Warriors: Starfaith's Fate (SOB short story) (COMPLETE)

Chapter 14

A cold breeze ruffled Starfaith's fur as she padded through the night alongside Silverberry. As they crossed the moor, she raised her head to the stars. The moon hung in the dark sky, half concealed in shadow. She breathed in the cool air, feeling refreshed and at peace. Everything will be made clear after tonight. I can feel it.

It seemed to take no time at all for them to reach highstones. The other medicine cats were already gathered outside the tunnel. Dewstorm was sitting in front of the other medicine cats, looking solemn. Otterpelt, Ryeheart, and Spicewhisker's heads were low. He must have just told them about Hawkfeather. She thought sadly.

When the WindClan cats joined the others, Spicewhisker dipped his head. "This will be our first meeting without Hawkfeather," He meowed quietly.

"Yes," Silverberry agreed solemnly, and they were silent for a long moment. Starfaith noticed a small silver and black tabby she-cat beside Otterpelt, and at the same moment, Silverberry spoke again. "Who is this?"

As every cat looked at the stranger, she shuffled her paws uncomfortably, her green eyes filled with anxiety. 

Otterpelt looked down at her and let out a purr. "This is my new apprentice, Sagepaw." She noticed her discomfort and added gently, "Don't worry, these cats are all friendly."

"H-hello," Sagepaw meowed quietly and nervously, slowly straightening.

I remember when I was that nervous about my first moonstone meeting. Starfaith thought with a pang of sympathy for the young she-cat. "It's nice to meet you, Sagepaw," She purred. "You're going to love being a medicine cat."

"Starfaith is right," Dewstorm added warmly. "There is no greater gift than the ability to heal and speak to StarClan." 

Sagepaw ducked her head shyly as every cat looked at her. 

Ryeheart shuddered. "Chilly tonight, isn't it?" He commented, saving Sagepaw from further awkwardness.

"It is. We should go inside where we're sheltered from the wind." With a flick of her tail, Otterpelt turned and led the way into the tunnel, Sagepaw close behind. Spicewhisker, Ryeheart, and Silverberry fell in one by one behind her. 

Starfaith paused at the entrance and turned to Dewstorm. He leaned forward and rested his chin on her head, purring. "I'm sorry we haven't seen each other in a while."

"It's alright," She meowed warmly and licked his shoulder before stepping back. "Has Bloomfire kitted?"

He nodded and stepped into the tunnel, and she followed. "Yes, a few days ago," He meowed as she padded behind him. "Everything went well. She's had four healthy kits."

"That's wonderful!" Starfaith purred as they reached the cave. "I told you that everything would be alright."

She and Dewstorm sat near Spicewhisker and looked toward the RiverClan medicine cats. Sagepaw's ceremony was about to begin. Otterpelt sat before the glowing stone, the light turning her reddish pelt into a pale orange. Sagepaw stared, her eyes wide and filled with awe. 

"Sagepaw, is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat?" Otterpelt asked as she gazed at the apprentice.

"It is," She breathed.

"Then come forward." When Sagepaw did so, Otterpelt continued. "Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this apprentice. She has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant her your wisdom and insight so that she may understand your ways and heal her Clan in accordance with your will."

As Sagepaw let out a purr, Otterpelt stood. "It's time to speak with StarClan," She meowed and crouched in her usual spot. "Come, touch your nose to the moonstone."