#apricotfeather

[seedclan]

Year 1 - Moon 3 - Greenleaf

Howlpaw's tail was held high as he followed after his clanmates through the grotto and to the beautiful flower field. He craned his neck, wide green eyes looking for a particular spotted tom. As he caught sight of his target, Howlpaw quickened his pace, falling in line beside his fellow apprentice.

"Softpaw! Hey, you didn't introduce me to the other apprentices at the last Gathering. Can I tail you when you go to say hi?" he asked earnestly.

Softpaw's ear twitched, the older apprentice looking incredulously at Howlpaw. "When I say hi? Howlpaw, I don't say hi. The Gathering is a formality, but there's no point making friends with cats you may have to fight."

"That's not what Kestrelstar said," Howlpaw argued, frowning as he flicked his gaze ahead. "Well fine, if you're going to be like that. I'll just introduce myself without your help."

A mrow of laughter caught Howlpaw off guard, Softpaw not even attempting to muffle his snickering as he rolled his eyes. "Ok Howlpaw. I'll see you at Dandelion Memorial. Good luck." Softpaw trotted ahead after Goldeniris and Honeyeagle, his tail tip flicking to hit Howlpaw's nose.

The gray apprentice jumped, swatting at the air where the tail once was, before huffing. As his fur began to lie flat, he gave himself a few quick licks before eyeing the gathered cats. He eventually noticed a smaller, younger looking tom. He was white and spotted with pale brown patches, standing alone.

Maybe he's nervous to meet other apprentices, just like me!

With a steady breath, Howlpaw trotted over with his head raised high, flicking his tail in greeting. "Hello there! I'm Howlpaw of SeedClan. Are you..." He paused only a moment, scenting the air. "...a SorrelClan apprentice?"

"I am." The tom's smile was small. He dipped his head in greeting to Howlpaw. "My name is Bumblepaw. I've been training for 4 moons now under Cranefang. You train under Kestrelstar, don't you?"

Howlpaw's eyes widened. "Wow, you know a lot!"

Bumblepaw purred with a small laugh. "Word gets around, especially when a leader trains an apprentice."

Pride swelled within him, Howlpaw unable to keep from flattening his ears with a show of embarrassment. He opened his mouth to speak further, but was interrupted by a flash of gray nudging her way between them, a bright smile on her face.

"Hi there! Socializing today, huh? Ooh, I'm glad there's a SeedClan cat willing to chat. That Softpaw is always telling me to bug off." She laughed loud enough to make Howlpaw duck his head, wary of others around them who glanced over with somewhat annoyed glances.

The dark gray tabby waved her plume-like tail. "I'm Rainpaw - CoyoteClan apprentice. I see you've met Bumblepaw. Got any scoop for me before the Gathering starts?"

Blinking at her in shock, Howlpaw stuttered. "I don't think uh- I mean I think that's Kestrelstar's job, not mine. That is uh..." He glanced away. While he was glad they were friendly, he hadn't exactly expected this.

"Rainpaw, quiet down," Bumblepaw whispered calmly. He nodded ahead to the Leaders, who stood proud as a hushed silence fell over the group. Howlpaw too straightened up, turning to pay attention.

The Gathering was starting.

Ryestar stepped forward, setting a Petunia down before his paws. "CoyoteClan is steadily recovering from the flood. Plummoon has taken up his deputy duties, but unfortunately we ran into a nasty fox that managed to mangle his leg. Lakeburn says he will make a full recovery." Murmurs of well wishes were exchanged, a few glances being cast towards Rainpaw, causing Howlpaw to glance at her as well.

Ryestar continued. "Rainpaw bravely finished chasing the fox off, and helped her mentor back to camp. I would like to acknowledge her tonight and thank her for protecting our new deputy."

Wow! Howlpaw gazed at Rainpaw with admiration. He couldn't imagine chasing off a fox and taking care of Kestrelstar like that. And her mentor was a deputy! Rainpaw was pretty amazing!

The she-cat noticed his look, puffing out her chest with a smile of delight. "You should've seen the way it yipped when it turned tail and ran. It won't mess with CoyoteClan again, that's for sure!"

As Ryestar stepped back, Whisperstar went next, the CherryClan leader dropping her pinkish colored flower to the ground. "For this Gathering, I bring Gladiolus. It represents strength and growth, which I believe CherryClan has been experiencing. We will not let hardships keep us down." Her voice sounded more powerful, making the raspy tone that betrayed her age. "CherryClan welcomes a new apprentice. Icepaw has been apprenticed to my deputy, Quiverwatcher, and we believe he will continue to uphold CherryClan's values."

Icepaw?

There was a new apprentice in CherryClan? That meant he was just a moon younger than Howlpaw! He'd have to say hi and congratulate him before they left.

"Icepaw! Icepaw! Icepaw!" the gathering cheered, Howlpaw raising his voice as he craned his neck and looked around for the apprentice.

He finally spotted him. A spiky white tom stood fierce and proud, a smile not even cracking his features. Howlpaw could see why he was named Icepaw. His eyes were like sunlit ice, and his cold exterior and white pelt made him fit for the chills of leafbare.

"We also have a new member of our clan. Apricotfeather has moved to the nursery with kits, but we have learned her mate is an outsider. As the code is to protect kits, we have taken him in to strengthen our ranks, as will the kits when they are born."

Chivestar's lips curled back in a snarl, and Ryestar even seemed surprised. "You took in an outsider, even after Bushclaw's death?" he asked warily.

"Churro has already proven his innocence," hissed Whisperstar, not explaining herself further. "Apricotfeather has suffered enough this past moon." Her fur bristled, before she stiffened and straightened herself. "And unfortunately, so have we. The truth is that twolegs came into our territory... and they managed to capture Tadpolefern. He was taken."

Everyone gasped, fur bristling as panic seemed to rise from the crowd.

"T-Taken?" a white SorrelClan she-cat timidly cried out

"Does CherryClan not protect their own?!" snarled Quillbeak.

"Silence!" Whisperstar cried, lashing her tail as her silver eyes betrayed the pain she felt. "CherryClan is feeling great shame. We loved Tadpolefern, and we have sent countless patrols out in search of Twolegs. But alas it hasn't led to any success..." She trailed off, sighing. "CherryClan is rebuilding, but with what is sounding like a large litter, we will be stronger than ever," she insisted, admittedly rather defensive.

"I also have a warning to my fellow clan cats." Whisperstar's voice was stern and serious. "As you may have noticed, our medicine cat Maplefern has been absent two Gatherings now. I'm informing you all now that she has been exiled from CherryClan."

Howlpaw's ears flattened as shocked whispers flooded the clearing. His pelt felt hot, knowing well where Maplefern was. He lowered his head, yet kept his eyes looking at Whisperstar as she continued to speak.

"As is the code of Healers, they must not take mates, nor carry kits, as it impedes upon their relationship with StarClan. When we learned she had been seeing a loner, she lost her rights to our support."

Kestrelstar eyed the white she-cat, frowning. Her demeanor did not go unnoticed, as Whisperstar glared back. "Do you have something to say, Kestrelstar?"

"Only if you're finished," Kestrelstar replied coolly, voice muffled by the large yellow flower she carried.

Whisperstar huffed and stepped back, eyeing the SeedClan leader with her silver eyes as they traded places. Kestrelstar set her offering down, raising her tail as she gazed upon the gathered cats.

"I have brought a Sunflower because SeedClan has unwavering faith, and are looking towards the light that is the sun. This past moon has brought change, but we are strong and certain in our actions." She took a soft breath, puffing out her chest as she spoke. "The truth is that SeedClan has taken in Maplefern."

"You what?!" Whisperstar bared her fangs, silver eyes blazing with fury. "Does SeedClan spat in the face of StarClan's word?"

"I should be asking CherryClan that," Kestrelstar hissed back without hesitation. "Does CherryClan leave kits to die and fend for themselves?"

Whisperstar sat upright in shock. "Kits? What do you mean?"

"Maplefern had kits with her. They appeared to be almost 2 moons old. She most certainly had to have been pregnant when you cast her out." Kestrelstar's amber eyes hardened. "Maplefern may have broken the healer code, but she is still a queen, and the code says to never neglect the innocent."

CherryClan cats spoke up, eyes wide with horror.

"We didn't know!" Icepaw declared, catching Howlpaw's attention. He was surprised a new apprentice would speak out so loudly. But the white tom stood tall, not even flinching as the other cats gazed at him. "CherryClan would never harm innocent kits!"

Kestrelstar waved her tail for silence. "We have been taking care of Maplefern and her kits. While it is Maplefern's decision, we believe the kits will grow into fine warriors of SeedClan, unless CherryClan wants to change their mind?"

A hushed silence fell through the air. A look of shame was plastered on Whisperstar's face. She lowered her head before shaking it. "We will start no conflict over the kits. I admit the wrong I have done to Maplefern." Her voice hardened as she met Kestrelstar's gaze though. "However, she is not welcomed back in CherryClan. While she should've been taken care of as a mother, she has chosen to flee rather than use the code that would've saved her. CherryClan wants no part of her, nor her kits after her banishment."

"I want to apologize too," Ryestar spoke up. The elderly tom would stand as she looked to Kestrelstar. "Maplefern came to CoyoteClan asking for herbs, but we did not give them to her. Her kits were no where in sight when she came, and she didn't speak of them to us. Had we known, we would've provided her the care she needed."

Kestrelstar appeared unimpressed, glaring at both of them. "She was injured. Did you not know that either?"

To her surprise, Ryestar shook his head. "She smelled like garlic actually when she came. She looked to be in fine condition, and merely left when we explained we didn't have herbs to spare. We weren't even aware of her banishment at that point in time."

Howlpaw tilted his head in confusion. Why would Maplefern not tell those around her the full story? She could've gotten help so easily it sounded like, and yet she hid her kits and what happened. It was like Softpaw had caught her or something.

Kestrelstar dipped her head, accepting Ryestar's answer, albeit with a still displeased expression. With a soft sigh, she continued to speak. "Softpaw completed his Border Trial, bringing him closer to becoming a warrior of our clan. This is where he found Maplefern, escorting her back to camp without conflict. With her came her three kits - Slatekit, Bluekit, and Hollowkit."

The gathered cats seemed restless, surprised still with all they had heard so far. However, as Chivestar stood up for his turn, his uncharacteristically hostile expression caused near everyone to hush up. As he set down the Forget-Me-Not, everyone seemed to stiffen.

"SorrelClan is in mourning. While our apprentice Bumblepaw completed his Training Trial, we bring unfortunate news of the death of our sole Healer, Fireleopard."

Most seemed to murmur condolences. The tom was rather old after all, but with no apprentice to follow in his pawsteps, what would SorrelClan do?

Chivestar continued. "We are not without a Healer though. Icywish has stepped forward, volunteering to become a Healer after Fireleopard's passing. She has already begun receiving additional training from Lakeburn of CoyoteClan, however Icywish has impressed us with her knowledge of healing and herbs she already knew."

Kestrelstar spoke up. "Chivestar, know if Icywish needs any further training, Fallendapple is very able."

"I'm afraid I'll have to pass, but thank you, Kestrelstar." Chivestar's voice was short and curt. Howlpaw noticed the way Kestrelstar's pelt prickled in surprise, before she dipped her head with a nod.

"But while Fireleopard was old, it was not StarClan who came for him," he declared, green eyes looking to Whisperstar. "We found Fireleopard on the CherryClan border. Do you care to explain yourself, Whisperstar?"

It was one surprise after the other, the cats bristling in shock as they begun to turn on each other. Bumblepaw remained calm as he sat with the other apprentices, but his green eyes shifted to look over at Icepaw, who was lashing his tail in fury.

"Are you accusing CherryClan of killing a Healer?!" Whisperstar spat.

"Well you're willing to cast out kits. What other rules of the code are you breaking?" Chivestar snarled back, lashing his tail as he approached the CherryClan leader.

"Chivestar!" "Whisperstar!"

Kestrelstar pushed herself against Chivestar, nudging him back with a growl. Ryestar's form towered over Whisperstar, pleading for the she-cat to not launch herself at the SorrelClan leader.

Whisperstar huffed. "I'm sorry for your loss. You have my condolences, really. But CherryClan had no part of it. Though perhaps if SorrelClan cats are such fox-hearts, they deserve to lose a life to even the score."

"Why you-!" Chivestar raised his haunches, but Kestrelstar blocked him, giving him a pleading gaze. The gray tom seemed to stare at her, before flattening his ears and looking to his clan.

"SorrelClan, we're leaving!" he called, trudging ahead and smacking his tail against Kestrelstar as he left. The SeedClan leader flinched, amber eyes wide.

Howlpaw shifted uncomfortably. He and Rainpaw both glanced over at Bumblepaw, who stood up without a word.

"Yeah, turn tail and run back to your camp!"

Looking up with a shocked gaze, Howlpaw saw the spiky white form of Icepaw pushing his way through the crowd. He bared his fangs, snarling at Bumblepaw, who was far bigger than the new apprentice. "Your leader is a liar. Fight me here and now and we'll settle this!"

Bumblepaw's expression barely shifted. It was only now that Howlpaw noticed his smile didn't reach his eyes, and that his green gaze was cold and lifeless.

"I wouldn't waste my time on a scrap of fur like you," he murmured, voice velvety smooth. He dipped his head to Howlpaw and Rainpaw, before turning to leave.

Rainpaw look stunned, mouth agape in a grin. Despite the terror sweeping through Howlpaw, Rainpaw seemed to be relishing in this animosity.

Maybe because it's not her clan...

Icepaw snarled, glancing at Howlpaw and Rainpaw before puffing himself up to look bigger. Even when he did though, he was easily the smallest still.

"Ah um, hi!" Howlpaw greeted, offering a nervous but friendly smile. Icepaw looked ready to claw his fur off, but Howlpaw wasn't sure what else to do. The white tom would glare before turning around and sauntering off, lashing his tail in annoyance.

Rainpaw craned her neck to watch him go, before snickering. "Wow, now that was a dramatic gathering. Phew, I'll have a lot to tell Plummoon about."

"Are you not scared? Or feeling um... bad for everyone?" Howlpaw asked, astonished at first before trailing off into a more meek and nervous tone.

"Well it doesn't affect my clan," she spoke simply. Rainpaw flicked her ear before nudging Howlpaw with a smile. "Yours just grazed some trouble though. Congrats on your new Healer and kit combo though. And hey, let's chat more next time." The dark gray tabby would perk up as a ginger she cat raised her tail to follow. "I gotta go, but see ya around, Howlpaw."

And just like that, he was alone. He saw the rest of his clan leaving, Kestrelstar at the helm. Her eyes looked troubled, trained ahead as her tail lashed with irritation. Howlpaw felt a knot within his stomach, tightening with every pawstep. He gulped, uncertainty clear in his dark colored gaze.

Maybe Softpaw was right...

[seedclan]

Year 1 - Moon 2 - Newleaf

The full moon shone in the sky, the stars themselves clear as can be as they shimmered against their dark canvas. Another gathering was upon them, and Fallendapple found herself a bit anxious as her and the rest of SeedClan arrived. The half-moon meeting had been rather curt, her and Fireleopard speaking little to each other the entire tom. The ginger tom had been pretty quiet, luckily sparing her from a mocking remark. However, would he be so kind amongst the company of his clanmates?

“Fallendapple, over here,” a tom’s voice called.

The dark brown tabby caught the speckled brown she-cat’s attention. As she padded over, she’d cast a quick look at the ginger tom beside him.

“Lakeburn,” Fallendapple greeted, dipping her head to the brown tom. “Fireleopard. Moonbumble.” Both cats dipped their heads as well, though Fallendapple was quick to notice they were one short amongst their little group here.

“Moonbumble, where is Maplefern tonight?”

The black and white she-cat had a rather glassy expression, not even acknowledging the SeedClan Healer. Lakeburn gave her a small nudge, causing the she-cat to straighten up as her ears pricked to attention.

“Oh umm-umm-umm... She won’t be joining us this evening.” Moonbumble’s voice was quick, if not a bit curt. It was evident enough to the group that pressing further just begged for the soft spoken she-cat to get anxious. Fallendapple would instead dip her head respectfully, taking the she-cat’s words as they were.

Lakeburn offered a smile to the group, waving his tail as if to escape the subject. Alas Fallendapple could see though that his smile never quite reached his eyes. “I see everyone looks quite healthy. We should be grateful the flow of prey has been kind to us.”

It’s Newleaf, Lakeburn. Of course prey is plentiful!

Fallendapple thought said remark, but would never say that. In fact most of her remarks went unsaid because Fireleopard was always willing to say such things. It came as a shock to the brown she-cat when there was not a peep out of the ginger tom. Instead he sighed tiredly, leaning forward as he found it difficult to sit up straight.

“Indeed. I think we best enjoy it while it lasts,” he mumbled in a raspy tone.

Moonbumble remained quiet, only lifting her eyes up as Chivestar’s gray tail was raised to the moonlight.

Cats were settling into their chosen spots, and the leaders had all taken their place at the front. As the murmurings became hushed and quiet, the gathering would officially begin.

This time, it was Chivestar’s turn to go first. The SorrelClan leader padded forward, placing a fresh sprig of green leaves at his paws. “SorrelClan has little to speak about I’m afraid. A pretty boring past moon,” he chuckled, eyeing the cats as if they may just chuckle, but alas no one dared even purr. Chivestar cleared his throat. “Well, this evening I brought Basil. With it I bring good wishes to the others, and good wishes for my clan these next few moons. Bumblepaw has completed his Hunting Trial. He caught a sizable black bird that fed us all well. We especially needed it after the heavy rain.”

Fallendapple noticed Lakeburn’s pelt prickle as Chivestar spoke. His fluffy brown tail twitched slightly, and yet his facial expression itself remained calm, if not happy looking. The she-cat glanced back up at the leaders, blue eyes traveling to the large tom that was Ryestar. The CoyoteClan leader had a rather sorrowful expression, stepping forward as he placed down an ominous pale blue flower that every cat knew. The silence of the gathered cats was chilling, and those of CoyoteClan lowered their heads with somber gazes.

“I have brought the Forget-Me-Not. With great sorrow I must announce that our deputy, Barleytail, has passed on to join our ancestors.”

Fallendapple whipped her head around to look at Lakeburn, who had lowered his head, but his expression was just neutral. It was hard to tell what the medicine cat was thinking, and even his tail had been tucked closely to his side, as if he knew he may have given himself away just mere moments before.

“Our camp’s trenches struggled with the heavy rain. We faced a terrible flood and Barleytail... she bravely saved her apprentice, Rainpaw.” Ryestar attempted to speak clearly, though his elderly voice choked as he tried to take a steady breath. “Rainpaw had been injured during his border trial after a monster caused grave injury to his leg. Barleytail made sure he made it out safe. She always put her clan first, and was the image of a true CoyoteClan warrior. We will never forget her.”

Sympathetic expression crossed many of the gathered cats. Chivestar had flattened his ears, realizing his comment about the rain hit a sore spot for CoyoteClan. Kestrelstar would dip her head in respect, while Whisperstar paused before dipping her head as well. Ryestar’s eyes held little anger, merely sadness as he nodded back to his fellow leaders.

“Plummoon has been made CoyoteClan’s new deputy. StarClan spoke to Lakeburn that very evening, where the was just almost full. Against the starry sky, our ancestors spoke to Lakeburn, giving us guidance when we needed it. I believe Plummoon will be an excellent deputy for CoyoteClan.”

Plummoon...

Fallendapple was surprised. The tom was rather... ordinary, all things considered. He was known for being careful, passive, and not being much of a presence all things considered. He often faded into the background, and never would anyone have expected him to be the right fit for a position as important as deputy.

“Odd choice...”

“It’s as StarClan wills.”

Fallendapple’s pelt grew hot, realizing she had spoken aloud. She slowly turned to meet Lakeburn’s calm expression. Despite no anger being evident on his face, his eyes were deep blue pools of hollowness. It was almost scarier than Lakeburn actually being aggressive towards her.

“It’s an odd choice, Lakeburn,” Fireleopard spoke up.

Both medicine cats turned to look at the smaller ginger tom, who sighed. “But everything is odd now, isn’t it? Please remember Fallendapple is young, and have some understanding.”

“... Yes, Fireleopard.” Lakeburn would dip his head in acknowledgement to the older medicine cat. respect glimmering in his gaze as his dark blue gaze looked away from Fallendapple’s.

“And Fallendapple, do remember we aren’t exactly working with much. You have a lot to learn, and you should mind your tongue.” Rather than being a stern scolding, Fireleopard’s voice was low. Fallendapple couldn’t deny he was right. After all, it was either Plummoon or Aphidsun, and the young ginger she-cat was a very new warrior. Many might say StarClan wasn’t even needed to make this choice.

Ryestar would finally step back, giving Whisperstar her turn. The small white she-cat would place down a purple flower with long, curled petals, raising her head high. “For this gathering I have brought an Iris. The iris means many things - things that CherryClan needs right now. Faith, wisdom, valor...” The older she-cat sighs as she continues. “Apricotfeather has announced she is expecting kits. We look forward to new additions to our clan.”

Murmurs of congratulations traveled through the gathered cats. Fallendapple tilted her head to get a better look at the gray tabby she-cat, her belly beginning to get plump. Sitting at her side was a silver tabby tom, who grinned sheepishly as other cats came up to him to wish congratulations.

They must be mates then.

“Umm-umm-umm-umm...” Moonbumble stuttered.

Fireleopard’s ears curled back slightly at the sound. Lakeburn would whisk his tail over the she-cat’s back, rubbing it gently to assure her. Fallendapple had come to know Moonbumble well enough, her fellow medicine cat Maplefern having done well to educate her on the white and black she-cat’s tics. Eventually though, Moonbumble stopped, dipping her head as she acknowledged the blessing that were new kits, especially in these times.

Whisperstar would continue. “We are patrolling our borders carefully. Do not think we have forgotten about Bushclaw’s murder. Whoever it was will see justice.” The white she-cat stepped back with a pointed gaze, before turning to Kestrelstar with a content expression.

Finally, the dark gray tabby took her place, dipping her head to Whisperstar before setting her rather bushy purple plant down. “This evening I’ve brought Thyme, a plant representing courage and strength. This moon I have focused on keeping my clan unified. Just as we take care of ourselves, I believe we also need to take care of each other.” Kestrelstar eyed Whisperstar, who glared back at her with a narrowed gaze.

“For instance,” Kestrelstar spoke. “Whisperstar, not too long ago, my patrol encountered what we believe is a loner lurking on your territory. He smelled distinctly of CherryClan, as if he was part of your clan, and yet I’m fairly certain he is not one of your cats.”

Whisperstar’s eyes widened, blinking incredulously. “Impossible! There’s no way some loner could go undetected.”

“I promise you, it’s true,” Kestrelstar spoke firmly. “He was a pale ginger tom, with dark her markings. He had an odd name. Churro.”

“Umm-umm...”

Whisperstar would scoff. “Well... we’ll keep our eyes out then. If this is your attempt at looking out for one another, then so be it, Kestrelstar. If this does prove to be true, then you will have my gratitude.”

Fallendapple had heard a bit about the strange loner Kestrelstar’s patrol had encountered. Howlpaw had babbled about it to her while Goldeniris insisted they too should check their own borders more. Outsiders weren’t uncommon, but cats were wary of them after The Great Division. Who willingly wanted to throw themselves into the broken up fragments that were their once single territory. Fallendapple loved her clan, but she couldn’t imagine outsiders finding clanlife appealing in its current state.

Kestrelstar would continue. “Softpaw has completed his Hunting Trial, bringing him one step closer on his path to becoming a warrior. We also have a new apprentice - Howlpaw. It is my honor to be training him myself.”

“Howlpaw! Howlpaw! Howlpaw!” the gathering cheered.

The fluffy gray apprentice straightened up with a sheepish smile.

“Ryestar, I truly am sorry for your loss. Know that if you need extra herbs, Fallendapple can provide some to your clan.” Kestrelstar flicked her tail towards the speckled brown she-cat, eyes turning to her.

Fallendapple would tense for a moment before nodding. “Of course, Kestrelstar.” In truth, she had mixed feelings herself on her current herb supply, nevermind handing it over to another clan. Fallendapple glanced away, catching a familiar gaze across the clearing. Quillbeak nodded to her, understanding in his wary gaze, before the two cats turned to look back to the gathered leaders.

Ryestar would simply dip his head graciously to Kestrelstar. With nothing left to share though, the gathering was commenced. Havenbramble padded over to Apricotfeather, congratulating her personally on the little bundles that would be coming. Fallendapple would watch as Lakeburn went to congratulate her as well, and she’d debate following him herself.

“Do you know how many you’ll be having yet?” Havenbramble asked cheerfully.

“Um, I believe Moonbumble thinks it’ll be a larger litter,” Apricotfeather replied, lowering head with a hit of embarrassment.

Moonbumble had padded over with Lakeburn, nodding as she offered a soft smile to Havenbramble. “She’s already showing and there’s still much time before she’ll actually have her kits. It’ll be umm-umm-umm great life for CherryClan, as Whisperstar said.”

“I’m sure you’re very proud, Tadpolefern,” Lakeburn spoke up, nodding to the silver tom sitting beside Apricotfeather during the gathering.

“Hm?” Tadpolefern blinked, perking up with a slight tilt of his head. “Well yeah, Apricotfeather is going to do great! I’ll make sure to bring her everything she needs, and those kits are going to be strong warriors! Oh, or maybe one will even become a medicine cat. We could use one, right Moonbumble?”

“Umm-umm-umm-!” Moonbumble’s ears fell as she shook her head. “I mean umm-umm-umm yes quite!” She smiled with a soft giggle, scrunching her shoulders up as she rolled her head.

Fallendapple wasn’t one to mingle with the other clans too much. It still felt... odd. Then again she had never known a world where they didn’t live world’s apart. Her instinct was to find Quillbeak, walking alongside him as they returned back to the safety of SeedClan’s camp. As the medicine cat turned to try and find her clanmate, a raspy voice would stop her.

“Do you have a moment, Fallendapple?”

Fallendapple tensed. Seeing Fireleopard, the she-cat lashed her tail slightly with narrowed eyes. “What is it?”

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior last gathering.”

Huh? Fireleopard apologizing? Was she dreaming? This ragged tom never apologized. This kind of tune shocked Fallendapple, the she-cat having to pause as if Fireleopard might pull one over on her. But... he didn’t. Instead the ginger tom apologetically dipped his head.

“I’m a grown tom. I shouldn’t have been acting like a sniveling kit. The Healer Code states we shouldn’t fight under the stars, and for that I’m sorry - to you and your clan.”

“I...” Fallendapple blinked, her fur beginning to lie flat. “...Thank you, Fireleopard. That... That’s kind of you, really.” A genuine smile passed on to Fallendapple’s face, the she-cat whisking her fluffy tail around to cover her paws. “You were right earlier as well though... about me having much to learn.”

A light chuckle escaped the SorrelClan tom, before he coughed. Clearing his throat, Fireleopard sighed and nodded. “As you were, Fallendapple. Do take care of yourself this next moon.”

“And you as well,” Fallendapple called after. She’d watch as Fireleopard sauntered towards a brown and white she-cat, who touched noses with him before following alongside him with the other SorrelClan cats.

“There you are.”

“Eep!” Fallendapple whipped around, tired of these cats spooking her. Maybe she was the problem - too easy to scare.

Quillbeak eyed her, tilting his head. “You should know my paw steps by now, especially with our training.” His tail tip twitched. “What did that old pile of burrs have to say to you?” he asked, lip slightly curled as he watched the other clan cats leave.

Fallendapple would frown, glancing down at her paws. “Nothing really. He actually um... and you might find this kinda funny but uh... he apologized to me. For what happened at the last gathering.” She looked up hopefully at Quillbeak, chuckling to herself as if she also found it a bit funny.

“Oh please,” Quillbeak scoffed, waving his tail dismissively. “They probably heard Kestrelstar volunteer us herbs and now want to stay in our good graces. You shouldn’t be so naive, Fallendapple. You know we can’t spare herbs for CoyoteClan, much less SorrelClan.”

She thought of their brief moment of eye contact, agreement on their current supply. What Quillbeak said was true but... was that really why Fireleopard apologized? Was she naive to think he actually meant it...

As cats made their way back to their clans, Fallendapple would cast a final gaze up at the stars. She was still so young, and still had much to learn. Whether Fireleopard meant it or not, that she could agree with...