The snow was finally melting, and small buds were slowly opening up near the river.

Much to Dewfern's delight, there were finally some stalks of catmint to treat Applekit, who had a bad case of greencough.

The camp's prey pile still wasn't full, but the river was starting to melt and provide RiverClan fish.

Spotpaw had been chosen for the Gathering again, much to her pleasure.

"Featherberry, Dewfern, Stormclaw, Pebblepelt, Frondwillow, Creamflower, Redstripe, Sunpetal, Creekclaw, and Spotpaw, you are all going to the Gathering tonight. Before then, Ivynose, please take Brightpaw and Redstripe hunting near the river. Try to get some fish. And Featherberry, take Mosscloud and Thistlestripe to mark the WindClan border."

After the two patrols left, Spotpaw hurried over to Sunpetal.

The ginger warrior looked tired from clearing out the nursery to make room for one more nest.

Mothleaf was expecting Redstripe's kits, although there was no obvious affection between the two.

Sunpetal purred as she saw her daughter. "Spotpaw, are you excited for the Gathering?"

The tortoiseshell and white she-cat nodded. "You must be, too. It's your first time since me and Brightpaw became 'paws."

Sunpetal licked Spotpaw on the top of her head, then got up and walked towards Flashstar.

The two shared a quick word, and Sunpetal headed to the warriors' den.

Slightly concerned, Spotpaw gave her father a questioning look, but he responded with a small shake of his head.

Spotpaw sighed and padded over to Stormclaw. Her mentor was sitting by the RiverClan medicine cat, who was purring something to an amused Stormclaw. The gray tom noticed Spotpaw and quickly stood up. "Let's finish this conversation later, Dewfern. I need to train my apprentice."

As Stormclaw led the way to the entrance, Spotpaw excitedly asked, "Can you teach me how to hunt in trees today?"

She had learned how to hunt mice and birds a while back, but often saw squirrels in the trees and wished she could catch them.

Stormclaw sighed. "I once got hurt when I was still a 'paw. I fell off a tree. I really don't like climbing them, but you can always go out with Brightpaw and Ivynose. Ivynose is an exceptional tree hunter."

Ivynose seems to be good at everything. She's one of the best fighters, and a great hunter. Feeling guilty, she couldn't help but think, And I got scaredy mouse Stormclaw as my mentor. She shook those thoughts away. Stormclaw is a kind, talented mentor. He's not a scaredy mouse at all.

Spotpaw looked straight at her mentor. "Then can I hunt near the ShadowClan border? There are some mice scents there, according to Sunpetal."

Stormclaw nodded. "Come back here in a few minutes. I'll hunt near you."

The mentor and apprentice padded separate ways. Spotpaw opened her mouth, and immediately the delicious scent of juicy mouse made her acutely aware of her tucked-in flanks.

Almost right in front of her was a small mouse, nibbling on a seed. She crouched and tried to remember everything Stormclaw told her.

"Stay low. Make sure your tail doesn't disturb the ground. Stay downwind. Stay quiet."

With a deep breath, Spotpaw quietly stalked forward. As she neared, the mouse froze, and she froze too.

Then the little creature relaxed and went back to chewing the seeds. One pawstep closer… She pounced, and listened with satisfaction as the mouse's high pitched squeal was cut short after she bit its neck.

"Nice catch."

Spotpaw stiffened.

That isn't Stormclaw.

Turning slowly, she was surprised to see Foxpaw standing near the border.

She tried to force her pelt not to bristle. "Thanks," she meowed stiffly.

The dark ginger tom didn't seem to notice her tone, or maybe he did and chose to ignore it. Either way, he didn't seem fazed. "Are you going to the Gathering tonight?"

Spotpaw slowly nodded. "What about you?"

Foxpaw also nodded.

Spotpaw suddenly felt a rush of awkwardness, standing at the border, talking to this obnoxious ShadowClan tom.

Foxpaw was looking at haughtily, but maybe, just maybe, she heard a tiny drip of concern in his voice. "Spotpaw, are you okay?"

The tortoiseshell and white she-cat nodded coolly. "I'm fine."

She turned to leave. "See you at the Gathering," she called over her shoulder.

She left Foxpaw standing there, watching her retreating pelt.