For some moons after that, with Tiny meeting Crookedstar and the others, he got training from me and them, and he got a different warrior name in effect. He is to be called, "Moonclaw.". He loved the name very much, and we often helped with the hunting parties and babysitting the kits. Other times, I and Moonclaw went off to explore the lands beyond Riverclan, and came to get used to our rogue lives.
We also went to Fourtrees in hiding, and we listened to the news every moon from every clan. I often was able to advise Crookedstar and Leopardfur on several things. Bluefur became Bluestar after Sunstar died, and Hailstar died, gave way to the new leader, Raggedstar. Tallstar, of course, still is the Windclan leader. Moonclaw kept learning so much, and to his joy, he got somewhat bigger, thanks to the varied diet and exercise. And for me, I only got more beautiful and wiser, caring.
Moonclaw and I also went to the Twoleg den beyond Windclan territory as well, took a well-deserved vacation from our rogue lives, catching mice and birds, and laying in the hay to sleep. There, we had some interesting days; one I very fondly remembered.
I was on the top of the haystacks, taking a catnap when I heard pawsteps coming in. I opened a eye to see Moonclaw carrying in a robin. He then jumped up among the stacks, coming up to me. He peeked over and put it down between us.
"Hey, Ice. I caught lunch for us, and I was thinking if we could talk about something big.". he mewed casually.
I yawned, stretched my paws, got up to paw a ear, "What's the big idea you got?".
"Well, I thought we could explore beyond the barn, following the river. It has been a while since we had been rough living out there, back in Riverclan territory and stuff. We can do it again, you know.". Moonclaw replied thoughtfully.
I widened my eyes, flicking my tail, "Yeah. I suppose you are right, Moonclaw. It could be nice to discover and explore out there. I did wonder what's out beyond the borders of the barn and the clans. And we had never followed the river before. Maybe there could be different fish up there.".
"So, we are agreed, then?". Moonclaw asked happily. I nodded, and replied that we have to eat lunch before we go. He smiled and we leaned down to share the robin. We finished after some minutes, and we scampered off the haystacks, and walked casually out of the barn, heading to the borders, with a glance at the dogs. I forgot to mention that they got adopted a moon ago, and with us cats able to speak dog, they understood that we are nice and friendly. As we left, they barked heartily. I nodded toward them, then we slightly turned into the direction of the river, finally padding out of the twoleg territory.
With a mischievous smirk from Moonclaw, he tagged me to my surprise. I chuckled, chasing him, our laughter and meows filling the air. We were some fair distance from the clans, and we passed the gorge as well. I caught Moonclaw in a pounce move.
"Oof, you got me, Icespirit!". Moonclaw chuckled amusingly.
I smiled, mew, "Didn't you know I always catch my prey?". Moonclaw laughed and nodded, then glanced at me with his eyes. They developed to be a soft ice blue while mine is a darker ice blue. Anyway, he smiled at me with a wistful look, then smirked.
"You know, you don't have to catch me if you wanted to be with me.". he mewed softly.
I widened my eyes, realized that I was pinning him down, and blushed as I got off him, leaned back to sit on the grass. My tail twitched nervously, my ears flattened as Moonclaw got up, looking at me.
"What do you mean, Moonclaw?". I mewed curiously.
Moonclaw chuckled lightly, "Ice, I admit it took me a long time to notice, but I came to realize that I really like you, not as a sister or anything like that. You're my best friend, and I came to like to be with you for I felt happy and bubbly when you're around. The truth is, my heart wishes for you to actually like me, love me.". He mewed carefully, as he stared at me lovingly and wistfully. I gaped slightly at his words, then smiled. I walked over to him, purred as I nuzzled against his cheek.
"I have fallen in love with you for moons, and for you to say that, it makes my heart go much more fonder and happier. I want to be your mate, have a wonderful family with you.". I mewed happily. Moonclaw purred and nuzzled me back, and somehow, our tails entwined. I giggled at the feeling of his long, soft tail against mine.
Then I leaned back, replying that I want to explore further, and get a good nest somewhere. Moonclaw smiled with a nod, and we padded off, exploring a meadow ahead of us, and to our surprise, we saw hares, and to our joy, we worked together to snag up a particular big one for the night. We ate happily, sharing and talking. We made our nests under a thistle bush, and with nuzzles and licks, we headed off to sleep among Silverpelt and the songs of the crickets. What a wonderful day for us! Exploring and discovering that we had the likes for each other, officially becoming mates. I hope we will have a family someday.
