Falconpaw's Moonstone Journey

The sound of approaching pawsteps inclined Falconpaw’s head to tilt back, seeking their source. He had found a moment to rest--not sleep under the skies which began fading toward twilight earlier and earlier every day--but to lay down. His sleep only came at odd hours, in fits, now. Blinking slowly, he registered that it was Hemlockfox approaching him. Briefly, he wondered what the gruff medicine cat could want with him, but it clicked at the same time the large tom spoke. His Moonstone… so it was finally time, then. For some reason, Falconpaw’s ears fell back at the news. The idea of warriorhood being so close on his horizon made bile rise up his throat. He hadn’t realized how badly he wanted it to be Tigerstar granting his new name until he was confronted with the fact that his father wouldn’t so much as be there to watch.

Falconpaw managed to feel dizzy, even though he was lying down. His response lagged. Then he shook his head and pushed a smile onto his features. It was tired. ”Tch,” he puffed out the corners of his mouth, ”overdue’s’n understatement.” He thought Hemlockfox’s words would’ve made him feel proud, recognized, a moon or two ago. Now they just made Falconpaw’s stomach churn. What had held him back? There was no technical failing on his part. He was an excellent hunter-- perhaps not so skilled at fighting, but still serviceable. Was there simply something wrong with him that prevented his advancement? If he lacked this intrinsic flaw, which he could not place his paw on, would Tigerstar have been able to see his advancement?

Another shake of his head, and Falconpaw was pushing himself half-upright. He bent down to lap up the herbs offered to them, not even cringing at the taste (it was grounding, in a way), before heaving himself fully upright. ”’Kay,” he said, ”We can go now. I’m… ready.”

---

As he expected, walking beside Hemlockfox was a quiet experience. They traded only the necessary words as they left the moors behind, trading squishy heather for packed earth and stone. Falconpaw could not help but wonder if this was the direction his family had passed in, if they’d gone toward the lake he’d heard fables about. If he humored himself, he could imagine Tigerstar and his sisters hunting wolves together. But that thought, meant to be amusing, just led to images of their mauled bodies. Falconpaw squeezed his eyes shut to try and clear the visions, but they lingered in shadows within his mind.

Eventually, they reached the top of Highstones and began the descent through Mothermouth. The tunnels were cramped in places, even to Falconpaw’s lean body; he could only imagine how a bulkier cat like Hemlockfox felt. He obediently followed the tail end of him and the paw-grooves worn into the stone until the path began to broaden again and light spilled forth. With just a few more paces, they were in the spacious cavern housing the Moonstone.

Something twinged in Falconpaw’s chest at the sight of it. He’d heard that the Moonstone was beautiful, and he’d looked forward to seeing it one day just to be dazzled by it, but… now he only felt a sense of disappointment for the fact that he wasn’t left breathless in it’s presence. The idea that he should be gnawed at the back of his mind. What was wrong with him?

Hemlockfox was speaking, which earned an attentive flick of Falconpaw’s ears. Anything to spare him thinking further. The sentiment of hope surprised Falconpaw enough to make him fully turn his head. He hadn’t taken Hemlockfox for the type to dole out well-wishes to anyone he wasn’t close to. Or anyone at all, for that matter. The comment left him stunned for a few moments until he nodded and murmured, ”Okay. ...Thank you.” Then Falconpaw inhaled deeply and turned to squint toward the stone again. He shuffled closer to it and settled himself down, tucking his paws under his chest and shifting until he was comfortable. When he was, he sighed out the breath he held and leaned forward to press his nose to the smooth stone. A jolt ran through him from the chill; then, very quickly, sleep tugged at his body until he gave in to it.