The Heart of a Lion
Chapter 2: Finally Alone
I leaped after Lionpaw, laughing. He escaped by climbing up the tree the leaders used in Gatherings and looked down below as if surveying his Clan. "I pronounce myself Lionstar, and I call this Gathering together under the light of the full moon," he announced, trying to sound as much leader-like as possible.
I couldn't resist the urge to jump in the tree, and I made it to the branches. I wasn't a very experienced climber, but I could get up this high. It really looked neat looking down where a whole throng of cats waited below. I felt as high as StarClan! At this particular moment I was.
"Come on. Let's go this way," Lionpaw urged and I immediately followed him without thinking. I wasn't sure where he was leading me, and I wasn't sure if he knew either.
"Look at this."
In front of me was a gorge, and we were at the top of it. I looked down and saw a small pool, and a little farther down were more circular pools, and a stream of water connected them.
"This is really nice. It is a romantic sight," I meowed. "Some of the pools are clogged up though so the water isn't flowing properly."
Lionpaw bounded down, brushing past me and grabbing a stick. He then pushed one end in the water, clearing the debris that was blocking each stream bed, and the water rushed through with much more energy. When he was done he rushed back and sat down beside me.
"I was just thinking, Lionpaw," I said dreamily.
"What were you thinking about?" he asked in that sensitive, cool way.
"These four pools are like the four Clans. Troubles and conflicts muck up the pools, and the problems build up, avoiding the flow and connection between them. Then when they are cleared away, it leaves the ponds flowing and clean again," I explained.
"That was beautiful," Lionpaw purred. "Yes, sometimes we have to look past some of the debris in our paths so the happiness can flow."
I didn't know him to be so romantic. I wanted to look up and laugh in the face of the stars. No one could prevent our feelings toward each other, not even our warrior ancestors.
My eyes fluttered from exhaustion, and I rested my head on my paws. "I have been working all day since dawn," I yawned.
Lionpaw lay down beside me, and his warmth was more comforting than anything else. I was drifting into sleep, and I could hear Lionpaw purring intently beside me. As we drifted off in slumber, I wished this night would never end, and somehow we wouldn't have Clans to return to in the morning.
I hated feeling such thoughts. How could I betray my Clan with thoughts of running away? With leaf-bare coming, they needed me more than ever. I shivered and sought comfort in Lionpaw instead, letting those thoughts fade only to echoes in my mind.
"Heatherpaw, wake up. Hey."
I woke up and raised my head. "What is it?"
"We slept in. It is dawn already," Lionpaw told me and I sprang to my paws in alarm.
"It is dawn?" It was no sick joke. The light was already bright around us, and the early pink light was already disappearing to a yellow glow. "Oh no. We have to get back!"
"I know. Darn, I missed the dawn patrol," Lionpaw added, but I could tell he didn't really care.
"I will see you later, Lionpaw. That was wonderful," I purred and he licked my ears. "I love you very much." I practically floated back to WindClan territory on paws that scarcely seemed to touch the ground. My mind was alive with memories from that night, and I never felt better. The memories made me smile.