones, where we'll take a break at Mothermouth until it's time to descend into the cavern. It's a long journey, but we'll be sure to have fun!"

The day was so bright, the sky above cloudless and a perfect shade of blue. If only the air was a little warmer, she would be happy. As the sight of Fourtrees grew in the distance, Mossbloom's pace quickened slightly. Maybe she should speak to Aspenheart and Finchstar sometime soon, if it got too cold to return all the way to ThunderClan safely during leaf-bare, she should have a plan for refuge. Tucking that thought away, she turned back to the she-cat near her. "So, do you mind telling me about RiverClan? What was it like? Who was your mother?"

Dacepaw listened to Mossbloom's answer with interest, nodding along in acknowledgement and grinning broadly to the path waiting for them. Oh, how she loved going on adventures. She heard stories of her mother and father's adventures long ago, when they had been swept to - or born at - the lake downriver many days' journey, and the journey other cats had made to the mountains to see the Tribe. She had heard of Duskpaw's journeys, born outside the Clans before being brought by her uncle to ThunderClan long before Dacepaw had arrived. While visiting Highstones wasn't a many days' journey like those, it was the greatest one Dacepaw had experienced so far in her life and she was ready for it. Had Sparkfrost ever visited the Moonstone? Who had Dappleshine seen? None of the questions had any bearing on the present, and when Mossbloom continued to lead the way Dacepaw let her thoughts flow from her shoulders and back into her pleasant company.

It was a beautiful day considering the late leaf-fall weather, and Dacepaw was grateful to get to see the forest in all its grand color. At one point Mossbloom began to move more quickly, and Dacepaw lengthened her strides to move alongside the she-cat; after all, Dacepaw certainly knew the way to Fourtrees by now! She liked to think she knew ThunderClan's territory fairly well. Her pleased green-hazel eyes landed on the sight of the large trees in the distance. The medicine cat's voice made her chirp and turn her ears, listening brightly.

"I don't mind at all!" Dacepaw purred. "I love RiverClan, even if I'm not allowed there anymore. Torrentstar - you know, the leader, he's big! He's my pawpaw, 'cause he saved my momma on the lake shore and she's like his daughter now. He's mad at me, but momma said that I'll always have bonds to her and RiverClan and he can't decide who I love and who loves me. I still love him, and I hope someday he'll love me again too." She felt proud of herself as she spoke those words. Then, she hopped slightly, mewing with a giggle, "Oh! My momma's name is Dappleshine. She's beautiful, like you!" Oblivious and genuine, Dacepaw continued, visualizing the RiverClan queen in her head, "She's got long, sleek, pretty fur and a big dark tail and a dark face. She makes me think of the river at moon-high, when all the light and stars dance on the surface. She's like that inside, too."

Dacepaw looked wistfully aside at Mossbloom and said a little more subdued, "I miss her a lot. I miss swimming with her and sharing tongues before bed. We would look for shells and pretty rocks together, too." Her bushy tail waved, and she mewed more happily now, "I still look for them now. I have some in my nest at home - I wanna bring one to her someday; I bet she doesn't have any ThunderClan rocks in her nest!"

Dacepaw's reaction had been exactly what Mossbloom expected, and together they set off on their journey. It may not be as noble or desperate an adventure as others may have had, especially since most of those who had gone through the flood were well into their warriorhood, or padding down the path of a medicine cat like her. However, it was their adventure, one to share together. This step would be the next in Dacepaw's path to warriorhood, and Mossbloom was still thrilled and awed to be able to share that step with the apprentice's of ThunderClan. 

Smiling at Dacepaw's purred response, Mossbloom listened intently as she spoke or RiverClan. She was glad to hear that despite the anger she had faced at Torrentstar's paws and mouth, she still loved RiverClan, and her 'Pawpaw'. The words of her mother were wise, and Mossbloom warmed a bit. She hadn't been sure to this point if Dacepaw had been taken by her father, or if her mother had passed, so she was happy to hear that was not the case. Her smile widened as she called her pretty, tail flicking to her side in a silent thank you for the comparison. 

Dacepaw's voice subdued slightly, and Mossbloom looked over in time to meet the wistful glance. Of course she missed her mother, that was normal. As Dacepaw brightened again, Mossbloom nodded with a laugh. "I bet not! She'll be thrilled, I'm sure. I hope that someday the two of you are able to swim and share tongues together once more. Oakstar is very kind, even if Torrentstar isn't so much, and I'm sure there would be no issue with you two seeing each other now and then. Your mother sounds like a wise, kind she-cat, I hope that I get the opportunity to meet her someday!"


The pair reached Fourtrees as Mossbloom finished, and she slowed to a stop before sitting down in the clearing. "We'll rest here for a moment, and then continue our journey. Beyond this is WindClan's territory, then the Thunderpath, then Highstones."

Dacepaw looked over to Mossbloom once again as she'd finished speaking. The calico cat was always friendly, attentive, and polite, and she had listened intently to the apprentice's answer. Now Mossbloom's kindly face was smiling and letting out a gentle laugh, and her reassuring agreement made Dacepaw feel even more at ease about her hopes for seeing her mother again soon. She nodded in hearty agreement, responding cheerily, "Oh, Mossbloom, me too - she's wonderful! She would like you so much, you're so kind to everyone." The kind apprentice chattered on eagerly as they passed through the forest, happy to pass the time talking about her mother and being raised in RiverClan.

It wasn't long until the familiar foliage surroundings Fourtrees came into view, and Dacepaw veered from her chattering about how she realized now that moss was much more comfortable than reeds and sand. Her green-hazel eyes widened with wonder at the sight of the great trees during the day, and Dacepaw went racing down the slope into the massive clearing. She spun, beaming with delight, as Mossbloom made her way down to join her. The apprentice looked at her guide as the she-cat explained their next steps. Dacepaw nodded excitedly. "Alright, Mossbloom. You must have seen this place during the day more times than you can count. I've come to the border with Dawngaze, but I've never come down here. It seems... bigger when everyone's at home!"

Mossbloom's ear flicked in embarrassment, pelt warming under Dacepaw's kind words as she flicked her tail to her shoulder. "I'm happy to hear that, Dacepaw, you're such a kind and wonderful she-cat. ThunderClan is lucky to have you." She listened intently as Dacepaw continued to speak of her family, and RiverClan, and the adventures she had as a kit and in the few sunrises of apprenticeship she had before coming to ThunderClan. Occasionally nodding or laughing along to a tale, it seemed like no time at all had passed as the two traveled together.

Dacepaw had been in the midst of comparing moss to reeds when she suddenly grew quiet, eyes widening. Mossbloom smiled as she watched Dacepaw take in the area before sprinting into the clearing, spinning around before turning to beam up at her with a bright smile. Fighting the urge to sprint down after her (she had never been one prone to run, unless necessary, and they did have a long journey, but stars the excitement just rubbed off) she picked her way down the slope and joined Dacepaw at her side. The wonder in the younger she-cat's voice made the medicine cat look around, seeing the space with new eyes. It was so different when everyone wasn't milling through, and in daylight too. It was truly a marvelous place, the feeling of closeness to each clan and the stars still lingering in the back of ones mind.

"It's wonderful, isn't it? So large and beautiful, there's so many interesting things about Fourtrees that you don't really get to see outside of Gatherings. I feel sorry for WindClan and RiverClan, and ShadowClan - I don't believe they pass through Fourtrees to get to the Moonstone. Go ahead and look around, just... Do me a favor and don't climb onto the Great Rock? Houndheart did, during his journey and, well... He hurt his shoulder when he slipped off. Don't tell him I said anything though, he'll have my ears!"

Dacepaw watched Mossbloom's face with excitement and wonder as the she-cat spoke fondly of the journey through Fourtrees. The tortoiseshell felt lucky once more for her life in ThunderClan and this small gift it granted her of being able to see Fourtrees during the day while going on her trip to the Moonstone. Once again she wondered briefly what her mother's journey had been like, but the thought quickly passed as the medicine cat encouraged Dacepaw to look around. The apprentice went prancing proudly; almost immediately, however, she stopped, listening intently to Mossbloom's story with a kittish wonder on her face. "Houndheart climbed the Great Rock?" Dacepaw gasped, immediately looking wistfully up the steep face.

She didn't really have the desire to go prancing where the important cats sat, but hearing that her friend got hurt while he was up there solidified her choice. Dacepaw breathed, "Wow." After a pause, she mewed, "I'm glad he was okay. He's so brave - even when he's hurt he's always ready to fight, and he's never afraid of anything!" As soon as her praise was spoken, Dacepaw was distracted again. She asked Mossbloom, "Do you think the leaders like sitting up there? I feel like if I were leader, I'd want to be closer to all the Clans. They're so far away."

No sooner were the words from her mouth than Dacepaw went prancing off, though she did pause at her request to not climb the Great Rock. With a small chuckle, she nodded. "He certainly did. If I recall, he didn't like it much up there. Said it was too far away from every cat. He wrenched his shoulder pretty good, I was afraid we'd have to turn back... But he pushed through alright. Thank StarClan."

At Dacepaw's question, she looked up towards the rock once more. Recalling how it felt to stand at the top of it in that dream that felt so long ago, while also feeling like the prophecy came just yesterday. "I know that I would not like it. I prefer being among every cat, able to look them in the eyes without looking down on them. I'm not sure how all of the leaders feel though - why don't you try asking them some day? I'm sure they'd be happy to answer, if you catch them in a good mood without trespassing anywhere." With one last look around the clearing, she took a deep breath and motioned with her tail.

"We should keep moving. The sun stops for no cat, unfortunately. We still have quite a bit of adventure before us!" With that, she turned and led the way into WindClan territory, over the Thunderpath, and before they knew it the landscape was growing rocky, and Mothermouth was before them. The sun had set, the stars beginning to twinkle from their resting places in the sky. Sending a small grin towards Dacepaw, Mossbloom nodded to the entrance. "It's time. When we get into the cavern, the Moonstone should be glowing. You'll lay next to it and press your nose to it's side, and StarClan will send you a dream. When you wake, I'll be right there, and we can make our way home. If you don't have any questions, let's get going!" After a few moments, Mossbloom began the descent towards the Moonstone, pausing occasionally to make sure that Dacepaw was following her. It wasn't much time at all before the glow of the Moonstone guided their arrival, and they emerged into the cavern, the light coming from the Moonstone bright and blinding.