Private star-wrapped — starclan's approval

[DIMMINGSUN]

The trek doesn't prove to be a long one, courtesy of Highstones—as he had come to learn about the looming silhouettes in the sky—being located right at the outskirts of WindClan's moors. It's largely a silent walk there; Bengt's mind is preoccupied with whatever is in store for him now, and Meadowpaw had told him enough about StarClan to know that their importance is to be respected. The taste and smell of traveling herbs that Meadowpaw had suggested they take still lingers. At least it keeps him afloat. Keeps his mind focused on the task ahead.

His mind almost compels him to turn around when they reach the gap and enter the tight tunnels. It's not fear- or at least he hopes it isn't. His heart hammers away in his chest.

It's like he doesn't know whether to expect a grand ceremony or his execution in these depths.

When the tunnel finally, finally opens up, Bengt stops for a moment. His gaze takes it all in: the Moonstone, still and silent, and yet somehow beckoning him forward all at once.

"StarClan,"

he breathes into the air, and he almost expects his breath to show despite the warm weather outside. He had never given it much thought—whether there is a higher being out there, someone or something that keeps watch over him and others. It is odd to imagine that he will get to learn of their existence now. Had he stayed a rogue, prowling the unknown for the rest of his life, then he would have stayed none the wiser.

Bengt turns to Meadowpaw one last time, allowing something silent to pass between them. Then, not wishing to waste any more time, especially with something akin to apprehension making his fur tingle, he does what Meadowpaw had told him to do. His nose touches the surface of the strange, moonlit rock.

When a deep-bone chill and a blinding light takes him away, Bengt can only conclude that he is dreaming.

Takes place at the end of August, soon after this thread
@Meadowpaw @CREAMPAW

 

[Meadowpaw]

MEADOWPAW

x

She had only been to the Moonstone once before. A moon before Gladebloom's disappearance, when all the medicine-cats from every clan had gathered together. To think she would be making the journey again so soon… and without her former friend and mentor.

Bengt was strong enough for the both of them. Did he know how much she had relied on him during his recovery? How much she relied on him now? If he did, he didn't seem to think any less of her for it. Though she couldn't help but feel ashamed for having to do so.

Leading him to the Moonstone eased some of the burden she carried. Meadowpaw was relieved not to have to go it alone anymore. Others had been there for her—Hollowmumble, Cricketpaw, Peafowlpaw, Nutmegpurr… They all cared so much for her and she for them, but some things she couldn't expect them to understand.

So beneath the relief were other feelings. A complicated mixture of things that hung over her like an overcast sky. She felt useless for not being able to shoulder that weight alone. Guilty for dragging someone else into her mess. Was joining WindClan really what Bengt wanted? Would he see StarClan's blessing as a gift or as a curse?

For her, becoming a medicine-cat was a way to reshape herself. A new path that had opened when all others had been closed off. Losing Gladebloom was one of the scariest things that had ever happened to her. But still… she was grateful. She still wanted to try and wanted to do her best despite all that.

But right now, her biggest fear was that Bengt might come to regret his choice—that he might regret ever meeting her.

I'm being selfish. That was something Meadowpaw had come to realize about herself lately. Some of the choices she made weren't ones a good medicine-cat would've made. She wasn't like Jinglemoon or Rowanpaw. Instead of growing stronger on her own, someone else had to uproot their life and grow in her place. That felt awful, but WindClan needed a real medicine-cat.

When their eyes meet, she gives him an assured smile. If any doubts crossed his mind, he pressed on anyway. The moonstone glimmered brightly as his nose pressed to the cold stone, and soon went to dream. Meadowpaw guided him this far, but the rest was for him to face alone. Just as Gladebloom did before him...

x

I BELIEVE THAT THERES COURAGE

BUT ITS BURNIN' LIKE ASH IN THE WIND

x

WINDCLAN

MEDICINE CAT APPRENTICE

12 MOONS

SHE/HER

Meadowpaw values kindness and remembrance. As a kit, she internalized her mother's lessons, but questioned whether her way is the only way. She has broken free from the heavy burden of her mother's expectations due to their estrangement after the fire. She remains kind and soft-spoken through all she's endured, but is not afraid to speak out for what she believes is right.

Meadow works tirelessly at any task she undertakes, desperate to prove herself capable and worthy despite her disability. Without her mother's guidance, she finds new ways to express herself.

In conversations, she is gentle, thoughtful, and withdrawn, often hiding her struggles, fearing others seeing her as incapable. She continues to have a strong bond not only with her sister, but with her adopted family as well. Meadow uses her new freedom to support and deepen the bonds with her clanmates. Additionally, she has started to explore the more spiritual side of herself…

Her worldview is a complicated mix of hope and frustration. She wants to believe that there's hope at the end of all the suffering, but feels trapped by her limitations. With enough time and support, she may find a way to overcome her limitations and accept herself.