@isaakandreyevs requested a fic about Warriors AU Ursalrich (Bearfang and Lavendersong) discussing Wolfstar. (Pre Viszla in this AU.) So I will give u battle cats *rubs hands together*
But also, thank you for supporting this AU, my dude! You're like the biggest supporter for this. :)
Lavendersong, the medicine cat of Taigaclan, sat near the entrance of his den, sorting herbs. He would shuffle the various plants around with his paw, leaning down to sniff at older looking herbs. If he scrunched his nose up with a dissatisfied whisker tremble, he would grab it in his mouth, and toss it to the side, before moving on.
The small tom had been at this for a few hours. His neck ached, as he had hardly moved from his hunched over position for the entire time. He cast a glance over to the growing pile of bad herbs, then to the dwindling supply he could actually use. With an inward groan, he narrowed his amber eyes into slits, grumbling as he finally stood. 'I didn't WANT to have to go gather herbs today...' He thought sourly.
Pawsteps at the entrance of his den soon caused his ears to perk lightly... Or as much as his folded ears could perk. He turned to see who was there, thinking it might be just another kitten with a thorn stuck in their paw-pad. But to his surprise, the newly appointed deputy, Bearfang, was there instead.
She had changed a lot from the arrogant and bossy apprentice she used to be. Now, while still sharp-tongued as ever, she was more stoic and stern. That could be attributed to the recent loss of her older sister, the deputy before her. Nonetheless, it was still a surprise to see her. The two had hardly had any time to be in each other's presence anymore.
This had started after his mentor, Mosswhisker, had died two months into his training. After that, he could no longer spare time to accompany her, or Owlstrike- then Owlpaw, on hunting patrols. "Can I talk to you?" She finally said, her expression practically unreadable.
He looked from his herb supply, then back to her. The grey tom needed to gather more for his supply. He had so much to do... But... The medicine cat looked back to her. She had been one of his closest friends from the time the two had been in the nursery... Up until their duties put a distance between them. "If you're busy, I understand-"
"No-" Lavendersong's eyes widened when he'd realized he cut her off. Friend or not, she was still the deputy of their clan.
Bearfang tipped her head to the side. The large she-cat didn't seem upset by this. The medicine cat blinked, then sat down. "... What is it?"
She fully entered the den, taking up quite a bit of space. As the largest cat within the clan among a group of medium sized cats, she could forget how large she actually was. She sat down, her bushy tail curling around her fore-paws. "It's about Wolfstar, the leader of Blazeclan."
His ears pricked curiously. Why would she seek him out about this over Owlstrike, her mate? "I've tried to talk to Owlstrike about it... She fully supports him and thinks that his plan to unify the remaining traditional clans under his leadership is the right way to go..." His inward question was answered.
Bearfang paused for a moment, before continuing. "I don't trust it... You remember what he said at the last gathering, right?"
Lavendersong nodded. It was hard to forget the hinted threat within Wolfstar's words as he spoke to the other clan leaders about how to deal with the clans that had abandoned their traditional ways in the favor of pacifism. "He wants to bring the remaining four clans together... And from what I understand, Eclipseclan and Duskclan have already joined him."
"The medicine cats told you this?" Bearfang asked.
"Yeah. Not all of them are on board with it... It just seems like he wants control." The small tom looked down for a moment. "The other leaders might have 'Star' in their names and their nine lives... But it's more like they're beneath Wolfstar." He explained.
"Have you heard anything else?" She asked.
"Just because us medicine cats talk about a lot of happenings within our clans, doesn't mean we'll tell all. Especially the ones under Wolfstar's influence." He replied.
"I do know that he wants Taigaclan to join him." Lavendersong continued, watching the neck on Bearfang's back raise with irritation.
"So my mother can be stripped of her power? So he can make himself look like some savior?" The larger cat growled.
"Think about it, Bearfang. Taigaclan has some of the most formidable warriors in the clans. We are easily the strongest clan. He might see us as a useful ally." He reasoned.
The deputy's tail lashed. "Or he might view us as being in his way..."
Lavendersong shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea what goes on in his head. I don't know WHAT he plans to do about Sunclan, Emberclan, and Iceclan. I don't know much about him."
She let out a deep sigh, burying her chin into the fur that flowed from her neck like a mane. "Like I said, I don't trust him. I've heard... Rumors about him. About terrible things he's done to those who have opposed him."
Lavendersong rested his hazel eyes onto her. He wished he could press his muzzle to hers and tell her that things would work out, to not worry... His folded ears pinned to his head. She was with Owlstrike. Bearfang had chosen her. He was at a loss of what to say. "Listen. You and your mother know what is best for this clan." He meowed.
"Discuss it with her. Figure out where you two stand on this issue, then go from there... As for Owlstrike, she has her own opinions on this. You can try to convince her that she's wrong, but is it really worth the tension it will create in your relationship with her?" He said.
Bearfang looked at him for a long moment, contemplating. All he wanted was for her to be happy. He didn't want to see her hurting over such issues in her relationship with Owlstrike. She finally sighed. "You're right." Standing, the large cat padded back to the entrance of his den. "Thank you, Lavendersong. You always were the best to come talk to."
"And your voice of reason for the longest time." He replied jokingly. Starclan knew how many times he had to keep her from ripping the fur off of those who annoyed her as an apprentice.
The corners of her muzzle lifted into a smile. Something he hadn't gotten from her in a long time. He felt his pelt warm up, watching her as she padded outside, and back to her duties. Owlstrike greeted her, brushing up against her and nuzzling her. Bearfang returned this, as they walked across camp together. The medicine cat sighed, before turning to look back at his stock.