Heatherpaw's Moonstone Journey

Vindication had settled in the apprentice's stomach at hearing she would be traveling to the Moonstone. For so long, she had sharpened her claws and refined her skills for this moment. While an underlying injustice would likely burn in her belly for a lifetime due to the way in which Heatherpaw had been left behind as Crakeburn earned her name, there was also anticipation in knowing she deserved this. It would be her own father taking her to commune with the ancestors. While she loved him dearly, admittedly, his role as deputy given the circumstances had caused a sour tasted in her stomach. The herbs were almost more pleasant.

Still, the molly's nose wrinkled for a brief moment. Shaking out her coat, Heatherpaw stood tall and determined as she faced the deputy. Her brilliant blue eyes shone with determination and unending will; her coat had been groomed to perfection and flowed with each motion. No longer did she look like an apprentice fresh out of the nursery, Sootstorm's kit had the heart and appearance of a warrior. She followed after her father, tampering down all the many questions she had for him in order to focus on the task at paw. Luckily, Windclan was the closest to Starclan, favored in their eyes.

As they scaled the Highstones, Heatherpaw found herself enamored with the vastness of the stone. Vague memories of traveling through the mountains resurfaced. It was in that moment she remembered the promise Crakeburn had made her. While so entirely insignificant in hindsight, the nick on her ear was a constant reminder of the memories they shared as kits. So many moons ago they had decided it was tumbling into a stony, rock-face that had caused her permanent injury. A pang of longing wrenched her stomach and almost abolished any thoughts of anger. What had caused them to become so far apart Crakeburn didn't speak to her about her injuries now?

As she glanced at Sootstorm, her whiskers twitched. He'd always known the pair of them were bad liars but she would never admit that, even now. Crakeburn owed her a favor someday for sparing them both Fennelbreeze's wrath. These thoughts gave way as the pair of Windclan cats traveled into the dark and stony depths. Heatherpaw breathed in, welcoming the burn of cold air into her lungs. The thinning of space was more of a comfort than terror and briefly the she-cat wondered why they did not explore the tunnels more often. Soon, though, the blank scenery gave way to a brilliant light. Her eyes widened to drink it in.

Sootstorm's voice pulled her back as he gave instructions. She wanted to tell him she already knew but bit back what would have unintentionally been a smart reply to meow, "[color=MediumOrchidThank you, Sootstorm.[/color]" I hope at least Starclan knows I am ready for this. Long steps brought her to the base of the Moonstone as she settled down, tucking her paws beneath her. The she-cat's feathery tail wrapped over her nose to off-set the chilling sensation that immediately ran down her spine. Comfortably position, ready for the unknown, Heatherpaw's flank began to rise and fall slowly. It was time for Starclan to greet Windclan's newest warrior.

Sprucethorn waited for Heatherpaw to materialise before him. As per a semi-regular occurrence StarClan had beckoned him forward to help another apprentice on their journey to warriorhood. Emerald eyes watched Heatherpaw’s flank rise and fall, she looked so peaceful in her sleep, but he knew better. The brown tom was aware of her temperamental nature, having been allowed to watch over her trip to the moonstone. Now it was his turn to deal with that. Spricethorn steeled himself for what was to come, hopefully the cream she-cat was an early bird and excited to meet StarClan. He wasn’t sure he wanted to deal with the alternative. “Rise and shine, Heatherpaw. Welcome to StarClan.” he meowed, gesturing widely with his bushy tail and a welcoming grin on his maw.

The pretty, pale-furred molly blinked slowly as she became concious of the ethereal Starclan realm around her. It was the cheery voice of a shimmering tom that caught her attention. Even though this was the world of stars, it was obvious the cat before her was of Windclan origin. Having heard tales of cats from other clans visiting apprentices, she was grateful the ancestors had made the right call in selecting a guide for her. As she stood, the apprentice's flowing tail flickered back and forth.

"Thank you." Heatherpaw meowed quickly, almost impatiently, "What is it that Starclan has to share with me?" Although she had been enthusiastic about this trip, the anticipation lay in what would follow likely after they returned back to camp. Her mind raced as she wondered what name Tigerstar would give her, and where her neat would be. Larchpaw and her siblings would certainly be impressed. Cloudypetal too.

"Infinite knowledge and wisdom?" replied Sprucethorn, not too surprised with the molly's snappy response. "Contrary to popular belief, I'm not a mind reader. If you would like me to help guide you, you'll have to ask. I have plenty of answers to give, I just need a question from you in return. The tom settled down onto his haunches tail flicking as he waited patiently for Heatherpaw's questions. He hoped this would be another mission accomplished he could add to his record of moonstone journeys, if the cream she-cat let him help her, of course.

"If I had any questions, I'd ask them." She meowed pointedly with a quick flick of her tail. Heatherpaw was disenchanted with the idea of Moonstone journeys, seeing them as little more than an old rite of passage passed down through generations. It wasn't that she had any disdain or disregard for the ancestors, rather than she thought they mattered little. Windclan was naturally the closest to the watchful eye of the stars but that had meant nothing during her lifetime. The molly's ear flicked as she regarded Sprucethorn, "I'm seeking nothing more than the path to warriorhood. The faster I can get back to camp, the better."

Sprucethorn let out a barking laugh “At least you’re sure of yourself, kid.” His eyes crinkled shut, thinking of what he would have liked or wanted to hear on his own moonstone. Stars, he could hardly remember because moonstones were totally a thing we had to do back then, he’d spent so much time in StarClan his moonstone had blended into all he had in Silverpelt. In truth he could guess what had been said, and he knew he hadn’t listened, it was probably something akin to what he would tell Heatherpaw. Hopefully, unlike him, she would heed the advice given. “Y’know a good warrior practices patience. To be hasty can lead to terrible consequences. Right now you want nothing more than to be a warrior, to serve your clan, be the best. It seems more often than not that is what most of us desire.” meowed Sprucethorn. The tom took to his paws, pacing back and forth “I know you will make a good warrior, but there are still things left for you to learn, and some of those lessons come later on. When I was an apprentice and a young warrior I was overconfident, brash and impulsive - it’s more than likely what got me killed. Not using your brain, or considering things differently than just you, and your own ability, can be handy. It will help you go far, Heatherpaw.” he finished, turning his emerald gaze back to the molly.