Skunkpaw's Moonstone Journey

A starry pelt emerged from the darkness, his large paws mimicking graceful strides of foxes slipping across the pine forest-like landscape to approach the younger tom standing still in place. Despite his large, seemingly intimidating figure that screamed the stance of a well-experienced warrior, Duskflight knew he wouldn't pose any actual threat to Skunkpaw. Not here, and not for no reason, anyway.

"Greetings, Skunkpaw. Welcome to StarClan," The warrior spoke up, his tone husky yet welcoming; warm, in a way. "My name is Duskflight. I was the mate of Swiftheart, and a warrior of Shadowclan not too many moons ago." He introduced himself. Though, curiosity prickled in him as he noticed the apprentice's lack of sight, an empathic smile spreading across his maw in welcome. "Do you have any questions for me?"

Duskflight's eyes softened in an understanding of Skunkpaw's question, sitting down in front of him in acknowledgment. Scars and wounds were something he was far too used to, whether it be mentally or physically. The emotional damage it impacted him had yet to be forgotten in lingering memories when he was still served healthy and living within the Forest, though he'd learned to reunite with his old friends in Starclan.

"Your injuries don't, and never will define your worth," Duskflight explained, tail absentmindedly brushing against deep-rooted scars beneath his thick, dark pelt—a torn ear at his right. He might've looked intimidating to some, but fortunately, that wasn't for Skunkpaw to worry about. "Not unless you allow it to. Which, you definitely shouldn't," He smiled. "Trust me, I've had my fair brushes with danger both as a naive apprentice and a fully-fledged warrior. Though, in the end, it was experiences and my loved ones that helped guide me through, until I passed to StarClan." His gaze softened further at the memory of his mate, Swiftheart.

"Just keep doing your best at what you're good at, and I promise you won't let anybody down. Even if things go south, you won't need to blame yourself for it because you've tried your hardest already," He whispered reassuringly. Answering the last of Skunkpaw's questions, he paused to ask his own. "If... It isn't too much trouble for you, I'd like you to leave a note for my mate. Tell her that I'm doing alright up here, and that I'm so proud of her for all that she's done and survived, gone through. And that I'll always cherish her, too."