Flight of the Owl

[Quick Fox]

the Cat* Cloudrunner
the Noted* Owlpaw's ready!
the Number* 245

It had been moons since Cloudrunner had offered to leave his clan to help Riverclan, who had lost their Medicine Cat, and train an apprentice. At first he wasn't sure if he was ready for it - after all, it was abig step taking on an apprentice who could make or break the clan - especially in another clan. The fish were not the warm-blooded rodents he was used to, the terrtory not his own. But it was his duty, and he took it with a smile on his face.

He approached Milkystar's den slowly, determining whether the time was right. Was young Owlpaw ready to get his name? He didn't want to rush things - maybe he was. Maybe he should just walk away. Or maybe this was a time to conference about it. Yes, conference. And when he recieved a sign, like his own mentor had, then he would know that young Owlpaw was ready.

Gingerly, he stepped in. "Hello, Milkystar. I was wondering if you want to discuss... Owlpaw. I know that you probably think that you would know better than I, but I want your opinion. Do you think Owlpaw is ready? I was thinking of sending him off by himself to collect some herbs, and he can come back and tell me what they are and what they do. Then, when Starclan sends me a sign, I will take him and give him his name. What do you think?"

[Silky]

Milkystar lifted his head. Both Twinestar and Nightstar had decided they'd help in the battle, but what Destinycall told him that Leopardheart had said hung in his mind. He listened to Cloudrunner. "Yes, it is time. But, sending him alone may be an error. I still do not trust Shadestar's word, saying that FireClan would leave well alone." He snorted. "You take a warrior, and watch him, but stay downwind, and don't lose sight of him." Milkystar nodded. "I hope StarClan accept Owlpaw... I've been getting no signs recently.. Have you?" It was no business of his, but as long as Owlpaw remained Couldrunner's apprentice, Cloudrunner was his interpreter of StarClan.

[Quick Fox]

Cloudrunner nodded at Milkystar. "Yes, perhaps you are right. I will have a warrior go with him and follow. There is no telling what that Fireclan might do. You are right, we should be careful." He looked down at his own paws, in frusration. Why did Fireclan have to take the herbs? What if more cats became sick or got hurt. What if he couldn't help them? This thought angered him.

Milkystar asked if he had recieved any signs from Starclan, and he was a little thrown off. "Well... I haven't directly had any signs. But I know that they're there. Starclan is holding it back, for something. I can't tell what. That's why I'm so anxious. I want Owlpaw to get to go to the Moonpool soon. That way, I can see what's really going on. Or, maybe there's a sign meant for him."

He sighed, clearly somewhat angry at himself. What was he doing wrong, to have Starclan ignoring him, even though he so dearly wished to hear from them. Starclan, please. I need you, he prayed.