Tigerclaw pads into camp, his patrol following behind him. He spots Fireheart sitting outside the warriors den and pads over to him. He takes up a spot next to him, reaching out to tug a burr out of Fireheart's fur with a laugh. "Thanks…" Tigerclaw nods and starts to lick Fireheart's slightly matted fur on his shoulder, following suit as the flame-colored tom tucks his paws underneath him.
Tigerclaw keeps an eye out for Longtail and Swiftpaw returning, eager to know both how the new apprentice did and how the border looks. He can hear Fireheart's soft purring and he glances at the other tom, smiling as he notices Fireheart fell into a light sleep. Tigerclaw slowly stands and stretches, his eyes narrowing. What am I doing? I can't be doing things like this. Others will begin to think I care for the new warrior….. Wait, do I care for him?
Tigerclaw glances down at the sleeping tom, gving a strong shake of his head. Never could I care for a tom. No, I do not care for him. He's just another warrior… He notices a couple other cats in the clearing and decides to talk to Goldenflower since he knows the she-cat has a crush on him. But before he can, Longtail slips into the clearing, his excited apprentice bouncing along behind him. Tigerclaw chuckles as he walks over to the two.
"How did it go?" Longtail glances up at Tigerclaw. "It went great. Swiftpaw is a great apprentice." Swiftpaw ducks his head at the compliment and Tigerclaw smiles. "That's great. I assume the border was all quiet?" Longtail nods. "Yup. Not a sign of Riverclan." Tigerclaw nods before making his way to the highrock. He leaps up on it, nodding to Bluestar as she joins him and calls a meeting. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, join me beneath the highrock for a clan meeting!" As the cats gathered, Tigerclaw quickly told Bluestar Longtail's report. When the clan was gathered, he stepped back and let Bluestar address the clan.
"I called you for this meeting for a couple of reasons. First, Willowpelt and Darkstripe have reported an incounter with a couple kittypets that were out to harm them. I'd like for a patrol to go out and teach them a quick lesson. I'll let Tigeclaw organize that after he arranges the other patrols. And lastly, I have come to the decision, with Spottedleaf's help, to share with you some important news." Bluestar looked around at her clan before continuing.
"Many of you might remember the bout of greencough we had a while back. As you might also know, I had caught it. What you didn't know was it took a life from me. I'm sad to say, I only have one remaining life so I'll be excusing myself from hunting and border patrols from now on but I'll be included in every battle patrol. I would like to give my last life in a battle for my beloved clan." She dips her head and leaps off the highrock, slipping into her den.
Tigerclaw stays silent for a moment before stepping forward and waving his tail for silence. "I would like Mousefur to take Thornpaw, Dustpelt and Graystripe in the sundown patrol. Whitestorm, you can take Brightpaw and Ravenflight on the moonhigh patrol. I will take Runningwind, Sandstorm and Fireheart on the patrol to teach the kittypets a lesson." With that he nods once and jumps down from the highrock.
He flicks his tail to the three on his patrol and heads out of camp. He makes his way towards the twolegplace, glancing to his side as Runningwind comes up next to him. "Those two seem to be getting along fine… don't you think?" Tigerclaw glances at the two new warriors behind them, attempting to hide the flare of jealousy passing through his expression as he turns back to Runningwind. He's surprised to find a tinge of jealousy in Runningwind's eyes. He's even more surprised as Runningwind calls him on it.
"You're jealous. You like Sandstorm, don't you?" Runningwind seems to glare at Tigerclaw for a moment before sighing softly. "If she doesn't go for Fireheart, you have a better chance with her than I do." Tigerclaw gapes at him, utterly surprised. "You think I like Sandstorm? No, she's a good warrior but I see nothing in her." He castes a sly glance at Runningwind. "I'll suggest we split and I'll pair her with you." Then I'll get a chance with Fire- No! I have to stop thinking about him. "You can show-off some of your great fighting skills and impress her." Runningwind smiles. "Thanks" Tigerclaw nods then calls over his shoulder. "We'll slipt up now. Fireheart, you'll come with me and we'll wait for Runningwind's cue. Sandstorm, you'll go with Runningwind and be bait. You can pretend to be injured to draw them out. When they attack you, wait a moment before you attack back. By then, Runningwind will attack and Fireheart and I will slip up behind them and attack. Hopefully we'll surround them." The three nod and Runningwind sends him a glance before slipping into the brush, Sandstorm following behind him.
Cliffie! Mwa-ha-ha-ha!