Lionblaze watched with narrowed amber eyes as Toadstep shouldered his way past the lichen into Bramblestar's den. After the black and white tom settled down, he nodded at Bramblestar that everyone was there.
All together, there were fifteen cats in the den. Bramblestar had decided not to invite Seedfall or the queen and kits to the meeting, with due right. They were discussing how to get more she-cats, and everyone knew that the toms would immediately turn to Maplekit and/or Seedfall for a solution. In addition, Lionblaze had sent Lightpaw out on a mission to find several mice for Jayfeather's bile store. His young ears had no need to hear what was going to be discussed.
"As you can see, I've called the Clan together for a meeting." Bramblestar's voice was tired. "You may have noticed we have a bit of a problem."
The toms were silent. A few flicked their ears, as if to say "we know".
"There has to be a solution, and I've decided the only reasonable one is to bring in she-cats from outside of the clan."
"Not again." Spiderleg murmured, shuffling his brown paws in the sandy floor of the den. "Look what happened with Daisy!"
"What?" Jayfeather fixed his sightless blue eyes on the mottled tom. "Was it her fault that you decided to mate with her? I'd think you'd be proud, as your daughter happens to be the only cat in this clan capable of kitting right now! Our future rests on her shoulders."
Without pause, Thornclaw leapt into the conversation. "She isn't the only capable one."
Bramblestar's firm mew cut through the ensuing whispers "No, we will not be asking Seedfall to kit for ThunderClan. She has chosen the path of a medicine cat, and we will respect her choice."
"Even if she was to kit in the next few moons, it wouldn't be enough." Dewclaw, a gray tom with amber eyes, spoke up. "I agree with Bramblestar."
Snowpelt nodded along with his brother. A few other toms mewed their agreement.
"I need a group of four or five warriors to recruit at least four she-cats. They must be capable of kitting, and must willingly come to ThunderClan. I have no interest in keeping a slave." Bramblestar's amber gaze fell on Thornclaw. Lionblaze could guess that he was thinking about the golden-brown tom's plot to capture a RiverClan apprentice.
"I'll go!" Foxleap offered immediately, springing to his ginger paws. "It sounds fun!"
"I have to remind you all that this will be a dangerous task. It will have to be quick, as I cannot afford for half of my warriors to be gone for more than a moon. Most likely, you will have to travel as far or further than the old territory, for those of you that remember it." Bramblestar took a deep breath, scanning the group of silent toms in front of him.
"Bramblestar, are you sure this is needed?" Graystripe, one of the two elders, mewed. "Won't the clans be a bit suspicious when we suddenly have four more she-cats?"
"They will, Graystripe, but what other choice do we have?" The dark tabby leader breathed.
"If we keep them here long enough, maybe we act as though we've had them since kits, and then introduce them at a gathering?"
"We'll figure that out when the time comes. Now, please let me stress that the toms that go must do anything and everything possible to convince the she-cats you find to come with you. This mission is essential to ThunderClan's survival."
Silence filled the den as the warriors considered their options. Lionblaze watched them with cool disinterest. If he had been able to go (as a deputy, he was required to stay with his clan) he would have been like Foxleap, jumping at first opportunity.
After a few moments, Brambleclaw raised himself to his feet and opened his jaws to speak again.
"May I remind all of the toms that those who go will have a likely shot at fathering the new she-cat's first kits?" The leader let his words sink in for a moment.
"Now, Foxleap, would you still like to go?"
"Absolutely, Bramblestar." The ginger tom's voice was slightly somber, but Lionblaze heard evidence of excitement buried underneath the seriousness. He bounced to his feet and walked to Bramblestar's side.
More cats wanted to go now, Lionblaze could tell. Cloudtail's blue eyes looked intrigued, while Thornclaw was lashing his tail back and forth. Berrynose was trying to stay civilized, but there was a hungry gleam in his eyes. Bramblestar saw this as well, and his amber eyes swept over the toms. His gaze skipped over the newer warriors: Molenose, Dewclaw & Snowpelt, a decision Lionblaze expected.
Warriors chosen for this mission needed to be older, with a good head on their shoulders.
"Thornclaw?" Bramblestar asked. He must have known it would be a rhetorical question. The brown tom paraded over to where Foxleap stood. His tail was still lashing.
Or maybe they just need to be older-Lionblaze edited his former thought.
"Cloudtail?" Lionblaze nodded at the choice. It was one he would have made also. Who would Bramblestar choose to finish the patrol? Spiderleg? Toadstep?
The senior white warrior nodded, rising to his feet. He was just settling down next to Thornclaw when Bramblestar called the next name.
"Berrynose?" The cream tom looked up, surprised.
Now, that was not a choice Lionblaze would have made. The golden tom furrowed his forehead as the Berrynose joined the three other toms. Maybe it was a smart move. Perhaps Bramblestar thought the cream tom would learn something on the journey.
It had come down to the last tom. Trying to put himself in Bramblestar's place, Lionblaze thought about who he would choose. Spiderleg would be a logical choice, he was the only senior warrior left. However, his outburst may have put him at odds. Perhaps Lionblaze had misjudged Bramblestar's visual evaluation, he could choose a younger tom. Or...
"Mousewhisker." Bramblestar finally said, a note of finality in his voice. Mousewhisker, with a indistinguishable expression in his eyes, nodded and joined the group. Lionblaze nodded minutely when Bramblestar shot him a questioning look. The golden tom agreed with his choices.
"Very well." no longer did Bramblestar sound tired. He sounded relieved. "You leave at sunset, eat and rest beforehand."
"After you've eaten, come and get traveling herbs from me." Jayfeather spoke up.
Lionblaze stood up to leave, letting Mousewhisker pass by. The gray-and-white tom still held the same expression.
Apprehension.
New chapter! Okay, exciting news: you, yes you get a chance to submit one (1) OC! They will be in Rosepetal's second litter. The sire is Foxleap. The litter size will depend on how many OCs I receive. Toms are appreciated.
Until next,
cf
