Heatherpaw walked silently back to the Windclan camp. Her tabby colored tail drooped as she followed her clan mates through the woodland and to the moors. She knew she should be happy because they got Gorsetail's kits back, but she lost her friendship with Lionpaw.
Her mentor, Crowfeather, padded beside Ashfoot. Onestar was talking to Tornear and Breezepaw was talking to Owlwhisker. It seemed everyone had someone to talk to except her. But Heatherpaw didn't mind. It gave her time to think about Lionpaw.
He wants to be warrior. That means, according to him at least, that he can't be friends with me. She let out an almost inaudible sigh. Although, it was loud enough for Breezepaw to hear.
He turned his head, slowed down to catch up with her, and matched her pace.
"What did you see in Lionpaw anyway?" Breezepaw asked quietly, guessing what she was thinking about. Heatherpaw ignored him. He wouldn't understand. This time it was Breezepaw turn to sigh. "He's from Thunderclan, he smells like those trees, he's from Thunderclan his brother is always moody, there are plenty of toms in Windclan. Did I mention he's from Thunderclan?" Heatherpaw rolled her eyes.
"The trees don't smell bad. They even probably think we smell rabbity. Just because Jaypaw's moody doesn't mean he is too. Besides you can be the same way sometimes! And there maybe toms in Windclan but none of them are like Lionpaw. As for being in Thunderclan, that doesn't have to mean he's an enemy, he's just a little different." She replied in the same hushed tone.
They drew nearer to camp. Exhaustion hit Heatherpaw when she saw the apprentice's den. Her limbs felt stiff and heavy which only reminded her of Lionpaw. She helped Lionpaw earlier when she was tired rather than making sure Breezepaw was alright.
That doesn't make me disloyal does it? She wondered.
"Heatherpaw?" Crowfeather's mew startled her.
"Yes Crowfeather?"
"You and Breezepaw look tired. Why don't you get some rest?"
"Is it ok with Whitetail?" Breezepaw questioned.
"Of course it is! Do you think I would tell you before asking her first?"
Breezepaw, to tired to argue just said, "Whatever."
Heatherpaw and Breezepaw padded to the mossy spots of the den and settled down. Breezepaw dozed off almost immediately.
Heatherpaw was drowsy but couldn't sleep. She willed for sleep to wash over her like the waves of the river from the cave had before. However, she still had some things on her mind.
It wasn't disloyalty. She thought, trying to convince herself. If I hadn't helped him it could have caused more trouble between the two clans! She sighed again. Who am I kidding? I always felt more than just friendship towards Lionpaw. For the third time, she sighed. It really is over isn't it? She asked herself. She knew the answer but she didn't like it.
She curled up in the moss. Slowly falling asleep, her last thought was of Lionpaw and how she would only be able to see him as an ordinary cat from Thunderclan from that point on.