After shaking out my pelt and seeing Ebonyheart scamper off, I decide to mingle with the other cats. All Clans are present; ShadowClan was the last to arrive. I head towards a group of thin and swift-looking cats, but I stop with a snort of disdain when I see that Silverpaw is in the midst of them, telling some boastful tale about hunting or something.

Scanning for a place to fit in, I notice a loner who observes the chatter and visiting cats. He is large, his dark brown fur cascading over his taut muscles. His white underbelly glows slightly in the moonlight, and his big paws are planted in the dirt, as if tense and uncomfortable. And then, our eyes meet, my bright and cold blue eyes catching the unsteady glare of his hazel ones. It is then that I realise who this cat is.

"Rowanpaw!" I mew excitedly. I pad up to him with a new spring in my step. He frowns a little, hissing slightly as he warns me:

"Ravenpaw, hush! Don't let anybody know we've met before... We could get caught!" His hazel eyes are full of seriousness.

"Oh, stop worrying like a fly in a web! If anyone questions, I'll just tell 'em that we saw each other on patrols." I shrug as I tell him this. He nods, and a smile replaces the former frown. He purrs, and I touch my nose to his in greeting.

"I was quite impressed by your fighting techniques," Rowanpaw compliments, and I can tell by his tone and his expression that he is sincere. "Your finesse, speed, determination... It all makes for a great warrior. I'm sure Velvetwing was content with your work."

I tilt my head, grinning at the compliment. "Thanks," I reply. "You're strong too! With that fur, I couldn't even get a good grip! But your scruff is still big and that might be a setback. As long as you use your weight to your advantage, it probably won't be a problem."

He nods in agreement, licking his chest fur in what I assume must be a bit of embarrassment at my returned commendation. I wonder why he stays so far away, but I suppose that it doesn't really matter. The open space of the island allows everyone to hear what the leaders have to say, so long as they are quiet and actually listen.

Then, we hear a voice that rises above everyone else's. A golden-brown tom with a tuft of fur on top of his head looks down upon us. He looks a bit too prideful for my liking. He appears very toned and full of strength. His dark blue eyes are youthful. He is a young leader.

"ThunderClan fares well," he remarks. "But I am sad to say that my great grandmother, Firestorm, has passed on recently. May StarClan light her path... She is now with my ancestors, including Lionblaze and Cinderheart and all their family... Anyways, prey is running alright and there have been no recent border skirmishes. Thank you," and the tom allows the RiverClan leader to speak.

"We wish Firestorm a great afterlife, Goldstar," the female leader condoles with a dip of her light brown head. Her brown eyes are hard as she looks over at Birchstar in a threatening manner. From the gossip I've heard, the RiverClan leader is called Fawnstar. She turns to her audience with a dramatic lash of her tail against her white-spotted body.

"RiverClan is strong, and yet we face challenges every day..." She sighs for effect. "With ShadowClan's ruthless attacks and their greedy tendencies to steal prey and land..."

"You know that is not true, Fawnstar. Do not make false claims. You are very aware that you've brought battle to our camp." It is Birchstar, speaking with a calm authority.

But the cold and prestigious Fawnstar would not have it. "We have lost a young cat to the claws of a brutal apprentice. A mother and a father, as well as three litter-mates are now depressed and left without their beloved family member, Streampaw. We mourn her death."

I remember that white she-cat who I battled when RiverClan invaded. I was merely protecting myself! And Fawnstar makes a great fuss about it... Why not just move on?

"Aside from that..." She sniffs bitterly. "We are trying to be strong. It's just so... hard..." Fawnstar does not try to hide her watering eyes. "Excuse me... Olivestar, you may speak now..." And she steps aside.

ShadowClan does not even bother to stick around. Everyone else is already glaring at us in utter disgust. Fawnstar's little pity-speech worked, apparently. Birchstar, with a monotone expression, leads us away. But before I get up, Rowanpaw whispers:

"I'll see you tomorrow night..."

Sorry for yet another short chapter! Remember, if I get at least 5 reviews each chapter, I am more likely to write longer stories! :3