Finally more Whalebones content! I decided to jump on this trend and make a video featuring Altarstar and Gillpaw.
Lore is in the Altarstar game, but in case you can't or don't want to play:
Altarstar had just become leader of the clan when Gillkit was still in the nursery. Orphaned but adopted by Altarstar's mate, Greyrain, Gillkit wanted nothing more than to be just like Altarstar.
When the time came, Altarstar took Gillpaw on as his first apprentice, charmed by the latter's enthusiasm and idolisation of him.
Unfortunately, all apprentices must partake in the 'apprentice trials', where they must spend one full night out in the territory alone as a sort of test.
Perhaps getting so attached to Gillpaw was a mistake - Altarstar felt he had no choice but to send his apprentice off on his trial or risk the consequences of breaking Clan tradition. Gillpaw did not survive.
Gillpaw was Altarstar's first sacrifice during his time as leader - one that he never truly forgot or stopped feeling guilty over.