[IC] Warriors: Trial of Shadows

[Marlowe]

"Burnet, chamomille, ragwort..."

A slender black tomcat sat in a large gap in the face of the mountain as he counted the bundles of herbs at his paws. His sharp, icy eyes scanned over them once, twice, three times; this gathering of small leaves was perhaps the most important bundle of plants in the whole moon, for they would do well in securing a quick and healthy passage to DuskClan territory. It would be a long journey, and Blackmoon and Hawkpaw would probably get back to the Clan during the early hours of the next morning. His wandering mind drifted to his apprentice, Hawkpaw. It was to be her first trip to the Moonbrook, and it was going to be a tough one for sure. That was why he had to be careful with the herbs he was preparing-- it was his job to make it easier for her to get there. I'll add some sorrel. Oh, and lavender flower, so it's sweeter and easier for her to eat.

His gaze drifted to the medicine den's entrance. The sky turned the color of fire as the sun dipped behind the mountains. Blackmoon still had to ask Emberstar if he was able to spare them a warrior or two in order to help them cross the territories. It would be bad if they were expected to go alone with all of the death happening. Blackmoon knew how to fight a little-- his mentor, Bluebelltail, had taught him how to fight when he was an apprentice. A medicine cat should always know some basic combat techniques, she had told him. One never knew what could happen. But to defend himself and Hawkpaw against a wolf, or bear, or mountain cat? They wouldn't stand a chance.

"That should do it," he sighed to himself before he pushed the bundles to the side. Blackmoon padded up to the entrance and slipped outside. He stood on the ledge for a few heartbeats, feeling the wind in his fur before he padded down a slope to the main clearing. Sootkit and Robinkit tusseled in the sand underneath a rocky overhang, squeaking and crying out in mock battle. There were some cats sharing tongues in the dwindling light while others ate their last meal of the day. Blackmoon paid them no mind as he walked to the freshkill pile and picked out a small bird from the bottom of the pile.

[PrankFox]

Hawkpaw shuffled about in the smaller den that was tucked out of the way of the main part of the medicine cat's den. She had already fixed up her nest for probably the third or fourth time that day even though she knew she wouldn't be using it. She felt nerves and excitement prickling underneath her sand colored pelt at the journey that she and Blackmoon would be making that evening. She had only been an apprentice for a short time and this would be the first time she went to the Moonbrook and met with the other medicine cats. She pulled at the moss under her claws absently as she began a mental checklist of the herbs she had been learning and what there uses were. Borage for fevers, catmint for greencough, goldenrod to help healing, horsetail for infections... She'd always felt she had a good memory and now it seemed it would serve her well and therefore serve her clan. Many of her clanmates were loud and brash so she'd always found herself peeking into the quiet of the medicine den and watching Blackmoon quietly sort through herbs.

She stuck her head through the crack in the wall and saw her mentor's tail slip out of the entrance to the den. She padded across to follow him, noting the bundles of leaves off to the side and felt her nerves spark again. She'd heard some of the warriors saying that StarClan was no longer communicating with them, what if they had nothing to say at the Moonbrook? She quickly followed out, looking up at the beautiful mottled colors of sunset across the cliffs and trees. She appreciated the sounds of a peaceful camp for a moment before walking past Leafsong and Kestreltail, who were keeping a watch on Brightkit in the fading light, to where Blackmoon had settled himself and sat down next to him with her tail wrapped around her paws. "We're leaving soon right? It takes a while to get to DuskClan doesn't it?"

Her eyes caught a flash of movement towards the back of camp as Emberstar bounded down from his den near Skyledge to warm greetings from the rest of her clan. He padded his way across camp, head held high and red coat turned to dark fire in the fading sun, likely to see them off for their journey. She felt her head duck down slightly as their leader stepped up blinking warmly at Blackmoon. "Everything ready for your travels tonight? Hopefully StarClan will have some words of wisdom for the coming days ahead."

[Marlowe]

Just as Blackmoon had settled down with the bird, Hawkpaw came bounding over. "We'll be leaving in a few. Make sure to get something in your stomach so you tolerate the herbs a bit better," he explained. "We'll be back at the brink of dawn, though the herbs' effects should last until then."

He picked the rest of the feathers off of the bird, then took a bite. He realized he hadn't eaten at all that day-- he wondered why that was. Was it because he was nervous for what was to come? What if StarClan didn't show themselves to the Clans? What would everyone think? Blackmoon remained silent as he ate, only perking up when he noticed their bushy-furred leader come up to greet them. He swiped his tongue over his jaws before he sat up and nodded curtly at Emberstar. "I can only hope so. They haven't spoken to any of the medicine cats in seasons. With leaf-bare coming up, we'll need their word more than ever," he muttered with a flick of his ear. After a few moments, he spoke up again.

"I was hoping you would be able to send two warriors along with us." Blackmoon's gaze hardened more than before. "Any two will do."

[PrankFox]

Hawkpaw nodded and slipped away to the freshkill pile as Blackmoon spoke with Emberstar; picking up a mouse and settling down nearby. Close enough that she could hear what was being said, but not to get under anyone's paws. She froze for a moment in chewing at the muttered words, but quickly continued on as if she hadn't been eavesdropping. StarClan hasn't spoken to any of the medicine cats... She'd heard some of the warriors tossing around rumors but she didn't think it was really true. Has StarClan truly abandoned them, now of all times? What would happened if they didn't speak to her? Could she really call herself a true medicine cat if they didn't?

"We can only hope they've decided to end this silence," the leader's eyes tracked Hawkpaw for a moment as she bounded off before flickering back to Blackmoon, "but even if they do not we will prepare in our own way for what is to come. ThornClan will continue to prosper even if our ancestors seem to think otherwise."

Hawkpaw crept back up next to Blackmoon, having finished the mouse she had selected, and looked up towards Emberstar who fixed her with a piercing green gaze for just a moment. Was it desperation she saw in his eyes or a hope that maybe they would speak to her? She wasn't sure.

Emberstar nodded in agreement, "I wouldn't send you with any less in these times." His gaze wandered around the camp a moment before settling on two of his warriors. "Stonefoot, Shadeclaw" he flicked his tail to beckon the siblings over, "You'll travel with Blackmoon and Hawkpaw to the Moonbrook. A safe journey to all of you."

[Marlowe]

If there was one thing Blackmoon liked about Emberstar, it was his dedication to his Clan. He perked up a little when he spoke about lending him Shadeclaw and Stonefoot, two well-seasoned warriors from ThornClan. He watched them as they approached. Stonefoot, even though she was a she-cat, was much larger than her brother Shadeclaw. Her green eyes glimmered as she glanced between them. "It's about time we're given something to do," she mewed excitedly. "I don't think I've ever been on DuskClan territory before."

Blackmoon rolled his eyes at the siblings as he finished his meal. Funnily enough, it was also when Hawkpaw walked to his side again. "Many thanks, Emberstar," Blackmoon mumbled as he dipped his head gratefully. He then turned to Stonefoot and Shadeclaw. "I'll also prepare some herbs for you two. It shouldn't take long. Hawkpaw," he flicked his tail at her, "come along."

The black tom once again padded across the clearing and climbed up the slope that led to the medicine den. His mind raced as he slipped back inside. Stonefoot and Shadeclaw were full adult warriors, which meant that they probably didn't need as many herbs as Hawkpaw. He set aside some ragwort for them before he turned back to his apprentice. "Are you going to eat your herbs?"

[PrankFox]

As Emberstar wished them well and went back to whatever else he was needed for Hawkpaw turned her attention to Stonefoot and Shadeclaw as they approached. She hadn't ever really gotten much of a chance to speak with many of the warriors. Maybe she'd be able to ask them some questions while they traveled. She perked up a bit at the excitement in Stonefoot's voice. Seems like this would be both of their first trips into DuskClan. She almost missed the smaller black-furred form that stood in the shadow of his sister, green eyes narrowed in what she hoped was determination and not irritation at being chosen for this job.

"Should be interesting, I've always wondered how they can get around in those tunnels." Shadeclaw's voice was more subdued that Stonefoot's but Hawkpaw could hear the undertone of excitement there.

As Blackmoon called her she immediately turned to scamper after him up the slope to the medicine den. She wrinkled her nose slightly as he asked if she was going to eat the herbs, "Yes." She pulled the bundle from where it sat against the wall and began chewing them; grimacing at the bitter taste, though it did seem slightly covered by something sweeter. She swiped her tongue around her jaws to get rid of the rest of the bitter flavor as Blackmoon pulled out more herbs for their escorts.

"How long will it take us to get there and back?" She also wondered if they would meet up with the other medicine cats on their way there or not, but she didn't want to bombard him with questions.

[Marlowe]

Blackmoon was pleased with the fact that Hawkpaw swallowed her herbs without so much as a complaint. The lavender had done its job. After he finished organizing Stonefoot and Shadeclaw's bundles, he padded over to his own assortment of herbs and gulped them down. Even after all of this time as a medicine cat, he still couldn't get used to the flavor. "It'll take us the whole night to get to the Moonbrook and back. If we're lucky we'll be be back before dawn. Now, help me take these to Shadeclaw and Stonefoot," he told her as he walked past her and stepped outside once again. The sun was dipping lower and lower behind the mountains, and dusk was finally to tighten its grip on the valley.

Blackmoon padded up to the two littermates and placed the first bundle at Shadeclaw's feet, his tail twitching expectantly.

[PrankFox]

Hawkpaw nodded. She'd never been away from the camp for, well, any period of time at all. It was much too dangerous for kits to go wandering out of the camp, much to the annoyance of many of them, so she could feel the same excitement she'd felt earlier in the day bubbling up once again. She tried not to think of how far they'd be walking or what they could potentially encounter while out in the dark. She jumped to do what Blackmoon asked; picking up the second bundle of herbs and following him outside. She could already see most of her clanmates beginning the nighttime routine, setting watch at the entrance, and ushering the kits into the nursery.

She dropped the second bundle in front of Stonefoot as Shadeclaw swallowed the herbs with little more than a grumble and wrinkle of distaste to his nose. She shuffled her feet somewhat nervously looking towards the entrance. She was more than grateful to Emberstar for giving them an escort, and to the siblings for being to willing to help.

"Will the other medicine cats meet us there?" She moved to stand next to Blackmoon as they prepared to leave.

[Marlowe]

Blackmoon was pleased to see that the two warriors swallowed the herbs with little more than a mumble of complaint. He remembered when he was an apprentice-- the herbs were probably the worst thing that he had ever eaten. Now, it just tasted like grass. Very fragrant grass. It was easy to get used to after a while. As their group began to move towards the entrance to the camp, he glanced down at his apprentice. "We'll meet up with everyone before we get there. First we'll meet up with BirchClan's medicine cats, then MistClan's," he answered simply before he turned away and flicked his tail for them to follow. Then, without another word, he trotted across the sandy clearing and disappeared through the brush.

[PrankFox]

Hawkpaw nodded in understanding. She was excited to meet the other medicine cats, especially since she hadn't ever really met any cats from the other clans. She quickly followed after Blackmoon as he left camp, followed shortly after by the two siblings whose darker coats easily blended into the dark pine forest in the fading light. She was interested in the DuskClan cats most of all, hidden away in their tunnels. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to live without being able to see the sky or climb the cliffs around their camp, it would feel too weird.

She kept pace with Blackmoon easily much to her surprise. The traveling herbs were definitely doing their job as they kept up a reasonable pace in order to make it to the Moonbrook at the proper time. She could hear Shadeclaw speaking quietly to his sister a few short steps behind them, but she couldn't quite catch everything the dark colored tom was saying. Though she felt pretty sure it had something to do about the deaths that had been happening sporadically through all of the territories. She'd heard the elders talking about it with some of the warriors before she'd been ushered away back to the medicine den.

She bounded up next to Blackmoon, excitement lending energy to her paws, "Have you ever actually spoken with StarClan? What're they like?"

[Marlowe]

The group of cats slowly made their way towards the forests as they hugged the cliffs' walls. Blackmoon could still feel the warmth of the sun radiate off of them, even after so long of being covered in shadow. Slowly but surely, the sun continued to retreat beyong the mountains, where it would hide away for hours until dawn came along again. He was mildly aware that the two warriors chatted behind them. He didn't really care what they talked about, but he sure hoped that they did their job at protecting them well. They should-- there had to be a reason why Emberstar chose them, right?

He blinked down at his apprentice as she came bounding over. "I've shared tongues with them long ago. I must have been a little older than you are now. I was the first one in a long while that was approached by a StarClan cat, so that's how I got my name, Blackmoon." He flicked his tail. It must have been twenty or so moons since then. StarClan, where did the time go? "They're mystical. Eerie, kind of. They're kind of hard to explain, but they're up there, despite what many cats might think."

They eventually reached the treeline. Several cats waited for them there, and he recognized Dawnwing and Tigershine, the medicine cats of BirchClan.

"Hello there~!" the tabby tom waved his tail from his spot next to a tabby tom. "Hi, Blackmoon, Shadeclaw, Stonefoot." he glanced down at Hawkpaw. "Is this your new apprentice, Blacky?"

"Tigershine, I told you that my name is Blackmoon. Anyways, yeah, this is my new apprentice, Hawkpaw." He flicked his tail against Hawkpaw's shoulder. "Hawkpaw, this is Tigershine, he's Dawnwing's apprentice. The tabby next to him is Braveleap, and the sandy tom is named Addertongue."

[PrankFox]

Hawkpaw stared up at Blackmoon with wide eyes as he told her about his interactions with StarClan, "That's so cool!" She leapt a little ways into the air,"I wonder if they'll say anything to me when we get there. I hope they do." She looked up through the trees as they continued to walk; seeing the occasional glimpse of the early stars winking into the sky as the sun fully vanished out of sight. She imagined them each as one of their ancestors watching down over them. Trying to picture the sort of eerie, mystical presence that Blackmoon described. It was comforting in a way, to think about so many generations of cats keeping an eye on them.

She froze as the larger tabby tom shouted out a greeting from the treeline. She saw Shadeclaw briefly dip his head in greeting to the other cats, but carefully kept his distance from the BirchClan cats. If she hadn't been so nervous she probably would've laughed at the nickname that Tigershine called her mentor. She'd never heard anyone speak so informally to the medicine cat, not even his own brother.

Hawkpaw snapped out of her own mind as she felt the tail flick her shoulder. She dipped her head to all of them, "It's very nice to meet all of you." She didn't know how formal she needed to be with them so she glanced towards Blackmoon for some kind of indication.

The small calico she-cat, who must be Dawnwing, flicked Tigershine with her tail; whiskers twitching in amusement. "That's enough out of you," she said it sternly though there was no real heat to her words, "It's wonderful to meet you Hawkpaw. We're always pleased to see another following the path of the medicine cat."

Hawkpaw perked up at Dawnwing's kind words and waved her tail happily as they continued moving towards their destination. As they settled into a comfortable walking pace she watched Addertounge slip up next to Stonefoot and strike up a conversation, his voice smooth and actually rather pleasant, ignoring the glare from Shadeclaw who was on his sister's opposite side.

Dawnwing stepped up next to Blackmoon, leaving Hawkpaw to pad quietly behind them her ears flicking between the various conversations goingon around her. "Have you heard anything from StarClan? They've been uncomfortably quiet since all of this started and Jaystar is getting more concerned as time goes on." The other medicine cat kept her voice low as to not alert the warriors or apprentices to their conversation.

[Marlowe]

These times of peace between Clans was what Blackmoon appreciated the most out of his life. He didn't remember a time when the Clans had to worry about wars or battles, despite being rather young. The most they had to worry about was border scuffles, lack of food, and disease. If only the peace could last forever. He glanced back at the warriors that traveled with them, seeing that Braveleap had fallen into step beside Hawkpaw and Stonefoot was rolling her eyes at Addertongue. In a way, he wished that all the cats of the Clans could stay together as one large Clan, but he knew that would never work. The cats of the valley were far too different to live together, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

He perked up at Dawnwing's question. Her words only made the dread in his heart grow. "I haven't," he answered plainly. "I really hope that they reach out to us soon. Many of my Clan's cats are losing faith in StarClan, if they still believe at all."

Tigershine frowned. "It's the same thing in BirchClan," he murmured. "I'm not sure Jaystar even believes anymore. I wonder if cats are going to start going against the warrior code..."

[PrankFox]

Hawkpaw thought about what it might be like to meet up with members of other clans. She'd heard about the gatherings sure but there was something different about traveling with them across borders unhindered. All of them talking like they knew each other well, and she supposed some of them did, felt so strange. She'd heard about times when war ravaged the clans, it almost seemed inevitable at times, but this felt like those fights were so foolish. They could all get along, at least it seemed like it to her.

She glanced towards the tabby tom that had fallen into step next to her, Braveleap if she remembered Blackmoon's introductions correctly. Meeting members of other clans was so exciting! "Nice to meet you," she meowed softly towards the tom and then scrambled for something else to say, "What's it like in BirchClan?" She hoped that wasn't rude to ask.

Dawnwing sighed, her tail twitching in concern. "They have not spoken to me either. No omens or prophecies at all; just completely silent." She looked back towards her apprentice as he spoke, "I can't say what Jaystar thinks anymore. Without StarClan everything feels directionless, but we have to hope that the leaders and warriors continue to abide by the code. It would only make things worse if they decided to abandon what kept everything balanced."

Hawkpaw tuned briefly into the conversation going on in front of her, curious of what the older cats were discussing, and she almost wished she hadn't. None of the medicine cats were receiving dreams from StarClan anymore? If Jaystar had stopped believing in StarClan that meant that maybe Emberstar didn't believe either. Maybe MistClan or DuskClan were still speaking to them. She hoped that was the case at least.

[Marlowe]

Blackmoon heard Braveleap's voice behind him. "We have lots of trees. Our leafbares are harsh, but probably not as harsh as your Clan's. We had two kits born recently, Firekit and Rowankit. Have you ever been to a kitting before?" the tom's voice was gentle as he spoke to his apprentice. He appreciated the fact that Braveleap was kind, but he hoped that Hawkpaw didn't give too much information away. Warriors from all Clans always fished for some sort of information, whether it be with good intentions or not. He flicked his tail at Dawnwing's reply.

"I've tried my hardest to keep Emberstar interested in StarClan. I hope Jaystar doesn't stray from their light," he told the other medicine cat. As they walked, he caught the scent of marshlands, and he realized that they were nearly upon MistClan territory. That was probably why his feet started to ache.

Tigershine sighed. "I hate crossing through MistClan territory. My paws get so wet and sticky from the mud."

[PrankFox]

Hawkpaw's tail waved excitedly, the other clans were so cool! "The cliffs keep most of the snow out of the dens but it does get cold." She shook her head, "No I haven't ever been. I've only been Blackmoon's apprentice for a short time, so I imagine I'll see one some day. It's nice to hear that there will be new apprentices soon!" She didn't know what she could really tell Braveleap about the clan so she tried to mind what she said. He seemed nice, but the warriors and Emberstar always said to be careful around other clans.

Dawnwing nodded, "I hope all the leaders can keep their faith. This is not the time to loose it in light of what is happening." She chuckled lightly at Tigershine's complaint. Her smaller stature meant that she didn't sink quite as far into the marshy ground and some of the others. "You're just upset your lovely pelt gets messy."

The ground felt almost springy under Hawkpaw's feet now, and heard the other apprentices complaint. So this was MistClan, didn't seem so special with all the reeds, lack of trees, and small streams that meant everyone got their paws wet. She didn't think she'd survive in the marshes. Too damp for her. She could see two cats waiting for them amongst the reeds. "Good to see you Dew-whisker, Frostpaw" Duskwing called out as they approached. "I see Hailshine and Lightningnose with you. Greetings." She dipped her head to the four MistClan cats as they padded over.

Her ears perked up a bit, another apprentice then. She craned her head around the older cats to see a speckled she cat with a smaller white tom behind her who had his head ducked down, eyes to the ground. Hopefully he'd warm up a bit, she didn't want to be stuck on a journey with someone who wouldn't talk at all. That wouldn't be any fun.

[Marlowe]

"Hey, that's not true. Are you sure you're not talking about yourself?" Tigershine's voice became a half-tone higher as they walked. Blackmoon rolled his eyes in response. He wondered how it was like to be a medicine cat that bantered back and forth with their apprentice. It was commonplace among two cats of similar age, especially between two cats that were previously mentor and apprentice themselves. But between him and Hawkpaw? It just felt weird. He felt like he should show her that a medicine cat's work was serious and shouldn't be fooled around with.

They finally made it to MistClan territory, and he perked up when he saw a bunch of other cats there. He was able to recognize Frostpaw and Dew-whisker instantly, but the other two cats were somewhat unfamiliar. Luckily, Dawnwing was quick to call them by name. That was the advantage of sharing borders, he guessed. "Hello," he greeted, albeit a little shyly. Their numbers were growing larger, and he kind of felt uncomfortable among so many cats he didn't recognize.

"Hi," Dew-whisker smiled warmly at them, as did the sandy she-cat who was named Lightningnose. Dew-whisker's eyes settled upon Hawkpaw, then Frostpaw. "Frostpaw, c'mon. Go introduce yourself to Hawkpaw. She's around the same age as you, and it's nice to make friends in other Clans!"

Blackmoon blinked. He'd only met Frostpaw once or twice before, and the little tom was often a shy one. He felt for the poor thing. Leaning close to Hawkpaw, he whispered into her ear. "Maybe it's best if you make the first move."

[PrankFox]

Dawnwing chuckled at her apprentice as the rest of the cats joined up with them, sharing greetings and introductions. "No pretty sure I'm talking about you. I'm much too light to sink into the marsh." They must've been mentor and apprentice for some time to be able to speak back and forth so easily Hawkpaw mused as the rest of the cats joined them. He did already have his full name so it made sense. Maybe when she got older and more confident she and Blackmoon could speak more comfortably to each other.

"Nice to meet you," Hailshine meowed kindly towards Blackmoon, noticing the discomfort and not wanting to overwhelm him. She padded towards Braveleap bumped her shoulder against his with a warm and teasing smile as she struck up a conversation with the tabby.

Frostpaw's head snapped up towards Dew-whisker, amber eyes wide at her request before glancing towards where Hawkpaw stood with her eyes bright with excitement. "Alright," he mumbled; walking slowly towards the other apprentice. Of course she had to be one that actually wanted to talk and not just walk quietly.

Finally someone who was the same age as her to talk with on this journey! He seemed shy and as Blackmoon leaned down to whisper in her ear she gave him a nod. She could keep a conversation going with little input from anyone else, but it was more fun when it was a back and forth, like the conversation she could hear going on behind her with the siblings and Addertongue, who seemed to have given up on his escapade with Stonefoot and was simply chatting with the two ThornClan cats.

"Hi!" she chirped as Frostpaw finally reached her and they got back to moving towards DuskClan. "Nice to meet you! It's great to have someone closer to my age on this journey now. Not that it isn't interesting to talk to the other warriors, but it feels a bit strange, right?"

"Hello," he spoke so quietly she had to prick her ears to catch what he was saying amongst the other conversations that were going on around them. "Um, I guess so." At least he was talking, she racked her brain for something to talk about and settled for asking about what it was like living in the marshlands. That should be easy enough for him to answer questions about.

"So how're things in MistClan?" Dawnwing asked Dew-whisker, her voice casual but also concerned that the other she-cat might be experiencing the same lack of contact as the other clans seemed to be.

[Marlowe]

If the lot of them had wanted to stop and hunt, they would surely find nothing among the surrounding brush. They were just too loud for any meek creatures to stay around for long, though this didn't really bother him much. He wasn't very hungry (the herbs were doing their job well) and it warmed his heart to see the cats of different Clans chatting among each other as if they were all one big happy family. Gatherings were more or less the same; Blackmoon was surprised they didn't all share tongues during the event. He felt his whiskers twitch with amusement as he imagined such a bewildering scenario, only to be interrupted by Dawnwing's question towards Dew-whisker. As she slowly shook her head, he felt a deep pang of worry, though he forced himself to nod curtly at Hailshine's greeting.

"We're doing well, though I've received no word from StarClan. Frostpaw hasn't said anything, either," she raised her eyes towards the two chatting apprentices. "Are you having trouble keeping Hawkpaw interested in StarClan, Blackmoon?"

Blackmoon shook his head. "Hawkpaw seems to be excited about meeting them, eventually."

"Lucky you. Many of our older Clanmates have lost faith, including our deputy. I hope it doesn't impact our apprentices. The last thing we need is for cats to be raised outside the warrior code."

Their conversation was interrupted when he heard laughter come from behind them. Braveleap and Hailshine seemed to be deeply engrossed in their conversation, and Lightningnose had joined Addertongue and the other ThornClan cats. Tigershine sighed.

"I sure hope they show up tonight." He made a face as he shook out his paw from wet soil.

"I hope so, too," Dew-whisker murmured as she turned away, motioning with her tail. "Come along. This way's the safest path through the marsh."

[PrankFox]

Hawkpaw continued her chatter towards Frostpaw. The young tom seemed to at least be warming up a little bit. He wasn't staring at the ground any longer, but he still hadn't looked in her direction or spoken in more than short sentences. "How long have you been an apprentice? This is my first time going to the Moonbrook, so I'm excited to see what it's like!" She frowned as she remembered a snippet of the conversation between Blackmoon and Dawnwing that she had overheard. That StarClan had stopped talking to them. "Has StarClan ever spoken to you?"

"Only a few moons." Frostpaw's voice was still quiet, "It's pretty, but the DuskClan cats always make me nervous." He looked a bit startled by her last question. "We're not really supposed to talk about our dreams, but no, I don't think they have."

If StarClan wasn't there to speak with them then how were new medicine cats supposed to get their names or learn about the prophecies that would protect the clans. It seemed so strange that one moment they were there and the next they were gone with no warning. The least they could've done was give a sign that they wouldn't be around. That would've stopped at least some of the doubt. "Well maybe they'll be here tonight! We won't know until we get there."

"It's hard to say how many of the warriors have lost faith. I can only hope our leadership holds onto it and your deputy finds it again." Dawnwing let a small smile cross her face at the talk and laughter behind her. "At least it hasn't severed the connections between us." She was pretty sure this was the most relaxed she'd seen members of other clans since the gathering. She nodded in agreement with Tigershine and let Dew-whisker take the lead through the marsh; mostly ignoring the wet dirt she could feel building up between her claws.