Fawnpaw's Moonstone Journey

With Berrypaw still ill and Dovefrost on that patrol to find that supposed flower, Swiftspirit had been asked to help out more. She didn't mind, and since she knew the way to highstones, she had no problem escorting an apprentice or two there while it was needed. She'd been shown what travelling herbs to use by Hentooth, who was still recovering from her own journey, and carefully set apart two bundles for herself and the apprentice she needed to take. She exited the medicine den, glancing around the snow-dusted camp.

"Fawnpaw?" Swiftspirit called, spotting the apprentice sitting outside the den. It was nearing midday, and that meant they needed to leave to make it to the moonstone by night. "These will taste terrible, but they'll give you strength and keep you from getting hungry while we travel to the moonstone." She didn't know the apprentice well, but this needed to be done either way. "We need to make it there by nightfall, let's go." She mewed, turning to lead Fawnpaw out of camp.

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The last rays of sunlight were fading as the pair made it up the last rocky scramble to the entrance of highstones. Swiftspirit allowed a moment to rest, glancing up at the dark sky above before turning toward the entrance of the tunnel. "The tunnels are dark, use your whiskers or grab my tail if you need to. When we get to the moonstone, it'll be glowing. Lay down and touch your nose to it, Starclan visits in dreams." Swiftspirit mewed, pausing outside of the tunnel as she glanced over at Fawnpaw. They'd made good time despite the snow that still covered the ground, Once Fawnpaw indicated he was ready, she turned and led him down the narrow, winding tunnels. They weren't her favorite place, and she greatly disliked the feel of stone pressing in around her, but Swiftspirit wouldn't complain about it here. It wasn't long before their vision became useless as the tunnel darkened completely, and after some time of walking, a faint light would become apparent, outlining Swiftspirit's ears in front of Fawnpaw until they finally rounded a corner and came to the dazzling moonstone itself. Swiftspirit gently nudged the apprentice forward with an encouraging smile, then sat to wait for him.

The young, ginger tom had been walking from side to side, waiting for his journey. Even without his mentor present, Fawnpaw had exceeded in his hunting and battle abilities and his clanmates had noticed how hard he had worked. Tonight... he will be one step closer to becoming a warrior of Windclan.

He stepped out of the den and sat down after getting tired of his walking. Soon enough, Swiftspirit came to him with herbs. Though the two of them weren't close, the young tom respected the older molly. Even after so many moons, Fawnpaw could still recall how kind she was to his mother Hentooth and his siblings when they arrived at camp... unlike Mistysky. The ginger tabby greeted Swiftspirit with a formal nod. He looked down at the herbs and without complaining, he swallowed them as fast as he could into his mouth. "Yuck!" He mewed in disgust at the bitter taste. How could Hentooth deal with these herbs for so long?

Without another complain, Fawnpaw trotted behind Swiftspirit with a confident smile. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

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Unlike the white molly, Fawnpaw actually enjoyed being underground. The tunnels brought him a sense of comfort, reminding him of his days living in that fox den with his family. Despite not knowing the road, the ginger cat moved confidently following carefully but precisely Swiftspirit's steps. When they finally got out, Fawnpaw shook his body and paws to remove the dirt of his pelt.

His amber eyes stared at the shining rock in silence. It was even more magnificent than he imagined. The tom came out of his shock when he felt the gentle nudge of the older she-cat. He looked back at her like he was asking her if it was okay for him to go. After she gave her a reassuring look, Fawnpaw walked to the Moonstone and laid. Taking a deep breath, he pressed his nose against the cold surface.

A gentle yet firm smile had been planted on Silentstrike’s face before the apprentice ever even made contact with the moonstone, excited to speak with WindClan’s future once more. His tail flickered with excitement as the apprentice began to take form before him, resting peacefully. He didn’t want to wake the tom, but he knew what was in store for him would be better than a simple, peaceful sleep. What awaited him was a beautiful, star-speckled moor, long grass waving gently with the wind. A light dusting of snow had graced the land- enough to invoke a sense of beauty and admiration, but not nearly enough to make one uncomfortable. With an outstretched forepaw, Silentstrike gingerly poked at Fawnpaw’s shoulder. ”Wake up, Fawnpaw. You made it.”

Darkness surrounded his world since Fawnpaw was unsure hen was he supposed to open his eyes. What if Starclan didn't want to meet him because of his loner origins? What would he say to Hentooth then? But his concerns dissipated as soon as he heard an unfamiliar voice. The ginger tom stood up in a jump, surprised. His amber eyes widened in shock at the sight of the starry moors and the unknown Starclan cat by his side. Was this really Starclan or just a dream? It was too beautiful to be real. "I-I did it...?" He managed to mew, still unsure.

Silentstrike smiled, and despite not truly knowing Fawnpaw, felt a sense of pride in the young tom. ”Of course, Fawnpaw. You’re here, this is real. Take a moment to breathe and take it all in, yeah?” Silentstrike took the brief moment of silence to reflect on the beauty of the territory, the sparkling moors. It was easy to forget just how amazing things were, especially in comparison to the cold, barren land below. ”You’ve no reason to believe you wouldn’t have made it. You’re worthy of everything you’ve worked so hard to earn, you know?” His voice was gentle and kjnd, yet still firm in his stance.

Fawnpaw could feel his face getting hotter at the tom's kind words. He turned his face a little embarrassed. The usual serious and composed apprentice he was dissapeared under his insecurities showing up. "I know I have worked hard. I always try to join every patrol and take the duties no apprentice wants. But... I still feel I need to do more. My mom Hentooth is from Windclan but my dad... some of my clanmates didn't want me nor my brothers in the clan." He mewed bitterly, the face of Mistysky materializing in his mind. Though the young warrior hasn't been aggressive towards him during his apprenticehood, he was the one who rejected the idea of Hentooth's kits joining the clan. That memory still lingered in the ginger tom's mind.

”You already do more than what is expected of you, Fawnpaw. You go above and beyond. Give yourself a break, or at the very least, give yourself some credit.” Silentstrike’s voice was sincere, remembering the days where he felt very similar. ”Why listen to them, hmm? You’re doing everything they are to earn your place in the Clan, Fawnpaw, if not more. Don’t let someone else’s ignorance diminish your self worth.” Silentstrike’s blue eyes looked toward the apprentice with empathy, hoping his words helped as much as possible. He had never been good at this.

His amber eyes widened at the tom's words. No one ever... had said those words he much needed to hear. Fawnpaw felt tears trying to come out but he blinked twice and repressed him. He didn't want to be embarrassing in front of a noble Starclan warrior. Instead, the apprentice nodded energetically and finally stood up a little more proudly. The thoughts of not feeling home would never go away completely... but this conversation won't be forgotten either. If Starclan says he is doing everything right to be a warrior it meant his ancestors supported him. Every time he feels alone... the young tom will have them silently watching him from the silverpelt. "You're right... Thank you Silentstrike. I want to keep working for my clan and my home. Hopefully... I will be a great warrior just like you and help others with your advice." He purred, though probably that time was far ahead of the young apprentice.

Before he could continue, Fawnpaw felt dizzy. The starlit plains seemed to become fuzzier as well as Silentstrike. His time was over... it was time to say goodbye. "I won't disappoint Windclan! I promise! Thank you for everything, Silentstrike..."

Finally, the dizziness took over and he fell into darkness. For a few seconds, the tom seemed to be floating in the air without a clear route. Finally, he was able to open his eyes. He was back at the Moonstone cave with Switspirit. A wide smile grew on his face as he stood up and approached the warrior. "I think I'm ready to go home."