It was a cloudless star-emblazoned night in the forest. Nocturnal creatures of all make were afforded a generous helping of natural light by which to see, sourced chiefly from the enormous harvest moon that hung amid countless constellations and distant galaxies. The moon itself shone not its average silver, but was instead this night colored a deep and passionate gold with hints of orange to be found in its impressions.
ThunderClan had a well-lit path, and therefore made great time to their destination. Hawkstar could not help but eye the rickety old barn with skepticism. He’d not had the best luck in barns. And it surprised him that Clanners would consent to a man-made roof over their heads. But then again, with all forest Clans celebrating all hallow’s eve each according to their traditions, it made sense to hold the revelries on neutral ground. Even then Hawkstar could hear cheering and laughter not too far off. But as a Leader he could not drift among the celebrations and peer at what their neighbors were getting up to. Though the temptation to spy, to get a glimpse of his new colleagues, was potent in him.
He signaled with his tail for his Clanmates to gather near him, forming a circle around a stone-lined fire pit. As expected, there were still warm embers in its belly and they were in business with just a bit of fanning and added kindling. Hawkstar took the packet of herbs from Coldpaw and dropped them into the flames. Instantly, a heady aroma of herbs and grass filled the small space of the barn’s annex. The flames grew in size, their tongue lapping at the rim of the pit.
“StarClan I beseech thee,” Hawkstar began the mantra he had memorized for the ritual. He silently cursed Peachblossom for sticking him with the seance. She’d said that she was too close to kitting, so she had stayed behind. But Hawkstar suspected that it was more likely that she simply had nothing to say to their ancestors. As if I do? They aren’t my favorite cats either, you know. He thought pointedly.
“We of ThunderClan gather here as is our custom. We bring herb offerings, and humbly request that you descend to be among us this night.”
Silence.
Hawkstar cleared his throat. He was unsure what to expect.
“Alright, who wants to go first?”