The full moon shone overhead, battling with the clouds for the right to show off it's brilliance. Swiftcloud stared up at it as she followed the line of her clanmates to the Gathering clearing. She felt a bit wary; painfully conscious that tonight may very well be the night Grassclan and Treeclan become enemies once more.
"This is so exciting!!" Tabitha whispered from behind Swiftcloud, a tremble in her mew. "I'm really interested in meeting all these different kinds of clan cats."
"I know, Tabitha," Swiftcloud purred a little, though her expression stayed serious. "Hopefully this gathering will be a good one. But with Leafbare fading, I have doubts that tonight will be very peaceful."
"How come?" The former kittypet tilted her head when Swiftcloud glanced back at her.
"Remember how I told you some of the other clans can be vicious? Well, Treeclan's had a problem with Grassclan for the past several moons. In fact... we've been at war."
"War?" Tabitha sounded surprised. "Why would another clan fight with ours when everyone's been sick?"
"They haven't. Whitestar managed to get Treeclan's leader to agree to a temporary truce. But that was to last until the worst of Leafbare passed..."
"Which means things might start getting heated again, I'm guessing?"
Swiftcloud nodded slightly.
Tabitha gulped. "Does.. does that mean I'll have to fight?"
"No, Tabitha. You've only been with Grassclan for a day now. You haven't been taught how to fight yet. Whitestar wouldn't send a new apprentice into battle," Swiftcloud assured, which made her friend sigh with relief.
Up ahead, Whitestar's pace began to slow. The familiar hedges of the Gathering clearing came into view, marking the end of their long journey. Whitestar and Chicorynose led the clan into the open space, holding the line's formation long enough for the other clans to take notice of Grassclan's presence. Whitestar had insisted upon bringing a large group of cats to this Gathering. She wanted to prove to everyone that her clan was strong again. Swiftcloud hadn't known Whitestar to be a showoff. But Swiftcloud supposed it made sense to do so every once in a while. It was still Leafbare after all. Cats were hungrier than usual. Grassclan had to prove that they had enough cats left to defend their borders, in case anyone tried sneaking across to steal prey.
After the higher-ups were sure the rest of the Land's Star had gotten a good view of their clan. Grassclan's warriors were permitted to run off and mingle with the crowd. Swiftcloud did so eagerly, calling Tabitha and Tulippaw to her side. The apprentices excitedly followed her every pawstep, eager to meet new warriors they'd never met before.
"Swiftcloud!" That was Moonface who called from across the way. Swiftcloud turned and padded over to her friend, her apprentices at her heels. Moonface was looking much more well fed today, her belly starting to grow plump. Beside her stood a younger cat with a brilliant ginger pelt.
"Hey, Moonface." Swiftcloud touched noses with the other she-cat. "How are you? You're looking well."
"I'm great, thank you for asking. Life is turning out pretty swell! Blazestar recently made me a mentor," answered Moonface.
"Congratulations. I'm guessing this eager molly beside you is the lucky apprentice, hm?" Swiftcloud assumed, glancing at the ginger she-cat. She looked similar to Moonface's mate, Sunflower. Swiftcloud wondered if the two ginger cats were kin.
Moonface nodded, resting her tail on the young cat's shoulders. "This is Scarletpaw. Scarletpaw meet Swiftcloud of Grassclan. And her apprentice. And..friend? I don't recall ever seeing you before, stranger. You don't smell much like any of the clans."
"Both are my apprentices," Swiftcloud answered. "The younger is Tulippaw. I forgot the two of you haven't met before. And the older molly is Tabitha. We've just taken her into our ranks. I'm teaching her about clan life, while Chicorynose handles the typical training stuff."
"Ooh, I see," Moonface responded. "You were a kittypet, then?" She asked Tabitha.
"Mhm. But now I'm apprentice! And a queen!!"
"That means you're expecting? What a coincidence. I'm expecting, too!" Moonface beamed, letting out an excited trill.
Swiftcloud ears perked instantly. "Wait, you're pregnant? That's amazing! No wonder why you look so good. I'm sure Sunflower's proud, huh?"
Moonface purred, love glowing in her eyes. "Oh he's ecstatic. He can't wait to meet our little ones. And honestly, neither can I. Motherhood is going to be wonderful. And I'm already getting good practice by taking care of Scarletpaw. She can be a pawful at times. But she listens when I tell her things, and picks up on lessons quickly."
"That's because Moonface is the best mentor ever!" Scarletpaw proclaimed with her head held high.
"No way, my mentor's the best. Swiftcloud saved the whole clan! She's a hero. She's the greatest warrior in the Land's Star," boasted Tulippaw. Swiftcloud ducked her head bashfully. She was honored that Tulippaw regarded her so highly. She hadn't acted that way with Ambereye. In some way, Swiftcloud felt pride in that. But in another, she felt bad. Tulippaw had always wanted Swiftcloud as her mentor. The circumstances which led them to become a learning pair were unideal, and grim. Ambereye hadn't even gotten the chance to earn Tulippaw's full respect. Meanwhile, Swiftcloud gained it immediately.
"Prove it!" Scarletpaw's mew cut into Swiftcloud's thoughts.
"I'll show you what Swiftcloud taught me!" Tulippaw declared, throwing herself at the other molly. The apprentices tussled playfully on the ground, kicking and swiping at each other with claws sheathed. The older she-cats let out a collective mrrow of laughter at the sight.
At once, the leaders began to yowl from Split Rock, signaling the start of the Gathering. The apprentices paused in their playfight, sitting upright together. Tulippaw prodded Scarletpaw in the side, leading her over to a group of other apprentices from the Land's Star who sat nearby.
"Let's sit over here," Moonface suggested, leading the other cats a bit closer to where a collection of queens had gather. Jaybird was here, along with Moonface's mother, Brightsky. There was also Breezeheart of Mountainclain, Richfur of Oceanclan, and Littlebird of Marshclan. Swiftcloud mewed a soft hello to each of the queens, settling herself between Moonface and Tabitha. Around them, more cats filled in closer to the Split Rock, their voices silent and their attentions drawn to the leaders above them.
"Let the Gathering begin!" Brightstar declared, her high pitched voice echoing through the clearing. "Blazestar, would you like to make tonight's first announcements?" She offered. Blazestar grunted in approval, tipping his head to the other leader in thanks. He stepped forward, raising his muzzle so his voice would carry clearly.
"Treeclan thrives this moon. Slowly, prey is returning to the forest. Our medicine cats expect an early Newleaf this year, which we are most excited about. In other news; Nightshade, Moonface, and Tigerlily are expecting. Moonface has decided to join the nursery as an official queen, while the others continue their warrior duties as normal. Finally; this evening we bring with us two new apprentices. Our warrior apprentice, Scarletpaw, and our new medicine cat apprentice, Sugarpaw."
Cats from all of the clans broke out into a crescendo of congratulatory mews. Swiftcloud joined in, yowling loud to show her friend her support. Moonface looked away, flustered, giggling softly. Swiftcloud nudged her to gain back her attention. The two mollies smiled at one another then turned their gaze back onto the leaders.
Fogstar was the next cat to step up. "Mountainclan was blessed last moon, with new kits and new apprentices. I wish there was better news for me to share this night as well... But Starclan must keep balance. We cannot have the good, without the bad. And-- well, to stop beating around the bush; sadly, I must announce the passing of Bearclaw this past quarter moon. Hawkfern says it was peaceful. He was almost as old as I am, and so it was to be expected. Bearclaw was an excellent deputy, he shall be missed for many moons. As his successor, I have chosen Galecall. She's level headed and capable. I trust she will do a great job from here on out. That is all I have to report."
And with that, the old gray tom stepped back, leaving the floor open for the next leader.
Whitestar took this opportunity to speak. "Grassclan fares well this moon. Thanks to the quick thinking of one of our warriors, our clan was at last able to beat greencough. We are strong once more, and ready to take on any and all challenges. Furthermore, to strengthen our ranks--and our bloodlines--I have accepted an expecting kittypet into Grassclan. Chicorynose has been assigned as her mentor, along with Swiftcloud, who will be helping her adapt to our way of life as quickly as possible before her kits come."
"I'm glad to hear your clan has recovered, Whitestar," Blazestar cut in. "Treeclan once again thanks you for the aid you provided us a few moons back, when we were suffering from our own greencough outbreak. But that time has passed. Leafbare's hold on the Land's Star weakens, and so, our truce has come to an end. Expect hostility the next time one of your patrols comes along the Treeclan border."
"Can we not live in peace?" Whitestar prompted, swaying her tail. She seemed annoyed to have her turn interrupted. "Must we continue to fight over complicated situations which happened so long ago?"
"Border crossing is a long-standing issue, Whitestar. That will never change. Not unless those who commit this crime are properly punished. Treeclan still intends on taking back the Forest Patch. Perhaps, if there is a distinct border, Grassclan will understand where not to tread."
"If you are so determined to create a distinct border, then why not surrender the forest past the Thunder Path entirely? Why fight so hard for territory your clan clearly does not need to survive? Does that area not also pose a threat to your warriors? I recall several instances of your clanmates dying due to crossing into the Forest Patch. Your son Flamepaw, for instance. Or your deputy's son, Skunkpaw, who was kitnapped by Twolegs. And what about you? I seem to recall a time when you had fallen victim to a monster on the Thunder Path yourself. Surely all this loss is not worth one small piece of forest."
Blazestar grit his teeth, his claws scraping against the boulder beneath him. The fur along his spine rose, and his tail lashed violently. "Don't you dare talk about those kits!" He spat. "Flamepaw's death was because of the negligence of his mentor. And Skunkpaw's disappeance was your clan's doing!"
"No it was not!" Swiftcloud yowled suddenly, jumping to her paws. She was sick of feeling guilty for something that was not her fault. She had warned Skunkpaw and his littermates to flee. It was his choice to ignore her, and wind up kitnapped. Swiftcloud lived through that shame, and had finally made peace with it. She couldn't bare to sit by idle and allow herself or her clan to be blamed for another cat's decisions.
"Swiftcloud's right!" Moonface suddenly called out. Her expression was serious, tail wagging anxiously. "Skunkpaw's disappearance is not Grassclan's fault!"
Swiftcloud looked at her friend in astonishment. She hadn't expected her to speak up. But she had been there when her brother was taken. Moonface knew the truth, just as her littermates did; just as Swiftcloud did. Swiftcloud wondered if Moonface or her littermates had ever told their clan what had occurred that day. Where they had been, how things escalated the way they had.
Blazestar looked angry at Moonface's outburst. He glared down at her coldly before returning his attention to his colleague. "I'm through with these games, Whitestar. I will not argue over this any longer. Anymore persuading that can be done will be considered on the battlefield. And any decisions made will come as a conclusion of the war. Treeclan will no longer show you mercy."
"If that is your wish, then so be it," Whitestar declared.
"Yeah, let's fight!" Cheered one of Treeclan's young warriors, launching themselves at the nearest Grassclan cat. The cat this warrior had chosen to pounce on was Pansypaw, who was in no mood to be messed with. With the fury of a Lionclan warrior, the little spotted she-cat threw her opponent off herself then jumped on them in return. She pummeled the cat with her front paws, yowling.
Swiftcloud saw Frostfeather watching on in horror. She must have been shocked that her usually well behaved apprentice was acting so violently. But Swiftcloud wasn't. She understood how the young molly must feel. She'd lost her father, Ryestep, in a border battle before she was even born. And now her mother and littermates were dead thanks to the greencough which Rosebloom had caught from Treeclan. Treeclan was responsible for taking all of her kin away. Pansypaw must not have been able to contain her hatred for them any longer.
Frostfeather soon grew tired of seeing her apprentice fight. She jumped in to pull her back, getting caught up in the crossfire. Another Treeclan warrior jumped into the fight, encouraging a few others to join.
Cats from around the clearing watched in outrage as Treeclan and Grassclan began to fight on this sacred night. And Starclan was not at all pleased.
Overhead, the clouds had won their clash with the moon, covering it's light and shrouding the Gathering clearing in darkness. At once, cats began to cry out, and those who fought froze, terrified of their ancestor's anger.
"This Gathering is over! Everyone return home," Wavestar caterwauled with a huff. "Can't even get a chance to speak at one of these cursed Gatherings anymore with you two around. It's lucky any cat's gotten to speak at all. For everyone's sake, settle your petty feud already," he growled to Whitestar and Blazestar before jumping from the Split Rock. Oceanclan gathered around him, their judgemental eyes landing on the offending clans. Swiftcloud saw Moonface stare at one particular warrior. It was Hazestorm, a mutual friend of theirs. He was looking towards the silver and white molly with longing. Moonface held his gaze for a heartbeat then turned away from him. She excused herself to Swiftcloud and Tabitha then stood, disappearing into the crowd. What was that all about? Swiftcloud wondered as she rose to her paws.
"Come on, Tabitha. Let's go collect Tulippaw and head out of here."
"I must confess, I'm a little confused. What just happened..?" Tabitha asked.
"Our warrior ancestors are mad at us for fighting under the full moon. The Land's Star has a peaceful truce for this one night. We've broken it. So, we have to leave."
"I see," Tabitha mewed quietly, following her mentor towards the rest of the Grassclan patrol. Tulippaw came to meet them halfway. She had a few speckles of blood on one of her white paws. Swiftcloud shot her a questioning look, nubby tail wiggling.
"Scarletpaw attacked me. So, I ripped her ear!" Tulippaw grinned proudly. Swiftcloud simply shook her head and herded her apprentice over to join their clanmates for the journey home.