Locustflower had been thinking on what to do since last moon, her mind racing now that she was the one running the clan. She was now training three cats, though Stumppaw was closer and closer to her warriorhood each day. The molly paced in a tight circle within the leader's den and listened to the girls outside chatting and laughing, wondering if there wasn't more she could do. Her fur lifted in anxiety, sucking in a sharp inhale through her nose.
'What if Ivyclan comes looking for us? They'd have Stumppaw paired with some- some tom and then she'd-' Locustflower stopped, claws sliding out and gripping the new moss the apprentices had gathered, 'I can't let that happen. I-I won't. She won't be like me. I'll keep her by my side so they can't hurt her.' The thought pulled at memories deep in her chest.
Life as the mate of Gullfur had been safe. She had been someone, and she was looked at with envy as the future leader's mate. Until he had turned his back on her, no one else could bother her... and after he had, she'd been viewed as nothing but second-paw goods, lucky to get another tom's attention.
'I can give her that safety. I know what I wanted, I can give her that.'
"Stumppaw, can you come here?" Locustflower kept her tone as even as she could, having to be the rock for them all. Peering out she watched as the big apprentice smiled at the others in the clearing and padded over with that same bright look on her face. She walked in with a sheepishness that didn't match the warrior build she had, and the thought charmed Locustflower.
"Yes, Miss Locustflower?" Stumppaw quizzically mewed, head tilted and sitting down with her tail tucked over her paws. It made the leader swallow dryly with anxiety, but she knew she was doing the right thing.
"I need to talk to you about something very serious. You know how hard I'm trying to keep everyone here protected from the other clans, yes?" Her red eyes watched carefully as the molly nodded, "Well... I worry about you. You're at an age where others might try and hurt you, where toms might drag you back to their clan to make you some wet nurse- I won't let it happen." She spoke firmly, watching Stumppaw's eyes widen at the concern, looking nervous. For a moment, Locustflower wondered if she was hiding something, but let it go.
"Stumppaw... when I was 9 moons old, my mate picked me. It was the safest I'd ever felt, and even though he broke my heart until then I was never a cat anyone messed with. I want to give this to you- will you let me?"
The air hung heavy and Stumppaw blinked once, twice, trying to understand. Locustflower felt uneasy and filled the silence.
"We won't have to be mates until your 12 moons at least, or if you want later than that-"
It took Locustflower by surprise, that she would understand. Stumppaw smiled, faintly embarrassed.
"I owe you so much Miss Locustflower. You've given me a home, and care about me, and you treat me so kindly... so I'll do it. I mean- I'd be happy to!" The apprentice fumbled her words, "Honored even! I- gah, sorry, I don't know what to say!"
Locustflower felt herself smile, relieved, and moved to the other cat and wrapped a paw over her, pulling her close and giving a soothing purr. It would be okay, she would be able to help like this. Stumppaw had agreed, and it would work out.
"We don't have to do anything. I won't push you to tell the others either... let's just meet up and talk about how things will work now and then okay?"
The rest of the moon had slowly gone by in the mid-leafbare chill, and the two cat had met up frequently to discuss what it all would mean for them. Stumppaw was flattered to have so much of Locustflower's time, even when Doepaw and Ochrepaw teased her for it.
She looked forward to her warriorhood.
Cats Shown:
Locustflower - She/her - 40m - Tall grey-purple molly with cream patches.
Stumppaw - She/xe - 10m - Towering brown tabby molly with orange patches.
Doepaw - She/her - 7m - Towering pale bengal molly.
Ochrepaw - Thon/She - 6m - Average pale yellow tabby and cream cat with bird skull.
Sneezepaw - She/her - 6m - Towering dusty white molly with grey tabby patches.
