Applepaw's Moonstone Journey

Dovefrost waited just outside of the apprentice den for his next charge. He had called for Applepaw just moments prior knowing it was time for the other siblings to make her journey to the Moonstone. The large white tom sat with his tail curled around his paws, a bundle of herbs just before him. They were for Applepaw, a slight spark in his eye waiting to see what the she-cat's reaction would be to the herbs.

Applepaw trotted up to the medicine den, trying to shake the sleepiness out of her pelt. She knew this was one of the last hurdles she had to face before becoming a warrior, but she was exhausted from all the patrols she'd been doing, and wasn't sure that she was up to the long journey physically. She was small, after all. Still, she walked up to Dovefrost and glanced at the herbs at his feet. "You're saying I have to eat those." It wasn't a question, and disgust threatened to break through her neutrally tired voice. If she got angry at the medicine cat, he'd never take her to the Moonstone.

"Of course. That's the only way you are getting to the moonstone." He told her his voice flat, already not looking forward to this trip. Green eyes darkening for a moment at the apprentice's tone.

He didn't say much more. Green eyes glancing down at the bundle of herbs, signaling that he wanted her to eat them and once she had, he stood turned and guided her out of camp. His usual spark of wanting to see her reaction gone.

It took a little longer than what Dovefrost would have thought to get to the moonstone this time, but they still managed to get there in time. Not that he was happy about the time delay. "Alright, just press your nose to the stone, and Starclan will do the rest." The fluffy tom turned and set himself off to the side in the cavern.

Applepaw ate the herbs without grumbling, but she felt her annoyance grow as the medicine cat stood and watched, basically glaring at her. What? All she had done was ask a question. The herbs tasted disgusting, but everyone had to eat them, and she just honestly wanted to get this over with so she could be a warrior.

~

How did one get to be a medicine cat when they were so boring? Applepaw felt almost more exhausted after the long journey and the lack of interesting conversation. Hopefully, whatever StarClan cat came to see her would be more interesting. Ignoring Dovefrost back in turn, she lay down and pressed her nose to the stone, falling asleep instantly.

Emerging from a grove of tall, starry trees, a lithe cat made his way over to the sleeping form of an apprentice. Nighthaze's short, black pelt was dotted with stars, making him look as if he were the Silverpelt himself. In a way, he was graceful, until he tripped over a rock and nearly fell just getting over to the young cat. Thank the stars she wasn't awake yet... or was she? He certainly hoped not. With a gentle tap of his paw, Nighthaze spoke in a quiet, steady tone. "Applepaw? It's, uh, time for you to wake up. Open your eyes." His own leafy green eyes shone with a gentle curiosity, but also as if he was searching for something. His lanky body took a few steps back, bringing himself to rest on top of a small rock. Perhaps this apprentice would like him? Perhaps she wouldn't. Only time would tell, he guessed.

What a strange dream she was having. Lying on cool grass and resting... it was peaceful. Wait. It wasn't a dream, was it? She went to the Moonstone. She was supposed to be speaking to a StarClan cat. But it was so relaxing, and she was so tired.... Applepaw lay with her eyes closed on the grass, not wanting to get up, still half-asleep, until... she felt a nudge from an unfamiliar paw. Startled, the little tortoiseshell jumped to her feet, looking around wildly. "What? Who? Is it time for patrol already, Minkstar?"

After a second, she calmed herself, then looked up at the cat who had woken her. His pelt shimmered with stars, and he smelled strange. That smell reminded her of something... "Oh, hello," she mewed a little distractedly, mind brought back to the skirmish she'd had with that SkyClan apprentice. Whatever his name was. Pippaw? Pigeonpaw? "I'm Applepaw. But I suppose you probably knew that. Who are you?" Whatever. Didn't matter. This star-studded SkyClanner didn't need to know about that. But although she didn't want to admit it, a feeling akin to guilt started to creep into her consciousness every time she remembered that particular fit of rage.