A/N - I'm finally back with a Christmas gift! :D

I forgot to mention this in earlier chapters (as I was questioning whether or not this story would find its footing) but if you're reading this in the future when this Arc/story is more or less complete, then please consider every chapter within the Forest of Secrets timeline of events as a sort of prelude to the actual fic.

The way I see it, my story "begins" when the Rising Storm book begins, but of course, I must first set things up in Forest of Secrets!

Disclaimer: Warriors is owned by Erin Hunter/HarperCollins Publishers LLC

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News for RiverClan

…

Every cat on the patrol walked in silence as they trudged away from ThunderClan's camp and through the sunlit forest. Leaves were rustling and birds were chirping just like any other day, and the smell of forest flowers was abundant just as every newleaf before.

Graystripe had kept his gaze away from the RiverClan cats as much as he could, choosing instead to look through the branches for any scurrying prey or simply at the ground. Every so often he would catch a glimpse at one of his kits being carried by the patrol.

Stonefur held one of them, Stormkit, whilst leading the patrol towards their territory. Graystripe couldn't see it, but he could tell the warrior kept a hard glare ahead of them - always alert. His sister, Mistyfoot, held Graystripe's other kit, Featherkit, in her mouth as she walked next to him. Though she kept her eyes off of him, Graystripe had noticed how she strayed closer to him than any of the other cats on the patrol.

Speaking of, the other members could be found close by. Blackclaw had taken up the rear and trod a little further behind the group than what Graystripe felt was necessary. Although, when Graystripe turned around to obtain this information, the RiverClan warrior had shot him a piercing glare that made him falter in his stride for a moment. Without the need for a second glance, Graystripe could assume Blackclaw's gaze would be burning into the back of his head for the majority of the trip.

The last member, Leopardfur, had fallen back from leading the patrol, opting to keep a closer eye on the gray tom. She was at Graystripe's other flank, mirroring his stride; he hadn't looked her way for one second yet, as he wasn't eager to see what kind of glare she might be giving him after seeing Blackclaw's.

All of them kept like this the entire time since they left ThunderClan, with Graystripe stealing a look at his kits every so often. For some reason, he felt it necessary to avoid looking in the direction of a RiverClan cat for too long.

Soon, Graystripe realized that Stonefur was going to lead them straight past Sunningrocks. He wondered if they would be daring enough to take the opportunity and leave their own scent markers on the rocks since after all, that sounded like just the type of thinking RiverClan would do, especially after Tigerclaw had poked at them earlier about it.

However, a soft, high-pitched voice suddenly broke him away from his thoughts.

"Are we there yet?" Featherkit could be heard whining. Graystripe looked towards his daughter with worry, expecting a sharp retort from Leopardfur to be bestowed upon his kit.

Mistyfoot giggled as she held the small kit in her mouth.

"There's still a good amount of forest left, dear. Then we will be in RiverClan territory," she said. Leopardfur huffed from Graystripe's other side.

"Where you belong," she quipped. Graystripe quickly glanced towards her, before looking away. She doesn't seem as mad as before. He pondered. Maybe now I could ask

Graystripe tensed himself before looking at the spotted she-cat.

"Leopardfur?"

He saw her fur bristle a tiny bit as her name left his mouth. She didn't respond to him immediately, but he knew she'd heard him. Might as well proceed.

Graystripe kept his gaze on her pelt. "Who is going to nurse the kits?"

Leopardfur didn't acknowledge him at first - the whole patrol didn't seem bothered. Eventually, he got an answer as Leopardfur clenched her teeth.

"Mosspelt."

Graystripe widened his eyes in curiosity. He couldn't remember if RiverClan had any other queens besides Mistyfoot, but he was thankful to hear they did. Suddenly, another high-pitched voice cut through the air.

"But we're hungry now! Where is she?" Stormkit wailed, causing his carrier Stonefur to wince.

"You'll see her soon, kit," he grunted through Stormkit's fur, before swinging his head - and with that, the kit - to look behind him.

"I must inquire, Leopardfur. Are you sure Mosspelt will want them? Mistyfoot said she was willing-" he asked before he was cut off by a snarl.

"Mosspelt is a queen without a litter! I spoke with her alone, and she agreed," Leopardfur told him.

Stonefur turned away, looking content. "Alright."

Leopardfur wasn't finished however as she sent a sharp look towards Graystripe. "The one you should be worried about is their father."

Stonefur didn't say anything in response, though both Graystripe and his kits looked at her full of concern as she continued.

"He hardly has a place in RiverClan. I'm only doing this since it might make Tigerclaw stay out of our fur for once."

Stonefur once again didn't turn, simply giving her a sigh. "I don't think Crookedstar will be pleased, but it's for the best."

Graystripe looked offended as he gawked at the warrior. "I said I'd prove to be the most loyal warrior you've ever seen!"

Leopardfur growled. "Then why don't you impress me by following one of my orders-" she frowned at him. "Shut your muzzle until I say you can talk!"

Mistyfoot sighed. "Please calm down you two. We aren't even out of ThunderClan territory yet and you're scaring the kits," she said, feeling the kit in her mouth trembling.

Leopardfur looked at her challengingly. "This is what's to be expected, Mistyfoot. We're stuck with not only a ThunderClan cat but the worst one as well!"

Mistyfoot slumped her shoulders. "I wouldn't go that far. Did you see what just happened in their clan? There's mutiny everywhere... "

Graystripe looked bemused as he saw a gleam in Leopardfur's eye.

"Tch, you know what, you're right! And this one was a friend of those traitors. There's no defending him, Mistyfoot."

The blue-furred she-cat glanced towards her deputy for a moment, before shrugging. "Even then, I'm sure Crookedstar will treat him fairly."

Leopardfur scoffed. "Knowing his standards, this rat will be named a warrior by the next Gathering."

Mistyfoot looked put off by her deputy's attitude but otherwise didn't respond. Watching her react to her deputy's sarcasm put Graystripe off even more. He eventually worked up the courage to speak up.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Graystripe asked, fur beginning to bristle.

"It means less talking, more walking," Stonefur mewed roughly through Stormkit's fur. The young tom was staring in awe at the scene behind him, causing Graystripe to settle his fur and look away in a bit of shame.

"Yes, Stonefur is right. Let's save our concerns for when the clan is listening," Blackclaw added after staying silent throughout the whole trip. Leopardfur looked at both of them unamused, before nodding her head.

"Then we should move faster - I think I smell ThunderClan following us."

Time seemed to come to a crawl after the patrol became silent once again. Every cat just wanted to be home, even those who knew they wouldn't be received well. The wet, reed-ridden territory of RiverClan was something Graystripe had to admit he was used to. He'd been over the border many times with Silverstream, and sometimes he hunted among the reeds with her too.

He didn't know what to expect upon entering the camp, but he knew his presence wasn't anticipated. Perhaps a few would believe he would want to be with his kits, but most had likely believed he'd stay in ThunderClan whining like a newborn about his kits' transfer. Graystripe didn't know if he wanted to see how the faces on those cats would look after he walked into camp.

The patrol stepped through the reeds slowly, no different than if they were returning from an uneventful sunhigh patrol. Leopardfur stayed near Graystripe - probably assuming he would try to escape his fate. The tom took little offense to it and stayed quiet as they moved along.

Soon enough, they entered the camp.

Graystripe expected to be received poorly, and so he was. Cats welcomed the patrol warmly, many excited to see the kits of their late friend and clanmate. Upon seeing Graystripe however, many responded with hisses and glares. Graystripe bristled in alarm and tried quickening his pace.

Leopardfur, however, quickly moved in front of him.

"You stay next to me," she growled, lashing her tail at her patrol and allowing them to disperse.

Graystripe lowered his head as he watched Stonefur and Mistyfoot head towards the nursery, their clanmates all fawning over the bundles of fur in their mouths. Blackclaw meanwhile simply trudged over to the fresh-kill pile, ignoring any attempts at a conversation.

Graystripe fought to keep his fur under control as the two of them made their way further into the camp. They approached what was the leader's den if Graystripe's memory served him correctly. The den looked no different than the others in camp - a structure of tangled reeds, feathers, and mud decorated with colorful rocks and shells that RiverClan cats had taken so much pride in collecting - but it was noticeably smaller, and beside it was a large stone where the leader would make announcements.

And it just so happened that Crookedstar, the leader of RiverClan, was resting on this stone, no doubt waiting anxiously for the patrol to return with his kin.

Upon seeing Leopardfur, the large tabby stretched his limbs, now sitting up as the two cats approached. Graystripe noted his weary expression alongside his graying muzzle - these past few moons have been rougher for him than usual for the experienced leader, and it showed.

Crookedstar focused his gaze on Leopardfur as she approached after giving Graystripe a quick look - one no different than a passing glance. For some reason, he'd felt it was the worst look given to him so far.

"Leopardfur you have returned," he declared, locking eyes with the spotted cat. Leopardfur bowed her head.

"Yes, Crookedstar, and we have your grandkits." She watched as his expression seemed to brighten, before dropping his head in relief.

"Good - that is just the news I needed to hear today," he said. Leopardfur looked hesitant for a moment, before continuing.

"Yes but, there's a bit of an issue with how we got them," she said, eyeing Graystripe.

Crookedstar looked towards him, making Graystripe want to shrink under both gazes of such powerful cats. Crookedstar looked thoughtful for a moment, before nodding.

"Come with me to my den, Leopardfur. We shall talk there."

Without waiting for a response, the old tom turned tail and headed off into his den. Leopardfur peered towards Graystripe, giving him a look that instinctively made his fur prick.

"Don't let my clanmates spook you off before I can deal with you. Got it?" Leopardfur squinted at him. Graystripe simply nodded, eager to get away from her.

Once she left, Graystripe had finally felt like he was allowed to breathe again. The first place he looked over to was the nursery, where he saw his kits were being accompanied by Mistyfoot. He quickly jumped to his feet and padded over, ignoring the glares from the cats nearby and eager to be alongside his kits again.

He watched Featherkit perk her head in his direction once she heard him coming.

"Hey, Daddy, look!"

Between the small kit's paws was a tiny minnow - no bigger than a kit's tail. She was poking at it, almost like she was disappointed.

"It's all gross and icky! Is this really what Mom ate?" she whined.

Mistyfoot shook her head, looking irritated. "Featherkit, that 'gross and icky' thing you have there was your mother's favorite prey."

"Really?" the little kit's eyes suddenly sparkled, before she took another look at the creature. "Well, it can't be that bad then, I guess."

Graystripe couldn't help but smile at his young kit's temperament. "Featherkit, you shouldn't know what prey is good or not. You aren't old enough!"

Featherkit looked pleadingly towards her father. "But I'm so hungry! I could eat anything right now!"

"Me too!" Stormkit suddenly meowed. "Even if it means eating this…" he paused, looking at a minnow of his own. "Ugly, wet thing… that I'm not supposed to eat yet."

Mistyfoot rolled her eyes. "Yes, well, Mosspelt will be here soon. She is resting after being on the dawn patrol, then she'll give you your milk."

The two kits seemed elated to hear this, before scampering away from Graystripe and Mistyfoot and leaving the two minnows given to them in the dust. Mistyfoot looked at them concernedly before Graystripe came to her side.

"Uhm… I thought Silverstream's favorite was carp - I didn't know it was minnows!"

"Oh, she hated minnows," Mistyfoot told him, confirming she had lied. Graystripe reeled back in surprise at this, but Mistyfoot simply shrugged. "What? Kits can deal with the truth later."

Graystripe looked appalled for a moment. He'd never believed Mistyfoot could be so… mendacious. He was just about to dig into her before he heard a voice from behind him.

"Hey, ThunderClanner!"

Graystripe turned around only to face another of Blackclaw's glares. He leaned away from the tom. Why was it his looks that bothered him so much?

"Yes, Blackclaw?" he asked warily. The tom flicked his tail to signal his urgency.

"Leopardfur sent me - I guess Crookedstar wants to see you in his den," Blackclaw quickly said. Graystripe felt a wave of nervousness befall him before nodding.

"Alright, thanks."

Graystripe watched as the tom began to slink away, before looking towards the leader's den. Mistyfoot must have felt the tension coming from him.

"Don't worry Graystripe, he's an affable leader. Your kits seemed to have brightened him up a lot, as well," she tried reassuring him, before turning away. "I suppose I could set up your nest in the meantime."

"W-what?" Graystripe stuttered, looking wide-eyed towards the queen. "Mistyfoot, I probably won't even be allowed to stay here. All I've done for your clan is cause problems!"

Mistyfoot looked at him, contemplating for a moment, before shaking her head. "You have done very good things for us Graystripe. I remember how you and Fireheart saved my kits, how you caught food for us... "

"But-"

"I know the rest," she declared. "But you must remember, Silverstream never regretted a single minute that she spent with you. It was her choice."

Graystripe stood there, before nodding. "I'm sorry that I… took her away. I know you were her best friend," he said. Graystripe saw the hurt in her eyes and knew she still hadn't recovered from the death of her clanmate. "Wait, is that why you're being so nice to me?"

Mistyfoot turned to look at him, making Graystripe question if what he'd just asked was a bad idea, yet he continued further.

"You know… because she was your friend… and I was close to her too."

Graystripe watched with slight worry as her lip began to curl before she spoke in an eerily calm voice.

"Crookedstar is waiting for you, right?"

Graystripe widened his eyes, his mind suddenly darting away from their conversation.

"Oh, right!" he said, face-pawing. He quickly turned to scamper off to the leader's den, figuring their conversation was all but over now.

"Good luck!" Mistyfoot was heard shouting. Graystripe almost stumbled upon hearing her words. Didn't she say I should be fine?

Graystripe passed several RiverClan warriors as he headed for the den. He had no doubt a flurry of hisses was coming his way, after all, he'd disturbed their sunbathing from the looks of it. However, he couldn't even spare them a glance, as he soon found himself at the entrance to the leader's den. Though it didn't have a curtain of lichen such as the ThunderClan's, the shade from the old willow it was built into seemed to provide enough comfort from prying eyes.

"Crookedstar?" came Graystripe's wary meow as he poked his head into the den. As he peered around, he could see Crookedstar sitting upon a nest of reeds and moss. Leopardfur sat next to him, and they appeared to be talking - at least until Graystripe appeared.

"Hmph, so our elusive trespasser finally reveals himself," Crookedstar said, looking towards him. Graystripe looked at him a little fearful. He figured Leopardfur must have filled him in on his secret little escapades, and Crookedstar's amused huff filled him with unease.

"Come sit with us, Graystripe"

The tom quickly obeyed, knowing the last thing he'd want to do is get on this tom's nerves more than he already was. Crookedstar sat still for a moment, studying him, before speaking.

"Leopardfur has told me everything," he began. "However, before we discuss anything, I must say that I am truly sorry for ThunderClan's loss."

"Bluestar was more than just a great leader; she was a great friend and a strong ally - when our clans weren't at odds with each other that is," he said. Graystripe could tell from his tone just how much respect and admiration he had for who was once his leader. "Her passing will be felt throughout the forest, and I pray she's at peace."

Graystripe gave him a sad nod. "ThunderClan couldn't have had a better leader."

"Yes, and I'll make a statement about this later, for I do not intend to share this information with the other clans," he stated, causing Graystripe to widen his eyes.

"ThunderClan should be the ones to share their news how they please," he huffed, amused by Graystripe's reaction.

"T-thank you," Graystripe stuttered. He never would have expected Crookedstar to be so understanding - Mistyfoot was correct it seemed.

Crookedstar stared for a moment before releasing a sigh.

"It's a lot for even me to comprehend, really, and very concerning, to say the least," he began, looking deep in thought. "A rogue attack, clanmates banished with one imprisoned for mutiny… there seems to be much troubling ThunderClan right now, and I wish to have no part in it."

Graystripe could hear Leopardfur's growl from beside him. "Those rogues might be a problem for us."

Crookedstar nodded. "You said their scent was headed for ShadowClan, so Nightstar should hopefully deal with them."

"Let's still be cautious around our borders," Leopardfur said, to which Crookedstar didn't object.

"Mmm, though we may not have Sunningrocks for the time being, ThunderClan has given RiverClan my grandkits without a fight." Crookedstar turned back towards Graystripe. "I'm feeling especially grateful since I'm not sure Bluestar would have been so kind. In return, RiverClan shall respect ThunderClan's privacy, and keep to our borders."

Leopardfur looked at him curiously, as if pondering something. "You know, I doubt ThunderClan would be concerned with Sunningrocks for the next half-moon at least."

"We can talk about this later," Crookedstar looked at her disapprovingly. Graystripe could assume what Leopardfur was suggesting, and was glad Crookedstar didn't seem interested in a border skirmish just yet. "Anyway, despite all that's been said, I do believe ThunderClan's business is now the least of your concerns, Graystripe."

The gray pelted tom perked his ears in worry as he looked towards Crookedstar.

"So, you wish to become a part of my clan, do you?"

The question was not what Graystripe had expected to hear, so the warrior gawked for a moment, surprised, before slowly nodding his head.

"Y-yes, sir."

Crookedstar's eyes lit up slightly, while Leopardfur just sneered in disgust.

"A joke if I've ever heard one," she said. Crookedstar looked towards her.

"Now, now. We can't just dismiss a potential warrior."

"Have you forgotten all that he's done?" Leopardfur pinned her ears as she looked to her leader with surprise. "How you can even look at him I cannot comprehend!"

Crookedstar looked thoughtful, before turning towards Graystripe again. "I have seen warriors killed in accidents before. Whiteclaw's death must weigh heavily on you, Graystripe, or am I wrong?"

Once again with the questions that Graystripe didn't think he would ever hear in his life. The gray warrior hesitated for a moment, thinking of how he should respond to the most powerful cat in RiverClan. "Yes! I-It was a complete accident! I didn't see the gorge and-"

"Stop," Crookedstar said. Graystripe shut up immediately, seeing the tired look in his eyes. "I've heard that story more times than I need to."

Graystripe solemnly nodded, noticing out of the corner of his eye Leopardfur glaring at him more sharply than usual, before Crookedstar continued.

"Graystripe, you have proven yourself more than capable of serving RiverClan despite what you've done," he said. "You've caught food for us, you saved Mistyfoot's kits… Mistyfoot also told me that my daughter had been teaching you how to swim."

Graystripe looked away sadly at the mention of his departed mate. "I wanted to impress her, so I tried my best to learn…"

"That is what brings me to my main concern," Crookedstar stated. Graystripe perked his ears at that, growing even more worried as he saw Leopardfur begin shifting uncomfortably. "I knew my daughter was having an affair with someone from ThunderClan, but I couldn't stop her. I figured she would just learn the hard way of what happens when you break the warrior code like that, but…" Crookedstar stumbled, looking heartbroken. "None of that matters if she's gone…"

Graystripe sat there, feeling terrible, watching the father of his love explain to him how much pain their relationship had caused, before deciding he couldn't hold it in any longer. "I-I'm so sorry, Crookedstar! I-"

Leopardfur suddenly thrust her head towards him. Her eyes were slitted as her pelt bristled. "Sorry doesn't cut it, mousebrain!"

Graystripe backed off for a moment, before clenching his teeth determinedly. "Look, I wanted to believe everything would turn out alright? I ignored everyone who told me to stop - I was just so in love, I couldn't help it!"

"You led Silverstream to her death!"

Graystripe winced at her outrage, feeling angered in his own right. Leopardfur was impossible to reason with.

"That wasn't my fault! And besides, I would do it all over again if given the chance!" he said. Graystripe could hardly believe he was talking like this to Leopardfur herself, yet here he was. His words definitely caused a stir in Leopardfur, one he could see in her eyes, but he continued without giving her a chance to speak it. "I don't regret the love I shared with Silverstream. I know that I'm partially responsible for her death, but I-"

Graystripe paused, his emotions growing. Leopardfur and Crookedstar both wouldn't speak as they kept giving Graystripe their full attention, watching and waiting eagerly for him to continue.

"I will take any chance you give me to prove myself to you… in her honor!"

Graystripe meant those words with every fiber of his being. Leopardfur only stared in horror, before curling her lip in anger.

"Why, you conniving, selfish, piece of-"

"Enough!" Crookedstar yowled, causing Leopardfur to jolt. She never took her gaze off of Graystripe. Her anger was so close to spilling over, but Crookedstar put a stop to their feud. The RiverClan leader bore his eyes into Graystripe, looking more curious than before.

"Graystripe, do you swear by that?"

The tom almost choked as he spoke. "Huh?" Crookedstar lowered his head, and the apathy he once held in his gaze had dwindled.

"I've indeed lost many things close to me in my life, but Silverstream was different. She was my kit, my own flesh and blood," he started. Both Graystripe and Leopardfur looked at him confused and wary, but interested still. "What would you do if you had raised Featherkit or Stormkit the best you could - teach them how to hunt, to fight, how to obey the warrior code - and they decide to abandon all of it for their own sake?"

Graystripe looked bewildered but held his head firmly. "I don't know, Crookedstar."

"You feel helpless!"

Graystripe winced at his tone, but the older tom wasn't finished. "You want to do something, but you just can't! Then it becomes too late to do anything. You look back at everything that could have been, and wish things could have been different."

His gaze was hardened now. No longer did he see Graystripe as an outsider, but a cat who was familiar with his kin.

"You've come to me saying you're going to commit yourself to my clan - Silverstream's clan - alongside your two kits… How could I possibly turn you away after that? How could I allow myself to fail another one of my kin? What would Silverstream think of me if I abandoned you, her kin… my kin," Crookedstar's gaze was flooded with sadness. Graystripe was growing excited, though albeit saddened as Crookedstar spoke. He hated that his relationship had caused this much damage, but it was sounding like he might just receive his chance to make things better!

Leopardfur glanced worriedly between the two toms, and couldn't help but sneer in annoyance.

"Oh, don't tell me-" she began, but Graystripe cut her off

The tom grew emboldened as he quickly interrupted. "Just give me a chance, please! I will prove myself for Silverstream, for my kits, for you - every cat here, even Leopardfur!"

To say Leopardfur was doubtful wouldn't quite do it justice.

"Perhaps," Crookedstar mumbled, albeit with a trace of doubt. "You remind me a lot of myself when I was a young aspiring warrior. Back then, I had a… a great drive to serve my clan above everything else."

The other two cats perked their ears at this. Leopardfur perhaps wondering what her leader was going on about now, and Graystripe feeling a permeating sense of dread. He had garnered the reputation of an oath-breaker, after all. Crookedstar surely knew that by now?

"I see that same drive in you, Graystripe. However, you must prove to me that I'm not just a foolish old cat believing what he wants to," Crookedstar told him. "Promise me that you will stay loyal to RiverClan, no matter what. You swear loyalty to your kin and your clanmates above all else. Understood?"

The words barely even registered with Graystripe. This was an oath that he would consider a blessing! A chance to redeem himself!

"Yes! I promise you, Crookedstar!" he blurted, hardly thinking over any possible factors that might question his faith. One such factor could be heard snarling next to him.

"Unbelievable!" Leopardfur seethed, glaring heavily in disapproval towards both her leader and Graystripe. Crookedstar, however, simply ignored her. His eyes shone with a new light.

"Then that is settled," he said dismissively. "I look forward to seeing what kind of tom my daughter fell in love with."

Graystripe felt enamored. He thought undoubtedly he would be cast aside, so did all of the clan he presumed. Leopardfur no doubt was campaigning for it, and yet here he was - accepted! Graystripe let out a short sigh of relief, looking towards the RiverClan leader with respect. Well, his leader with respect.

"Am I dismissed?" he asked, probably sounding a bit more eager than he'd intended. Graystripe knew he wouldn't be pushing his luck for quite some time after this meeting. He wanted nothing more than to start a new, and hopefully, better life.

Crookedstar nodded his head, dismissing him, before shifting his attention towards a sulking Leopardfur. After Graystripe left was when he opened his mouth to speak.

"Tomorrow, you will be taking Graystripe on a tour of our territory once you've sent out the dawn patrol."

Leopardfur scowled, his words quickly snapping her out of brooding. "B-but… Oh, this is mousebrained, Crookedstar! You know how I feel about him, yet you're making me do this?"

Crookedstar didn't reply at first, allowing Leopardfur to continue with a whip of her tail. "Also, how is it that you aren't fuming right now?! This idiot is responsible for Silverstream, for Whiteclaw, for-"

"Leopardfur," Crookedstar said commandingly. The RiverClan deputy closed her maw, still looking to have a few choice words to speak. Crookedstar watched her calmly. "Forgiveness is a valuable trait to have in a leader - one you must grow more familiar with if you are to take my place."

The spotted she-cat didn't seem to have a response for that. After a moment, Leopardfur simply turned her head away with a scoff.

"There is no way I can forgive him," she said firmly, but Crookedstar just shook his head.

"All in due time, Leopardfur. You are dismissed now."

The she-cat nodded her head respectfully, keeping with tradition as always despite her current mood, before stalking out. Her head was kept low in disappointment as she walked, so it wasn't hard to believe that she ended up bumping into someone. Leopardfur hissed in surprise before whipping her head towards the other cat.

Graystripe pinned his ears as he started to panic. He'd hoped Leopardfur wouldn't notice him sitting near the leader's den, but then he just had to look away for one second…

Leopardfur blinked at him, before growling. If she correctly assumed he'd been listening in on their conversation after he left, then she never gave any indication.

She eyed him with a scowl, leaning in close to his ear. "Crookedstar has just doomed you, ThunderClan filth. I'll make sure you realize just how much pain you've caused us."

Graystripe held his breath as he listened, finally releasing it once Leopardfur had stalked away. He eyed her warily, lashing his tail.

Ugh… What was Crookedstar thinking? The thought of me out with her alone is just awful!

He shook his head at the thought. Looking away from Leopardfur, however, he was able to see Stormkit and Featherkit trotting happily around Mosspelt. She must have come out finally to feed them, Graystripe figured. He smiled to himself, watching as his happy kin ran around without a care in the world.

Maybe life here won't be so bad… He thought before he saw Leopardfur out of the corner of his eye approaching the nursery. Well, I hope so.

…