The Interpreter - Chapter 4

This is more of a filler chapter, and the next one will be more about the decision.

I don't own Warriors.

Chapter Four

I gazed up at my father in astonishment. I knew that my mouth was hanging open and I was sitting stock still. I could feel the tension building up around me—from both my companions and the Clan warriors. What did he expect me to say? Should I agree to join him? Was this the cause of the feeling October and I had felt? Was this our destiny, or if I accepted would I be making the biggest mistake of my life?

Was this what I wanted? I knew that I came here to meet my father and understand why he left my mother and me, but I wasn't sure. Deep inside, my composure and mind-state was crumbling to pieces. Everything going on was so overwhelming that I could barely breathe. My chest felt tight and my mind was racing with new, worrisome thoughts. Why was my father doing this? Why would he want me in his life now after he abandoned me? What would my companions think if I said yes? What would they think if I said no? This entire charade was driving me into the confusion of hysteria.

Clearing my throat, I shot a sideways glance at Storm, and then another at October. My mate stood proudly at my side. Despite the pinches of doubt I had felt recently, the look on his face and the way he sat at my side made me swell with happiness. I suddenly felt invincible as if I could conquer the world. I also knew that October would stand by my side until the end and defend me. The tom might have been to the Cutter and lost his ability to father kits, but that made him no less of a cat and a companion. I trusted him with my life even though I had only known him for a short time. He was loyal and true, I knew that much.

As for Soda, at this point I didn't care whether Soda remained of left. He was my friend and a part of this group, but at the same time, he was more of a liability than an asset. He made my situation with Storm difficult, and there was an uneasy awkwardness going on between the two tomcats. Were they fighting for my affections? I didn't understand why anyone would think so—I was not a pretty she-cat, and I honestly don't know why Storm stayed with me all this time. I was tired of those two constantly bickering, and I was beginning to think that it might benefit the group to kick him out... but I could not bring myself to abandon an innocent cat to fend for themselves.

"I... I will have to think about your offer Icestar," I finally answered. I was surprised that my voice sounded solid like stone when I was unsure about the situation.

Insulted whispers broke out amongst the Clan warriors. They sounded more than offended that I didn't immediately accept his invitation. What did they expect? I knew nothing of Clan life, or what I would even do as a member of a Clan. Plus, I knew nothing of how my companions would react to my answer. We definitely needed to discuss it as a group.

"That is wise," Icestar allowed. "It's a reasonable request. I would say the same. Wise people think things over carefully before making a decision."

I could hear the mutterings of some cats in disapproval, but I ignored them. Many cats began to turn away without waiting to be dismissed. Icestar let them go, not appearing to care. He leapt down from the stone, and started toward me, before being intercepted by his deputy or whatever they called it. The tom spoke to my father in hushed words before turning away once more.

Icestar proceeded to come closer. "I respect your decision," he meowed somewhat gravely. "I wished that I had been wise enough at your age to think that way. I would have avoided many mistakes."

Many mistakes? I wondered. Is that your way of trying to hint that I am a mistake? My mother seemed to think I was so why don't you just come out and say it already? "I can imagine you would have," I replied gruffly.

Storm's tail stroked my flank gently in an effort to calm me. I bit back a warning growl. Ever since we arrived in RiverClan, I had to remind myself more and more that he was only trying to help. He just wanted to be there for me and support me… Why did have such a short fuse as of late? A part of me, deep down inside, knew why, but I just didn't want to admit it just yet.

"We should be getting back to our… den to discuss your offer," I said, wanting to keep my voice light and civil, but it ended up coming out stiff as a board. I sounded anything but relaxed.

My father dipped his head. "Indeed. I shall arrive at the tree at dawn's first light for your answer. Let it be known that if you refuse, you will be welcome here for a few days to rest before you set off again."

His words surprised me. "Oh… thank you… Icestar," I told him, unable to keep a tone that sounded almost like idiocy in my voice. "That is very… generous of you."

He nodded before turning around and padded off across the camp. Upon his departure, two she-cats approached us; one a pale ginger she-cat who I recognized from our journey to the camp, the other, a pure white she-cat with amber eyes. "I hope you decide to stay," the ginger she-cat meowed. I knew her name had something to do with flowers, but couldn't quite figure it out.

"Yes, I hope so too," the white one added. "My name is Snowfall. I don't know you very well, but Lilypool told me that you all seem like decent cats, and I trust her. I hope that you remain so that we may get to know each other better."

"Oh, well… thank you… I think…" I meowed, my confidence failing. I had absolutely no idea how to speak to these strange cats without offending them in any way. "We're not sure what we'll decide yet. We must consider everyone."

They both nodded. Lilypool opened her mouth to speak, but Storm cut her off. "We should be turning in for the night I think," he meowed. "Thank you for your words, but we really must be going."

"Oh, of course!" Snowfall meowed. "We will see you around, I suppose."

Wanting to avoid any other conversation, I led the way back to the hollow tree faster than necessary.

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