It felt like Rayushu was intentionally dragging the days by as slowly has he could over the next few days. The last Gathering felt like it happened seasons ago with suffocating energy and very few friends. The clans were a superstitious people and so when clouds had covered the sky well into the night, Bluestar had announced that ThunderClan wouldn't attend the Games. From the patrols he'd been on that passed by the Owl Tree, it smelled like none of the other clans had gone either.
Patrol after patrol continued to report RiverClan scent on Sunningrocks and ShadowClan scent up and down the entire border on their side, along with scents by the owl tree. He still believed that Tigerclaw could've warned his apprentice, that it was certainly a trap meant for Bluestar that Cinderpaw had gotten caught up in but Fireheart had to admit that the concerns about ShadowClan were valid.
Whitestorm had been helping him out- or was angry at him, Fireheart couldn't tell with the rest of the clan lately- with splitting his time. As his deputy had been refusing to put him on any border patrols, Fireheart spent these last few days visiting Cinderpaw and Spottedleaf, hunting with Sandpaw, training Brackenpaw and spending time with Iliari.
Graystripe had resumed his responsibilities over Brackenpaw's training but despite that, Fireheart still found the apprentice turned loose in the forest. According to the frustrated Brackenpaw, his mentor was always out hunting. His frustration regarding Graystripe's abandonment of Brackenpaw simmered within him but he didn't have the energy left to force his friend to see sense.
Instead, whenever he saw the apprentice he took the time to train him just to keep the apprentice out of sight. Neither Whitestorm nor Tigerclaw would accept Brackenpaw's given reasons as easily as he did. If that happened, it would only be a matter of time before Bluestar found out and Bluestar would likely be obligated to tell Stormstar.
He was already more than two moons into his training- Brackenpaw shouldn't still be learning the basics of hunting, Graystripe should've started him on his soulspark. So that's what Fireheart started doing- teaching him to find his spark and channeling the spark into his jaws and creating the spark defense over his back. He almost felt bad that Brackenpaw seemed more excited to see him than his own mentor lately but that was Graystripe's own fault.
Fireheart flicked his tail, glancing up at the sky. The night before, the moon had been almost completely full- if the sky remained cloudless tonight, it would be the perfect conditions for a Gathering. He made a mental note to ask Bluestar about how many times the clans could skip the Games due to bad conditions. The games, Fireheart had realized, were considered separate from the meeting portion of the Gathering. It was more taboo to skip the report than to miss the Games but surely there had to be a limit on how many of either you can skip of either?
He slipped back into camp, taking a deep breath through his nose. Greencough had finally left the clan- all of Brindleface's kits and Mistlekit being returned healthily to the nursery. Only Cinderpaw remained in Spottedleaf's den now.
He walked into Spottedleaf's den, mouth laden with prey. A twinge of worry prickled at his heart when he noticed some of the scattered herbs near the shelf. Spottedleaf was spending most of her day channeling her spark into Cinderpaw, to ensure her survival. With the apprentice asleep, she couldn't eat or drink on her own which meant Spottedleaf would have to sustain her herself. The medic was starting to look constantly haggard and tired, Cinderpaw was quickly becoming a full time job. If Fireheart didn't bring her prey, she'd forget to eat and drink.
Despite this, Fireheart was feeling optimistic. Though she hadn't woken up, Spottedleaf had reported that she was starting to respond more to the outside world. Her sleep was lessening and just recently, she'd purred when Brightpaw had said she loved her and licked her ears.
Spottedleaf even agreed that she's likely to wake up soon.
Thank the flames, Fireheart thought to himself in relief, settling down beside his apprentice. Cinderpaw's bindings had been removed recently too- her broken leg now finally healed. The smell from it being removed the first time had been rancid but Fireheart had sucked it up and helped Spottedleaf clean the matted fur. They took the time to keep readjusting her in the nest to prevent nest sores but Fireheart was excited.
He licked her head, "Even if you can't be a warrior I'll keep taking you out. We'll find all the slowest mice and the dumbest birds and you'll come back to camp with the biggest haul. I'll teach you to use your spark and you'll rip the fur off of anyone in battle."
Fireheart sighed quietly, "I wish you were awake. That you could tell me what happened. I still don't know where the boar went or why it was so far in. We haven't seen boar all season- it just doesn't make sense for one to appear at random in a food-less mood."
"How's Cloudkit?"
He glanced up to Spottedleaf walking over to them, yawning a bit before her eyes locked on the rabbit he'd carried in.
"Is that whole thing for me?" she asked.
"I didn't know how hungry you were," Fireheart confessed and pushed it towards her. "Ari's getting stronger everyday though. Fernkit is happy to have a kit younger than her in the group. He, Elderkit and Ashkit are partners in crime."
Then he narrowed his eyes, "I'm tired of the way the other cats look at him though. Like there's something wrong with him- I've seen them with him when they don't know I'm around. They're only cruel when I'm there- it's like they're trying to drive a wedge between us before he even understands what's happening."
He spun his tail, "Maybe I should let him bite Darkstripe."
Spottedleaf giggled, "Maybe you should- Longtail hasn't laid a paw on you since you scratched his ears up. Has Cloudkit noticed?"
"No not yet," Fireheart admitted. "He hasn't realized that he's from the kingdom too yet despite the stories. I'm grateful for Brindleface and Frostfur- they're being wonderful to him."
Spottedleaf seemed to sense his mood turning somber, she pushed the rabbit closer to him so they could share it.
"Are you going to tonight's Games?"
"I don't think so," he admitted. "I'm not popular with the clan right now."
"You're not popular with the idiots of the clan," corrected Spottedleaf. "You're popular with me, all the apprentices love you and so does everyone in the nursery. Everyone else will get over it."
"Not all of the apprentices."
"Dustpaw doesn't count- he's a grown cat. You should talk to Bluestar about the Games."
Fireheart smirked at the implied dismissal and bid her goodbye, pushing himself to his paws. He slipped from her den and looked about the clearing for her. Bluestar was talking to Willowpelt, standing outside of her den. Fireheart waited a few fox lengths away from them politely staying just out hearing distance so that he wouldn't unintentionally eavesdrop. He flicked his right ear, when Willowpelt turned away and began to approach himself.
Bluestar watched him warily as he approached, "Hello Fireheart."
He dipped his head respectfully, "I was just coming to ask about attending the Games. Graystripe and I brought WindClan back and I want to see if they've recovered."
Bluestar's eyes narrowed, an edge entering her voice, "I don't need you to remind me-"
"I'm not. I'm giving you my reasons like any other cat would," he interrupted flatly. "I know I'm not popular and I don't care. I just want to know if I'm allowed to see WindClan this moon or if I'm waiting until the next."
Bluestar's tail twitched and her hackles settled, she looked away from him.
"...I am sorry for my terseness," Bluestar murmured. "Though it's no excuse I'm very stressed out and confused. Yes you may come to the Games tonight as will Graystripe."
"Okay," said Fireheart.
He turned and padded off to the fresh kill pile grabbing a pair of mice. He slipped into the nursery letting the scent of milk and the squealing of kits flood his senses. Fireheart smiled at Ari drinking from Brindleface who was licking his back. Ashkit, Elderkit and Fernkit had already been weaned and though it wouldn't be long before Ari was too, it was clear that Brindleface was enjoying still having one kit completely dependent on her.
He set the mice down in front of her as she looked up at him, meowing a soft greeting.
"I've sent for Spottedleaf," she said as she pulled a mouse closer to her. She nudged Ari's little wiggling ears. "He's a little feverish."
Fireheart rubbed her cheek, "Makes sense to be cautious after the greencough outbreak. Hopefully it's just a cold but I'll come back after the Gathering to check on him."
"Alright, thank you Fireheart," Brindleface purred. "If you ever have kits, you'll be a good father."
Fireheart's ears went red and he ducked his head shyly as he retreated from the ursery, Brindleface's laughter following him from the den. He returned to the fresh-kill pile- he wasn't particularly hungry but he was tired and wouldn't eat before he came home.
Longtail and Dustpaw were lounging by the fresh kill pile this time as Fireheart sniffed through and picked up a shrew. They started up as they always did the moment they saw Fireheart, pretending like they were having a conversation between themselves while talking loudly enough for anyone to pass them by.
"I haven't seen Cloudkit today," Longtail said loudly, dragging a vole towards himself.
"He's probably hiding," Dustpaw snarked. "Probably realized how stupid he looks."
"I'd like to be there the first time he tries hunting," Longtail claimed. "The prey'll spot him coming trees away with his white fluff."
Fireheart couldn't help himself, he set down his shrew and looked to Longtail speaking loudly, "I want to be a thrush on a branch when Whitestorm-the former head hunter- hears you telling Cloudkit that white cats can't hunt."
Longtail's ears turned red and his tail lashed with embarrassment. Fireheart purred with amusement as he heard the few cats around them snorting at him. The tabby warrior huffed and turned away catching Spottedleaf entering the nursery with her mouth full of feverfew.
"Looks like the farm belly's caught a chill," Longtail scrambled back to offense. "Darkstripe's right- he won't last through leaf-bare."
Fireheart, who had bent to pick up his vole, straightened up and leveled the tom with a sharp glare. He noted Bluestar's pelt had bristled from the corner of his eye- clearly she was listening in alongside Frostfur who had just exited Spottedleaf's den from visiting Cinderpaw.
"Wow," said Fireheart in a low voice. "I've always known you weren't much more than skunk-waste but wishing death on a kit just because he's not clanborn?"
Longtail took a step back and glanced at Dustpaw who looked just as horrified as Fireheart had felt.
"Longtail," Bluestar, had finally come up beside Fireheart. "I would like to speak to you in my den. Now."
"You claim to be a ThunderClan warrior while saying things like that?" Frostfur growled as he passed by, head bowed. "Sweetsoul has left you."
The molly turned on heel, padding right back to Spottedleaf's den and Fireheart stared at his vole. Now he really wasn't hungry. He set it back on the fresh kill pile and walked off to the edge of the camp near the gorse tunnel, his stomach churning with nausea. He was grateful that Dustpaw wasn't so far gone as to wish death on his nephew but how could Longtail say something like that?
He fell back on old habits, beginning to groom his coat while filled with nerves. He turned to wash his coat and his whiskers brushed someone else's. Fireheart paused and glanced up to see Sandpaw standing next to him with a sympathetic gaze.
"Thought you'd like some company," she said and continued drawing long strokes across his back.
He sighed quietly with happiness- with Graystripe being distant and the other warriors not sure how to handle him, Sandpaw was quickly becoming one of his favorite cats. He caught a glimpse of Dustpaw watching him with visible envy on his face and Fireheart flicked his ear. He wondered suddenly if part of Dustpaw's newfound hostility to him was linked to Sandpaw's equally newfound preference for him.
It was no secret among their apprentice group that Dustpaw was interested in Sandpaw- when they were apprentices, he, Ravenwing and Graystripe had even whispered among themselves suspecting that come new-leaf Dustpaw would try to catch pair of starlings for them to eat together. Unfortunately for Dustpaw, Sandpaw didn't seem to feel the same way.
Fireheart didn't know why Dustpaw would take that out on him though. Sandpaw didn't seem interested in him like that either- she was just being a good friend to him while everyone else was being pains in the tail. He hummed when she drew her tongue over his ear.
"Are you going to the Games?" he asked.
"Yes," she said.
"Bluestar seems like she'll challenge Stormstar and Nightstar about their trespassing," he added.
"Good," said Sandpaw. "They've been wandering along our territory like they live here. I wish I was going as an official warrior instead of just a duty warrior."
"It won't be long now," Fireheart said.
She sighed, "Is it bad that I'm hoping that Bluestar confronting them will make either Stormstar or Nightstar attack? Every day they creep about like mice is another day I'm not officially made a warrior."
"Maybe they'll try to ambush us on the way home," Fireheart suggested. "We already agreed that there might be a civil war in ShadowClan- maybe the insurgents will attack us and you'll be made a warrior."
"I feel like a bad cat for saying it but Souls I hope so," Sandpaw purred. "This leaf-bare has been ridiculously peaceful and at this rate, Cloudkit will be a warrior at the same time as me."
They chuckled together for a moment and Fireheart leaned over and began licking her back, returning the favor. Sandpaw purred, her eyes instantly drooping.
"You're going to make me sleepy," she laughed. "...do you think Bluestar will give you another apprentice?"
Fireheart paused, "I don't know. I don't even know if I want another apprentice. I still feel like it's my fault that Cinderpaw got hurt. Everyone says it's not but there's this stoat in my mind and…"
Sandpaw leaned in and nuzzled him, "Boars are terrible creatures, anyone could've gotten hurt. That was how Snowblosson died."
"Snowblossom?"
"Oh right- she was Bluestar's sister. She was chasing a ShadowClanner back over the border when a boar came from nowhere- the ShadowClanner got away, Bluestar got away but Snowblossom was killed."
"Oh," said Fireheart softly. "I didn't know."
Sandpaw shook her head, "Yeah. She doesn't like to talk about it- that's probably why she hasn't given you another apprentice yet. She's waiting for Spottedleaf to say Cinderpaw will pull through."
"Spottedleaf already agrees that she should," Fireheart said, pleased to share the news. "She's started reacting to the outside world. But she'd need at least half a cycle before she could return to warrior duties and she'd be on light training for a while after that."
"That's better than it could be," Sandpaw purred. "Maybe you'll get Cloudkit as your apprentice until Cinderpaw can return to warrior duties then."
"I hope so," he remarked. "I doubt Bluestar would give him to Longtail after what he said but what if she gives him to Tigerclaw?"
"I'm sure Bluestar wouldn't give him to any cat who clearly dislikes you," said Sandpaw. "And he'll be a great winter hunter. His coat is so thick that he'll be like Whitestorm- bringing back more prey and warmer than thin-coats like Longtail."
"I'm almost jealous," Fireheart chuckled. "If his pelt is like Graystripe's, he probably won't even notice the cold."
"Me too," Sandpaw grinned, flicking her ear as he licked it. "But they're the ones who'll be hiding from the sun come green-leaf."
Fireheart laughed as Bluestar called the clan together at the highrock. He and Sandpaw got to their paws and moved over to the gorse tunnel as Bluestar finished calling cats down.
A cold breeze ruffled his pelt and Fireheart shivered, with Bluestar likely to confront Stormstar and Graystripe's continued stubborn behavior, he wasn't sure he was looking forward to this meeting.
WindClan was the first clan there when they arrived. The same way ShadowClan had bounced by quickly, WindClan seemed well on the way to recovery. He noted that they didn't have many cats there- sensible since they were still getting back on their paws. All things considered, WindClan was already doing well enough in regaining their former strength.
WindClan greeted the ThunderClan cats warmly, with pleased gentle purrs and friendly mews. With how RiverClan and ShadowClan had been acting recently, most of ThunderClan seemed taken aback by their civility.
Despite the warmth of WindClan's welcome, Fireheart was feeling a bit lost and alone. He stood in the center of the clearing looking around- without Graystripe he didn't really know what to do with himself.
Just as he was going to retreat back towards the ThunderClan edge of the clearing he heard his name and glanced over. The brown coats of Onewhisker and Tumblestrike came bounding over to him and Fireheart purred his welcome. The last time he'd seen Onewhisker was during Whiteclaw's death but it had been even longer since he'd seen Tumblestrike.
"We just wanted to say hi and see if Graystripe is okay," Onewhisker said, his eyes glittering with worry.
"Graystripe's alright now- it took the incident hard though," Fireheart said. "He blamed himself for a whole moon."
"That wasn't his fault," Onewhisker frowned, looking around as if to march up to Graystripe and tell him so. "That was one of the worst places to battle- anyone could've fallen. Deadfoot says that it was almost him."
"It was still hard," said Fireheart, shaking his head. "He almost didn't want his apprentice."
"He has an apprentice?" Tumblestrike asked in delight.
Fireheart motioned to where Brackenpaw was talking to some of the WindClan apprentices, Sandpaw watching him a bit away.
"That's him- his name is Brackenpaw."
"Woah," said Tumblestrike. "I can't wait to be given an apprentice."
"It's a whole new experience," Fireheart agreed. Before they could ask about him having an apprentice, Fireheart turned the subject back to the status of WindClan. "How's Morningflower? And her kit?"
"Happy to be home," Tumblestrike input. "Gorsekit is getting stronger by the day. He's becoming a real smart cat."
"The whole clan is doing well," Onewhisker input. "It's like Souls breathed new life into us. No one ever wants to taste a rat ever again."
He and Tumblestrike shuddered as Fireheart teasingly added, "Or be surrounded by dogs on every side again."
"Don't remind me," Tumblestrike groaned. "The pack was nice and Courage was always generous but I'd never been more on edge."
Fireheart went to reply but the scent of marshy water, fish and pine-needles filled his mouth and he turned his head. RiverClan emerged from the edge around the hollow, sliding into the clearing as ShadowClan bounded over the ridge from the opposite side.
He shook his head when he spotted Graystripe and Silverstream slipping off towards the edge of Fourtrees' clearing to begin sharing tongues.
At least it's Fourtrees, Fireheart mused to himself. Where RiverClan and ThunderClan scents together don't come off suspicious.
RiverClan and ShadowClan were much more reserved with their greetings than WindClan had been. Many of the other cats kept to themselves despite the apprentices pelting over to Brackenpaw and the others. He watched Stormstar and Nightstar drift towards each other and walk together towards the great rock.
Fireheart searched through the ShadowClan cats and recognized almost none of them- most notably he didn't see Brightflower.
Which either means she retired or we're right about a divide in ShadowClan.
Fireheart made a mental note to bring it up to Whitestorm, Larkwing and Bluestar. It's important information. He was so busy looking through ShadowClan that he didn't notice Deadfoot walking up to him.
"Hello Fireheart," the WindClan deputy meowed. "How are you doing?"
"I'm alright," Fireheart said. "Can't wait for new-leaf though. I'm about sick of all this snow."
"I hear you," Deadfoot chuckled. "It's everywhere."
The deputy gave him a friendly nod and trotted off, likely heading towards the great rock.
"You're really moving up in the world huh Fireheart," Tumblestrike said, nudging him. "For anyone else it's like Deadfoot goes deaf."
Fireheart grinned chatting with the WindClan warriors until they finally broke away to go watch an apprentice race. He'd contemplated going with them but frankly, he was tired and since it was cold the deer's herd had mostly matured- the only targets left being fully grown bucks and doe. Not even the bravest or most confident bucker has ever gone after a fully grown stag since the tragedy that was Beewhisker of WindClan many seasons ago. So the Buckers wouldn't be hunting anything until new-leaf.
This is mind, Fireheart yawned and tucked his paws beneath himself. He closed his eyes and drifted off from the concerns about the outside world.
"Hey, meeting's about to start."
Fireheart blearily opened his eyes to Sandpaw standing over him, pale green eyes glittering in amusement and her dusky coat sliver in the brilliant moonlight.
"Have a nice nap?" she asked while Fireheart stretched as subtly as he could.
"Yeah," he agreed. "I want to go back to camp and finish my dream- we were bringing down a moose by ourselves."
"You and me?" Sandpaw asked curiously.
"Our whole group," Fireheart corrected in a whisper. "You, me, Graystripe, Dustpaw and Ravenwing."
"...that's a good dream," Sandpaw said wistfully. "You'll have to tell me how it ends later okay?"
"Okay," Fireheart agreed as Tallstar stepped into the moonlight, taking the lead of the Gathering.
"WindClan is happy to be home," the long legged leader said. "And we thank ThunderClan deeply for their honor in bringing us back. But WindClan continued to grow and progress- Onewhisker and Tumblestrike were made warriors."
Fireheart happily cheered along with the other clans for his friends- he wanted nothing but good things for WindClan. At least for a while.
"We've also begun to scent ShadowClan in various sections of the moor," Tallstar added eying Nightstar.
"My warriors haven't so much as sniffed at your territory," argued Nightstar.
"Do you mean to say my warriors can't smell?"
"ThunderClan has also scented ShadowClan on our territory," Bluestar broke in. "All along the border- as if testing if we have a sense of smell. Though we've also scented frequent RiverClan cats on Sunningrocks."
"Have you forgotten how recently one of your warriors was killed defending our territory?" Stormstar bristled.
"Your territory?" Tallstar spat. "That was moor territory! You were tree-lengths into WindClan territory and you claim you were defending yourselves?"
"Whiteclaw's death was a tragedy but RiverClan shouldn't have tried to ambush a patrol going home!" Bluestar hissed.
"ThunderClan has no right to accuse other clans of trespassing when we scent a ThunderClan spy on our side of the river!"
Fireheart suppressed a growl, mindful of Sandpaw sitting close enough to hear him. There it was- Silverstream and Graystripe's stubbornness was truly on the verge of starting a raid war.
At least, Fireheart mused grimly. Stormstar saying it outloud should finally convince them to move to a safer meeting place. Like here.
He tuned back in to hear Bluestar speaking about rogues being a very good excuse for an invasion. He tensed when he realized Stormstar had bared his teeth and flattened his ears, Nightstar growling beside him. Bluestar and Tallstar for their part eyed the two leaders with open hostility and extended claws.
Flames is this about to break out into a fight?
Fireheart's own muscles tensed- he had no doubt that if the four leaders descended into violent chaos then their warriors would quickly follow suit. Sandpaw's fur brushed his and he noted that her ears were flat and her gaze sharp- clearly she was having the same thought process.
Just as Fireheart was sure that Stormstar was about to take a swing at Bluestar, a loud flapping noise filled the air, a shadow casting over the clearing. The leaders appeared startled, each of them following the shadow. A quartet of large, white bats flapped over the clans occasionally landing but mostly just circling the great rock.
"The moonbats have come," announced Barkface of WindClan. "This night is a night of peace and unity between the clans. Because the clan leaders cannot control their tempers, the Souls have declared this Gathering over."
Fireheart had never seen such powerful cats look more ashamed in his life. When Barkface finished his announcement, the bats flew off as if that was all they needed to hear. Stormstar stared at his paws and Tallstar was looking anywhere but his clanmates. Nightstar looked truly terrified and Fireheart couldn't blame him- after Brokentail, ShadowClan really couldn't afford to keep offending the Souls. Bluestar was the first of the leaders to slowly get down from the great rock looking like a scolded kit.
"Come ThunderClan," she said and they got to their paws, padding after their embarrassed leader.
Almost no one spoke on their trekk back to camp, everyone seemed as frightened or sullen as the clan leaders had. Fireheart allowed himself to fall back when he spotted Graystripe walking near the back of the group and fell into step beside him.
"I know what you're going to say," Graystripe muttered. "But I can't stop seeing her."
"Then at least meet at Fourtrees," Fireheart told him. "As it is, you're about to cause a war. That is, if Tigerclaw doesn't work out it's you first- he already watches you like a hawk."
Graystripe ducked his head with worry and Fireheart left his friend to think through what he was doing. He joined the middle of the group between Mousefur and Brackenpaw, his worries about Iliari returning to the forefront of his mind. As soon as they got to camp, Fireheart slipped into the gorse tunnel and beelined to the nursery.
Most of the clan was still out awake, mingling and talking to each other when they returned. They leveled the Gathering party with expressions of confusion at their early return. He noted that Bluestar hardly even stopped climbing Highrock as soon as she was in the camp and called ThunderClan to a meeting. The queens sat up, a bit confused as they heard Bluestar's call.
"Hello Fireheart," said Brindleface sitting up in her nest. "Cloudkit is doing much better now. Spottedleaf bought him feverfew- it was just a chill. What happened at the Gathering? You're back early."
Fireheart flicked his tail, "The Souls ended the Gathering early because the leaders were going to fight- they sent a moon bat."
Brindleface shuddered, "Oh no- did they swoop at anyone?"
"No, just circled the great rock," Fireheart said. "Bluestar's called a meeting though. Can you come?"
She sniffed at hers for a moment then stood and shook out her pelt, "Yes- my kits'll sleep for a while on yet."
Fireheart rejoined the main clearing with Brindleface, tuning into Bluestar.
"ShadowClan and RiverClan appear to be the greatest threat- their alliance could lead to serious repercussions for ThunderClan," she was saying.
"Are we sure there's an alliance?" Spottedleaf inquired, sitting outside her den. "RiverClan can't be eager to share things with the clan that stole their land."
"They didn't deny an alliance," Tigerclaw said. "Even when Bluestar was being clear with what she thought was happening."
"We must be ready for an attack," Bluestar said firmly. "Patrols for now should be four cats minimum and three of them should be warriors. We'll add another night patrol and a patrol between the sunhigh patrol and sunset patrol."
Fireheart wasn't the only cat who groaned- this would be like when he was an apprentice taking care of Brightflower all over again. His paws were already aching at the thought of the sheer number of patrols- with that many cats required, it was unlikely that Whitestorm would keep sparing him border patrols.
"I know it will be exhausting," Bluestar said sympathetically. "But we cannot let our guard down. I too will be joining these patrols so don't feel as if I'm making them without thinking. Night patrols should come back with more frequent reports on the deer trail- for all we know, ShadowClan's night hunters could be lying in wait. We must be prepared to fight back!"
Fireheart joined in on his clanmates' cheering even as he waited for his opening to speak to Bluestar in private. Since she hadn't made a public announcement, they probably still weren't certain that this was a civil war between ShadowClanners.
"Now," Bluestar said a bit less calmly. "I will be addressing an issue that occurred before we left for the Gathering. Longtail?"
Fireheart watched the tabby warrior tentatively walk over to the base of the Highrock, shrinking in on himself at Bluestar's cold gaze.
"I have tolerated your rudeness in the hopes that you would mature- you've been given countless chances to correct your behavior but instead of becoming kinder to your clanmate, you publicly wish death upon his kit," Bluestar said, her eyes like shards of ice.
Longtail said nothing, he stared down at his paws with his ears pressed against his head.
"Since it appears that you've learned nothing from your lecturers about Sweetsoul and her will, you will be returning to those lectures. If you're going to behave like a fresh apprentice you will be treated like one. You may not leave camp without a warrior to escort you, you will perform apprentice tasks and you will sleep in the apprentice's den."
Fireheart blinked as Longtail gasped in horror, blurting out, "What about Swiftpaw?"
"Volewhisker will take over Swiftpaw's training until I believe you've learned empathy and compassion. That will be all- the first patrol will begin at dawn."
Fireheart brushed aside his satisfaction about Longtail finally being punished for what he said about Iliari and instead approached as she and Whitestorm climbed from the highrock.
"Fireheart?" Bluestar prompted.
"I wanted to report what I noticed at the Gathering," he said diplomatically. "I recognized almost none of the ShadowClan warriors. Not a single cat who didn't agree with keeping the moor was there. Not even Brightflower as a deputy stand in."
Whitestorm flicked his tail and Bluestar nodded, "I also noticed a distinct lack of a deputy but I hadn't noticed the other cats. Good catch Fireheart- I will bring this up with Larkwing."
Fireheart purred at her praise and dipped his head respectfully.
"Fireheart," Whitestorm said as he turned around. "You're on the sunhigh patrol with me, Sandpaw, Mousefur and Brightpaw."
Fireheart mewed his assent and headed back for the warrior's den. He bit his tongue and stopped himself from wishing Longtail a good night as he padded towards the apprentice's den and squeezed in.
Fireheart clambered into the warrior's den, passing Graystripe's nest once more and began to curl in his dirt nest when he was nudged by a paw.
"Look, you don't have to lay with me," Graystripe began. "But please take the nest. My coat is thicker than yours. Just- just for this night please? I'll sleep over here if that'll make you feel better."
Fireheart observed his flustered and embarrassed friend who avoided his eyes, appearing almost… ashamed of something. Fireheart rose to his paws, "Fine."
Graystripe brightened up and started to lay in the dirt nest before Fireheart nudged him back towards the moss one.
"This doesn't mean I've forgiven you," Fireheart warned as Graystripe wrapped his tail around him. "It's just cold and I don't like the dirt nest."
"Of course Fireheart."
