Private StarClan MOONSTRUCK ʚɞ dream

[SWALLOWBREEZE]

lifetimes has passed since swallowpaw was here last. before, she was a trembling mess, about ready to fall over from stressing herself to exhaustion. she feels lighter as she walks through the dark tunnel leading to the moonstone, whiskers brushing against the cool stone. skyclan's connection with starclan used to be tucked away in a cave, decorated with moss. elders used to say that medicine cats could hear the whispers of their ancestors, but for generations, nothing seemed to reach their ears.

the moonstone glitters from inside it's domain, the crack in the ceiling opens enough to illuminate their surroundings; swallowpaw finds herself squinting even though it's the middle of the night. she doesn't push herself forward until every cat is at least laying down near the stone, heads tucked, ready to dream. her neck cranes until her nose brushes it, and her eyes flutter closed.

starclan felt brighter. the lush, starry foliage blooms in an endless greenleaf, territories weave together because they don't fret over borders. it smells of nothing, but swallowpaw finds herself comforted by nostalgia she thought was lost. her paws feel itchy as the stardust glitters around her, wanderlust for a place she truly wants to explore, but it doesn't feel right to explore when she's still flesh and bones. the first skyclan medicine cat in generations to really see their ancestors. someday, she reminds herself, she will be here– there is an end to all of this.

ʚɞ

 

[whiteflame]

She arrives before the SkyClan molly as if the air itself curates her - wholly nothing, yet entirely everything, like a flame unfurling from the breezes a molly of chill and warmth breathes to life. Her frame fades and frays at the edges, as if her existence on this plane is still threatened by the lost memories of decades prior - and yet, her little sparks remain toddling about her paws. Kittens, forever lost to their youth yet granted to wander, to be curious, to love and laugh. Their eternity is peaceful, and Whiteflame is at peace with her own existence (and therelackof.)

"Swallowpaw, is it?" She breathes out the other's name like a saint might, the halo of her glow lighting her path. Her kits stay close to her heels as if they are leashed to her warmth - as if they risk fading should they wander too far. "SkyClan has braved many dangers on their journey back to the forest. You, most certainly. It is often difficult to find freedom and bravery in the same cat, little feather. StarClan is honored to communicate with you." Whiteflame flicks her tail, summoning her children to a stilled halt. One giggles and leans slightly, another bats him back into place. The mother tries to withhold her loving purr, but can't, and the faint rumble can be heard as she continues.

"I, Whiteflame, call upon our ancestors in StarClan to honor this young she-cat in her vitality and wit, in her compassion and kindness. Swallowpaw, you are ready to earn your full name as a medicine cat," for a flitting moment, she wonders if a butterfly's wing could truly change the path of everything. Would the world be as it is if she had taken Swallowpaw's path? A giggle by her paws tells her she needn't worry about it. "Do you promise to continue upholding the code of the medicine cats - to protect and love every kit and provide equal care amongst your Clanmates? Do you promise to honor those of your past and the bonds they've created - and, perhaps, continue to rekindle what they left behind?"

She waits, patiently, for the "I do." Whether strong and confident, or solemn and anxious, Whiteflame allows pieces of herself to waft into the air like escaping embers, her pelt bristling with excitement.

"From today forward, Swallowpaw - we will honor you as Swallowbreeze. Your adaptability and kindly nature will continue to lead cats down better paths. Your open paws and bleeding heart are your strongest assets. You... are now SkyClan's medicine cat. Congratulations, Swallowbreeze."

 

[SWALLOWBREEZE]

stardust parts as whiteflame's body materializes, kittens tumbling at her heels like dust bunnies. she speaks her name like she is something special, her heart twists uncomfortably at the praise. no one has acknowledge that her journey was difficult, that the weight never left her shoulders and grew at a rate in which only atlas could sympathize. the molly feels her face heat up to the tips of her ears, and her eyes wander to the tumbling kittens as a distraction.

"pardon me?" her voice comes out nearly inaudible, a feather gently falling from a bird, slow to the ground. there's silence while she registers what whiteflame is telling her. the healer thought she'd never get her name, after tigerfoot disappeared she assumed it couldn't happen without a mentor present. there were a few times she considered giving up and naming herself, but she never followed through with it. fear, perhaps, of a lighting bolt striking her down. or her lack of creativity in picking a suitable suffix.

remembering that she hasn't responded yet brings her back. her throat feels thick with emotion, yet she's still able to coax out an, "i do."

her shoulders force themselves straight, so she isn't spending her medicine ceremony slouching like a terrified mouse. it'd be nice if rowanpaw, and the others could be here, she thinks woefully. she doesn't even think about the hole she's dug, trying to convince the others that her mentor is very much, still present in her life.

swallowbreeze feels her eyes mist with tears. it bubbles from the corner of her eyes, plopping onto the gentle apparition of starclan. "thank you." she breathes like a prophet that's seen an angel, "thank you. i'll-i'll do my best, i promise."