The Starcave

[Clover]

Originally Posted by Lilly

@Clover

Following her new mentor's paw steps as she seemed to easily make her way into the dimly lit cavern that stretched before her, Cricketpaw's mouth began agape by just a hair. The darkness and shadows that surrounded her sent shivers down her fur, but apart of her also welcomed it, as if it was somehow a home she'd never known about. Her bright blue eyes, vibrant with curiosity and wonder, floated around, begging to take in every detail of the landscape her paws now graced. She could feel the smooth surface beneath her, worn down by countless paw pads that had walked this very path before her. Was this where her father had come to receive his lives? Somehow, that ignited a tiny fire within her and exasperated a warm feeling deep in her chest. She had been so excited to reunite with him, and now she was walking the same path he had, albeit hers for a much different reason.

The still young RiverClan she-cat let her gaze rest on Geckoleaf as she stopped, letting her own paws come to a halt beside her new mentor. Her heart thumped rapidly in her chest, like a fish trying to swim upstream, battling the current every inch of the way. There was no breeze this deep in the cavern, and ahead of them, a light glowing from the sacred Moonstone. It nearly took her breath away when she had first witnessed it stepping in behind the RiverClan medicine cat. Now, a warm rush of pride filled each crevice of her body; she had been selected as Geckoleaf's apprentice. Though she hadn't gotten to know the medicine cat too well, since she was just barely three moons old when she was taken from the Clan, something about her seemed familiar. Maybe it was because Cricketpaw was unsure if her own mother was still alive. Perhaps it stemmed from the one longing desire to have a deep and meaningful connection in her life - not just another 'acquaintance'. Whatever it was, a smile graced her youthful maw as she looked up at her mentor, eyes shimmering with hope and excitement, surer than they had ever been.

"I feel as though I am the least qualified cat for this," Cricketpaw stated honestly, heat rushing to her ears before she continued. "But, I also feel like somehow, this is what kept drawing me back to RiverClan, even while I was away. I am eager to learn the ways of a medicine cat, and to follow in your paw steps, Geckoleaf." A calm, content tone shaped those words, leaving Cricketpaw's mouth in a voice just barely above a murmur. Every inch of her pelt tingled as if she had been struck by lightning, and it took every fiber in her body to remain still. Ever since she had left behind her mother and siblings and made the tremendous journey back to her home, Cricketpaw had never been one hundred percent sure of any decision she had made. What if her siblings were now all dead? What if her mother was no longer the feline she had looked up to all those moons ago? Yes, there were many choices the Bengal had made in her short life that she wasn't all too certain of - but accepting her role as RiverClan's next medicine cat? A smile spread across her face once more as she realized that this is why StarClan had called her home.

The smooth rock beneath her feet was familiar and even more comforting. This place was not her home, but it was a refuge, as she hoped it would be for Cricketpaw. She wanted many things for Cricketpaw- for her to be satisfied as a medicine cat, and be able to enjoy her life. For her to actually receive her full name, unlike Arcticpaw had. She mostly just wanted the young molly to live a happy, fulfilling life, devoid of the hardships that Geckoleaf herself had to face; loneliness, the feeling of everyone leaving her, the inability to hunt even if you so choose, and the feeling that you could never heal enough. But, she also had a greatest fear for Cricketpaw; that she would break under the strain of seeing so much death and sickness. That she would be mentally cut in two, after seeing so many cats she tried desperately gave die. Maybe it was just Geckoleaf, but those mental images could be debilitating to her, at times.

She watched her new apprentice for a moment longer, the way she seemed exciting seeming to light up her face. Her eyes gleamed with excitement, and the fiery tabby could sense the restlessness just beneath the surface. The smile on her face was sure and genuine, and she seemed ecstatic to be her, to become medicine cat- despite everything, she still seemed to want to endure everything that could happen to her yet. Geckoleaf's tail involuntarily flicked, both with pride and happiness; here was someone who could respect the work that the healers of the clans did, and participate herself. Here was a youth who respected StarClan and their ways. And here, in front of her, was a she-cat who would be willing to serve others, and sacrifice herself for their sakes.

Geckoleaf intently listened to the quietly uttered words of Cricketpaw, that seemed to echo quietly in the small, damp cave, her voice surprisingly soft, due to the strange way the walls seemed to absorb the sound. Geckoleaf's ears swiveled towards the bengal, the soft fur tickling the sensitive insides of her audits as they rotated. Every word seemed thought out, and her tone suggested that she was feeling calmer, more centered and present. The medicine cat smiled, her own wordless praise at the molly's wonderful ability to stay relaxed. "Alright then, follow me. Be careful- this path can be slick sometimes with dew, and I myself have occasionally slid," she mewed quietly, out of respect for the ancestors that seemed to dwell within this sacred place.

Turning tale, she hobbled her way down the smooth, worn stone path, her three good legs working together awkwardly, until she developed a slightly faster, although seemingly more bumpy gait. She crossed the small distance between the path and the Moonstone without looking back at Cricketpaw; she could easily keep up with a three-legged medicine cat. The Moonstone seemed to get brighter and more intense as she got closer to it, the light eventually hurting her eyes, until they adjusted to the added brightness. She stopped next to the Moonstone, waiting only a moment for Cricketpaw caught up, before launching straight into the customary ceremony; she wasted no time, as she felt a strange pull for her to officially become her apprentice, in the eyes of StarClan.

"Cricketpaw, is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat? (It is.) Then come forward. " She turned away from the molly, and towards the gleaming crystal. "Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this apprentice. She has chosen to pursue the sacred path of a medicine cat. Grant her wisdom and insight beyond her years, so that she may serve her clan with grace and tact, and understand your will so that she may act in accordance," she said softly, ears flattening slightly as she finished. It was not the exact same thing that Marshsnow had said to her, or her to Arcticpaw, but it was still charged with emotion and it felt nearly painful to utter those words. "Cricketpaw, press your nose to the Moonstone."

[spade]

Originally Posted by Clover

The smooth rock beneath her feet was familiar and even more comforting. This place was not her home, but it was a refuge, as she hoped it would be for Cricketpaw. She wanted many things for Cricketpaw- for her to be satisfied as a medicine cat, and be able to enjoy her life. For her to actually receive her full name, unlike Arcticpaw had. She mostly just wanted the young molly to live a happy, fulfilling life, devoid of the hardships that Geckoleaf herself had to face; loneliness, the feeling of everyone leaving her, the inability to hunt even if you so choose, and the feeling that you could never heal enough. But, she also had a greatest fear for Cricketpaw; that she would break under the strain of seeing so much death and sickness. That she would be mentally cut in two, after seeing so many cats she tried desperately gave die. Maybe it was just Geckoleaf, but those mental images could be debilitating to her, at times.

She watched her new apprentice for a moment longer, the way she seemed exciting seeming to light up her face. Her eyes gleamed with excitement, and the fiery tabby could sense the restlessness just beneath the surface. The smile on her face was sure and genuine, and she seemed ecstatic to be her, to become medicine cat- despite everything, she still seemed to want to endure everything that could happen to her yet. Geckoleaf's tail involuntarily flicked, both with pride and happiness; here was someone who could respect the work that the healers of the clans did, and participate herself. Here was a youth who respected StarClan and their ways. And here, in front of her, was a she-cat who would be willing to serve others, and sacrifice herself for their sakes.

Geckoleaf intently listened to the quietly uttered words of Cricketpaw, that seemed to echo quietly in the small, damp cave, her voice surprisingly soft, due to the strange way the walls seemed to absorb the sound. Geckoleaf's ears swiveled towards the bengal, the soft fur tickling the sensitive insides of her audits as they rotated. Every word seemed thought out, and her tone suggested that she was feeling calmer, more centered and present. The medicine cat smiled, her own wordless praise at the molly's wonderful ability to stay relaxed. "Alright then, follow me. Be careful- this path can be slick sometimes with dew, and I myself have occasionally slid," she mewed quietly, out of respect for the ancestors that seemed to dwell within this sacred place.

Turning tale, she hobbled her way down the smooth, worn stone path, her three good legs working together awkwardly, until she developed a slightly faster, although seemingly more bumpy gait. She crossed the small distance between the path and the Moonstone without looking back at Cricketpaw; she could easily keep up with a three-legged medicine cat. The Moonstone seemed to get brighter and more intense as she got closer to it, the light eventually hurting her eyes, until they adjusted to the added brightness. She stopped next to the Moonstone, waiting only a moment for Cricketpaw caught up, before launching straight into the customary ceremony; she wasted no time, as she felt a strange pull for her to officially become her apprentice, in the eyes of StarClan.

"Cricketpaw, is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat? (It is.) Then come forward. " She turned away from the molly, and towards the gleaming crystal. "Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this apprentice. She has chosen to pursue the sacred path of a medicine cat. Grant her wisdom and insight beyond her years, so that she may serve her clan with grace and tact, and understand your will so that she may act in accordance," she said softly, ears flattening slightly as she finished. It was not the exact same thing that Marshsnow had said to her, or her to Arcticpaw, but it was still charged with emotion and it felt nearly painful to utter those words. "Cricketpaw, press your nose to the Moonstone."

A moment of clarity seemed to overcome Cricketpaw as her new mentor spoke the soft words to her; despite the hushed warning her tone seemed to comfort the she-cat even more. She slowly closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself. All around her the cavern appeared to echo with whispers of her ancestors, and for a brief moment the new apprentice felt invisible felines moving around her. Her breathing quickened just a bit, adjusting to her surroundings, before oddly enough she found comfort in their presence. "This is where I'm meant to be," she murmured, the butterfly feeling returning as she lifted her eyelids, a new spark of hope for the new path laid out in front of her was evident in her eyes.

Heading the warning, Cricketpaw let her gaze remain on her paws and the smooth rock paths as she followed behind Geckoleaf. She was careful as she placed each forepaw down beneath her, testing its sturdiness before breathing a sigh of relief and moving on. Since they had left right after the ceremony in the Clan, she hadn't much time to rest her muscles, and was still recovering from her long journey back to RiverClan. The weight of sleep deprivation still dragged at her, whining and clawing at her muscles for her to stop and curl up. Albeit her body was tired, the young she-cat's mind was wide awake with excitement and nervousness- which only intensified as the glowing illumination of the Moonstone came into full view.

A small gasp escaped Cricketpaw, feeling as though as though all the air had been pressed from her lungs. The gleaming light of the beautiful Moonstone sent tingles down her spine, and unconsciously the fur along it rose as well. Now, the whispers that she could barely hear seemed more clear, though she still could not make out any words still. She could feel deep within her soul that many cats had been here before her, and it was calming to know that this was a sacred place that tied all cats together, regardless of their Clan. And now, it was her turn to follow in their paw steps and accept her destiny as RiverClan's next medicine cat. There was apart of her that feared she would not be good enough, or be able to learn everything from her new mentor. However a bigger part of her, a deeper voice from within, seemed to speak belief to combat the negative words that swirled within her mind. You can do it.

As Geckoleaf began to speak the words of a ceremony she had never heard until now, Cricketpaw nodded softly, murmuring the appropriate "It is," after the opening question. Her heart quickened its pace as her mentor now seemed to be speaking to StarClan, and a stab of anticipation shot through her. She sincerely hoped that her ancestors would accept her, and that they forgave her for the secret she kept, of having turned to the soft life of a kitty-pet for a few moons after her kidnapping. A deep breath seemed to settle her racing pulse and then bengal turned her gaze to the Moonstone, studying its structure.

At her mentors request, she turned fully to face the Moonstone, eyes still aglow with excitement and curiosity. She took a moment, letting it sink in that she was now on the path of a medicine cat. She would soon be able to have the secrets of her warrior ancestors revealed to her. A strange calm settled over her as she stretched her neck out, softly pressing her nose to the smooth surface. A shock traveled down her spine at its cold face, but her body remained still as her eyelids began to flutter closed, a deeper calm sinking into her body like stones in the river.

[Clover]

Originally Posted by Lilly

A moment of clarity seemed to overcome Cricketpaw as her new mentor spoke the soft words to her; despite the hushed warning her tone seemed to comfort the she-cat even more. She slowly closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself. All around her, the cavern appeared to echo with whispers of her ancestors, and for a brief moment, the new apprentice felt invisible felines moving around her. Her breathing quickened just a bit, adjusting to her surroundings before oddly enough she found comfort in their presence. "This is where I'm meant to be," she murmured, the butterfly feeling returning as she lifted her eyelids, a new spark of hope for the new path laid out in front of her was evident in her eyes.

Heading the warning, Cricketpaw let her gaze remain on her paws and the smooth rock paths as she followed behind Geckoleaf. She was careful as she placed each forepaw down beneath her, testing its sturdiness before breathing a sigh of relief and moving on. Since they had left right after the ceremony in the Clan, she hadn't much time to rest her muscles and was still recovering from her long journey back to RiverClan. The weight of sleep deprivation still dragged at her, whining and clawing at her muscles for her to stop and curl up. Albeit her body was tired, the young she-cat's mind was wide awake with excitement and nervousness- which only intensified as the glowing illumination of the Moonstone came into full view.

A small gasp escaped Cricketpaw, feeling as though as though all the air had been pressed from her lungs. The gleaming light of the beautiful Moonstone sent tingles down her spine, and unconsciously the fur along it rose as well. Now, the whispers that she could barely hear seemed more clear, though she still could not make out any words still. She could feel deep within her soul that many cats had been here before her, and it was calming to know that this was a sacred place that tied all cats together, regardless of their Clan. And now, it was her turn to follow in their paw steps and accept her destiny as RiverClan's next medicine cat. There was apart of her that feared she would not be good enough, or be able to learn everything from her new mentor. However a bigger part of her, a deeper voice from within, seemed to speak belief to combat the negative words that swirled within her mind. You can do it.

As Geckoleaf began to speak the words of a ceremony she had never heard until now, Cricketpaw nodded softly, murmuring the appropriate "It is," after the opening question. Her heart quickened its pace as her mentor now seemed to be speaking to StarClan, and a stab of anticipation shot through her. She sincerely hoped that her ancestors would accept her, and that they forgave her for the secret she kept, of having turned to the soft life of a kitty-pet for a few moons after her kidnapping. A deep breath seemed to settle her racing pulse and then bengal turned her gaze to the Moonstone, studying its structure.

At her mentors request, she turned fully to face the Moonstone, eyes still aglow with excitement and curiosity. She took a moment, letting it sink in that she was now on the path of a medicine cat. She would soon be able to have the secrets of her warrior ancestors revealed to her. A strange calm settled over her as she stretched her neck out, softly pressing her nose to the smooth surface. A shock traveled down her spine at its cold face, but her body remained still as her eyelids began to flutter closed, a deeper calm sinking into her body like stones in the river.

She watched intently as her apprentice knelt down, and pressed her nose to the cold crystal. Geckoleaf noted the shaky way she moved; it was most likely due to exhaustion, plain and simple. She'd be sure to give her plenty of breaks on the way back the RiverClan, and a long rest after that. She certainly couldn't have Cricketpaw breaking down on her first few days of being an apprentice; this time would be crucial to her showing her character, and Geckoleaf wanted to give her the best start she could.

She watched as the familiar calm passed over the young feline; she knew it well herself, and knew the peace that came with it. The sense of being rooted in place, of being solid and stony and grounded. This time, she would not participate; it was for Cricketpaw, not her, this time. But she still wanted to make sure that her apprentice did not panic, and stayed relaxed throughout the process. The fiery medicine cat had never heard of anyone panicking, but she found it better to err on the side of caution. Her tail flicked gently, and she sat back on her haunches, needing to rest her legs before they continued on their journey, back to their home clan.

The coolness of the stones against her legs and paws was just one more small comfort to add to the peace she felt here. After having a recent mental breakdown, this one particularly acute in its effect, being this relaxed reassured her that she would soon recover from whatever ailed her mentally. She was, by no means, a master of the mind, but she had to know the basics to be able to treat cats who had issues, even if only by telling them to relax and breathe every once in a while. She herself wished someone could diagnose the strange attacks that tormented her; the images of death and gore she had stored away in a corner of her mind would occasionally break free, wracking her with visions of friends and family alike dead, and the world covered in a thick layer of congealed blood. That was one thing that she hoped never happen to Cricketpaw, especially.

(sorry for it not being of the best quality. i'm tired, but still wanted to give you a post <3)

[spade]

Originally Posted by Clover

She watched intently as her apprentice knelt down, and pressed her nose to the cold crystal. Geckoleaf noted the shaky way she moved; it was most likely due to exhaustion, plain and simple. She'd be sure to give her plenty of breaks on the way back the RiverClan, and a long rest after that. She certainly couldn't have Cricketpaw breaking down on her first few days of being an apprentice; this time would be crucial to her showing her character, and Geckoleaf wanted to give her the best start she could.

She watched as the familiar calm passed over the young feline; she knew it well herself, and knew the peace that came with it. The sense of being rooted in place, of being solid and stony and grounded. This time, she would not participate; it was for Cricketpaw, not her, this time. But she still wanted to make sure that her apprentice did not panic, and stayed relaxed throughout the process. The fiery medicine cat had never heard of anyone panicking, but she found it better to err on the side of caution. Her tail flicked gently, and she sat back on her haunches, needing to rest her legs before they continued on their journey, back to their home clan.

The coolness of the stones against her legs and paws was just one more small comfort to add to the peace she felt here. After having a recent mental breakdown, this one particularly acute in its effect, being this relaxed reassured her that she would soon recover from whatever ailed her mentally. She was, by no means, a master of the mind, but she had to know the basics to be able to treat cats who had issues, even if only by telling them to relax and breathe every once in a while. She herself wished someone could diagnose the strange attacks that tormented her; the images of death and gore she had stored away in a corner of her mind would occasionally break free, wracking her with visions of friends and family alike dead, and the world covered in a thick layer of congealed blood. That was one thing that she hoped never happen to Cricketpaw, especially.

(sorry for it not being of the best quality. i'm tired, but still wanted to give you a post <3)

A weird feeling swept through Cricketpaw's body as she remained still, her nosed pressed against the Moonstone. In her head, she saw flashes of light, and could hear cries echoing across the land. Whispers entangled themselves with the breeze, and multiple bodies hurried around her in a hushed silence. Underneath her closed eyelids, her blue orbs moved fast, trying to track each motion that passed her. Every sense was on high alert, and when everything in her mind went black again and her eyes flung open, something felt as though it had shifted within the young cat. Had that been StarClan she had just seen? The expanse of land that she had visualized so clearly in her head seemed to hold practically all the secrets of the Clans, and many figures were hidden by shadows, their gazes turning upon Cricketpaw with a nod before moving on. A shiver rushed down her spine as she pulled her nose away, blinking her eyes a few times to readjust to the light.

Slowly, the Bengal she-cat turned to look at her mentor, and a soft smile graced her features. She felt excited to get to know the medicine cat on a deeper level. From the way she had described her relationship with Marshsnow, Cricketpaw didn't realize just how desperately she wanted the medicine cat in her life. Now that she was back in RiverClan after escaping from her mother, the newly made medicine cat apprentice had no other family besides Russetstar and her siblings. Snakevoice, her uncle, had died, and Thornfrost was exiled from the Clan. The molly knew that she couldn't confide in her father whenever she wished, because he had a whole Clan to run now. As she gazed upon Geckoleaf, while thinking this, a small flicker of hope filled her chest as it grew; maybe she'll become just as close as family.

"I hope I can make you proud," she murmured softly, blinking once as she kept her gaze rested on her new mentor. From the images she had received in her head from touching the Moonstone's glowing surface, she knew how sacred and mystical this journey was that she was about to embark on. Growing up, she never pictured herself as the medicine cat. She always imagined herself as a warrior, hunting and fighting for her Clan. But nothing felt more right than being right here with Geckoleaf, accepting the responsibility and duty that came along with this sometimes rugged path. Most of the more consequential stuff hadn't fully sunk in yet, but from the happiness that stemmed from her heart and flowered within her soul, Cricketpaw couldn't ever imagine her life having a different outcome.

[Clover]

Originally Posted by Lilly

A weird feeling swept through Cricketpaw's body as she remained still, her nosed pressed against the Moonstone. In her head, she saw flashes of light and could hear cries echoing across the land. Whispers entangled themselves with the breeze, and multiple bodies hurried around her in a hushed silence. Underneath her closed eyelids, her blue orbs moved fast, trying to track each motion that passed her. Every sense was on high alert, and when everything in her mind went black again and her eyes flung open, something felt as though it had shifted within the young cat. Had that been StarClan she had just seen? The expanse of land that she had visualized so clearly in her head seemed to hold practically all the secrets of the Clans, and many figures were hidden by shadows, their gazes turning upon Cricketpaw with a nod before moving on. A shiver rushed down her spine as she pulled her nose away, blinking her eyes a few times to readjust to the light.

Slowly, the Bengal she-cat turned to look at her mentor, and a soft smile graced her features. She felt excited to get to know the medicine cat on a deeper level. From the way she had described her relationship with Marshsnow, Cricketpaw didn't realize just how desperately she wanted the medicine cat in her life. Now that she was back in RiverClan after escaping from her mother, the newly made medicine cat apprentice had no other family besides Russetstar and her siblings. Snakevoice, her uncle, had died, and Thornfrost was exiled from the Clan. The molly knew that she couldn't confide in her father whenever she wished because he had a whole Clan to run now. As she gazed upon Geckoleaf, while thinking this, a small flicker of hope filled her chest as it grew; maybe she'll become just as close as family.

"I hope I can make you proud," she murmured softly, blinking once as she kept her gaze rested on her new mentor. From the images she had received in her head from touching the Moonstone's glowing surface, she knew how sacred and mystical this journey was that she was about to embark on. Growing up, she never pictured herself as the medicine cat. She always imagined herself as a warrior, hunting and fighting for her Clan. But nothing felt more right than being right here with Geckoleaf, accepting the responsibility and duty that came along with this sometimes rugged path. Most of the more consequential stuff hadn't fully sunk in yet, but from the happiness that stemmed from her heart and flowered within her soul, Cricketpaw couldn't ever imagine her life having a different outcome.

Geckoleaf waited until she pulled back from the Moonstone, waiting until the apprentice had resituated herself. She saw the look of astonishment plastered onto Cricketpaw's face and remembered fondly her own first experience. The way Marshsnow looked on, amused in her own right, at the surprise she had felt. Her tail swished softly on the ground, and she stood up, watching Cricketpaw with a gentle gaze. Her eyes were bottomless pools of sapphire, paled by the severe lighting in the cave, light in an almost ethereal way by the luminescence of the Moonstone. Her fur looked strange, washed out-corral, and her white markings seemed to glow in and of themselves.


As her trainee stood, the intense orange tabby moved in a similar, swooping fashion, until she positioned a mere few mouse-lengths away from Cricketpaw, She could see the look of understanding fill the bengal's face and the hints of joy that danced along with it. Geckoleaf also noted the look of longing that flickered briefly in her expression. She flicked her ears, and her head tilted a minuscule fraction; did she want a strong relationship of some sort? Geckoleaf understood vaguely her life story and knew that she had often been left, much as the medicine cat herself had been. She understood deeply the feeling of being abandoned, of having no one to turn to in any time of need. She sighed sympathetically and looked down at the apprentice, who was already nearly as tall as Geckoleaf herself.

She listened to the quiet, hope-filled words of Cricketpaw. It was one phrase, a simple sentence, but it seemed to convey so much. A soft smile broke out on Geckoleaf's muzzle. Maybe this time, she could forge a relationship with this apprentice that would last; her connection with Arcticpaw had died with him. Taking a step forward, she gently pressed her nose to the bengal's, cold from being pressed to the Moonstone. Then taking a step in the opposite direction, just enough so she could see the molly's youthful face, she set in a stern, yet simultaneously gentle voice; "I promise you-you won't. I know you well enough yet, Cricketpaw; you will be the next medicine cat, and you will be far greater than I." In one smooth, impulsive action, she tenderly licked flat an errant piece of fur on her forehead, smoothing back the rogue lock with her bristled tongue. The motion was short, but she could already feel her budding affection for Cricketpaw, guiding her to do things even yet. "I think we should start our journey home. The sun will soon be setting."

[spade]

Originally Posted by Clover

Geckoleaf waited until she pulled back from the Moonstone, waiting until the apprentice had resituated herself. She saw the look of astonishment plastered onto Cricketpaw's face and remembered fondly her own first experience. The way Marshsnow looked on, amused in her own right, at the surprise she had felt. Her tail swished softly on the ground, and she stood up, watching Cricketpaw with a gentle gaze. Her eyes were bottomless pools of sapphire, paled by the severe lighting in the cave, light in an almost ethereal way by the luminescence of the Moonstone. Her fur looked strange, washed out-corral, and her white markings seemed to glow in and of themselves.


As her trainee stood, the intense orange tabby moved in a similar, swooping fashion, until she positioned a mere few mouse-lengths away from Cricketpaw, She could see the look of understanding fill the bengal's face and the hints of joy that danced along with it. Geckoleaf also noted the look of longing that flickered briefly in her expression. She flicked her ears, and her head tilted a minuscule fraction; did she want a strong relationship of some sort? Geckoleaf understood vaguely her life story and knew that she had often been left, much as the medicine cat herself had been. She understood deeply the feeling of being abandoned, of having no one to turn to in any time of need. She sighed sympathetically and looked down at the apprentice, who was already nearly as tall as Geckoleaf herself.

She listened to the quiet, hope-filled words of Cricketpaw. It was one phrase, a simple sentence, but it seemed to convey so much. A soft smile broke out on Geckoleaf's muzzle. Maybe this time, she could forge a relationship with this apprentice that would last; her connection with Arcticpaw had died with him. Taking a step forward, she gently pressed her nose to the bengal's, cold from being pressed to the Moonstone. Then taking a step in the opposite direction, just enough so she could see the molly's youthful face, she set in a stern, yet simultaneously gentle voice; "I promise you-you won't. I know you well enough yet, Cricketpaw; you will be the next medicine cat, and you will be far greater than I." In one smooth, impulsive action, she tenderly licked flat an errant piece of fur on her forehead, smoothing back the rogue lock with her bristled tongue. The motion was short, but she could already feel her budding affection for Cricketpaw, guiding her to do things even yet. "I think we should start our journey home. The sun will soon be setting."

(this first interaction between them made me tear up just a tad tbh c,: so cuteeee)

Cricketpaw closed her eyelids as she felt Geckoleaf's sandpaper-like tongue move swiftly over her forehead. It sent a feeling over comfort throughout her entire body, and for a swift moment the young cat imaging Shellfeather was in her place. Her mother hadn't really shown her any affection when they were out of the Clan - always looking over her back. Whenever Cricketpaw had asked her why they had left, why they hadn't told Russetstar where they were going, she never answered. And one night, when Cricketpaw left, her mother didn't come searching for her. Still, being gone from her for almost a few moons now, her mother still didn't come back. Surely she still knew the way back to RiverClan. If her mother had really cared, wouldn't she have come back. Tears burned behind her closed eyelids as the thoughts tormented her like an enemies claw. Slowly, she lifted her eyelids, a fire burning in the depths of her ocean blue eyes. It made her want to work even harder to earn respect, to be able to have cats in her life that wouldn't leave her. Although she came across at times as a feline who'd much rather be by herself in her own little world, the young Bengal still longed for a deep connection.

Hearing her mentor mention that it should be about time they started home, she nodded, shaking each foreleg in turn as if to wake her tired muscles up. They screamed in protest, sending shocks down to the tips of her paws and she winced a little. "Maybe the first thing I could learn is what to take for sore muscles," she joked lightly, casting a smiling sideways glance at Geckoleaf. In this light, the orange tabby's fur was luminescent, the white zigzagging stripes on her back aglow in the well lit cavern. She stood tall and proud, her sapphire eyes burning with an intense illumination as she was looking at Cricketpaw. A sudden urge to please welled in her chest, and the Bengal found herself admiring her mentor. I can't wait to learn everything she knows, the young she-cat thought, pride welling in the depths of her soul. She stands so tall and proud, and the whole Clan relies on her. I hope I can do the same one day.

"Okay," Cricketpaw murmured simply, her words breaking into the thin silence that had hung in the air between them. Something about it felt comfortable though, like they could sit in silence and stare at the Moonstone for only a handful of minutes, and bond to be closer to the medicine cat than if she spent hours with any other cat. Sweeping her tail out behind her, she set her sights on the winding entrance of the cavern, the dying light of the sun just barely visible towards the end. It seemed easier to see the ground coming out of the Starcave, since they could somewhat see now from the light of the Moonstone behind them. However, Cricketpaw brought her gaze back to her mentor, waiting for her to lead the way out of the cavern and back to RiverClan, where her true path as a medicine cat would truly start to unfold; that thought alone made a smile flicker onto her face.

[Clover]

Originally Posted by Lilly

(this first interaction between them made me tear up just a tad tbh c,: so cutesie)

Cricketpaw closed her eyelids as she felt Geckoleaf's sandpaper-like tongue move swiftly over her forehead. It sent a feeling of comfort throughout her entire body, and for a swift moment, the young cat imaging Shellfeather was in her place. Her mother hadn't really shown her any affection when they were out of the Clan - always looking over her back. Whenever Cricketpaw had asked her why they had left, why they hadn't told Russetstar where they were going, she never answered. And one night, when Cricketpaw left, her mother didn't come searching for her. Still, being gone from her for almost a few moons now, her mother still didn't come back. Surely she still knew the way back to RiverClan. If her mother had really cared, wouldn't she have come back? Tears burned behind her closed eyelids as the thoughts tormented her like an enemies claw. Slowly, she lifted her eyelids, a fire burning in the depths of her ocean blue eyes. It made her want to work even harder to earn respect, to be able to have cats in her life that wouldn't leave her. Although she came across at times as a feline who'd much rather be by herself in her own little world, the young Bengal still longed for a deep connection.

Hearing her mentor mention that it should be about time they started home, she nodded, shaking each foreleg in turn as if to wake her tired muscles up. They screamed in protest, sending shocks down to the tips of her paws and she winced a little. "Maybe the first thing I could learn is what to take for sore muscles," she joked lightly, casting a smiling sideways glance at Geckoleaf. In this light, the orange tabby's fur was luminescent, the white zigzagging stripes on her back aglow in the well-lit cavern. She stood tall and proud, her sapphire eyes burning with an intense illumination as she was looking at Cricketpaw. A sudden urge to please welled in her chest, and the Bengal found herself admiring her mentor. I can't wait to learn everything she knows, the young she-cat thought, pride welling in the depths of her soul. She stands so tall and proud, and the whole Clan relies on her. I hope I can do the same one day.

"Okay," Cricketpaw murmured simply, her words breaking into the thin silence that had hung in the air between them. Something about it felt comfortable, though, like they could sit in silence and stare at the Moonstone for only a handful of minutes, and bond to be closer to the medicine cat than if she spent hours with any other cat. Sweeping her tail out behind her, she set her sights on the winding entrance of the cavern, the dying light of the sun just barely visible towards the end. It seemed easier to see the ground coming out of the Starcave, since they could somewhat see now from the light of the Moonstone behind them. However, Cricketpaw brought her gaze back to her mentor, waiting for her to lead the way out of the cavern and back to RiverClan, where her true path as a medicine cat would truly start to unfold; that thought alone made a smile flicker onto her face.

(this'll be short so that you can rp with hexi!)

She looked proudly down at the young she-cat fondly, and a smile spread across her lips, wide and shining. She moved to Cricketpaw's side, and gently rested her tail over her apprentice's shoulders, tenderly guiding her towards the opening of the cave. It was a simple movement that held so much more; it was her affection for Cricketpaw and the fact that she wished to help guide the bengal, and allow her to have an easier path as a medicine cat. "Lets go home," she whispered softly, removing her tail from her shoulders, as she started trotting forward, loping awkwardly on three legs. The entrance was bright, the sunlight glaring after the darkness of the cave, but it was beautiful nonethless.

[spade]

Originally Posted by Clover

(this'll be short so that you can rp with hexi!)

She looked proudly down at the young she-cat fondly, and a smile spread across her lips, wide and shining. She moved to Cricketpaw's side, and gently rested her tail over her apprentice's shoulders, tenderly guiding her towards the opening of the cave. It was a simple movement that held so much more; it was her affection for Cricketpaw and the fact that she wished to help guide the bengal, and allow her to have an easier path as a medicine cat. "Lets go home," she whispered softly, removing her tail from her shoulders, as she started trotting forward, loping awkwardly on three legs. The entrance was bright, the sunlight glaring after the darkness of the cave, but it was beautiful nonethless.

(okie dokie! c: )

At her mentors soft gesture of laying her tail over her shoulders and guiding her back up the winding path, Cricketpaw felt more at ease. Her blue eyes concentrated on the light drawing near to them and as they emerged back onto WindClan territory she could see the dying rays of the sun setting just beyond the vast expanse of territory. Their orange rays cast shadows across the lands, but they didn't quite reach both her and Geckoleaf yet, and both cats were illuminated against it's far eaching glow. Nodding to her mentor as she mentioned going home, Cricketpaw fell into a quick pace beside Geckoleaf, every once in awhile casting quick glances her way. She had noticed her leg and felt a stab of guilt for some reason that she had to travel out all this way for her ceremony. But if anything, the young bengal had learned of the medicine cat's spirit and strength, and that she was able to push through anything. Once again, a shot of pride and admiration for the older she-cat rushed from ear to tail-tip, and Cricketpaw smiled before resting her gaze forward, sighing softly as they continued on their way home.

[Random Melody]

Snowsong made her way quietly through the Starcave. The Siamese could barely see in front of her, so she had her black tail brushing against the walls of the cave, as well as her whiskers, to find her way through. Her short fur prickled slightly with worry. She was to be the new leader. Was she ready for this? She just became deputy!

Her legs trembled as she continued forward, her gaze focusing on a bright glow ahead. That must be the crystal. She thought at once, her ears pricking up at the sudden light in the dark cave. As she neared closer, her thoughts drifted back to everything that had happened..

Gyrestar disappeared. A pained look shot across her face as she thought of the old leader. Was he dead? Did he die? Would he return? She wanted to turn and search for him. But she had, she'd searched for so long. ThunderClan couldnt go on without a leader.

Snowsong gritted her teeth slightly. I should have looked more. She thought, closing her eyes for a moment as she continued. She had given up when his trail suddenly cut off. Why had he just disappeared into thin air? Did StarClan approve of this?

Sighing, Snowsong let these thoughts drift away as she stared down at the crystal. Just touch your nose to it, you'll know what to do. Roarclaw's voice rang in her head. The soon-to-be leader closed her eyes, then bent her head and touched her nose to the stone, falling unconscious almost at once.

She awoke to find herself, no longer in the Starcave, but a place she could not recognize. Immediately she pushed herself to her paws and gazed around in wonder, eyes wide. Is this StarClan? She thought, padding forward as she tilted her head, glancing around. Everything was silent. It looked like it was nighttime, but the stars glimmering everywhere lit up the whole area, and Snowsong just gazed around in awe.

This is it...

( @Beep Beep Im a Blue Sheep @bad company @BluBunny @Empress Of Evil @Ludicrous Lunacy @Moonfur @Spirit )
(Blue Sheep, you're up ^^)

[Teggy]

Originally Posted by Dark Melody

Snowsong made her way quietly through the Starcave. The Siamese could barely see in front of her, so she had her black tail brushing against the walls of the cave, as well as her whiskers, to find her way through. Her short fur prickled slightly with worry. She was to be the new leader. Was she ready for this? She just became deputy!

Her legs trembled as she continued forward, her gaze focusing on a bright glow ahead. That must be the crystal. She thought at once, her ears pricking up at the sudden light in the dark cave. As she neared closer, her thoughts drifted back to everything that had happened..

Gyrestar disappeared. A pained look shot across her face as she thought of the old leader. Was he dead? Did he die? Would he return? She wanted to turn and search for him. But she had, she'd searched for so long. ThunderClan couldnt go on without a leader.

Snowsong gritted her teeth slightly. I should have looked more. She thought, closing her eyes for a moment as she continued. She had given up when his trail suddenly cut off. Why had he just disappeared into thin air? Did StarClan approve of this?

Sighing, Snowsong let these thoughts drift away as she stared down at the crystal. Just touch your nose to it, you'll know what to do. Roarclaw's voice rang in her head. The soon-to-be leader closed her eyes, then bent her head and touched her nose to the stone, falling unconscious almost at once.

She awoke to find herself, no longer in the Starcave, but a place she could not recognize. Immediately she pushed herself to her paws and gazed around in wonder, eyes wide. Is this StarClan? She thought, padding forward as she tilted her head, glancing around. Everything was silent. It looked like it was nighttime, but the stars glimmering everywhere lit up the whole area, and Snowsong just gazed around in awe.

This is it...

( @Beep Beep Im a Blue Sheep @bad company @BluBunny @Empress Of Evil @Ludicrous Lunacy @Moonfur @Spirit )
(Blue Sheep, you're up ^^)

Silverheart sat in StarClan.
"So GYrestar had gone missing..." she whispered.
"Perhaps I should help the new leader out a bit..." she began to make her way to where she would meet Snowsong.