Chapter 37: Tall Pine

Tall Pine's nose twitched as he lifted his muzzle to the wind and drew in a deep breath, searching. When he still came up with nothing, anxiety stirred inside him like the rustling of the breeze in the branches above his head. What if I can't find it? What if I fail this trial? What if— But he brushed those thoughts aside with a shake of his head. Determination settled inside him as study as an oak. I'm not going to fail. I will find the scent.

Picking up his paws, Tall Pine hurried along in the general direction his instructor's scent trail had been heading since he'd started tracking him. Sunlight slanted through the barren branches of the oak and birch woodland on the Dawn Mountain's lower slope as he crunched along the forest floor, the crumbling leaves exposed now since the most recent snow had melted. Exhaustion from his last four trials clouded his mind and stiffened his muscles, but he pushed through it. During his fifth and final trail, Tall Pine had been tracking Quick Clouds all the way from the peak border, and now that he had nearly reached the opposite end of the territory, he knew he must be getting close.

If only I could find his scent. Frustration stirred like a grumpy bear woken from its hibernation inside him. It's been a while since I last detected him. A twig snapped behind him, making his ears prick in alarm. He glanced over his shoulder as he tasted the air, but although he couldn't see nor scent anything, he knew Bracken Tail, Smoke Pelt, and Waving Fern weren't too far away. What are they thinking right now, seeing me struggle like this? Probably that I'm a failure. Why did I have to get Smoke Pelt and Waving Fern as two of my assessors? They've got to be the toughest and most critical hunters in the Clan.

Shut up. Tall Pine ordered his anxiety. He made himself take a breath and let it go. Think. Closing his eyes, he allowed his hearing to become sharper. At first, there was just the crack of branches, but then a faint trickle reached his ears. Aha. A smile crept across Tall Pine's face as he bounded through the trees, bursting out from a copse of birches onto the banks of a gurgling stream. Clever, Quick Clouds, he thought as if he was speaking to his instructor. But not clever enough. It makes sense that he would use the water to disguise his scent. This is my hunter's assessment, so he must make it challenging, but he forgot that he taught me this trick himself.

Now, Tall Pine thought as he carefully maneuvered himself as close as he could get to the gushing water without falling in. How am I going to find Quick Clouds? He started along the bank of the stream, using his nose to try and catch a snippet of scent on a rock or fallen twig along the creek.

Wait. The young tom stopped short. What in the stars am I doing? If he's using the water to cover his scent, there's no way I'm going to detect him that way. I'll have to use my other senses. Shifting his focus away from his nose, he instead examined the ground with his eyes and used his paws to feel for any irregularities in the bank. Not long passed before—there. A rock didn't feel quite right beneath his right forepaw. He leaped backward just in time as it shifted beneath him. Sure enough, something had already jiggled it out of its old position deep in the mud. And if Quick Clouds lost his balance as well… Excitement burst inside him as he scrambled over a short rise in the bank, dislodging pebbles as he went that patterned down the bank like raindrops. Sure enough, on the other side lay a single but perfect paw-print in the mud. Got you.

Tall Pine's heart soared like a bird as he hastened along the bank of the stream for a ways more, using the occasional disturbed rock, cracked twig, scattered pebbles, and paw-prints to track his instructor even though the water had long since washed away his scent. At one point, the hunter trainee had gone a while without finding any more traces, which befuddled him. But instead of getting frustrated, he doubled back to where he had uncovered the last marking and investigated more closely, being rewarded with finding his instructor's scent on the opposite bank, heading off into the trees.

The senior hunter's scent became fresher as the black and white tom hurried to follow it. His step was light as he could sense how close he was getting. Trotting between a graceful willow and an elegant birch tree, he emerged into a small glade carpeted with brittle brown grass where he stopped short. The scent trail just stops here. So, where is Quick Clouds? A frown creased his face as he turned in a circle, scanning the forest around him. He couldn't have gotten far. Is this another test? Uncertainty fluttered against his chest. Closing his eyes, he opened his ears and his mouth, trying to use his ears and nose to see if he could detect his instructor. Still nothing. Opening his eyes again, he scanned the trees once more, looking more closely this time. He must be hiding somewhere near here, but there are no holes in the ground, and the trunks of the trees aren't wide enough to hide him.

Wait, the trees. Understanding dawned on him like morning sunlight. His gaze darted upward to where, sure enough, there perched a gray and white tom in the high-growing branches of the birch tree above him. Quick Clouds's warm yellow eyes met Tall Pine's, and a smile spread across his face as they stood there in silence for a heartbeat. Then, the hunter bunched his legs, jumped down from branch to branch before leaping the remaining distance to the ground.

"Well done," Quick Clouds rumbled as he landed with a soft thump and shook the stray twigs out of his fur. "You weren't fooled by any of the tricks I threw at you."

"They were tricky," Tall Pine admitted. "But I figured out that you were using the water to hide your scent pretty quickly, though that double-back almost threw me off."

"Yes, you remembered everything I taught you. You were a swift and skilled tracker, keeping hot on my trail the entire time, even though it was a long way. And not only that, you remembered to think outside the box by using your other senses, not just your nose, to track me along the stream. I don't think any other trainee has done better." Quick Clouds's grin was as wide as the sky over the Wind Mountain.

Tall Pine's chest felt as though it was bursting with warmth at his instructor's praise. But it was tempered by the anxiety clinging to him like a sticky pinecone. "So, do you think I passed? What happens now that we're finished all five trials?"

"Well, now we are going to head back to camp where I will confer with Waving Fern, Smoke Pelt, Bracken Tail—" He angled his ears toward where the three hunters had appeared through the trees—they hadn't been far away, as Tall Pine had suspected. "—and Mossy Moon to decide that. But—" He lowered his voice as he gazed at his trainee. "You answered the questions about the Clan's Code impeccably, and you caught two pieces of prey on your solo hunt—excellent for the Time of Frozen Earth. You were swift and agile during your racing trial. Although you didn't catch anything, you led your hunting patrol well, and you more than passed your tracking trial."

Yeah, that's right. Tall Pine's ears pulled back as he remembered his shame at failing to catch even a single piece of prey on the hunting patrol he had led. If I don't pass my assessment, it will be because of that.

"Tall Pine, hey." Quick Clouds's voice cut through his thoughts. He forced himself to meet his instructor's gaze. "You did well overall. Better than well, great, actually. Don't forget what I told you earlier, during our talk before we started your hunter's assessment. Don't let your worries get the better of you. You have them for a reason, but they can blind you because they aren't the full picture or the full truth. Your worries about the hunting patrol aren't the full picture because you did well during your other trials. Okay?"

Tall Pine took a deep breath. "Okay."

. . .

"…did show outstanding skill in his stalking and leap to bring down the bluebird," Waving Fern was saying. "But his hunting patrol was unsuccessful—"

Nope, nope, gotta stop. Tall Pine jerked backward, guilt making his ears burn. He sat alone in the long shadow of the Rockperch cast by the sinking sun in the Clan of the Morning Sun's camp. To his left, the narrow opening of the cave that created Mossy Moon's den loomed like a hungry predator, ready to determine the fate of its prey. Only, it was the cats inside—Quick Clouds, Waving Fern, Smoke Pelt, Bracken Tail, and Mossy Moon—who were going to determine not whether he lived or died, but if he passed his hunter's assessment. Though at this moment, it felt like a matter of life and death.

I know I really shouldn't eavesdrop. Tall Pine cringed guiltily. But I want to know what they're saying. Am I going to pass? Or is my failure during the hunting patrol trial going to prevent me? He pulled his ears back but still leaned forward. Maybe if I just listen for a few more heartbeats, I'll be able to find out—

"Tall Pine," a voice shouted, making the black and white tom bolt upright. His ears burned again as his eyes darted around, searching for its owner. Mouse-dung. Someone caught me. Spotted Owl had exploded through the entrance and was racing across the camp toward him, Blossom Dust hot on her heels and their instructors and examiner trailing behind them. His sisters' eyes were bright, and their strides were quick, still energized with enthusiasm even after a day of trials.

"Hey, Spotted Owl, Blossom Dust." Tall Pine forced his reluctant mouth into a smile as he greeted his sisters, praying they hadn't noticed.

Spotted Owl skidded to a halt, kicking up a shower of dust from the camp floor. "Hey, Tall Pine. What's going on here?" She glanced into the den before looking him up and down, a sly grin crossing her face. "You weren't eavesdropping, were you?"

"What? Oh, no, of course—" Tall Pine sputtered but then thought better of it. He hung his head. "Yes, actually, I was. I'm anxious to know how I did on my assessment."

"Oh, of course," Blossom Dust murmured. Coming to a stop beside Spotted Owl, she padded over and took a seat next to him. "I am too."

"Yeah, but I kinda failed one of the trials." Tall Pine cringed, his ears flattening against his head. "For one of the trials in the hunter's assessment, you have to lead a patrol to catch a large piece of prey—a hawk or an eagle or something like that. We—I—didn't catch anything."

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Blossom Dust pressed herself comfortingly against him. "But I'm sure it's not as bad as you would think."

Spotted Owl plodded over and flopped down on his other side. "I wouldn't worry about it too much." She flicked her tail dismissively. "During one of our trials, they asked us questions to test our knowledge of the Clan's Code. I felt pretty confident at first, but then my mind went completely blank for more than one question—"

"At least three," Blossom Dust added helpfully, a cheeky twinkle in her eye.

"—but Blossom Dust also took a rather spectacular fall during our endurance trial," Spotted Owl went on, giving her sister a look.

The small she-cat nodded in affirmation. "Yeah, that was a difficult trial for me. Our examiners took us up to near the peak border and had us race along one of the most treacherous trails in our territory, all full of rocks and stones. I was already tired, so I had to try really hard to keep up with Spotted Owl. So, I forgot to look where I was going and tripped over an obvious rock in the path and tumbled head over tail into a hemlock tree. Rabbit Nose had to help me untangle myself."

"Yeah, it was epic." Spotted Owl snorted with laughter.

Tall Pine didn't share his sister's amusement. His eyes rounded in alarm. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine." Blossom Dust shrugged nonchalantly. She shifted to show him her back and flank. "I just got a few scratches. Thankfully, it was the last trial."

The young tom sighed. "Good. I'm glad."

Spotted Owl's expression grew solemn. "Tall Pine, I know that we're playing around, but our point is that neither of us was perfect as well. We all make mistakes. I'm sure every trainee does on their assessment. That doesn't mean we won't pass."

"Yeah." Tall Pine nodded, trying to reassure himself. "You're right." I made a mistake, and so did Spotted Owl and Blossom Dust. That doesn't necessarily mean we won't pass our assessments. I should take Quick Clouds's advice and try not to let my worries cloud my ability to see the whole picture.

The three siblings waited in suspenseful but comfortable silence as Quick Clouds and Tall Pine's examiners left Mossy Moon's den, letting Yellow Sky, Rabbit Nose, Quiet Sun, Soaring Hawk, and Cloudy Water file inside. The activity in the camp was beginning to settle down for the night, and the setting sun had started to paint the weathered stone walls in rosy-red and burnt-orange when the fighters finally emerged. Tall Pine was on his paws almost instantly, his sisters as well, their gazes trained on their chieftain. But Mossy Moon didn't acknowledge them. As the other cats dispersed back into the camp, she instead strode past them, leaped onto the base of the Rockperch, and clambered to its pinnacle.

"Let all cats of the Clan of the Morning Sun gather beneath the Rockperch for a Clan meeting." Mossy Moon's cry shattered the hushed atmosphere of the camp like a delicate bird's eggshell.

What in the stars? Tall Pine exchanged a confused glance with Spotted Owl.

"Does this mean we passed?" Blossom Dust wondered aloud, a note of cautious hope in her voice.

"Spotted Owl, Tall Pine, Blossom Dust," Yellow Sky called from where she and their other instructors sat in a row at the front of the assembling crowd. "What are you three mouse-brains doing standing there and gawking? Get over here."

"We passed." Spotted Owl's voice came out as an excited squeak as she bounced over to her instructor, only remembering at the last heartbeat to walk more calmly as a seasoned fighter would.

Did we really? Tall Pine thought, only half-believing as he and Blossom Dust hurried after their sister. Each of them took a seat beside their instructor at the very front of the crowd, directly below the Rockperch. Behind them, the Clan of the Morning Sun cats were emerging from dens or pausing their duties to gather in a large clump, excitement, and anticipation buzzing like bees above them. As was tradition, the Clan's hunters clustered to the right of the crowd while the fighters assembled to the left, ready to welcome the new full Clan members into their ranks. The healers, elders, and everyone else took their seats behind them. Since he was still a trainee—for now—Tall Pine sat beside Quick Clouds, a thrill rushing through him. Even though it was getting clearer and clearer by the heartbeat, he still couldn't believe that he'd passed. After moons of brutal training, facing so many struggles and undergoing so many hardships, experiencing good and bad times, we finally made it. We've completed our assessments, and now we're ready to begin our hunters and fighters' ceremony. His chest swelled with pride as tears pricked the corners of his eyes. We did it.

The setting sunlight slanted across the rim of the gorge, illuminating the stone around the Rockperch and the chieftain herself in fiery-red light while leaving the rest of the camp cast in shadow. The expectant murmurs hushed as Mossy Moon's gaze swept the crowd, blinking in the blazing sunshine. "Welcome, Clan of the Morning Sun, to one of the most important events in the life of any cat and a momentous time in the life of a Clan. After moons of struggles, we now find ourselves at peace and ready for some good news, a reason to celebrate. Well, this is one of the best reasons. We are here today to witness the making of a new hunter and fighters."

Mossy Moon shifted her gaze from the crowd, so it rested on each of the siblings in turn. Tall Pine sat up straighter as he felt the weight of the chieftain's gaze on his shoulders before she continued. "I, Mossy Moon, chieftain of the Clan of the Morning Sun, now call upon our ancestors, the Clan of the Bright Stars, to come down and bear witness to this sacred ceremony. Spotted Owl, Tall Pine, and Blossom Dust, step forward." The young tom did as he was bid, his pelt quivering as he felt the collective gazes of the entire Clan on him. "Spotted Owl and Blossom Dust, daughters of Drifting Leaf and Creek, you both have completed your moons of training as fighter trainees. Your examiners have assessed your fighting skill, strategy, knowledge of the territory and the Clan's Code, and your endurance and decided that you are ready to become full fighters. Tall Pine, son of Drifting Leaf and Creek, you have now completed your training as a hunter. Your examiners have assessed your tracking skills, hunting skills alone and with a patrol, knowledge of the Clans' Code, and speed, and proclaimed that you are ready to become a full hunter."

Mossy Moon leaned forward, her gaze taking on a dangerous calm like the sky before a thunderstorm as she continued. "So, I ask you, Spotted Owl, Blossom Dust, and Tall Pine, do you swear to carry out your sacred duties with diligence and dedication, to protect and defend your Clan and your Clanmates even at the cost of your lives, to honor and uphold the Clans' Code, and to stand for justice and truth even in the darkest of sunrises?"

There was a ripple of murmurs like the twitters of birds through the crowd after Mossy Moon finished the final part of the oath as it was not unusually a part of it, but they quickly hushed.

"Yes, I do." Spotted Owl's mew rang out clear as the morning light.

"I do," Blossom Dust murmured, a heartbeat after her sister, her tone soft but gaze certain.

Tall Pine took a deep breath, the weight of his promise bearing down on his shoulders. "I do as well."

Mossy Moon gazed at the three siblings for a heartbeat before she stepped back, a satisfied smile on her face. "Excellent." Then she turned on her heel and strode down the Rockperch, leaping to the ground before she continued. "Spotted Owl, step forward." The dappled she-cat strode forward to stand alone beneath the Rockperch, her head high, every hair on her pelt stiff with pride. "Despite challenges at the beginning of your training, you have excelled and become a skilled fighter. Throughout your training, you have undergone trials and overcome hardship, doing extraordinary feats even for a fighter, yet you have emerged stronger and braver instead of breaking. You have also learned valuable lessons that have led you to become a compassionate and helpful Clanmate. During your assessment, your examiners noted your skill and quick-thinking that led you to defeat Yellow Sky in your spar and your resilience and courage during the mock battle. You have passed your assessment, and I am honored to welcome you as a full fighter of the Clan of the Morning Sun."

"Spotted Owl! Spotted Owl!" The hush over the camp shattered as the Clan cats yowled the new fighter's name. Spotted Owl dipped her head, allowing Mossy Moon to press her muzzle to her forehead before she padded over to join the knot of fighters, her composure slipping as she bounced a little in her step. Tall Pine caught sight of her beaming smile and smiled to himself. This is everything she's ever wanted. It means so much to her. I'm so proud of her.

"Blossom Dust, step forward." Mossy Moon called the small she-cat next. Blossom Dust ventured forward more slowly, shy under the eyes of the entire Clan. But her tense expression quickly eased as the chieftain spoke of her hard work to develop a unique fighting style that suited her, her triumph over many struggles, and unfailing optimism that brightened dark days and kindness to others. She added how her examiners noted her thoughtfulness and in-depth knowledge of the Clan's Code and steadiness during the mock battle. "You have passed your assessment, and I am honored to welcome you as a full fighter of the Clan of the Morning Sun," the chieftain finished.

"Blossom Dust! Blossom Dust! Blossom Dust!" Tall Pine raised his voice to cheer his sister's name along with the rest of the Clan. Blossom Dust blushed as Mossy Moon touched her muzzle to her head before she headed over to join Spotted Owl and the other fighters.

"Tall Pine, step forward." Tall Pine's ears pulled back slightly despite his attempts to push them forward as he obeyed his chieftain's command. Halting after a few paw-steps, he found himself pinned beneath all of the gazes on him. The expectations of all of his Clanmates felt like boulders placed on his shoulders, freezing him in place under their sheer weight. But he closed his eyes and forced himself to breathe. They're all here to witness you become a full hunter. Remember that they are proud of you; they are waiting to congratulate you and celebrate with you, not judge you. Opening his eyes, he focused his attention on Mossy Moon, making himself ignore everything else.

"Tall Pine, your long limbs and lithe form have always made you a natural hunter," the blue-eyed began, her expression even as she met his gaze. "But over the course of your time as a trainee, you have trained hard to become a tough and skilled one as well. You are also unwaveringly loyal and honorable and care deeply about your family and friends, all of which has been evident as you have overcome a multitude of ordeals. Although we all know you tend to worry, you have become much more confident in yourself and your abilities, and your thoughtfulness and perspective offers valuable contributions to the Clan. Despite not catching anything during your hunting patrol trial, your examiners noted the excellent way you coordinated the patrol and how you exhausted every opportunity to find prey, determined not to give up without a fight."

Oh, thank the stars. The young tom breathed a sigh of relief. Even though we didn't catch anything, they thought I did a good job with that patrol.

"Tall Pine," Mossy Moon went on, "you have passed your assessment, and I am honored to welcome you as a hunter of the Clan of the Morning Sun."

"Tall Pine! Tall Pine!" The Clan of the Morning Sun cheered, their cries filling the dusky gorge. Warmth swelled in Tall Pine's chest as excitement bubbled at the same time. He turned in a circle, relishing the cheers, so much so he almost forgot to bend his head to allow Mossy Moon to touch her muzzle to it. Once she retracted her head, he strode proudly to take his place between Dawn Sky and Passing Storm at the front of the cluster of hunters. I did it! I'm a hunter! His excitement felt like a flock of birds trying to break free of his chest.

Mossy Moon bounded back up the Rockperch until she returned to her place at its peak once more and addressed the three siblings. "Spotted Owl, Blossom Dust, and Tall Pine, when you three first became trainees, I asked our ancestors to guide your paw-steps until you became full-fledged members of this Clan. I now ask our ancestors to lend you their strength and wisdom so you may serve this Clan loyally and truly as you step into your new roles." She leaned back, a wide smile stretching across her face. "Welcome, Spotted Owl, Blossom Dust, and Tall Pine as new fighters and hunters of the Clan of the Morning Sun on this momentous sunrise. This hunter and fighter's ceremony is now complete."

"Spotted Owl! Blossom Dust! Tall Pine!" As the Clan of the Morning Sun cats erupted into cheers for all three of them this time, Tall Pine seized the opportunity to dart away from his seat toward his sisters, who met him halfway, their enthusiasm written in their smiles and quick strides just as much as his.

"Oh my stars," Blossom Dust squealed as she nearly barreled into him. "We did it!"

"We're full Clan members." Spotted Owl couldn't stop grinning as she joined them. "Congratulations, you too."

"You as well, Spotted Owl," Tall Pine said, pressing his muzzle to her cheek. "I'm so proud of all of us."

"We should probably go greet our proud friends and family now too," Blossom Dust giggled, glancing over her shoulder at the expectantly waiting faces, ready to shower them with congratulations.

Tall Pine smiled, his heart beating like a butterfly's wings against his chest as his sisters and him took another heartbeat together before they turned to brave the tide of cats. Instantly, all three of them were swallowed by the crowd of eager faces and jubilant "congratulations!". Spotted Owl rushed to touch noses with Sharp as Blossom Dust was nearly bowled over by an extremely enthusiastic Fern Dapple. Tall Pine wove his way through the well-wishes and shoulder pats, saying hello to Running Wave and thanking Rising Water before he found who he was looking for.

"Quick Clouds," the black and white tom called, shouldering his way toward his instructor. "I'm glad I found you."

Quick Clouds was waiting patiently on the other side of the throng as everyone else swarmed in to congratulate the siblings. He greeted Tall Pine with his familiar warm smile. "Hello, my trainee, or should I say, new hunter of the Clan of the Morning Sun. Welcome and congratulations. I couldn't be prouder of you."

Halting, Tall Pine dipped his head. "Thank you so much. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you taught me. You trained me well in all of the skills that a hunter needs, but you also taught me valuable life lessons of kindness and patience."

"Well," Quick Clouds said, his voice choked up. "Thank you for being my trainee. You taught me a lot as well."

Tall Pine smiled as he stepped forward and touched his muzzle to his former instructor's. "I may not be your trainee anymore, but I'm looking forward to many more moons of hunting alongside you."

Quick Clouds nodded, giving him a smile between stray tears. "Yes, and we're just getting started." He gestured with his chin in the direction behind Tall Pine. "Now go. There are a lot more cats who want to congratulate you."

"I will." The young hunter murmured goodbye and turned, immediately coming face to face with Quiet Sun and Drifting Leaf, who were waiting a respectful few tail-lengths away.

"Congratulations, my son," Drifting Leaf said, beaming, as she stepped closer to fondly nuzzle Tall Pine. "I'm so proud of you and your sisters. A full hunter of the Clan of the Morning Sun."

"Thank you, Drifting Leaf." Tall Pine touched his nose to his mother's ear and placed his tail on her shoulder before turning to his grandmother. "Hello, Quiet Sun. I heard that you were one of Spotted Owl and Blossom Dust's examiners."

The elderly she-cat smiled. "Yes. I was thrilled when Mossy Moon asked if I, as a former fighter, would like to assess them. I wasn't sure if I could remain impartial as they are my granddaughters, but they both did incredible, so there was no need. I wish I could've seen your assessment, but I heard that you were amazing. Well done on becoming a new hunter."

"Thank you," Tall Pine purred, his ears burning slightly at even more praise. He felt so full that he would burst.

Quiet Sun glanced at the darkening sky. "Mossy Moon will probably interrupt the festivities soon to send you three on your way. You'll be starting your vigil soon before you go to the Star Falls."

Tall Pine's expression became solemn, and he shivered with nervousness and excitement at the same time as his thoughts turned to what still lay ahead before he was really a full hunter. Passing the assessment and taking part in the ceremony made him a hunter in the eyes of his Clan. But he still had to embark on the vigil, which would offer time for all new full Clan members to reflect and accept their new role. Afterward, they were going to travel to the Star Falls to be received by their ancestors, after which their new role would finally be cemented among their Clan, themselves, and their ancestors. He nodded. "Yes, we should probably be leaving soon."

Quiet Sun took a step forward, beckoning her grandson closer. "I know that you'll be seeing Hawk's Cry, so if it's okay, I'd like to give you a message for him."

Tall Pine blinked, taken aback. "How in the stars did you know I'll be seeing him? Spirit Guardians are supposed to be a secret."

Quiet Sun smiled mysteriously. "I have my ways, but I also know my mate. I know who he'd want to be in charge of watching over."

"Ah." Tall Pine nodded again, though he only half understood what she was talking about. He leaned forward. "What would you like me to tell him?"

Quiet Sun thought for a moment. "Tell Hawk's Cry that I love him, and I miss him," she said simply after a heartbeat. "Tell him that it has been a joy to watch you and your sisters grow up, but I hope to see him again soon."

That's so sweet. Tall Pine smiled to himself. Aloud, he said, "I'll give him your message, I promise."

"Thank you, Tall Pine," Quiet Sun murmured before she and Drifting Leaf merged with the crowd again, making their way over toward Blossom Dust, who was talking with Dappled Fur.

"Of course." The young tom turned to keep moving as well, starting as he came face to face with Fern Dapple. The silver tabby she-cat halted abruptly in front of him, her ears twitching and eyes darting around. Her cheeks were puffed out slightly as if she was trying to swallow a secret that she was on the verge of blurting out.

"Tall Pine, I need to talk to you," Fern Dapple said before he could even open his mouth. "It's urgent."

"Okay," Tall Pine agreed cautiously. His ears flicked back and forth as he recalled the conversation he'd had just that morning with Spotted Owl. Oh stars, does she want to talk to me about that? I haven't had the time to process it. I don't know what to say—

Fern Dapple scuffed her paws on the frozen earth. "First of all, I want to apologize first for how I've been treating you for the last half-moon. I was angry with you, so I made you suffer when I should've just talked to you about why I was in the first place." She released a long exhale, finally looking him in the eye. "So, I'm doing that right now, before I lose my nerve. Tall Pine, I was upset with you because I felt like you were ignoring me and devaluing me. And I-I want to spend time with you and not be ignored because I…I like you. A lot."

Tall Pine sucked in a breath. There it is. His mind scrambled to process what she had just said and find an acceptable response, but his expression must've said a lot without him meaning to.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Fern Dapple's face crumpled like Time of Freezing Earth leaves. Her gaze dropped to her paws as she hastily backed away. "This was a bad idea. Just-just forget I said anything."

"No, no." Without thinking through what he was doing, the black and white tom took a step forward. "Wait, Fern Dapple." She stopped. "I accept your apology. I'm sorry for how I reacted, and I am so sorry for ignoring you and making you feel devalued. I didn't mean to. You are an amazing cat, and you don't deserve that. I'm very flattered—" he let out a little half-uncomfortable chuckle. "—that you like me. But—" he paused, weighing his following words carefully. I can't mess this up. It's crazy that she likes me, and I guess when I think about it, I kind of like her too. She's intelligent, funny, and talented. But I don't think I'm ready after— his heart squeezed as he thought of a certain pale gray she-cat with owl-like eyes. "—this is a shock for me. I need time to process it. I don't think now is the right time for me. I'm not saying never, but just not right now."

Fern Dapple looked at him for a heartbeat. "Okay," she sniffled, her expression stone-like, though her eyes were watery. "Th-thank you for hearing me out."

"Of course. Is there anything—"

"I'd better go." The hunter turned on her heel and darted away, vanishing into the crowd.

His heart-clenching, Tall Pine started after her but stopped himself. As her friend, I want to comfort her, but I'm the last cat she'd want to see right now. I hope Blossom Dust can help.

"Tall Pine!" At Mossy Moon's call, the young hunter turned to see his chieftain standing beneath the Rockperch, beckoning him over with a sweep of her tail. Blossom Dust and Spotted Owl were waiting beside her. "Come join us."

"Coming!" With one more glance in the direction Fern Dapple had gone, Tall Pine hurried across the camp toward them, weaving around the last few of his Clanmates who had yet to disperse.

"Congratulations, you three," Mossy Moon began once Tall Pine had joined them, standing side by side with his sisters. "You have passed your assessment and had your ceremony to prove yourselves worthy and become a full hunter and fighters in the eyes of the Clan of the Morning Sun." Her eyes glinted as she smiled mysteriously. "Now, you will begin your vigil where you will engage in a night of listening and reflection. Then, you will travel to the Star Falls, where you will be received by your Spirit Guardians, becoming full Clan members in the eyes of our ancestors as well as the Clan and solidifying your position. Your silent vigil starts now and will last until you leave the Star Falls. Red Maple has your traveling herbs ready before you begin your trek to the peaks of the Dawn Mountain. The sun is setting; it is time for you three to leave. May the Clan of the Bright Stars light your path."

"Th—" Spotted Owl started but quickly clamped her jaws closed. Instead, she ducked her head in a silent thank you and farewell. Tall Pine and Blossom Dust followed suit.

Mossy Moon dipped her head to the three young hunters and fighters as they turned and headed across the camp shoulder to shoulder to shoulder. Red Maple and Whispering Rain offered them a final "congratulations" and "good luck" as they nibbled the pungent herbs she had laid out for them before heading toward the passageway. As they reached its mouth, Tall Pine paused and glanced back over his shoulder at the camp, covered in the thick shadows of late evening and laying in a hush once more. Above them, the first few stars were just winking on in the dove-gray sky. Excitement and nervousness made his paws tingle. We've worked so hard and come so far, and now we're leaving to do our vigil after becoming full Clan members. A giddy smile tugged at his lips. I still can't believe it. We did it. The breeze stirred his fur, shifting his thoughts. His gaze lifted as if on the wings of a bird toward where he could not see them but knew the Dawn Mountain's peaks stood sentinel. It's going to be a cold night. I hope the vigil goes quickly and smoothly. That way, I can see Hawk's Cry soon.

With that final thought, he turned and hurried through the tunnel, joining his sisters in the shadowy forest beyond as they began their silent pilgrimage.

Wow, it has been a while again! These chapters are taking me a really long time, but to be fair, they are very long. Tall Pine, Blossom Dust, and Spotted Owl are now full hunters/fighters. Yay! This chapter was mostly a feel-good one with lots of fluff (but I think the characters and us deserve it after this book) but there was a twist and a reveal. What did you think? Were you surprised? Only one more chapter and an epilogue to go, and they'll be pretty short, so quick to write, so stay tuned!

Fun Fact: Although I love all of my characters, especially Spotted Owl, Tall Pine has a special place in my heart because he is (loosely) based on myself.

- A Warrior At Heart