Whisper: A Warrior Cat Fan Fiction

Chapter Three: Willowgaze

Willowgaze sat facing the sea, a warm, moist breeze caressing her face. A mound of freshly dug dirt sat in front of her. Taking a deep breath, she spoke an ancient blessing softly to the dark earth.

"May Starclan sweep you to the stars with gentle waves. May you be welcomed in their kingdom with sincerity and kindness. Make your youth and innocence known to our wise ancestors, and claim your place in the realm of eternal peace." Brushing her paw gently over the fresh earth, she said a few personal words as well, "You were too young to leave this word, Saltkit. Your clanmates should have gotten a chance to know you, your brothers to defend you, your father to take pride in your accomplishments. You must watch over your poor mother now that you are in Starclan, for to lose a kit is a terrible thing, but to lose one without knowing what killed them is unbearable. I would know. Rest well, young one."

Willowgaze touched her nose briefly to the ground. She had buried many clanmates during her moons as an elder, but it still tortured her heart to bury a kit as young and defenseless as the Saltkit.

"That was a beautiful blessing," Breezeflight mewed. The old, black furred queen sat a few tail-lengths away, drawing a paw over her ear.

Willowgaze dipped her head. "Thank you. "

Even although Breezeflight could be fastidious and picky, she was well enough company for sun bathing on the high burial bluff. The other elders had all scatted after Saltkit's grave had been covered, and other than the two she-cats, there was no other feline life in sight.

With a sigh, Willowgaze looked out to the ocean, taking in the expanse of blue- grey water. She remembered the first time she saw the sea as an apprentice, out to explore the island with her mentor.

We're on the edge of the world! She had gasped, her paws digging into the sand, the sea breeze ruffling her pelt.

Yes, we are, Brokenwing had replied, from here on out, there is only saltwater and sky. He had touched his nose to her ear, Come now, there is much more to see.

But that was a different time and a different Willowgaze. A different island too, one where Stormclan wasn't alone. Shaking herself out of her memories, she turned Breezeflight.

"I'm going for a walk. Would you care to join me?"

Breezeflight looked up at the sky. "Alright, but we better make it quick. It looks like there is a storm rolling in."

They got to their paws and Willowgaze lead the way into the woods, turning off the path that lead them back to camp, opting for one that lead them deeper into the forest. The woods had changed so much since she had last seen some of these trails...the saplings had grown so big...

Pushing her wasted muscles to their limits, she padded along at a decent pace, so much so that she could hear Breezeflight panting behind her.

"Willowgaze, where are we going?" The black elder gasped for breath.

"Nowhere new, or dangerous, I promise." She answered, brushing a branch out of her way. She flicked her ears back, admiring the birdsong from the canopy above. She had been in camp for too long, it would seem. Now this path, she recognized it...it was the same path that she had trodden on when she was warrior, and before that, back to when she was an apprentice.

"Willowgaze, would you slow down now? Please?" Breezeflight mewed.

But there was no need. They were there.

Nestled in a little clearing, a cluster of boulders rimmed a deep freshwater spring. Blue, warm and sweet, the scent of water made Willowgaze's mouth water. She had spent too many moons lapping up the damp moss the warriors brought back. But now, to taste untainted water, to feel the rough kiss of stone beneath her paws...