If Feathertail hadn't died from falling at such a height, her back legs would of been broken - but not her spine. So she would of stayed with the Tribe of Rushing Water, while her legs healed somewhat. She joins the Clans on her journey back, being able to walk somewhat, if having to rest every now and then. She would of said goodbye to her brother as he stayed with his love, Brook.
Crowpaw does insist still on his name being Crowfeather, after his first love. However while on the journey to the lake, Feathertail talks to her mother in a dream and admits her feelings to Crowfeather. Silverstream at first reacts negatively, believing that she'll end up just like herself, and begs his daughter to think about her decision. She also brings up a question she should ask herself: does she truly love Crowfeather, or does she just love the feeling of being accepted and not judged for being Halfclan. She tells her daughter that at the end of the day, she knows in her heart the right decision.
When Feathertail doesn't know the answer herself, she distances herself from Crowfeather and decides to mull over her choices. She stays behind with her father while Brambleclaw and co go around the lake, looking for territory. So she sits and thinks, a lot. If she does act on her love, what then? He could come to Riverclan, but there is no guarantee Leopardstar would even accept the warrior into her clan. So … she could leave Riverclan, and join Windclan. But with Onewhisker now set to be leader, him accepting a half-clan runaway into the clan could cause an even bigger upset from Mudclaw and his supporters. She could keep the relationship a secret, but she knows the dangers of that happening from her own parents. So that leaves only one other choice: Leave the clans, their families and friends, their entire way of life, just for one young tom. She makes her decision, and when Crowfeather comes back, she reluctantly tells him that they can't be together, she can't leave her doubts to rest. Heartbroken and confused, Crowfeather turns away from her, and asks to not speak to her again, as it'll only hurt him more.
She learns her brother and Brook are living in Thunderclan, and while happy she can still see him, she knows that her brothers changing and growing up.
After this, Feathertail falls into a depression, with not even her brother in the same clan, she felt like she was on her own. However her old mentor, Mistyfoot looks out for her, and tries to keep her spirits lifted, even on the dark days. Eventually she hears that Crowfeather has a new mate, Nightcloud, and kits on the way. She tries to be happy for him, even trying to congratulate him at a gathering after Breezekits birth, but he just dully stares and nods at her, before moving on to talk to someone else. She figures he is over her, and she should get over him.
She is stunned and surprised at Graystripe making his way back to the Clans, and is excited to see his father, but is wary of his new mate, Millie. However Graystripe tells her that it's not wrong to move on and be mates with someone else, and leaves her to think about what he said.
Slowly she gets over the pain in her heart, making good friends with Mistyfoot, Blackclaw, Mothwing and Reedwhisker. Eventually she starts to grow closer to Reedwhisker, and gossip floats around Riverclan about them being mates. At first Feathertail brushes it off, still anxious about being mates with anyone. Reedwhisker approaches her, and tells her the choice is up to her about if she wants to be mates or not. But he adds he'll always love her, no matter what she decides. Even if he can only love her the way best friends love each other. She realizes while she doesn't love him the same way she loved Crowfeather, and that's fine. She can love Reedwhisker because he's completely different from her past mate. he was kind, gentle and always patient, and she loved him for it.
Shortly after they get together she has his kits, two small little she-cats around the time of Eclipse. They name them Streamkit after her mother. (tiny silver short furred she-cat with blue eyes) and Crowkit (gray with thick black mackerel stripes with lightblue/ gray eyes)
She is stunned when the clans learn Crowfeather fathered Jayfeather, Lionblaze and Hollyleaf with Leafpool. But she stays out of the ordeal, understanding the past is in the past, and she is somewhat relieved she dodged such a bullet with him.
The drought hits Riverclan harshly, with the death of good friend Blackclaw and eventually Leopardstar. She is proud of her mate for being made deputy however, and shortly after he is announced deputy, her daughters get their warrior names: Streamskip and Crowberry.