My god a few things. I would like to apologize for the rather large pause in updates. This chapter is two put together, to make up for it. Thankfully, I've started the next chapter but I won't make a promise for an update.

Next thing, a few things happen in the second half of this chapter. I want everyone to keep in mind that not everyone thinks like Redmist, or accepts her thought process. She is well liked, but when trying to get her point across she's rather abrasive and selfish. Redmist always needs to be right, no matter what.

Also, it may seem like it, but Graystripe does not have a crush on Redmist. He will still go on to see Silverstream, but like I said before, everyone is going to be smarter. Graystripe isn't going to make it obvious, so it won't come out for a while. Redmist won't even know until Fireheart tells her, so.

Another thing to keep in mind is that I won't change a lot still. And for questions regarding Redmist and Riverclan, I have a plan to set up, so it'll come in full circle around the fourth book. Still a bit to go lol.

(Also Leopardfur holds Redmist in such a high regard for multiple reasons, not just her risking her life for Whiteclaw. Leopardfur also knows Crookedstar respects her, and is just generally well liked by a lot of warriors from each clan. Part of her hopes to land Redmist in Riverclan because of her small size, too. She figures Redmist would be good for spying on other clans despite the fact that it was against the code.)

I stretched out my claws with shiver. It had been freezing last night, and both Longtail and I had to huddle due to out short coats. In the summer, sure, our coats were great, but not so much in the winter.

Whitestorm walked out of the warriors den with an amused glint in his eye. "Night watch was not so great, was it?"

I shook my head vehemently and eyed Longtail who was half asleep. I gave him a prod and he snuffled, blinking hard and shaking his head. "Wha-?" He looked at the brightening sky and yawned. "Oh, it's dawn."

I glanced at his milky white fangs and purred. "It was chilly, for sure."

Whitestorm flicked his tail cheerfully and gestured at the warriors den. "Then go warm up in the warriors den. I'm on patrol with Mousefur, Runningwind, and Sandpaw. I'll see you two later." He left us with a bright gaze and joined Mousefur.

I glanced at my former mentor and hummed under my breath, watching as she greeted Fireheart before moving on. My brother tried to meet my gaze but I shifted my gaze further and made to move towards the warriors den.

Stepping into the warm den, I glanced at the still sleeping cats. My eyes adjusted to the darkness of the den and I glanced at my paws.

I'd be lying if I said I was tired, so I turned to see Longtail half asleep behind me. "Go on ahead. I'm not exactly ready to sleep, so I think I might go hunting. On maybe I'll join Whitestorm's patrol before he leaves."

Longtail looked at me like I was crazy but shrugged and shoved past me with a mutter of ascent.

Almost immediately Graystripe was in Longtail's place and staring at me face to face. "Hey. Congrats! Redmist is a nice name!"

Flicking my tail pleasantly, I dipped my head. "Thanks!" I tilted my head and made to speak before Graystripe blinked at me again.

"Sorry about the gorge situation." He said suddenly, glancing past me. "You were right. We could have caused something really bad, and it was good that you were there to stop it." He paused thoughtfully. "Anyways, how was watch? I bet it was cold!"

I ignored his apology pointedly, sensing he didn't want to talk about it. "You bet it was. I could barely feel my whiskers in this weather!"

Graystripe purred in agreement and walked passed me. "I plan on training Brackenpaw today, would you like to sit in? Maybe help out? I feel like you'll have an apprentice soon enough. You would have a lot to teach."

Flattered, I flicked my ears. "I'd love to."

Graystripe seemed relieved and led me over to where Fireheart was sitting. He turned as we approached and glanced at me. "Can you take Cinderpaw out with you today?"

They touched noses and I sat down. Graystripe shifted backwards again and tilted his head. "Why?"

Fireheart's tail flicked behind him and I narrowed my eyes at him. "Oh no reason." He said forced casually. "I just wanted to check something out I saw yesterday. Be careful with Cinderpaw, though. She doesn't listen very well. If you take your eyes off her she'll be gone before you say 'cat'."

I flared my nose doubtfully. "I'm sure we can handle her just fine."

"We." Fireheart echoed flatly in surprise, looking to Graystripe.

"Yeah." Graystripe answered awkwardly. He glanced backwards towards the apprentices den. "I thought we could all spend time training the apprentices together but I'll take her."

Fireheart twitched his whiskers apologetically. I sensed disappointment but easily ignored it. "Let's go." I said to Graystripe. "There are apprentices waiting to be trained."

The gray tom glanced at Fireheart but dipped his head. "Right."

I watched Cinderpaw glance off to the side to the hollow and shared an exasperated glance with Graystripe. I watched Brackenpaw practice the crouch dutifully and leaned over to whisper in Graystripe's ear. "You were definitely lucky with him, I'll say that much."

The gray tom flicked his ear in silent agreement and stood, flicking his tail to beckon Brackenpaw over. Cinderpaw was still watching something else and I leaned down to speak quietly with Brackenpaw. "I want you to practice your crouch on your sister."

Brackenpaw said nothing but tilted his head at me. I purred lowly. "She's distracted. Bring her back at attention."

The brown tom dipped his head, Amber eyes shining with amusement. He dropped into a neat crouch and looked back at me, but simply jerked my head at Cinderpaw. She at least noticed it was quiet and kept her ears pricked.

Brackenpaw drove himself forwards silently and I blinked in surprise. He was good! Except I noticed the single leaf before he could adjust where his paw fell.

The small piece make a tiny crackling noise and caused Cinderpaw to spin around in alarm. She balanced on her hind quarters and stared down at her brother before her whiskers twitched.

"Sneaky!"

I swapped an amused eyeroll with Graystripe. If I was in a bad mood, perhaps I would have punished her. But I wasn't, thankfully for the both of us.

"Get your head out of the clouds, Cinderpaw. This is crouch-practice, not watch-the-butterflies-go-by practice." She flicked an ear unashamedly. I sighed and padded over to gently cuff her on the head. "Don't be a mouse-brain."

The small gray she-cat sighed. "But it's so boring! I never thought being an apprentice would be like this!"

Her whining made my nose crinkle but I didn't ignore her words. Any sandy hollow practices weren't supposed to be boring. After all, that's what all kits looked forwards to.

I silently wondered if Cinderpaw had a case of cat ADHD. Was that a thing? Or was she just agonizingly hyper and unattainable attention-wise.

I sighed again.

Glancing at the stubborn kit, I shrugged my shoulder and looked at Graystripe. "Let's make it fun then."

"That was a great idea!" I complimented, floored.

Graystripe purred. "Thanks! I figured with her energy, it would be better to put that somewhere more competitive. The fact that Brackenpaw beat her will only make her try harder next time!"

The apprentices trailed behind us silently, too tired to join our conversation.

I gave a quick prod to Graystripe's shoulder imploringly. "We should tell Bluestar to incorporate it as a new training style! For unruly and distracted cats." I lowered my voice and shot a playful look at the other she-cat. "Like Cinderpaw."

She let out an indignant "Hey!" and I grinned.

Graystripe hummed thoughtfully and lead the way down the ravine slowly. "We could. It's not a bad idea to let her know about it."

I purred and touched down on the bottom, glancing at the camp entrance contentedly. I could see the shapes of many cats moving about and glanced back at Graystripe and the apprentices. "Would everyone like to share a meal?"

Graystripe perked up at the mention of food, his pensive frown washed away with an eager glint. The apprentices shook their heads politely. "Swiftpaw asked us first this morning." Brackenpaw meowed evenly.

I blinked, pleased. Swiftpaw was a good cat.

"Alright, well, I hope you three enjoy your meals. Tell Swiftpaw I say 'hello'!" Both cats nodded obediently and trotted away, talking low to each other.

Graystripe nudged my shoulder playfully and charged towards the fresh-kill pile. "Last one there is a mange-eater!"

I gaped and immediately shot after him, pulling ahead of his long strides with rapid kicks. I laughed at him when he shook his head. "Well, I'll take this plump pigeon. Enjoy your mange, Graystripe."

I nabbed said bird and watched Graystripe roll his eyes. He grabbed a little thrush and I rose my eyebrows.

He met my questioning gaze with a shrug. "Birds have been growing on me."

Whiskers twitching, I stared back at the pile. "Take that squirrel and we'll share both pieces. That thrush looks like nothing more than feathers and bones."

Graystripe shrugged acceptingly and dropped the bird, choosing the squirrel instead.

I wished there has been a rabbit, because they were a lot better than squirrel, and more to share. I was pretty hungry at the moment.

As we settled down, me stripping the bird of feather and Graystripe nibbling on the squirrels tail, Fireheart walked through the camp entrance and spotted us. He approached and my tail swished behind me.

Fireheart dipped his head to Graystripe. "Thanks for watching Cinderpaw today. How was she?"

Graystripe opened his mouth to respond but I beat him to it, feather tickling my jaw as I did so. "She was distracted easily, but she didn't charge off anywhere. You need to do something about that, Fireheart. A warrior can't be distracted in battle when they're fighting for their life and the life of the clan." I paused thoughtfully, taking note of his annoyed expression. "Hopefully you're done with 'checking things out'. She's not Graystripe's apprentice."

Immediately, Fireheart shot back. "Well she isn't yours either, Redmist. You've only just become a warrior, don't be so arrogant."

Arrogant? Yeah right.

Unphased, I picked idly at the pigeon with a claw. "Really." I said dryly. "One to talk. Expecting Riverclan to bow down to you as you walked by on their territory." Graystripe stiffened beside me but I ignored him. "And I'm the arrogant one."

Fireheart expression twisted and he glared at me. "Let that go!" His exclamation caused heads to turn and I ducked my head. Way to be embarrassing. "It's over, nothing came out of it!"

Frustrated, I lashed my tail. "You don't understand, a cat almost died you idiot! Whiteclaw would have died because of you and your choice." I lowered my voice. "If he died, and Riverclan pushed for war, what would you have done?"

He didn't say anything. He just flattened his ears and averted his gaze. I glared at him. "Well? What would you have done?" I stood, nudging the rest if the pigeon to Graystripe. "Nothing but fight. And think about what could have happened if you didn't go that way."

Silence pulled over the camp and I glanced around self-consciously. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight Graystripe." I walked past Fireheart and went to the warriors den, head high.

The moment I stepped through the brambles, my fur pickled and I dropped my shoulders.

So much for staying close while in Thunderclan.

Thankfully, after a few days of simmering, Fireheart and I were both on the same page.

The moment he approached me with an understanding glint in his eye and apology on his tongue, I knew things would go back to normal.

As we were, standing in the sandy hollow with both Cinderpaw and Brackenpaw, Fireheart was more at ease then he had been in a while.

"We're heading to Sunningrocks," Fireheart meowed cheerfully. "We'll be catching whatever we can there."

At Cinderpaw's eager look, I couldn't help but add. "Which will all go straight to the elders den. I'm sure they wouldn't mind sharing what we bring, though."

The small she-cat grinned at me with quivering whiskers. "I want to try vole! I've never had it before."

Her admission made me purr and I began to lead the patrol of cats. "Well then, let's not spend time chatting. The more time we have, the more time you have to go after that vole and maybe share with the elders."

At my words, she shot ahead of our group impatiently. I could only roll my eyes in exasperation. Fireheart sighed fondly and I shared an amused look with Graystripe. His own apprentice was looking ahead contentedly, walking behind Graystripe slowly.

It didn't take long to get to Sunningrocks, and when we got there the sun was high and warm in the sky. The rocks were warm and comfortable, and I held myself back from draping over one of the toastier stones.

Cinderpaw had no qualms, rolling over the rocks with a loud purr. I huffed when she came near and snagged her scruff between my teeth. When she looked up at me with annoyance I stared down at her sternly. "Made all the shuffling and you'll scare the prey from here to Snakerocks."

The apprentice jerked and then smiled guiltily. "Sorry Redmist."

I twitched my whiskers and looked down at Cinderpaw in understanding. "Just remember next time, okay?"

"'Course!"

Brackenpaw made a noise that was a mix between a purr and chuff of amusement. He dropped into a hunting crouch, practicing, and I stared at him critically. His haunches were a little too high and I looked to Graystripe imploringly. The gray warrior met my look curiously.

I blinked at him and wordlessly jerked my head at Brackenpaw. Fireheart glanced at the apprentice and squinted, blinking and then looking to Cinderpaw. Everyone was quiet and I let the uneven crouch go for now, I heard scrabbling between some rocks.

I turned and moved silently, hoping Cinderpaw would stay quiet for at least three minutes.

I was not so lucky.

By the time I was almost on top of the mouse, I could actually see it in between the cracks, Cinderpaw made a loud shuffling noise and then there was a thud. The mouse shot away and I lunged after it, nicking the mouse with my claws. So close!

While it wasn't the first time I've missed a catch, it was the first time I missed it due to someone else's part. My anger rose quickly, almost too fast, and I whirled around in fury.

Fireheart could sense what was coming by my empty paws and blazing eyes. He flinched.

Cinderpaw was shaking her head from the ground, having obviously jumped off the highest rocks in boredom. She was hunched and looking over the river.

Any angrier and I probably would have nudged her in, but I wasn't looking to get in trouble. Not really, especially after becoming a warrior so soon.

"Really." I hissed flatly. "Cinderpaw you mouse-brain!"

She jumped and turned, staring at me surprise. "What?"

"I lost the catch!" My tail lashed and I towered above her. "You need to stop being so scatterbrained."

Cinderpaw's ear swiveled backwards in discomfort and her eyes glanced at Fireheart. I curled my lip at her. "Don't look at him. This is on you, so, go catch some prey. Right now."

She made to say something but dropped her head and crouch submissively. "Yes, Redmist."

I paced silently back and forth as Cinderpaw stalked and waited for scents. Graystripe and Fireheart were quiet, while Brackenpaw drifted near the river out of curiosity.

The moment Cinderpaw seemed like she caught a scent I sought out a twig. I picked it up quietly and crept forwards, feeling Fireheart's confused gaze burning into my fur. I met his gaze at Cinderpaw made to leap and snapped the twig in my jaws loudly.

Cinderpaw jumped and tripped sideways, spooking a little mouse that shot from under a tree and into a hole. I twitched my whiskers at her purposely, and she whirled at me in anger. "Why did you do that! I would've had that mouse!"

I stared down at her empathetically. "I would have had mine as well, should you have been quiet."

"I didn't do it on purpose." She spat out in response. "I just wasn't paying attention."

"That is the exact issue." I returned breezily. "Maybe if I was paying more attention I would have noticed there was a twig in my mouth, and not have bit down."

Cinderpaw gaped at me incredulously. "That has nothing to-"

"It has everything to do with it." I finished in frustration. "That's the point. You need to pay attention, or you'll hurt Thunderclan." At the look on her face I sat down and stuck a paw out. "How do you think I felt when I almost had my prey. Lost because a clanmate couldn't help herself from hopping around like a kit."

Her fur prickled in embarrassment but she squared up. "But you did that on purpose!"

I understood, I really did, but she wasn't getting it. "You jumped on purpose too, you just weren't paying attention like you should have been. If your in battle, and a clanmate is about to be ripped from nose to tail tip, you can't forget what is happening around you and go hunting."

Her little claws flexed out of her paws and her tail lashed angrily. It almost seemed like she was going to attack me. I snorted.

"That's different!"

"Is it?" I replied with a huff. "Hunting is more important than fighting battles. You realize that right? If the clan has no prey, than how would we fight? We would be hungry and weak."

It almost seemed like Cinderpaw was understanding before she shook her head. "We would have the prey if you hadn't snapped that twig."

Dear lord, this apprentice.

"That's-" I cut myself off and shook my head. "Go back to camp, Cinderpaw."

"What?!" She hissed, looking at Fireheart. He looked similarly annoyed.

"Redmist, wait." He meowed, approaching. "This isn't your apprentice to boss around. I get where you're coming from but she isn't yours to give instructions to."

I harrumphed. "She needs to be punished for her dismissal. She gets distracted to easily, doesn't listen, and is too stubborn for her own good." Cinderpaw spat at me in offense. "She needs to watch her temper."

Fireheart glanced at his apprentice doubtfully. "I've never seen her this angry. Perhaps we all just need to take a break and breathe."

Cinderpaw unsheathed her claws again. "And I thought Redmist was a cool warrior."

I rolled my eyes.

Dipping my head in acquiescence, I padded over to where Graystripe was adjusting Brackenpaw's crouch. Fireheart leaned down to whisper to Cinderpaw, who was staring angrily at one of the large rocks.

"I know what you mean, now." Graystripe started cheerfully, eyes bouncing from Fireheart to me. "Brackenpaw spent so much time mimicking me and neither of us realized the size different. I'm thicker than most cats, and Brackenpaw will grow up to be lithe. My heavy pawed stalk wouldn't work for him."

Pleased didn't even begin to explain how I was feeling then, especially after the debacle with Cinderpaw. "Impressive." I conceded, staring at Brackenpaw. I looked back to Graystripe. "May I?"

His tail flicked in permission.

Brackenpaw straightened when I got near him and he nodded at me in respect. "Hello."

I gave him a purr. "Hi there." I paused, thought for a second, then dropped into a hunting crouch. "Graystripe was right. While you have the crouch done to a pat, it's different for every cat. For cats like Graystripe, he may have to overbalance to stay upright because of his size and thick fur. For cats like me and you, we can distribute a little more evenly and still stay balance."

I dropped into a crouch and shifted forwards so my shoulders were lower to the ground. "This may be a crouch for a cat like Graystripe, who has most of his strength in his shoulders." I pounced and landed oddly, amused at Brackenpaw's pensive expression. "Doesn't work quite smoothly for me."

I dropped into my own preferred balance, similar to what Brackenpaw was practicing before I interrupted. "I prefer a straight approach." I gestured at my hindquarters with my tail. "Notice how my haunches are lined with my shoulders, and I keep my tail straight and level with them too." I tucked my head. "Ears and muzzle line up for me too."

I crept forwards and Brackenpaw watched me dutifully. After a moment he copied me with his own comfort oriented adjustments.

He pounced on a leaf and both Graystripe and I purred in amusement.

Fireheart approached us after a few minutes, Cinderpaw trailing behind him and purposefully avoiding my gaze. "With all our noise, the prey will be hiding for a little while. We should move on."

I nodded wordlessly in agreement and Graystripe got to his paws beside me. He stretched and flicked his tail. "That shade will be chilly compared to the rocks!"

I hummed in agreement and watched Cinderpaw lead the way into the forest.

We all walked quietly, and Brackenpaw was the one to make the only catch so far. Once he buried it and we moved on, Fireheart looked at the rivers direction. "Water's quiet today."

His observation caused Cinderpaw to prick her ears. Her eyes were caught between some trees. "That's because it's frozen!"

I followed her bright gaze and blinked. She was right.

"Completely?" Fireheart questioned curiously. I could sense his eagerness.

"Yeah I can see it from here!" Cinderpaw hopped forwards a few steps, getting close to the Riverclan scent markings. "Can we go see it? I've never seen a frozen river."

She didn't wait for permission though, and shot off before any cat could speak.

Without hesitation, I bounded after her in fury.

I cuffed her roughly on the head when I caught up, the rest of the patrol skidding to a stop beside me. Cinderpaw glared at me but turned to look back at the water.

Most of the river was frozen, but I could tell it wouldn't be strong enough to step on.

Besides, moving water had a terrible time freezing completely. Considering it was also only the beginning of winter, well, it wasn't a good idea to play around.

Graystripe dropped into a crouch suddenly and everyone followed him instinctively. His muzzle was pointed down river on a part of the ice. "Water vole!"

His hushed exclamation made me stiffen up. "Graystripe wait-" If it wasn't Cinderpaw it was someone else. Of course.

He charged forwards without preamble and I hissed.

What an idiot!

I was unsurprised when the ice caved the moment he jumped onto it and I skidded on the bank where he went in.

Tentatively, I dipped a paw and recoiled, watching Graystripe go under the dark water.

I considered the currents power and slid into the water with a grimace. I followed the current by struggling.

I hadn't swam in a while indeed.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted Fireheart keeping pace with us on the bank. I was glad he didn't follow us in. That would have been a mess worse than it was.

I sunk my teeth in fur the moment I felt it pass over my nose. Graystripe kicked and lifted his head out of the water and I gasped as he pulled us both down.

A waterlogged Graystripe was massive. Too much for my small size. And the cold water made me stiff and sloppy. I had miscalculated.

I jerked above water when I heard a muffled howl and a splash. I really hoped that hasn't been Fireheart.

Thankfully it wasn't, but that meant it was some other cat.

Even so, the cat swam strongly with the current with a mouthful of Graystripe's fur. I let go and swam after the pair, gasping when the water seemed to get colder.

I hauled myself after the other two cats and recognized Silverstream immediately. She was bristling under her wet fur and I dipped my head at her respectfully.

Her gaze softened at my sodden appearance but she whipped back to glare at Fireheart and a coughing Graystripe. "What are you doing on my territory?"

Witty as ever Graystripe returned with, "Drowning?"

Silverstream swallowed a laugh, amusement coloring her features for a moment. "Why don't you go drown on your own territory."

"Who would save me then?" His eyes were bright and I glanced at Fireheart. Were they flirting? I snorted in amusement.

"Maybe if you didn't weigh so much, I'm sure someone could manage."

Graystripe gave me an offended look and I laughed again, wheezing and shivering.

Fireheart glanced at Cinderpaw, who was staring at me. "We should go." He pressed against me and shivered. "Don't want you guys getting sick."

Graystripe nodded in agreement. "Thanks." He said to Silverstream, who was watching him get to his feet. "What's your name?"

She nodded graciously, giving me a glance. "You guys really should leave. If my dad catches you lot on our side he'll tear us all to shreds. And it's Silverstream."

We made noises of understanding and Fireheart led Graystripe up the slope and back to our territory. The apprentices followed behind but I hung back.

Silverstream eyed me curiously, glancing back at her side of the territory.

"Really, thank you. Especially after the whole situation on the cliffside."

Her eyes glinted and she tilted her head. "Of course. Leopardfur sends her regards, by the way." I quirked a brow questioningly. "She told the clan what you did. To help I mean. She says not to attack immediately if you are spotted on our territory. To give you a chance to explain at least. She thinks you wouldn't trespass without reason. Not after risking your life for one of ours."

I gaped at her and Silverstream gave me a purr. "She's really grateful."

I made a squeaking noise and glanced back at my cats who were waiting up for me. I shivered again and dipped my head to Silverstream, who slipped into the water after returning it.

I felt light, despite my heavy fur and cold skin, and stepped cheerfully back to my clanmates.

Fireheart eyed me curiously. "For taking a swim, you seem to be in a good mood. What did she say?"

Calmly, I flicked my tail. "I don't mind water, first of all. And second, she told me Riverclan doesn't hold the whole of Thunderclan accountable for what happened at the gorge." I paused. "She said Crookedstar was angry but simmered down, and then he admitted her understood why."

The lie slipped off my tongue with ease and I met Firehearts suddenly happy gaze evenly. "That's a relief!"

Graystripe sneezed and shook her pelt out. "Good news and all, but can we head back? I feel like my paws are going to freeze to the ground!"

I laughed at him, speeding up and smothering a cold quiver. "Last one back to camp is a slug!"

"It'll warm you both up too." Fireheart pointed out at Graystripe's dismayed mew.

I grinned seriously. The race was on.