[Fawn]

@Ashley/Kestrel

Bravestep had never been so unhappy to wake up in his nest, dragged back to reality. As depressing as it was, he didn't wish to defy StarClan despite their lack of recent communication, nor did he want to complete the task they were asking of him, however he was left with a choiceless choice in the end. He was supposed to trust his starry ancestors, no matter what they demanded. And if this was to be his final duty as a medicine cat, he hoped they wouldn't lead him astray.

The faint murmurings of his apprentice and their patients could be heard nearby, but he kept his eyes closed as long as he could just to be completely certain Thunderhowl didn't desire his presence. A single moment more in StarClan's lush territory would have been better than this. Anything was better than this.

Stomach churning with unease, he gradually blinked to adjust to the dim, evening sunlight that filtered into the den, gaze briefly settling on his storage. "H-heh! It seems I .. I may have overslept, yes?" he meowed, feigning the chipper tone; he wouldn't force Kestrelpaw to bear the same moral weight he was required to carry. "My, that's unfortunate! Well, golly, I suppose I should get to work.." His voice was too rushed, too energetic and nervous, but Bravestep wriggled from his nest anyway, beginning to sort through their stock, nudging traveling herbs to the side. "I see we have patients! Although I do apologize for not being conscious enough to assist, I knew you could handle it," the last piece was said affectionately, a hint of bittersweet sadness clinging to the words. "In fact, you've been able to handle it for many moons now. Perhaps you ought to receive your full name...?"

Bravestep didn't give Kestrelpaw a chance to reply. "Wonderful! Let's get started right here-- regretfully, I don't believe we have time to travel to the Starcave." Even if he wasn't to die on this mission and StarClan was somehow wrong, Kestrelpaw deserved it. "It's of utmost importance that we do it while time allows, don't you agree?"