Elisa stood, dumbstruck, looking at Frostnose's extended paw. Nightstorm whiled around to stare at the tom, his fur bristling. Cinderpaw looked just as shocked as Elisa did.
"What are you thinking, Frostnose? It's not your place to invite strangers, Red-Tail strangers nonetheless, to join our Clan!" Nightstorm spit, tail lashing back and forth.
Frostnose blinked slowly in response, turning his head to face Nightstorm. "She seemed to show an interest in our way of life, and we need more rabbit feet. The bigger our Clan is, the stronger it will be."
"If Cherrystar were here, she'd have your hide!" Nightstorm hissed.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that."
All of the Clan cats, and Elisa, turned to watch as a bright orange tabby she-cat came from the bushes, her tail raised straight as a rod. Although she gave off the tangy scent of an Iota, she was obviously in charge here. The scar over her left eye only served in making her appear more menacing, and all of the Clan cats bowed their heads to her, avoiding making direct eye contact. Elisa bowed her head as well, though she could not help but look up at the she-cat curiously.
"Look up, little one," the she-cat ordered. Elisa lifted her head up, staring evenly at the she-cat. She chuckled. "You have a strong will, I can tell. Tell me, what is your name?"
"Elisa," the tortoiseshell replied, curling her tail around her paws. "Who are you?"
"I am Cherrystar, leader of the Clan of Fire," Cherrystar meowed smoothly. "Although it is not Frostnose's place to ask you to join the Clan, I would have done the same, had I revealed myself earlier."
Cinderpaw's eyes went wide. "You've been watching us?"
Cherrystar nodded. "Yes. We have been fighting with the Red-Tails, so when I was passing through and caught wind of one in our territory, I came to ensure no one was seriously hurt. However, I did not expect for the Red-Tail to be a child."
"Wait – you've been fighting with us? Why?" Elisa asked, worry tinging her voice.
"Because the Red-Tails feel they are the only ones who deserve to live here," Cherrystar said quietly. "I am not sure if you share those views, but that is what we have been dealing with. They threaten to eradicate our way of life."
"Then why would you want me to join?" Elisa continued, her voice trembling slightly. "Wouldn't I be a threat, too?" She did not want to give them any ideas, or give them a reason to try to fight her again, but she was curious.
"You could be a threat," Cherrystar said simply. "But you could also be an asset. There is little we know about the Red-Tails. With you on our side, we would have insight into the way their world works."
"So then you want to use me as an experiment?" Elisa felt her fur bristle instinctively. "That's all?"
"Not an experiment. You would be a valued Clan member, should you choose to join us. It may take some time to unlearn what the Red-Tails have taught you, but I am sure in time you could learn." Cherrystar paused, lifting a paw and drawing it over her ears. "We are in need of more rabbit feet to keep the Clan strong. Especially in the face of other Clans encroaching on our territory."
"Wait – I thought all Clan cats were friends?" Elisa asked. "Why would the other Clans want to move in on you?"
"We are not always friendly towards each other," Cherrystar answered. "Especially during times of hardship. In the end, all Clans want what is best for their individual Clan, even at the cost of another Clan's territory or prey."
"But – wouldn't it be easier if you all teamed up?"
"Perhaps, but we all have our own wants and needs," Cherrystar said firmly. "And we do not always do what is easier. That is Clan life. We do what is more difficult, so we can reap better rewards at the end."
Cinderpaw puffed her chest out with pride, and Elisa could not help but feel drawn towards the strange cats.
"I – I don't know," Elisa finally said. "If I want to join you yet. I mean... I'd be leaving my family behind."
"It would be difficult decision," Cherrystar nodded. "So I will give you some time. Meet us at sunhigh – that is, when the sun is highest in the sky – tomorrow with your answer." Turning back to the other Clan cats, Cherrystar flicked her tail. "Come, we must go back to camp, before the others get worried."
Elisa opened her mouth, as if to say something, but then the Clan cats were gone, bushes rustling as they disappeared into the darkness of the forest.
