Moon Tales || Writing for Eclipse Clan || Rise

[SkyWishes21]

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Welcome to Eclipse Clan! This is where the smaller things that I need to write will be put. Large story arcs and the like will be elsewhere, but linked here for convenience sake.

[SkyWishes21]

(author's note - marblestar's original warrior name was starlingfeather. as such, starlingpaw is marblestar as an apprentice back in lunar clan)

"And this," mewed Starlingpaw's new mentor, Rosepetal, "is the apprentices den. There's a few other apprentices right now, but I think most of them are out training."

Starlingpaw nodded at her mentor's words. She peeked in. Oh. Oh that was a very pretty cat who was asleep right there.

"Who's that?" she whispered, not wanting to wake the sleeping beauty.

"That," said Rosepetal proudly, "Is my kitten Dawnpaw. I'll go wake them up."

Rosepetal padded into the den and carefully poked Dawnpaw. "Come on, sweetie, there's someone who wants to meet you!"

Dawnpaw groaned and flopped away from their mother, covering their face with their paws. "Mooom, just a little longer?" they groaned.

"Now, now, Dawnpaw, it's the middle of the day and you need to meet the new apprentice," said Rosepetal gently, nudging Dawnpaw yet again. "Up you go!"

"Fine!"

Sulkily, Dawnpaw rose to their feet, padding towards the entrance. Their gorgeous fur was ruffled by sleep, but in Starlingpaw's eyes, that didn't stop them from being one of the prettiest cats she had ever seen.

Upon spotting Starlingpaw, however, their gorgeous teal eyes widened. "Hey, you're kinda cute," they said, before yawning. "I guess maybe mom had a point, huh."

"Y-yeah!" Starlingpaw said with a squeak. She cleared her throat. "It's really nice to meet you. I'm Starlingpaw."

"Dawnpaw. Don't worry, I'll be able to teach you all sorts of things while we're apprentices." A smirk appeared on Dawnpaw's face. "Like how to get my mom off your back, for example. I'm guessing she's your mentor?"

"Yup! She seems pretty great."

"She is. And overbearing."

"I heard that!" Rosepetal said, joining the two apprentices. "Oh, Dawnpaw, you'll learn what it means to be a mother and a mentor one day."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever mom."

Starlingpaw was going to have so much fun here. Especially with the gorgeous Dawnpaw.

[SkyWishes21]

Marblestar and Dawnglow are both very, very close to each other. Close as in lovers. It makes for a very interesting dynamic as they run the clan together. They know each other so well that when Marblestar is sick, Dawnglow can take charge for her and not get into trouble, and Marblestar constantly finds herself finishing their sentences.

They've been voted the clan's cutest couple. They're always so affectionate with each other, even when Marblestar is being a grump or Dawnglow's being vain.

Their leadership is also really stable. Although they have their differences and arguments, the two have a really constructive way of talking it out. Moons of practice has taught them how to collaborate on problems, even when one or both of them is really angry. It's a good sort of leadership, if strict.

[SkyWishes21]

It was sunset. The skies were painted with a rainbow of hues, blues and oranges and warm violets. The Sun Lion was giving their final goodnight, and the Moon Lion was raising his sleepy head to light the coming night.

Marblestar curled herself around Dawnglow, the quiet camp providing them a serene moment in the midst of the chaos that was forming a clan.

Moonriver padded up to the gentle lovers, their black tail twitching with amusement as they dropped a piece of prey in front of them.

“Taking a snooze?” they said affectionately, letting out a soft chuckle.

“Not really,” murmured Dawnglow, looking sleepily up at Moonriver. “Just taking a break from setting up camp.”

Marblestar nodded, her tail gently caressing her darling lover. “It’s exhausting,” she added. “Curling with a girlfriend is always an excellent calming down point. Besides, the lions have informed me that we’re done for today.”

“Dang, wish I had one!” said Moonriver, thudding themself down next to Dawnglow and Marblestar to eat their mouse. Dawnglow and Marblestar had eaten previously, and thus found themselves no longer hungry.

“Don’t worry, you’ll find someone someday,” encouraged Dawnglow, giving their oldest friend a gentle lick on the shoulder. “You’ll see. There will be a cat for you.”

“Yeah.” Moonriver got a distant look in their eyes, and Marblestar couldn’t quite tell whether it was a good distant or bad distant.

Gently, Marblestar rested her tail against Moonriver’s flank. “Come on, why don’t we all cuddle? Then we can prepare for whatever tomorrow may bring, okay?”

Moonriver laughed. “Of course.”

They ended up sleeping that way, the three of them cuddled together as they prepared for what tomorrow may bring.

[SkyWishes21]

Sandya had lived a long, boring life with the twolegs, no, humans. And throughout that time, they'd had the annoying yet constant presence of Cosmo. But now he was gone. There were whispers that the vet (the cutter) had ‘put him to sleep’. Sandya knew that meant he was dead.

And now the humans were saying that they should be put to sleep too.

Sure, they'd been in lots of pain as they aged. But why did that necessitate killing them?

It had been a struggle for the humans to catch them. In their better days, they would have been able to hide out. But the weakness in their legs meant that sooner or later, they were caught and shoved into a plastic box.

The ride to the vet was tense, the human controlling the monster silent. Sandya too remained silent, curling into themself and pretending they didn't know what was going on.

The monster rattled, and Sandya felt every bump. It was uncomfortable against their sore body, and they couldn't stop from wincing. The human reached back to stroke their fur, and for once they didn't fight back.

Sandya figured it was nice to have some amount of comfort before they died. That's what was going to happen. They just knew it, what with what had happened to Cosmo and the way the other cats had talked about the event, and them, and Cosmo.

In fact, Sandya found themself begging to be pet, to be touched. They hated the humans, but they were real. They'd cherish every moment they had left.

It was too soon when the monster came to a grinding stop and the uncomfortable roar faded out. The human gently picked up their crate, and it was smoother than the monster’s travels.

As much as Sandya hated humans, the sudden desperation of immediate death led them to cuddle closer to the hand that stroked them through the crate. They heard the human make a strange, soft sound. Perhaps a pitying one. Sandya only understood a few phrases in the human language after all.

The human carried Sandya in the crate through the strange, dusty area filled with silent monsters and into the massive human den. It smelled wrongly clean. Sandya had come to expect that from the vet’s den. Personally, they preferred the smell of the medicine cat’s den. The smell of herbs may tickle their nose, but it always smelled nice.

Here though, it was too clean. Well, aside from the stench of dogs. Sandya could never understand why the humans kept those disgusting mutts around.

If only they could die with their clanmates around instead of being a kittypet. Other cats here in this strange place didn’t count at all.

They didn't know how long it was until they found themself on the cold operating table of the vet. Hands handled them in uncomfortable ways, and they heard the humans voice. There it was again, that phrase ‘put to sleep’.

A needle plunged into them, and everything went black.

[SkyWishes21]

It was the evening time. The sun had just slipped past the horizon, and the rest of the clan had retired. Dawnglow and Marblestar were curled together, nose and tails tangled together as one, and Moonriver was hanging out in their typical spot as Priest of the Sky.

Of course, that meant Duststripe had the evening to herself.

She padded out of the camp, gently, lightly. Every blade of grass was something to worry about. She didn’t want to be followed, after all.

Her pale, fluffy tail trailed through the grass, damp from the rain that had let up just an hour or so before. It didn’t particularly matter to her - she’d just clean up a little bit afterwards, no big deal.

The river might have been a bit of a walk from the camp but Duststripe didn’t particularly mind that either.

After all, Sandya was willing to teach her about herbs. That was quite the wonderful experience. The Lions barely ever deigned to interact with the clan who worshiped them, but Sandya, the sun, was ready and waiting.

Sandya was there and waiting, their blue eyes sparkling in the crescent moon. They smiled, tipping their head to the side invitingly.

“Come on, then,” chirped Sandya, “Let me show you about juniper berries tonight.”

“Juniper berries?” Duststripe paused, knitting her brows together. “Yeah, okay, what’s that about?”

Sandya smiled. “Well, let me show you them first.”

Ugh. Lions. Why are they like that? Why must they be such frustrating individuals?

Despite her frustration with Sandya, Duststripe kept up a smile on her face as they padded down the river side by side.

Sandya made no effort to make conversation, their face contemplative. Duststripe was just fine with that. Attempting to get any sort of information out of Sandya that the tortie point wasn’t willing to give without getting an annoyingly cryptic answer was nigh on impossible.

After some time, Sandya stopped in front of a bush, covered in spiky green leaves and purple berries. They gestured for Duststripe to sit next to them.

“These are juniper berries,” announced Sandya, gesturing towards the purple berries. “How do you think they’re used?”

Duststripe pondered that for a moment. “Probably eaten? I mean, that’s usually how berries work…”

“Yes,” Sandya confirmed. “These berries are used to soothe belly aches and help cats who struggle with breathing.”

“Okay.” Belly aches and breathing. Belly aches and breathing. “How do they do that?”

Sandya shrugged. “I dunno. I know lots of things, but not how herbs work. None of us lions know, really. We’ve tried.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Well, that concludes our lesson for today! Juniper berries cure belly aches and help with breathing and they look like this. See ya!”

And with that, Sandya disappeared back to… well, wherever Star Clan cats and Lions went.

“Jerk,” muttered Duststripe. Well, at least she knew what juniper berries did now.

[SkyWishes21]

The full moon hung over the the high stones by the river, which reflected silver beams in every ripple. A light breeze ruffled Duststripe’s pale fur, and the moon shone through it. She found herself curling around Moonriver, keeping the cold away from her small beloved.

“We really shouldn't be doing this,” Moonriver mumbled, face pressed into Duststripe’s side. “I mean, you're the medicine cat now. The code says that you can't be my mate. And what with my job…” They swallowed. “I just don't know.”

Duststripe smiled down at Moonriver, licking down a tuft of fur. “Oh, my dear little moonbeam,” was the soft murmur. “We were mates since before Eclipse Clan, before this whole thing. The lions, and especially Marblestar can't argue with that. And if they do, well then we'll run away!”

“That is the stupidest idea I've ever heard, but I like it.” Moonriver looked up at Duststripe with a gentle, grateful smile. “You know, if it didn't cause such a problem if we went. We're such high ranking cats after all. We've got so many things to worry about and they need us.”

“Moonriver, do quit worrying and cuddle me.” Duststripe internally rolled her eyes. Really. She loved the little cat, but Moonriver could be quite the worrier. “Be in present. I'm here now. That's all that matters now.”

“Okay, okay,” Moonriver said, a little laugh in their voice. “I'll shut up!”

They went silent, relishing each other's company in the calm night. The wind began to die down, but the moon still shone bright around them.

Moonriver found themself a little less cold, and although they appreciated being close to their dearest and darling, they wanted some space to stretch out a bit too. So, they took it upon themself to lay on top of Duststripe, burying their face in her fluffy neck fur.

“Oh moonbeam,” Murmured Duststripe, amusement in her voice. “Of course you'd do that. You always want to lay on me.”

“That's because you're soft,” mumbled Moonriver, a dumb grin on their face. “I love to feel your fur. So fluuufffyyy.”

“Dork,” Duststripe said affectionately, letting out a giggle or three. “This is why I love you.”

“And I love you, you beautiful big fluffy.”
Moonriver’s golden eyes glinted as they gazed down at Duststripe. “So much. I wish we could open up about our relationship.”

“Me too.” Duststripe kneaded against the ground, pleased. “If only..”

They feel silent again. Sometimes, Duststripe decided, silence was really quite nice. Even just being around Moonriver made her heart sing out like birds at dawn.

Oh! Well that was certainly an idea. Duststripe chuckled to herself, catching Moonriver's attention.

“What is it?” Moonriver asked, mildly curious.

“What if,” She said, holding back snickers, “What if we had kits? It is possible to have those that are ours after all!”

“Me? A parent? You've got to be kidding me!” Moonriver's laughs were joyous and uproarious. “I can barely take care of myself and my job!”

“And everyone would know!” Duststripe added, her smile wide and amused. “That would be so terrible!”

“Such a dumb thought,” Moonriver said, shaking their head. “But you know… I guess I wouldn't mind all that much.”

“Weren't we planning on it anyways before Eclipse Clan?”

“Yes, I believe we were.” Moonriver looked thoughtful as they contemplated. “Find a rogue to pretend to be the other parent.”

“It could work… I mean if you're really sure I’d love to have kits with you. It'd be an honor.” Duststripe grinned. “Of you're up for it.”

“Yeah, sure, just maybe in a while okay? Gotta get the clan stable first.”

“All right, my beautiful moonbeam. Whenever you're ready.”

[SkyWishes21]

It was a cool, autumn evening, and Marblestar couldn't be happier. Not only was she having kits, but her darling Dawnglow was right there by her side, supporting her. It was a pity that they couldn't produce their own kits, but hey, this was good enough for Marblestar.

Dawnglow gently licked down Marblestar's scruffy neck fur. "You really ought to be taking care of yourself more," they fretted, noting the unfortunate magnitude of ruffled fur all over Marblestar's body. "If not for yourself, or even the clan, but for the kits! We have to make sure they're healthy. Duststripe knows what she's doing when she asks you to eat and drink and keep clean."

Marblestar let out a huff. "Sure. Like she knew what she was doing with her and Moonriver."

Dawnglow gave her a look. "Dear, the Lions said it was fine. Now stop focusing on that and think about our family instead, okay?"

"Okay, okay!" Marblestar leaned in closer to Dawnglow, rubbing her head up against their neck.

Privately, Marblestar enjoyed cuddling up to Dawnglow. Not only was her darling mate so much bigger and cuddlier than her, but Dawnglow was always in elegant beauty. Marblestar didn't doubt when it was their turn to have kits that they'd be so pretty all the time instead of the disaster Marblestar existed as.

She snorted privately to herself. Really. Sometimes she wondered why she'd been picked to lead this clan if she was such a disaster all the time. But then again, she was doing just fine... right? Yeah. They were growing, and the Lions were happy.

Dawnglow looked down at her with those stunning teal eyes. "What are you thinking about, Marble dear?"

"Would you believe me if I said life, the universe, and everything?" Marblestar asked, a bit of a stupid grin on her face.

Dawnglow gently flicked the top of Marblestar's head with her tail, though she giggled. "Oh, you. Really though, what are you going to do about Puddle? You know he wants to come visit his kittens occasionally, but you have that rule about outsiders."

"Except family," Marblestar pointed out. "I suppose if he wants to visit occasionally that would be fine. Just so long as he doesn't try to claim a title as 'father'. 'Uncle' is fine."

"Perhaps he'll be like Patchbelly," suggested Dawnglow, snuggling closer to Marblestar. "Everyone's uncle. Except, you know, a traveling uncle instead of living with us."

Marblestar considered this for a moment. "Yes, perhaps that would be wise. He doesn't seem to want to stay with us after all."

Dawnglow didn't respond. Rather, they pulled her closer and pressed their nose against the top of her head. It was a gentle, comforting gesture for Marblestar, especially considering the fact that she'd been very, very uncomfortable by the kits she carried within her. This was, of course, another reason why she loved her mate.

Marblestar began to purr as she snuggled closer to Dawnglow. Though the autumn was cold, the comfort of her mate was as warm as warm could be.

"Hey," she said softly, "How's Cherrykit doing? Is he doing okay? I was going to check on him, but I got distracted by Diamondglint's proposal."

"Duststripe is taking good care of him," Dawnglow said softly. "They're going to be a wonderful mentor and apprentice pair. He's already learning so much, dear."

"I'm so glad! I really hope he's going to like his siblings. I want them to get along." Marblestar chuckled. "I've always wanted a big family. It's going to be wonderful! All those little kittens running around. I can't wait."

"Me neither," Dawnglow agreed, their eyes closing peacefully. "Me neither."

[SkyWishes21]

"Cats of the Eclipse, join me by the Great Stone!"

Marblestar stared down at her clan with a smile on her face. The entire clan was waiting here, yes, even Shadowkit and Hickorykit. Today was the day! Cherrykit was finally going to be apprenticed to Duststripe.

"Cherrykit, please step forwards."

The little tom was very jittery with his wide eyes sparkling as he stared up as his mom. "'Course mama!" He was so excited for this day.

"And Duststripe, please step forwards."

Duststripe, the oversized over fluffy medicine cat stepped forwards, her kindly blue eyes looking down at Cherrykit with an excited gleam. "Are you excited?" she asked softly, a smile on her face.

"Yup!" Cherrykit said, rubbing up against her with a purr.

A little laugh escaped Marblestar's mouth. "If that's set," she said cheerfully, "then let's begin."

She cleared her throat and raised her head high. "Cats of Eclipse Clan, the Lions have seen fit to guide this young kit to a wonderful path. From this day forth, Cherrykit will be known as Cherrypaw, and he will be apprenticed as a medicine cat to Duststripe. May the Lions guide you two to great things."

With a gesture to Cherrypaw and Duststripe, the two cats touched noses to the cheers of the entire clan.

Dawnglow hopped up on the rock while everyone else celebrated. "You think that he's going to be okay?"

"He's going to be just fine," murmured Marblestar. "Just fine."

[SkyWishes21]

"Uncle Patchbelly! Uncle Patchbelly!"

Patchbelly, who'd been charged to watch over Moonriver and Duststripe's kits, smiled as he turned to see Shadowkit stumble over to him. Hickorykit was still hanging out in the nursery, giving Patchbelly the stink eye.

"What is it, kiddo?" Patchbelly asked, a smile on his face.

Shadowkit hopped right in front of Patchbelly, prancing around. "Mama says that when I become a 'prentice, I get to be with Blizzardwatcher!"

"Is that so?"

Amusement twitched across Patchbelly's face. Blizzardwatcher was quite the character, and he couldn't help but be suspicious of them and their motives. But hey, if Shadowkit was happy that was all that mattered.

"Mhmm! They're really nice to me plus they let me lay in their fur and cuddle when Mama and Mom are busy. Hickorykit doesn't like them as much but they don't like anyone." A disgusted note entered the young kitten's tone of voice. Obviously, this was a problem.

"Well, Shadowkit, sometimes cats aren't as friendly as we are," said Patchbelly wisely. "It's okay if Hickorykit doesn't want to trust everyone."

Shadowkit paused for a moment. "Oh, okay! I guess that makes sense." They turned to go yell at their younger brother. "Hey! Maybe you can help me convince Uncle Patchbelly to teach us some battle moves!"

Hickorykit stared suspiciously at the two cats before shrugging to join his sibling. "I guess... You will teach us, right?"

"Sure, sure, I'll be glad to!"

Kits really were something special.