Crocuspaw's Moonstone Journey

Fawnshine had readied the herb bundle since the night before, wrapping one last leaf around to secure it tightly to prevent any herbs from seeping outside. Time had flown by faster than she thought; Leaf-fall was already here, and she feared Leaf-bare may come sooner this season now more than ever—especially with such rapid starvation spreading through the forest.

With a sigh, Fawnshine emerged from the medicine den, attempting to shake the thoughts off her mind. She looked for Crocuspaw, whom she had very few occurrences spoken before unless she needed visits for injury-related issues. "Crocuspaw? It's time for your Moonstone journey." She called out for her upon arriving at the apprentices' den, keeping her voice soft in case the others were still asleep. Pulling her head from out of the den, she stood nearby, resting the bundle of herbs at her paws once she had emerged. "Once you finish, we can go whenever you're ready."

Fawnshine paused, about to lead the apprentice out of camp as she would with every other individual—but to her surprise, it seemed like the younger she-cat had other plans. Curiosity prickled in her, combined with a hint of suspicion, yet subtle admiration alike. Just very subtly, though. "I understand your concern, but if you compare it to your own situation—I'd much rather not have an apprentice pass out in the midst of our journey from hunger or exhaustion." Fawnshine smiled, tilting her head. "Isn't that much more preferable?"

With a soft, quiet chuckle, she reached down to nudge the herb bundle closer to the she-cat's paws; finding it somewhat ironic that her much larger frame completely contrasts her more reserved personality. "The Moonstone journey is important for every apprentice before they go on to become a warrior. I'm sure StarClan would approve of your caring nature," She nods, "Although if not for my clanmates in need of it—like you, valuable herbs collected would simply go to waste. And I've already prepared the herb bundle, especially for this occasion."

Fawnshine watched her with a softened gaze; silent amusement underlying heterochromia eyes as she watched Crocuspaw attempt to play off her clear displeasure at eating the bitter herbs. She appreciated the lack of complaint and smiled anyway—brushing her tail against the apprentice's back as if to reassure her that it was fine not to necessarily like the bitter taste of the traveling herbs.

"It's alright not to like the taste of the herbs, you know," She whispered, motioning Crocuspaw forward to follow her out of the familiar haven of camp. "It took some time for me to get over it, too. Don't force yourself. The other apprentices don't necessarily like them, either." Through experienced paws led them both across familiar paths long left by past medicine cats, carefully guiding them through the woodland territory and avoiding where most predators were located.

Feeling the breeze travel through her fur, she lifted her head and scented the air. It was especially chilly that early morning. Perhaps it was a sign; perhaps it was not. Only the Stars would tell,  she thought. "When we do arrive at the Moonstone, is there anything you might want to ask them for advice?" She asked, tilting her head back curiously at Crocuspaw to break the silence.

Fawnshine listened attentively, making sure to slow her pace down to help listen to the she-cat better without requiring her to go on too many pauses. Crocuspaw's concern became more prominent the more she ranted on about her distress—and she felt a sense of pity for such struggles the young apprentice was going through. It was logical that she would want to ask Fawnshine, a medicine cat, about such religious topics.

...But to ask her, out of every other possible medicine cat that had their faith strongly side with the stars—was a mistake.

Of course, being a mentor herself twice and advancing through her life to believe, and have trust in StarClan was something unavoidable from the moment she was a kit. The Stars themselves had been pertinacious about having Dovefrost take her under his wing as a medicine cat apprentice. But to stand with them all the time? She didn't believe any clan cat by themselves would've believed in them consistently, for the rest of their lives—not through unfair justice, grief, and disaster.

At least, that was true for her. The Dark Forest taking over the forest before had permanently altered her perspective on things from when she needed them with her most, and they hadn't been present. Not only that but in a way, took away the clanmates whom was still dearly cared for and loved. Still, she recognized Crocuspaw deserved real, objective advice; and so she'd try her best to give such.

"Crocuspaw, listen to me." Fawnshine paused, letting out a soft sigh as she turned back to the young she-cat with as much empathy as she could offer despite her usual, more professional demeanor. "You are not defined by what religion you choose, or choose to side with. Not unless you intend to be defined as so." She let her words linger for a moment before continuing, "As a Thunderclan cat, and a medicine cat myself, we'd appreciate it if you believed in the stars. But if your heritage is also something that is very dear to you, you don't have to choose now. You are still very young, and warriorhood stands a long path ahead of you. Thunderclan will still welcome you no matter who you choose, and I have the feeling that Starclan will, too."

The medicine cat leaned in closer, giving her a comforting lick on her ear. "...There's something I've never revealed to anyone before, but I can understand your struggles. I trust that you won't spread information recklessly," She gave a subtle smile, "My fate and duty, as a medicine cat, may side with the stars—but I haven't always taken a liking towards them. You'll learn, eventually, that even the power our ancestors hold may have faults. There's a reason why even clan cats each have a different percentage in beliefs of the stars. I am not an exception." Her gaze softened, wishing she could wipe away the brimming tears in Crocuspaw's eyes, somehow. "...But, belief or not, you are still valid. And we'll always welcome you as a part of our clan, either way."

With an understanding smile and nod, Fawnshine made no further advancements upon the discussed topic—only focusing on safely paving the way for the young apprentice to follow after now. Even if two-legs less frequently roamed the area, it would still be better if they kept their guards up in case of monsters or the sightings of other rouges.


The two eventually made their way in front of the Mothermouth, to which Fawnshine paused to instruct the young she-cat. "Inside the tunnel, it will be dark. Stay close and follow the tip of my tail, if not my scent in case you can't see it well." She spoke softly, making sure to receive a confirmation from her before leading them both through. At the end of the cave, she reached a bright, illuminating stone, which she gestured to Crocuspaw to come close. "Press your nose to the Moonstone, and Starclan, or whichever God you have faith in—shall do the rest. I'll be here when you wake up."