private i’ve got mine | (moonstone) | but i want MORE

[Dandelionwish]

Honeytwist had told him she would bring him out her once before, but they had gotten busy and so many things had happened since then. It should be her walking him here and not Sootstar, it should be her guiding him still and not the stars and whatever limited skills he himself had gathered in his brief time learning from her. He felt there was so much more he was lacking still...
It did not feel like he'd been her apprentice for only one moon now, it felt more like a lifetime had passed. It felt like he had aged astronimically in such a short time, he wondered if he would find a silver fur among the earthen tones if he looked about for it enough. Perhaps that was why Sootstar was so gray, maybe she had been born of a more bright coloring and lost the sheen of it with time and stress as she grew older, it was a silly thought that made him glance at the much shorter cat alongside him for only a moment before he redirected his gaze forward. The moonstone was not a place he had been before, but of course he heard of it enough. StarClan was closest to them here, they spoke to their select few cats through it and even extended out their touch to grant leader's their nine lives from this very spot.
It was something that might have awestruck him before, but he was settled with a feeling of dread so heavy it had him slouching the entire walk there like a scolded kitten; head down and tail drooping. They had sent him a sign, a warning of the hawks, but he wondered now if that was truly evidence enough for them to have chosen him: was he just convienent at the time, had they already been aware of his mentor's slow descent into despair that would sever her tie with them? Maybe the shadows did represent something dark and forboding falling over WindClan and not just hawks, maybe it was a warning of all this. Regardless, he had misinterpreted its true meaning in the end. If it was a test he had failed, but he hoped desperately at least the stars were somewhere more forgiving given the circumstances.
Would WindClan really be left with no medicine cat? Would it be better to keep going as he was learning herbs and struggling along through trial and error than to do this?
The sepia point stopped walking then, ears falling flat and he took a single step back with wide eyes, "...m...maybe we shouldn't bother. I mean I...they sent me the..the hawk vision. So maybe it's fine. Maybe..."
Dandelionpaw wavered, uncertain, "...I want to ask them what to do but I'm scared." And the fact he had to admit this to Sootstar who he knew had no tact for delicate matters and had such a strained relationship with him and his mentor was almost too much.

​

 

[SOOTSTAR]

Honeytwist was no longer her medicine cat. If you had told her this a moon ago she would've been bouncing up and down like a kit getting to leave camp for the first time. Yet here she was, blank faced, a frown nearly tugging on her lips as she trudged through the grass, heading straight for the moonstone.

This time she won't leave with Honeytwist, but with her new medicine cat. Apprentice or not, Dandelionpaw was the only medic WindClan had left... despite still needing training he'd be taking up nearly all the reigns Honeytwist had once held. A overwhelming responsibility for one so young, she has no doubt, Sootstar prays he's a fast learner and can pick up on what his mentor had known quickly. Leaf-bare was coming, they'd need a knowledgable healer once the snow began to fall.

First things first, StarClan needed to accept him. Just as they had with Honeytwist, just as they had with Sootstar. The possibility of him getting turned away isn't a worry in the blue smokes mind, there was no reason for StarClan to... and they'd want their favorite clan to have a medicine cat. The only reason they'd cast him aside was if they had someone better. Yet not everyone has a knowledge of herbs, so she dearly doubts it.

Sootstar shakes her head at his words, "Swallow your nerves, you'll be fine." she doesn't mean to be dismissive, but now that she had some say in how Dandelionpaw's training developed she'd do her best to make sure he didn't develop the same bleeding heart his mentor had. He needed some tough skin, he needed to know how to face fear, he needed to know when to turn cats away and tell them no.

Yet she isn't that cold as to leave him entirely hanging. She tries again, "Like you've said, you've already spoken to StarClan. If you fear for your acceptance don't, they'll welcome you with open paws. This is just customary; all leaders and medicine cats must go through this. And from what I hear...? You're going to want to do this."

Why?

"If your fellow medicine cat friends find out you weren't properly accepted, who knows, maybe they'll do you like they did Bonejaw. We don't want that." Her ears fold as a strong wind blows at them, "Besides... this is an honor. Not all cats get to meet StarClan, you're one of the lucky few. Aren't you curious as to what they'll look like? All your questions will be answered." Well- maybe. Or it could create more questions.

Sootstar cautiously approaches the thunderpath, its atrocious scent causing her nose to wrinkle. "You cross first... When I say go, you go understand? I'll be right at your tail." The woman tells the apprentice, looking both ways and waiting a few moments to assure one wouldn't approach at the last minute. When she was near certain it was all clear she makes the order, "Go!"​

---

Spoiler: TAGS ★ 10/19

( primary character / "speech" / ic opinions )​

╰ ★ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,
· SOOTSTAR, female — she / her
╰ ‣ 31 moons . pisces. ages on the first
╰ ‣ windclan leader . marsh-born . believes in starclan
╰ ‣ former soldier of the marsh group

╰ ★ ჻ 002 VISUALS & AESTHETICS ,
· DOMESTIC FELINE, smells like heather and wet dirt , status — 100%
╰ ‣ blue smoke . scarred chest, difficult to see through fur . green eyes

╰ ★ ჻ 003 MENTALITY & MANNERISMS ,
· ESTJ-A ❝ EXECTUTIVE ❞ , Slytherin, Lawful Evil
╰ ‣ Cunning, brash, fierce, confident, self-reliant, envious & selfish
╰ ‣ finds great difficulty in relating to others . can be cruel, usually shows mercy to those she can find sympathy with

╰ ★ ჻ 004 INTERACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS ,
· SOOT CLAW x PEBBLE BREEZE, sister to Pebblenose
╰ ‣ heterosexual. romantically interested in Weaselclaw
╰ ‣ mother to owlpaw & shrikepaw
╰ ‣ average fighter . skilled hunter .
╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .
╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.

 

[Dandelionwish]

Honeytwist would have soothed his nerves, she would have looped her tail around him and been encouraging. Soostar, however, was she he expected her to be. Blunt and forward and not too worried that he felt he was going to shatter into pieces at the first bit of pressure.
But when she kept speaking he found himself somewhat surprised, it was not exactly what he wanted but it was close enough to being comfort that he found himself nodding slowly, latching onto the words because he had nothing else to hold.

She stuck her claws in one of his fears and twisted it and Dandelionpaw frowned intently at the thought, he didn't think Beesong or Dawnglare capable of the violence he had seen at their gathering, but then again he also hadn't expected it from Honeytwist. That she could turn from a cat he found comfort in to something so terrifyingly cruel and loud. He'd also be lying if he said he didn't want to see StarClan with his own eyes, to know they were actually there and not just something he desperately believed in for some sense of solace.
"...I guess I am..." Answer all his questions? He doubted it, but it might answer enough.

Dandelionpaw inched toward the thunderpath and crouched, ears flat but nodding to the orders because he had never actually crossed one of these before and the memory of hearing how Briarstar was brutalized so violently she died nine consecutive times kept him from acting foolish; not that he expected he would otherwise but the sepia point moved when he was told and no sooner. Long legs swiftly carried him across the too smooth black stone that smelled like burning and he felt his fur bristling as he stopped on the grass at the other end to look back and wait for the storm-cloud colored leader to also cross.
The wind was rather forceful tonight, he had to raise his voice just to be heard over it, "What do I even DO at the moonstone?"

​

 

[SOOTSTAR]

As she had promised, Dandelionpaw only had to wait mere seconds for the she-cat to arrive on the other side of the thunderpath. Sootstar had meant it when she had informed she'd be right on his tail, making sure he safely got across. After all, the older cat likely had crossed more thunderpaths than the medicine cat had during his life.

Without much of a word she carries on, pushing against the breeze. The cold air stung at her eyes, causing them to grow teary, she blinks them away for her tears to dampen her cheekbone fur.

An ear flicks in acknowledgement at the inquiry before she replies, "You touch your nose to the rock, close your eyes, fall asleep." Simply she replies, it wasn't much of a ceremony... You'd think it'd have to be more elaborate, wouldn't you? Yet speaking to StarClan via the moonstone was something they kept simple. "From there StarClan enters your dream, during my nine lives I was put into a place that looked a lot like WindClan, but covered in stars. Surrounding me were cats I had fought with and against during the Great Battle... I doubt you'll have as big of an audience." She assures, in case that'd be a worry... but who knew? She could only speak for her own encounter with them.

Eventually the landscape turns from grassy to rocky. The small entrance of mothermouth ended up right at their paws... "It's going to be a tight squeeze, dark too, but don't panic. You'll make it through." Sootstar takes the lead here, not that she knew her way around perfectly... she had only been here once after all.

Sootstar lacks discomfort as she transverses through the dark tunnel, it was much like the underground tunnels WindClan had... Just as dark, but slightly more room both in height and width. Bigger cats would be able to make a squeeze through here unlike the tunnels on the hills. Her ears remain perked, listening for the sound of Dandelionpaw's paw-steps to ensure the brown masked feline was right behind her.

Then abruptly, there is light. It's source? The moonstone no doubt, they were close to a full moon and Sootstar could only imagine how bright it got then... It's holy light was near blinding the way it was to her evergreen gaze. The room opens up, a slight chill can be felt due to the large opening in the cave's ceiling, but it's just as beautiful as Sootstar remembers it. She looks to Dandelionpaw, wanting to witness his reaction to the jaw-dropping view for the very first time. She bears a minor smile. ​

---

Spoiler: TAGS ★ 10/19

( primary character / "speech" / ic opinions )​

╰ ★ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,
· SOOTSTAR, female — she / her
╰ ‣ 31 moons . pisces. ages on the first
╰ ‣ windclan leader . marsh-born . believes in starclan
╰ ‣ former soldier of the marsh group

╰ ★ ჻ 002 VISUALS & AESTHETICS ,
· DOMESTIC FELINE, smells like heather and wet dirt , status — 100%
╰ ‣ blue smoke . scarred chest, difficult to see through fur . green eyes

╰ ★ ჻ 003 MENTALITY & MANNERISMS ,
· ESTJ-A ❝ EXECTUTIVE ❞ , Slytherin, Lawful Evil
╰ ‣ Cunning, brash, fierce, confident, self-reliant, envious & selfish
╰ ‣ finds great difficulty in relating to others . can be cruel, usually shows mercy to those she can find sympathy with

╰ ★ ჻ 004 INTERACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS ,
· SOOT CLAW x PEBBLE BREEZE, sister to Pebblenose
╰ ‣ heterosexual. romantically interested in Weaselclaw
╰ ‣ mother to owlpaw & shrikepaw
╰ ‣ average fighter . skilled hunter .
╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .
╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.

 

[Dandelionwish]

The point apprentice wrinkled his nose one last time at the turmac and stale scent of the thunderpath before turning to jauntily trot along after the wind-swept queen as she pressed forward with an urgency that was most likely born from wanting this said and done with sooner rather than later. For once he agreed, like plucking out a bothersome thorn it would hurt but he looked forward to the relief of approval once it was done. Hopefully, anyways.
He listened to the explaination with a rare stretch of quiet unatural for a cat as talkative as he was, squinting into the darkness ahead in thought.
The whole affair didn't sound very impressive, but if it was a nap StarClan wanted then it was a nap they'd get; he wasn't going to say he didn't like the idea of taking a rest after the long walk and previous ordeals that lead to it and he was, if you asked him, an excellent sleeper. Very skilled in it even.
So distracted he almost doesn't register the stone underfoot until they are right upon the entrance and he watches Sootstar vanish into the inky darkness of the looming structures only opening...or so he thought.

He is brought no comfort from the cramped opening that they were to venture through, his ears flattening in silent unease. It was a fair bit larger than the tunnels back home, certainly, but he was strictly against the idea of being underground if he could help it. Supposedly some clans actually had dens that were beneath the earth or carved into it; he wasn't sure he liked that. The medicine cat den of WindClan had enough of a roof to keep the stores safe but he could also just as easily peek his head out at night to see the stars. While Dandelionpaw did not share Sootstar's insistence that WindClan was StarClan's favored clan, he did like the idea of being so much closer to the sky for sleeping under it that they had a more watchful eye. At least at night. It was comforting, in a sense, and the Stars knew he needed comfort lately.
But he grits his teeth and bears it, for his own sake and for everyhing else, he has to see. He wnts to see. Squirming through, long legs pushed up against him uncomfortably until the faint splash of blue light like reflective waters draws him ever closer. Dandelionpaw is once again silent upon stepping into the lit clearing within the hollowed stone, mismatched gaze darting upward to the other opening he had not been prepared for that rains a calm light from overhead and fills each shimmering stalagmite with color.
A single brown paw extends to one of the stones near him, lightly touches it as if uncertain before his unease shatters and he breaks into a smile before turning to the center of the room once more.
"...wow." It's such a paltry comment, drawn out and whispered as if fearful the loudness would shatter the illussion but it summed up his awe as neatly as it could without shouting. The apprentice approached, glanced at Sootstar briefly and once again the longing that Honeytwist should be the one here with him struck him but he pushed it down; he couldn't let his unhappiness take away from this moment. He wanted to see StarClan.
Recalling the WindClan leader's instructions he slowly settled down with his legs folded under him and hesitated for a moment before laying his head down, nose just barely touching the glimmer stone and feeling quite silly...

​

 

[SOOTSTAR]

There it was, the awestruck look. There couldn't be a cat who entered this place who didn't have that look plastered across their face. This place was far to heavenly to be entirely unphased by it's beauty. Tiptoeing around the apprentice so that he may examine the cave to his liking, she settles down nearby the glowing stone. While she was here, she might has well parley with her ancestors, right?

Emerald orbs watch the tom eventually settle into a laying position, pink nose lightly touching against the moonstone. Sootstar nods in approval, unsure if he'd even see the gesture or not. "And now close your eyes, try not to fight sleep away." Sootstar would do the same, pressing her ebony nose against the cool stone. Resting her chin on her paws, her emerald eyes close. "Sweet dreams..." She yawns.

If Dandelionpaw says much more, the blue smoke doesn't hear him. Soft snores and sleepy breaths escape her, the tired she-cat was out like a light, visiting with StarClan.

//if you wanna timeskip to after / the journey back, im totally down! otherwise ending it whenever you'd like is okay with me <3​

---

Spoiler: TAGS ★ 10/19

( primary character / "speech" / ic opinions )​

╰ ★ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,
· SOOTSTAR, female — she / her
╰ ‣ 31 moons . pisces. ages on the first
╰ ‣ windclan leader . marsh-born . believes in starclan
╰ ‣ former soldier of the marsh group

╰ ★ ჻ 002 VISUALS & AESTHETICS ,
· DOMESTIC FELINE, smells like heather and wet dirt , status — 100%
╰ ‣ blue smoke . scarred chest, difficult to see through fur . green eyes

╰ ★ ჻ 003 MENTALITY & MANNERISMS ,
· ESTJ-A ❝ EXECTUTIVE ❞ , Slytherin, Lawful Evil
╰ ‣ Cunning, brash, fierce, confident, self-reliant, envious & selfish
╰ ‣ finds great difficulty in relating to others . can be cruel, usually shows mercy to those she can find sympathy with
╰ ‣ Appreciates titles such as "miss, m'am" etc

╰ ★ ჻ 004 INTERACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS ,
· SOOT CLAW x PEBBLE BREEZE, sister to Pebblenose
╰ ‣ heterosexual. romantically interested in Weaselclaw
╰ ‣ mother to owlpaw & shrikepaw
╰ ‣ average fighter . skilled hunter .
╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .
╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.

 

[Dandelionwish]

(StarClan Dream)

He’d woken up disoriented and feeling strangely lighter, the weight on his shoulders was still there but he felt more capable of bearing it. For some reason Sootstar did not press him for details or say anything more than ‘let’s go’. Perhaps she knew he was still stuck with his head in the stars and would be poor conversation, or maybe she was just in a hurry to return. He could not tell, but he did as told and rose to stand; vaguely wishing he could have stayed longer.
Outside time seemed to have not moved, it was yet still dark, but upon crawling out of the highstones he couldn’t help but stare upward as if his eyes might be able to detect the familiar shine of Rosepaw’s own star. But sadly they all looked the same here…

Trailing along behind the smoke-colored leader he faltered for a moment, paused, eyes downcast as he frowned thoughtfully, “Sootstar…wait. One second..”
Whether she complied or not he took a seat and began to meticulously groom his right paw, claws unsheathed and his teeth and tongue picking at them one by one to ensure each ebony curl was polished and shiny and more importantly: clean. It made him realize he was going to have to compromise on some things in WindClan, but those were thoughts for later.

There was little warning or hesitation when that now pristine set of blades lashed out, his body leaning forward and gray fur shredding as he scored claws across her chest with an expression devoid of malice or interest. It was not hard to find an angle that allowed the strike easy given their height difference, should have warned her or spoken of it, but he didn’t care. Not right now.
"...it'll close on it's own. Pack it with moss."

He felt blasphemous, traitorous, drawing blood when he didn’t need to. He remembered the moonlit glow of claws flashing in the night and the scent of copper but he told himself firmly now that from this moment going forward he’d never harm another cat unless pushed to do so; whether in defense of himself or his clan. His paws were not to be used for causing wounds, they would be full enough healing them.

“...it’s Dandelionwish now. We’re going to have to talk later, but right now I’m too tired…let’s go home.”


​

 

[SOOTSTAR]

Dandelionpaw was right on both counts, she was in a hurry to return to the hills and knew the masked feline would likely be poor company right now. It didn't bother her, she didn't much feel like talking either. Slipping through the tunnel and eventually being back under the starry sky, she pines straight for the thunderpath with no intent on halting. That is until her medicine cat gave a command, ...wait... one second.

An invisible brow raise and she turns around to give him a quizzical look. What was it? How was this boy not in a hurry to get back to his nest like she was? He sits down and begins to groom himself, Sootstars fur bristles in irritation, was he testing her? What had gotten into his head?! "You're welcome to a spa day once we're home." She growls, and if he hadn't stood up in that moment she would've walked away then and there.

He walks up to her, her gaze not once moving off of his form. She huffs and nearly begins to turn around but is interrupted by Dandelionpaw's claws against her chest. She feels his talons rip at her skin, she feels the warm blood begin to trickle and pool. Sootstar nearly has half a mind to think she was getting betrayed right now, that some elaborate plan had been schemed by Honeytwist and Dandelionpaw to take their revenge on her. Kill her away from WindClan. The blue smoke is half expecting to feel her ex-medicine cats claws grip around her neck and slice, but it never happens.

It'll close on its own... pack it with moss.
The look of shock and fury fades almost instantly to a smile, "We're going to work together just fine, I think." She is pleased, her set of scars were finally complete. One from a deputy, two from lead warriors, and two from a medicine cat. Wish we could've done a proper ceremony... but I'll take it.

With spirits high, she begins to walk off with a smile as Dandelionpaw informs her he is now titled "Dandelionwish". It suited him, and she verbally expresses that the stars had named him accurately. Aside from that the duo is quiet for the remainder of the journey, but Sootstar childishly finds herself wanting to pry. What else had StarClan told her new medicine cat? Yet she finds the strength to refrain, they'd talk soon. ​

---

Spoiler: TAGS ★ 10/19

( primary character / "speech" / ic opinions )​

╰ ★ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,
· SOOTSTAR, female — she / her
╰ ‣ 31 moons . pisces. ages on the first
╰ ‣ windclan leader . marsh-born . believes in starclan
╰ ‣ former soldier of the marsh group

╰ ★ ჻ 002 VISUALS & AESTHETICS ,
· DOMESTIC FELINE, smells like heather and wet dirt , status — 100%
╰ ‣ blue smoke . scarred chest, difficult to see through fur . green eyes

╰ ★ ჻ 003 MENTALITY & MANNERISMS ,
· ESTJ-A ❝ EXECTUTIVE ❞ , Slytherin, Lawful Evil
╰ ‣ Cunning, brash, fierce, confident, self-reliant, envious & selfish
╰ ‣ finds great difficulty in relating to others . can be cruel, usually shows mercy to those she can find sympathy with
╰ ‣ Appreciates titles such as "miss, m'am" etc

╰ ★ ჻ 004 INTERACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS ,
· SOOT CLAW x PEBBLE BREEZE, sister to Pebblenose
╰ ‣ heterosexual. romantically interested in Weaselclaw
╰ ‣ mother to owlpaw & shrikepaw
╰ ‣ average fighter . skilled hunter .
╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .
╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.