Blackpaw's Moonstone Journey

With a slight grumble, Cloverheart gathered her weight and shoved off into the snow. It wasn't so deep in camp– at least, right outside the dens, it wasn't –but it still had a considerable bite to it, and she shivered as she left the warmth of her own nest. It was particularly cold tonight, and she was already dreading the trip to Highstones. The walk would keep the two of them warm, at least. Pushing into the apprentice's den, she found Blackpaw's dark pelt and set his herb bundle down near him before prodding his shoulder. "Wake up, Blackpaw. It's time for your Moonstone." She murmured before backing away.


It was cold, but she'd been mostly right: if they just kept walking, it kept some of the warmth under her fur. That didn't stop her from shaking the whole way to Highstones... And she'd probably spend all night shaking in the cavern, too. More than ready for leaf-bare to be over, Cloverheart lead the way through Mothermouth, nodding as they reached the glittering stone. "Here we are! Go ahead and touch your nose to the stone, Blackpaw. StarClan will come find you. I'll be right here when you wake up." With that, she curled up as tightly as she could, touching her own nose to the stone wearily.

The scent of bitter herbs awoke him first before the medicine cat's voice entered his ears. His Moonstone? Oh yeah!...oh...yeah. An ache welled up in his chest at the reminder that one of his family members resided there now. He hasn't gotten over Bumble's death but he forced himself to trudge on. He needed to grow stronger and wiser to help his family, to prevent any more bad things to occur.

The dark-furred tom sat up in his nest and allowed himself a few moments to awaken fully before digging into the awful tasting herbs. He flinched and scrunched up his nose but managed to swallow them all. A hard feat indeed. Once that was over, the apprentice stood up and maneuvered around his resting denmates and met up with Cloverheart.

"I'm here!" he announced as he padded up to her. "I ate the herbs and I'm ready to go." After that, they were off.

---

It had been an exhausting yet peaceful trip to the Moonstone. The cold was all there but with his mind distracted by all the new scenery and the long walk to Mothermouth, he had kept somewhat warm through it all. That didn't stop his teeth from chattering on occassion or his whole body from giving lengthy shivers -from ear tips to tail tip. His very short fur didn't help at all but he had to keep on going. It helped that Cloverheart was shivering just as much. He did feel bad for thinking that though. Seeing Starclan for the first time was worth it...and perhaps getting to see his lost sibling again would make his heart feel lighter.

The cavern that held the stone was just as awesome as he'd hoped. It was illuminated brightly by the glowing rock. "Woah..." he whispered. The Moonstone's name definitely suited it. It shone just as bright as the moon! He faced the medicine cat as she explained what he had to do. "Alright. Thank you, Cloverheart." he meowed with a soft grin before turning back to the stone. Alright. Here went nothing! As instructed, the apprentice settled down comfortable in front of the Moonstone and inched his nose to it's surface. He took in a deep breath before letting it out and finally touching the stone. It was cold and smelled peculiar -almost fresh. He sighed as his eyelids closed and his breathing slowed. He was ready to meet Starclan.

When the young dark-furred apprentice next opened his eyes a fluffy silver and white tabby she-cat was waiting for him, standing on the bank of a broad starry river.  The StarClan's warrior's petite figure and soft round face gave the impression of youthfulness, though her thoughtful golden eyes and motherly smile betrayed wisdom.  Bending down and gently touching her nose to Blackpaw's head, the molly purred and sat back on her haunches, poofy tail swaying calmly.  "Hello Blackpaw, my name is Finchstream.  I was a warrior of RiverClan many moons ago, before the Great Flood, and the adoptive mother of Ivystar.  I suppose, in a sense, that makes me the grandmother of Jaystar."  Bringing up her adoptive daughter however brought pain to her eyes, and the she-cat quickly moved on.  "You've done a good job training so hard to become a warrior, RiverClan needs lots of young, strong cats like you to endure this harsh time.  Even the best warriors don't have to be strong all the time though, tell me, is there anything on your mind?"  Tilting her head curiously, the former queen smiled and waited, giving the young tom time to collect his thoughts.