Aspenpaw's Moonstone Journey

Cloverheart shook herself out with a snort, steps swift and a little clumsy as she moved out of her den. Where had all these apprentices come from? It felt like every night now she was taking another one out to Highstones. She'd be lying if she said it wasn't bitterly exhausting work, but... someone had to do it. Shouldering into the apprentice's den, she spotted the cat she was looking for and padded over, dropping a bundle of herbs and giving him a nudge. "Wake up, Aspenpaw. Eat these, then we're leaving for Highstones, okay?"


"Careful here, watch your footing. But look– here we are! The Moonstone is pretty, isn't it?" She tried a purr, but it quickly devolved into a weary cough. Illusion of excitement fading, Cloverheart sighed and whisked her tail towards the glittering stone as she moved closer. "Come lay down next to it. Touch your nose to it, and you'll wake up in StarClan. All very fun. I'll be right here if you need anything." As she spoke, she settled on the cool ground, situating her forelegs before lowering her head to take her own rest.

The sun had barely begun to clear the tops of the trees when he was nudged awake, a cold breeze making its way into the apprentice den as the medicine cat stood in the entrance momentarily, depositing a bundle of herbs at his maw. Her instructions had been clear, despite the fact it felt like his ears were non-functioning, and the tom ate the herbs, screwing up his nose at the taste as he stood and made his way out. The sour feeling left in his mouth had awoken him fully, and he followed Cloverheart wordlessly as she carved out the path there.

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The descent into the caves had been less than ideal, sharp stones sticking up just enough to pierce his pawpads and not draw blood, but cause immense discomfort and lightly placed steps. Cloverheart had carried on diligently, and he recognised entirely that this was just a regular day for her, and found it almost amusing how much she seemed to now roll her eyes at the journey and following steps. As she introduced the Moonstone, he of course was fascinated, but once more amused at her response to it. After delivering the final instructions, he settled on his stomach, before turning to the molly with a snort. "One of the most pivotal points in my life, and you could sound more enthusiastic about a dead rat," He joked, before realising how harsh it sounded. Oops, he thought with embarrassment, now immediately ducking to touch his nose to the stone, hoping to escape from the medicine cat potentially taking offence.

Blinking his formerly closed eyes open, a familiar landscaped stretched around him, and he lacked the concern he felt the first time he had awoken to this place. Instead, he peered around for a recognisable form, hoping a battle-scarred molly would part the thick fog that enclosed the clearing and appear.

Aspenpaw’s smaller form quickly took shape in front of Vixenstar as she sat waiting for him, a satisfactory smile crossing her lips when he finally made his appearance. ”Back so soon, hm? Must be eager to get ahead. That’s good.” The molly mewed, a nod accompanying her words. ”We’ll waste no time, then. Tell me, have you completed most of your basic training as a warrior? If so, we will begin honing your skills.” She rose tk her paws, allowing a gentle stretch to work her stiff muscles. Sticky, crimson blood oozed slowly from her eternal wounds, but she paid it no mind. It was her normal.

At first she was almost like a smudge in his vision, but slowly she appeared in more, and the red that slowly travelled down her fur in rivulets provided a sense of assurance that he was in the right place. Vixenstar's voice was silky as always, and he waved his tail as she talked, taking a seat and listening to her like he had the first time they met. "I mean, I didn't come back on purpose- Not that I'm complaining! I just honestly thought I might've made this all up, so it's nice to be talking again," The apprentice rambled at her a little, before thinking of his training. "I guess I'm mostly done now. I'm on my Moonstone trip, and that normally happens towards the end of training, so I think I'm ready for the next step here. I've been training harder, Vixenstar. I want to help RiverClan in any way I can," His voice was resolute, and he stood to meet her, a little intimidated by her height over him. He wondered inwardly what honing his skills could look like- there wasn't a lot of prey about here- but he was ready and willing.