"We thank you for your service, Shadowbloom. May you have many years of rest in the elder's den."
The Clan cheered Shadowbloom's name, and the old black she-cat bowed her head in thanks.
"There are more matters to get to," Parsleystar announced once the crowd had quieted. "Specklepaw, you are six moons of age. Gingerfleck will be your mentor. He is new to being a warrior, but I expect he will teach you very well."
Specklepaw moved from where she had pressed herself against Hickorymarsh's side and tentatively touched noses with Gingerfleck. Parsleystar waited for them to settle before moving on.
"Barleypaw, you're young. Not yet fully grown. But I have seen you work hard, and I believe you are ready to become a warrior."
Barleypaw stood, surprise flashing across his face, and he stepped forward. Parsleystar leapt down from her perch and stared him in the eyes.
"Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?"
"Then from this day forth, you shall be known as Barleyclaw. We honor your valor, and welcome you as a full member of ButterflyClan."
Burdockheart slipped into the nursery, her eyes already locked onto the little scraps of fur at Algaesky's belly.
"Oh, Algaesky, they're beautiful," she breathed, curling around her friend. "What have you named them?"
Algaesky let out a raspy purr, her eyes half-lidded from exhaustion. "Swallowkit, Sparrowkit, Ploverkit, and Cormorantkit. I like the thought of my kits being free as birds."
"Those are beautiful names, and they're wonderful kits. You'll be a perfect mother."
Burdockheart let out a strangled scream as the fox bit down on her leg. She heard a crunch and felt something break, and her vision whited out. When she could finally see and hear again, Ashpelt and Honeydew had just sent the fox fleeing for the hills, and a she-cat Burdockheart didn't recognize was standing by their side.
"Are you alright?" Honeydew asked, hovering over her with wide, concerned eyes.
"I'm pretty sure my leg is broken, but yes," Burdockheart gritted out. "Who's that?"
"This is Zazu," Ashpelt introduced. "She helped fight off the fox."
"It was no trouble. Foxes can be difficult to deal with." Zazu shook herself, wincing at the tears in her pelt.
"We have a healer," Burdockheart offered. "They could look at those wounds for you." She started to stand, but collapsed with a yowl of pain. Zazu frowned at her, worry crossing her features.
"I'll go with you if you're offering, but more to make sure you're okay."
"Fine with me," Burdockheart grunted.
Hickorymarsh sat by the river, watching the current drift. The ice was melting, and it was nice to know that the days were getting warmer. It was nice, too, to get away from camp for a bit- it was getting quite loud, now that the Clan was growing.
He didn't feel the pain, not at first. He certainly felt the sensation of his throat being ripped open, but it was a few seconds before the pain caught up to the experience. Hickorymarsh choked on his own blood, his vision swimming as he collapsed.
"I hope you rot in the Dark Forest where you belong," a voice hissed, hot breath in his ear.
I know you, Hickorymarsh though. I know you... who are you...
