Three moons had passed. The long cold season of Leafbare melted away with the snow, blossoming into Newleaf fresh flowers on the meadowy hills. Bloom's Day was here again, and Grassclan was as busy as ever. None were so busy as Swiftcloud was that day.
She was in the medicine den, flanked by Mistyleaf. The pale silver she-cat was placing tiny pink and blue flowers all over Swiftcloud's pelt, decorating her traditionally for a deputy. Nearby, Goldensong was weaving together her flower crown.
"Almost done," Mistyleaf mewed as she placed one last flower onto her mate's chest fur. "There! You look lovely, Swift."
"Thank you," Swiftcloud purred, licking her lover's cheek. Mistyleaf trilled, leaning against her.
"You'd better run along now. Tulippaw and her sisters must be getting antsy waiting for their warrior's assessments to begin," she reminded Swiftcloud.
"You're right," Swiftcloud agreed, rising to her paws. "I'd better go and fetch their mentors, then."
With a parting nod to the medicine cats, Swiftcloud turned and padded out into the clearing. A beautiful sight greeted her eyes as she walked around, gathering her fellow mentors for today's assessment. The camp was perfectly decorated for the day's celebration; flowers and feathers dotting the dens, berries placed ever so delicately along thresholds. Even Tall Stone had gotten a makeover in honor of the holiday. The youngest apprentices, with the help of the clan's kits, painted a lovely picture across the front of the ancient boulder with berry juice. Swiftcloud couldn't tell exactly what was being depicted, but she admired the young cats' creativity nonetheless.
"Swiftcloud," Quailbelly called as she padded up to the deputy and the mentors. "Rabbitstorm and I are ready to help."
"Excellent," Swiftcloud purred. Cinderpaw and Bunnypaw were out gathering flowers, leaving their respective mentors, Quailbelly and Rabbitstorm, with nothing to do. Both cats had been eager to receive an apprentice. Bunnypaw was Rabbitstorm's first. And Quailbelly was doing her best to train young Cinderpaw. After losing her first apprentice, Thistlepaw, Whitestar and Swiftcloud agreed it was only fair to give Quailbelly another chance at mentoring. And she was happy. But the relief on her face made it obvious that she was glad for a break today. Rabbitstorm seemed even more happy to get away from his energetic little brother.
"What do you need us to do?" He asked, standing beside Quailbelly. At this time, Tulippaw, Nectarpaw, Pansypaw, Pollenpaw and Tabitha had come to Tall Stone to pair up with their mentors.
Swiftcloud flicked an ear towards them as she spoke. "I need each of you to take out one of my apprentices for me, while I assess everyone's progress from the sidelines."
"I'll take Tulippaw," Quailbelly offered.
"Guess that'll leave me with Tabitha," Rabbitstorm snorted.
Though he may sound annoyed, Swiftcloud couldn't miss the excited little smirk he gave. She knew the pair were growing close. But she also knew Rabbitstorm was not the sort of warrior to mess around when given an assignment. "I'll make sure she stays focused," he swore, as if he could read the deputy's mind. He dipped his head to her respectfully, Quailbelly copying his motion.
For the short time she had been deputy, Swiftcloud had already managed to gain the respect of her clanmates. At first it was jarring--having cats bow their heads, as if she were such an important figure--but soon enough, she adjusted to the change. Cats listened when she gave orders, and were comfortable with coming to her to report news. Maybe Whitestar had made a good choice when choosing Swiftcloud. Three moons in, and she already felt so accustomed to her new role. It gave her purpose; a new reason to wake up in the morning.
"Right. Let's head out," Swiftcloud ordered. Each pair began to make their way out into the meadow, already prepared to take their apprentices to predetermined destinations.
Before Swiftcloud followed through the bramble tunnel, she couldn't help but spare a glance back at the nursery. The honeysuckles were in bloom, alive with a comforting fragrance. Swiftcloud had grown quite used to it by now, finding herself almost regretful about not staying behind to lounge beneath it with the queens.
"We'll be alright, go have fun! And make sure you tell me all about the assessments when you all return!" Cricketsong called out as she emerged from the den. Her single half-moon old kit poked his head out from between her front legs, observing the world outside curiously. Swiftcloud let out a purr of amusement, smiling.
"I will!" She promised, ducking out of the clearing at last.
A canvas of green greeted the cats as they made their way over the hills, a rainbow of flowers speckled across the meadow like pollen. A strong breezed gusted past, flattening the foliage around them like thin fur. As it calmed, the flowers sprung up once again, reaching up for the warm Newleaf sun. Swiftcloud cherished this time of year, reveling in the nostolgia and comfort of it all. It was just over a year ago that she had come to join the cats of the meadow; to learn what it meant to be wild and free. Her dreams had become a reality, and Swiftcloud couldn't be happier if she tried.
As the cats reached the heart of the meadow, partners broke off to spread out in different directions. This ensured each apprentice had enough space to demonstrate their abilities without running the risk of interrupting denmates. Swiftcloud watched them all walk off, waiting around for a while before stalking after a randomly chosen pair. She decided to check out how Pansypaw was doing first. She was the youngest of this graduating class, too young to technically be ready for warriorship. But Pansypaw had proven herself to be a fast learner, leading Whitestar to approve of her testing out of apprenticeship early. Swiftcloud had to observe her extra carefully to ensure Pansypaw was ready to be moved up in the ranks. Frostfeather certainly seemed to think so, but as deputy, Swiftcloud needed to observe for herself.
So as quickly but as silently as she could, she stalked through the overgrown grass, following the scent trail of the cats she was set to watch.
"Swiftcloud!"
Or maybe would, if her rambunctious apprentice could follow the rules for a change.
"Tulippaw!" Swiftcloud called back, meeting the brown and white molly. How had she managed to track Swiftcloud down?
Tulippaw had grown quite tall in the fourteen moons she had been alive, standing even taller than her own mentor. She was a perfect example of a Grassclan warrior. Lithe, with large ears and long legs. Yet muscles rippled beneath her short pelt, built up over moons from vigorous battles and training. Training which Swiftcloud had been more than happy to give her.
"Are you going to watch me hunt?" Tulippaw asked.
"Yes, that's part of the assessment," Swiftcloud responded. "But you aren't supposed to pay attention to me being here. I'm observing from the sidelines today. Quailbelly is who you're presenting to. Where is she anyways?"
"Flirting with Frostfeather." Tulippaw rolled her eyes. "She can't help herself. She's so proud of her mate for mentoring the youngest soon-to-be warrior of the clan."
Swiftcloud resisted the urge to groan. Originally, she'd been worried about a cat like Tabitha getting distracted during the assessment. She hadn't taken into account that Quailbelly might act up instead. "Thanks for letting me know. I'll go and have a chat with her. You get back to hunting ok? And don't worry about wherever I might be hiding next time."
"Yes, Swiftcloud," Tulippaw agreed, nodding her head before turning around and padding back out into the grass.
Swiftcloud continued on in the direction she was heading, parting her jaws slightly to taste the air for Quailbelly. She caught onto her trail quickly, scenting the molly only a couple of tree-lengths off.
"Quailbelly!" She called, summoning the warrior to her. The tone she used was stern, alerting the warrior that she was not at all pleased with her behavior.
"S..sorry, Swiftcloud!" Quailbelly dipped her head as she ran up to the deputy. "I didn't mean to get distracted..."
Swiftcloud twitched her whiskers. "Its alright, Quailbelly. Let's leave Frostfeather and Pansypaw be now. Go and see how Tulippaw is faring for me?"
"Of course, right away!" Quailbelly agreed, racing off to watch her niece hunt. She made it to her just in time to watch the apprentice put Swiftcloud's bird hunting technique to work.
Tulippaw crouched to the ground a fox-length upwind from a clueless wood pigeon. The ignorant bird was busy picking at seeds, while Tulippaw stalked ever closer, wiggling her haunches. With only a heartbeat more of hesitation, she shot out from her hiding place, scaring the pigeon into taking flight. Tulippaw leaped gracefully in the air after it, grabbing her prey by its wings, plucking it out of the sky. As the apprentice fell back to the earth she pulled the wood pigeon closer to herself; grabbing its neck and snapping it just as her paws touched the ground below.
"Great catch!" Quailbelly praised, prancing up to meet with the brown and white molly. Swiftcloud purred in her place approvingly, turning tail once more to hunt down her original target.
Sunhigh was reaching it's end by the time the assessments had concluded. When the cats had returned home, Swiftcloud was pleased to report that all five apprentices had passed their tests with little disruption. Whitestar approved of Swiftcloud's observations, calling forth the other mentors to talk with them before it was finally decided the leader would hold a warrior's ceremony today.
Earning your warrior name on Bloom's Day, what an honor, Swiftcloud thought as she headed out of the leader's den with her head held high. She hadn't thought it would happen today. She was sure with everything else going on, Whitestar would have waited to hold the ceremony until tomorrow. But the apprentices got lucky.
"Let all cats old enough to run across the meadow, gather here beneath the Tall Stone for a clan meeting." Whitestar called together all of those who had returned home to camp. A majority of Grassclan was here already, with the exception of a border patrol or two. Most had been hanging by the medicine den, waiting to receive their flower crowns and collars for the holiday. Others had been sharing tongues, careful not to destroy any blossoms that were placed on their fur.
A buzz of excitement swept through the atmosphere as the clan gathered. The excitement of new warriors, and the joy of the holiday made everyone's spirits light. But Swiftcloud knew no one could be as thrilled right now as apprentices were. They were already waiting by the front of Tall Stone, grooming each other's fur down in a last ditch effort to make themselves look perfect.
Whitestar gazed down at this season's graduating class fondly, tail raised high to greet them. The leader's focus shifted briefly to rest upon their mentors, in order to complete the first part of the naming ceremony. Swiftcloud shuffled to her place by Tall Stone's base just as Whitestar began to speak.
"This Bloom's Day, we have a lot to celebrate. The arrival of Newleaf and good hunting; the promise of flowers and new life. And today, I get to perform my favorite duty as Grassclan's leader," she began, then cleared her throat. "The young cats you see before us have completed their training met all the goals set for them, and have learned the Warrior Code. Snailear, Ladybugbite, Swiftcloud, Frostfeather; do you believe your apprentices are ready to become warriors?"
"I do," agreed all four mentors in unison.
Whitestar nodded, acknowledging their decision. "In that case; Nectarpaw, Pollenpaw, Tulippaw, Pansypaw, and Tabitha, please step forward."
The five mollies did as they were commanded, the brightest of expressions showing on their faces. Nectarpaw and Pollenpaw glanced at each other excitedly. Tulippaw and Tabitha shook tails. And Pansypaw cleaned her chest fur, straightening her posture.
Whitestar turned her muzzle towards the sky briefly. "I, Whitestar, leader of Grassclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have worked hard to learn the ways of your nobel Code, and I commend them, to you, as warriors in their turn. Nectarpaw, Pollenpaw, Tulippaw, Pansypaw, Tabitha, do you promise to uphold the warrior code; to protest and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life?
"I do," the apprentices chimed at once, heads held high.
"Then by the power of Starclan, I give you your warrior names." Whitestar lowered her head to look at the first of the apprentices. "Nectarpaw, from this day forward you shall be known as Nectarbite. Starclan honors your tenacity and skill, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Grassclan."
The siamese she-cat jumped down from Tall Stone, approaching the newly named warrior. Swiftcloud rose to meet her, passing on a flower which the leader then placed behind Nectarbite's ear. Nectarbite took a step forward to lick Whitestar's shoulder out of respect, while the leader placed her chin on top of her niece's head, following tradition. After another heartbeat, Whitestar stepped back to continue the ceremony.
"Pollenpaw, from this day forward you will be known as Pollenstep. Starclan honors your attentiveness and tracking skills, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Grassclan."
Again, Whitestar placed a flower onto the new warrior before resting her muzzle against her head, Pollenstep gratefully licking her shoulder before moving back to smile. Next, Whitestar gave her attention to the last of her young kin. Swiftcloud felt a flare of pride in her chest as she watched her first apprentice be named.
"Tulippaw, from this day forward, you will be known as Tulipnose. Starclan honors your curiosity and tracking skills, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Grassclan."
A daffodil was placed behind Tulipnose's ear. A fitting flower, Swiftcloud agreed as she watched Whitestar rest her chin on the warrior's forehead. Tulipnose licked her shoulder, then glanced past the leader, beaming at Swiftcloud as if to say "look I did it I'm a warrior now!". Swiftcloud purred, nodding her approval.
"Pansypaw. From this day forward you shall be known as Pansyfrost. Starclan honors your quick thinking and intelligence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Grassclan." Whitestar continued. Pansyfrost looked as if she were going to cry once the traditional forehead touch/shoulder lick was finished. Swiftcloud wondered if she was tearing up with happiness. Or maybe she was wishing that her kin were alive to witness this great accomplishment.
Whitestar then turned to address the last apprentice waiting to receive their name.
"And finally, Tabitha. You have worked very hard in the short time that you've lived within the Land's Star. Though your training is not yet complete, I do believe you've earned your right to obtain a clan name. So, from this day forward, you shall be known as Mothlight. And upon your request, the clan will continue to honor you as Tabitha, within our borders. Starclan honors your cheer and positivity, and we welcome you as full warrior of Grassclan."
"Nectarbite! Pollenstep! Tulipnose! Pansyfrost! Mothlight!" The clan broke out into an excited chant for the new warriors, calming slightly when Whitestar swayed her tail.
"Nectarbite has chosen the duties of a Guard and Fighting warrior. Pollenstep has requested to be a Guard and Den Keeper. These two shall henceforth be partners. Tulipnose will be a Hunting warrior, and Pansyfrost has chosen Collection and Hunting for her duties. These two shall also be paired. Finally, Tabitha has decided to remain a permanent nursery queen, as well as a Collector. She will be paired at a later time, when someone becomes available," the siamese she-cat announced. "But for now, these warriors shall rest. And tonight, they shall sit a silent vigil, guarding the camp while the rest of us sleep, to show they are true warriors of this clan."
As the ceremony concluded the clan broke away from their seated positions surging forward to surround and congratulate the new warriors. Swiftcloud padded into the crowd to join them, finding Tulipnose wrapped up in the embrace of her father, Cowpatch. At the sight of her mentor, Tulipnose lit up, excusing herself from her kin so they could speak. But before she could say a word, a yowl broke out, silencing the whole clan.
"Whitestar!"
"Swiftcloud!"
Thornpaw and Lightpaw called as they ran into camp, disrupting the celebration. Shadowfang and Beetlepatch came rushing behind them.
"What's going on?" Whitestar asked, turning to meet her kits. She licked Thornpaw on his cheek then groomed Lightpaw between the ears in an attempt to calm her litter down. Swiftcloud came to stand beside the leader, eager to hear about the urgent matter that had brought the patrol home early.
"We have important news to report," Beetlepatch informed with a slight pant.
"Swiftcloud," Shadowfang meowed, as if the news were meant for her. "Snow is dead."
"What...?" She asked breathlessly. She felt her pelt begin to bristle at the mention of the exiled medicine cat's name.
"That's right," Thornpaw confirmed. "We met a Treeclan patrol who'd crossed the Thunder Path."
"They were heading this way to report their discovery to Grassclan when our patrols met. Blackberry said a hunting party found Snow's body on their territory, mangled. They wanted to find out if we wanted her brought back so she could be put in our burial grounds," Shadowfang explained.
"What did you tell them?" Whitestar questioned, tail twitching slightly.
"Obviously we told them no!" Thornpaw scoffed. "Scum like Snow doesn't deserve to have the honor of being buried among warriors!"
"Strong words from such a young cat," Swiftcloud remarked, cuffing the tom playfully around the ear. "I hope you didn't say that to Treeclan."
Lightpaw shook her head. "Of course not! I'd never let this mouse-brain have the chance to yowl out something so blunt. Beetlepatch told them that Snow should be treated as a rouge, and that Treeclan can deal with her remains however they sees fit. Was that alright...?"
"Yes. I think that situation was handled as it should. Thank you, Beetlepatch, Shadowfang. And you too, my loves." Whitestar them turned towards the clan. "Grassclan can finally rest easy. The evil that had once lingered within our ranks has been vanquished for good!"
At this, the clan broke out into another uproar of cheers. They seemed elated, having yet another thing to celebrate this day. Swiftcloud found herself to be as happy as the rest. Though she could feel her body growing weak from the work that had been done today. She needed a break from all the hype and noise from the clan. So, she retreated to the nursery.
The space beneath the honeysuckle bush was cool, the faintest bit of light dappling the wool lined ground underpaw. Swiftcloud sighed with relief as she entered. The nursery walls muffled most of the commotion going just outside, allowing all residents within some peace. Swiftcloud found herself to be alone in here, with the exception of the clan's youngest residents. Cricketsong's son was dozing in their nest, his body hanging halfway out of the bracken as he napped.
"Hi Swif'!" Greeted Tabitha's single kit, bouncing up in front of the deputy. "The kits are good. They're asleep," he informed her as he followed her gaze to the nest at the further end of the den.
"Thank you, Bramblekit," Swiftcloud purred, padding over to the extra fluffy pile of wool. She stuck out a paw, peeling some of it back to expand the nest enough to allow her to fit inside. Laying beneath the pulled back fluff were three dozing balls of fur.
Swiftcloud purred softly as she tiptoed around them, turning to tamp down the wool some more before laying down besides them.
The kittens stirred slightly at her presence, turning onto their bellies to wiggle closer to her.
"Hi, my loves," Swiftcloud whispered, guiding the little ones to settle into her side. She repositioned herself, allowing the kittens the chance to feed if they so chose. They had only been born three days ago, and though they were no bigger than a shrew, they were healthy and full of life. It had barely been a surprise when Swiftcloud found out she was expecting. Shadowfang and Mistyleaf both were over the moon learning the news. The announcement of kits was welcomed after all the hardship and death they'd faced the moon before. And now, having them here felt like a dream come true. Swiftcloud was smitten with her litter. Every time she was with them, she couldn't help but gaze upon them with fondness.
The oldest of the bunch was a black tomkit with a snow white underbelly and legs to match. His tail was long and skinny just like Shadowfang's, which made him stand out from his littermates. His brother was an almost perfect copy of Swiftcloud; his pelt was white with black patches and he had an adorable bunny tail perched upon his rear. But his ears were as large as a typical Grassclan kit's, which Mistyleaf had pointed out to be adorable. Swiftcloud's lastborn was a beautiful shade of black. He had just the slightest bit of stock in his build, and a nubby tail just like his mother. They were the most beautiful kittens Swiftcloud had ever seen.
Swiftcloud began to groom her brood as they settled down for another nap, allowing her mind to wander while she focused on her task. She found her thoughts drifting back to almost a season ago, when war had plagued the clan of the meadow, and an unknown threat lurked within their borders. She thought of Snowfrost, and how the treacherous medicine cat had almost ruined her chance to experience the life she lived now. What would have happened, had she succeed in murdering Swiftcloud? Would the war have continued? Would Snow have gotten what she was after, allowing Grassclan to be destroyed? Swiftcloud shook her head, attempting to rid it of such theoretical questions. She bowed her head and buried her nose into her kits' fur, allowing their tiny purrs to wash away any of fears that had started building up inside of her.
For a little while, a calmness settled upon Swiftcloud, one like she hasn't felt in moons. Snow was gone for good, and nobody had to worry anymore. But as she felt sure in her bubble of peace, an eeriness slowly pierced its way through once more. It creeped upon Swiftcloud like a shadow in the night, causing her fur to stand involuntarily. The same sensation she had felt whenever Snow was around had returned. But why? There's nothing to worry about, Swiftcloud assured herself, smoothing down the fur on her three sleeping kittens. But then why did she still feel like there was something wrong?
End of Book One