Fourteen

Dovestar had learned over the course of her apprentice training that there was never a good time to make announcements. She used to wonder how Firestar made such decisions when he was leader. He hardly ever showed signs of worry unless the situation demanded it. Then again, he was a seasoned leader with moons of experience under his paws. He also had an array of older cats to pick from when it came to seeking out advice. He was never truly alone to worry about whatever decisions he made.

That left her wondering how she would handle the next few moons.

If she truly was pregnant like Tigerheart suspected, then she would have to take lighter duties. She couldn't go on patrols like warriors typically did. Not unless she wanted to put her unborn kits at risk. So she was forced into taking lighter duties until Mothwing confirmed her suspicions. The medicine cat had already begun giving her pointed looks as if encouraging her to spit out the truth. She knew she couldn't keep her pregnancy a secret for long, especially as she started to eat more and spend less time joining patrols.

She tried pushing those thoughts aside. She hadn't missed the fact that Rainkit was spending more time with Mothwing as the rest of Minnowtail's kits got older and bolder. Mothwing had already mentioned the fact that she might take Rainkit as an apprentice. It would be good for her, especially since she already had experience after training Willowshine.

That still leaves me to figure out what to do with Snowkit, Stonekit and Mintkit, she thought guiltily.

It had been easy deciding who should mentor Nightpaw and Pepperpaw. Tigerheart and Maroonpelt were more than experienced enough to take on apprentices. Even if Maroonpelt was just a former rogue, he was still willing to join the Clan with his sister Emberleaf. She would have to handle this particular ceremony differently. Minnowtail already questioned her authority with open vehemence, and she didn't want to give the queen any other reason to hate her.

That was part of the reason she decided to approach Minnowtail that morning. In spite of her disdain towards Minnowtail and her behavior, Dovestar knew she would have to maintain a strong relationship with the older queen. Minnowtail was older and more experienced than her. As much as she hated to admit it, Minnowtail was everything the Clan needed in a leader. Part of her duty as leader was also to decide which kits should receive which mentor. She knew if she wanted to gain Minnowtail's trust, this was the best approach.

Even if it leaves a bile-like taste in my mouth, she added silently.

"Minnowtail," she greeted the queen with a dip of her head once she reached the nursery. Minnowtail had been out sunning herself while the kits played nearby. Stonekit and Mintkit were wrestling with each other, while Snowkit and Rainkit watched from a safe distance. Stonekit was twice the size of Mintkit, and he made a point of that size difference. She hadn't missed how much more aggressive Stonekit was compared to Mintkit. It wasn't lost on her that kits at that age shouldn't be that aggressive. She knew she would have to make a point of said aggressive behavior sooner or later. "I was wondering if you would like to decide who should mentor your kits."

Minnowtail merely looked annoyed that she spoke to her at all. It took everything Dovestar had not to take a swipe at her. She knew that she needed to maintain her temper if she wanted this to work out. Minnowtail wouldn't hesitate to question her authority if she tried arguing with her, or if she said something that rubbed her off the wrong way.

"They do deserve the best," she sniffed. "Aspencreek and Emberleaf have already shown that they're worthy warriors, even if they are mere rogues." Dovestar's hackles rose at the mention of 'rogues'. She was well aware of Minnowtail's disdain towards the newcomers. Even if Minnowtail had begun surrounding herself with some of them, that didn't mean she liked them. "I expect their ceremony to go perfectly, without the flaws that the previous ceremonies had. I would think by now that between Mothwing, Hollyleaf and Tigerheart, that you've honed your skills as a leader."

It took everything she had not to spit at the dark gray warrior. She was well aware of the fact that she slipped up during some of the earlier ceremonies. She had been practicing around Tigerheart and Hollyleaf, hoping to perfect those skills. They both reassured her that she was getting better at her speeches, though that didn't mean she was perfect. She swallowed back the urge to say something that would end in miserable failure on her part.

She knew Minnowtail was itching for a fight. The dark gray queen was far more attuned to what was going on around the Clan than she let on. That should have stirred Dovestar's suspicions, but she didn't want to assume the worst. Minnowtail was a decent warrior at best, and they needed all the capable fighters they could get their paws on.

"Thank you for your input," she meowed through gritted teeth. Minnowtail's eyes lit up with amusement when she noticed the response she got. Dovestar forced her fur to lay flat when she realized that was what Minnowtail was hoping for. "I will take those choices into consideration, along with your advice."

Both Aspencreek and Emberleaf had become well-adapted to Clan life. In fact, Aspencreek was especially vocal in ensuring that her kits received the best training. That was partly why Dovestar assigned Tigerheart to train Nightpaw. She could see the progress Nightpaw was making as an apprentice, and even Pepperpaw was getting better as time moved forward. It left one more kit for her to consider, along with who she should pick as their mentor.

Forestpelt could use a good distraction from his recent argument with Olivelight, she reminded herself. She glanced at the tawny-colored tom warily, not missing the fact that he was keeping himself distant from the rest of the Clan. While she hated using that as an excuse to distract anyone, it would be good for him. Maybe it would be good for Mintkit as well. Or Stonekit. Either way, she had a plan in motion that would work, one way or another.

...

"The good news is, they seem to be developing naturally," Mothwing meowed when she examined Dovestar. A couple of days passed since her talk with Minnowtail. Since then she tried avoiding the queen like the plague. The last thing she wanted was to get into another confrontation with Minnowtail. She wanted peace between herself and the Clan for as long as it could last. It was with that notion that she decided to have a word with Mothwing about her recent discovery. She had a feeling that Mothwing already knew, but the medicine cat was giving her the chance to process this new change. "I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner, considering how much time the two of you were spending together."

Her tail curled with embarrassment when Mothwing looked at her in amusement. She wasn't the only one who pointed that out. Hollyleaf had mentioned something on more than one occasion. It wasn't as if they were keeping their relationship a secret. Now that LakeClan was one Clan, she and Tigerheart didn't have to worry about breaking the warrior code.

And I'm getting tired of everyone treating our relationship like it's a joke, she thought guiltily.

Everything was still new and fresh to her. While she and Tigerheart had known each other for much longer, and they had been secretly meeting with each other, being able to stay together in public was different. There were no consequences to being mates now, and she relished that feeling. Although it did leave her feeling guilty when she realized that meant the Clans had to suffer in order for them to be together.

"How far along do you think I am?" she asked curiously.

"At least a few weeks given the state of your condition," the medicine cat explained. "You aren't going to start showing for another moon or two."

Dovestar stifled a purr as realization dawned on her. Soon she would have tiny kits of her own to look after. She didn't know how to comprehend that information. She knew somewhere deep down that it was something she always wanted. She only wished that her family could be there to meet those kits, along with Tigerheart's family.

Although, I'm not sure if they would readily accept these kits.

Her heart sank at that realization.

Maybe sharing that information wouldn't be such a good idea.

"I was planning on telling the Clan today during the ceremony," she put in once she pushed those thoughts away.

"That would be a wise idea," Mothwing nodded in agreement. "I know it isn't my place to say this, but it might be a good idea to let Hollyleaf take over some of your duties while you're in the nursery." Dovestar bristled when she realized what Mothwing was implying. "It may seem wrong to put someone else in charge, but you are risking a lot by working twice as hard while pregnant."

Dovestar swallowed hard as she thought of the risks involved in leading the Clan. She heard of plenty of other she-cats who became queens while they were deputies or leaders. It wasn't completely unheard of, but it was frowned upon.

She let out a heavy sigh and nodded her consent, knowing full-well that Mothwing was right. The last thing she wanted was to put her unborn kits in danger.

So she did her best to try and ignore the uneasy thoughts churning in the back of her mind as she headed for the clearing. Tigerheart had been waiting impatiently outside the medicine cat's den until Nightpaw practically dragged him out of camp. As amused as she was with Tigerheart's growing anxiety, she also knew that Nightpaw's training couldn't be neglected either. Thankfully they had since then returned once Nightpaw returned with some fresh-kill, along with Tigerheart himself.

She couldn't hide the purr that followed when their eyes met from across the clearing. She didn't need to guess what was on his mind. They would discuss the kits and what Mothwing said later.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather around for a Clan meeting!"

She still hadn't figured out where to hold Clan meetings. There were a few good locations, such as the bark of the hollowed out willow tree she kept her den under. The clearing had been a good meeting point since everyone was usually around to hear her. It was still early enough in the morning that most cats were still asleep by the time she left Mothwing's den. So she wasn't surprised to hear a few cats complain about how early it was.

Minnowtail's kits nearly stumbled out of the nursery in their excitement. They knew their ceremony was approaching, though she hadn't made any announcements as to when. She couldn't help but feel amused over their enthusiasm, especially when Minnowtail began grooming them. Stonekit complained the loudest out of all four kits.

"Today we're gathered to honor the tradition of naming new apprentices," she began once everyone was settled. "Minnowtail's kits have reached their sixth moon, which means they are ready to start their training. Mintkit, Rainkit, Snowkit and Stonekit, until you have received your warrior names, you will be known as Mintpaw, Rainpaw, Snowpaw and Stonepaw. Aspencreek, you are ready for your first apprentice, and you will be Snowpaw's mentor. I know you will pass on your wisdom and strength to Snowpaw, and teach her the skills to become a brave warrior of LakeClan."

Snowpaw's eyes widened in surprise as she touched noses with Aspencreek. The dark gray she-cat looked equally surprised that Dovestar chose her to become a mentor. Nightpaw and Pepperpaw also looked equally excited that their mother had become a mentor. Even though they didn't fully understand the concept, they were happy for their mother.

One day they will follow the same path, she reminded herself.

"Forestpelt, you are ready for an apprentice of your own, and you will be Mintpaw's mentor. I know you will pass on your knowledge to Mintpaw, and teach him the skills to be a brave warrior of LakeClan."

The tawny colored tom just stared at her in disbelief while Minnowtail's eyes narrowed with fury. She hadn't once mentioned the fact that she was interested in letting him train her kits. Dovestar did feel a little guilty for going behind her back, but she planned this from the beginning. Mintpaw was calm compared to Snowpaw and Stonepaw. He had a good air of judgement for a tom his age, and she suspected he would also be a good distraction for Forestpelt. Luckily no cat dare argue with her as Forestpelt touched noses with Mintpaw, still looking shocked that she chose him to be a mentor.

Considering what he was going through with Olivelight, Dovestar suspected this was just what he needed. She just hoped that Minnowtail understood why she made this decision. The dark gray queen was already fuming over this sudden change.

"Emberleaf, you are also ready for an apprentice of your own, and you will be Stonepaw's mentor. I know you will pass on your abilities to Stonepaw, and teach him the skills to be a brave warrior of LakeClan."

Emberleaf was more reserved than Aspencreek and Forestpelt. She must have spoken with Minnowtail prior to this ceremony. Dovestar's tail swept from side to side with annoyance when she realized the influence Minnowtail had on the Clan. She hadn't realized until then how many cats seemed to side with the dark gray she-cat. She decided not to dwell on that notion, though it was something she would have to worry about later down the path.

She spotted Mothwing sitting amongst the crowd, not missing the anxious look Rainpaw kept giving her. The dappled medicine cat gave Rainpaw an encouraging nod.

"I wanted to train as a medicine cat apprentice," the young cat announced after finding her voice.

Dovestar stifled a purr of amusement. She knew it took a great deal of courage to speak in front of everyone. Rainpaw had never experienced that before, and it was nerve wracking. Still, she saw the approval written across everyone's faces. Only Minnowtail seemed surprised that her daughter chose a different path from her siblings.

"Very well," she nodded in agreement. "Mothwing, are you willing to accept a new apprentice?"

She knew Willowshine had been Mothwing's apprentice. Guilt stabbed her in the chest when she realized that both Willowshine and Rainpaw were pure RiverClan cats. LakeClan didn't necessarily have a demand for medicine cats, but she also knew how important it was to have the knowledge and youth of a younger cat.

Besides, both Hollyleaf and I are from ThunderClan, she reminded herself.

Even if Hollyleaf denied her heritage from ThunderClan since her mother had been a medicine cat, she still had ThunderClan blood. Not just through Firestar but through Sandstorm as well.

"I am getting older, and it is time I take on an apprentice of my own," Mothwing meowed. "Rainpaw has shown an interest in herbs and medical treatment, and as such, I will be passing on the skills I have learned through my previous mentor to her."

Rainpaw was practically bursting with excitement when she touched noses with Mothwing. Dovestar couldn't help but feel happy for the medicine cat and her new apprentice. She knew Rainpaw would make a fine medicine cat. The young she-cat had already shown a strong interest in herbs during the few times Dovestar was in the den.

Once that was finished, she decided it was best to announce her news to the Clan. She knew Hollyleaf would have to take over when she was nursing the kits. They already discussed the terms of her condition and how Hollyleaf would handle it.

"I'd also like to announce that I'm expecting kits," she put in. No cat looked surprised with that announcement. Dovestar's ears flattened with embarrassment when she realized how quickly rumors spread. Then again, she and Tigerheart made it no secret that they were mates. "With that being said, I've asked Hollyleaf to take over while I'm nursing the kits. I will not be stepping down as leader."

"So now we have an even more obnoxious cat leading the Clan?" Minnowtail rolled her eyes in exasperation. "We're all doomed if ThunderClan continues leading us."

"Try saying that to my face, fish-eater!" Hollyleaf snarled furiously. Minnowtail merely blinked at her as if she couldn't quite believe that was a threat. The black she-cat's hackles rose with fury when she realized Minnowtail was trying to egg her on. "You better watch your back. I'm not just pure ThunderClan, in case you have forgotten."

Minnowtail merely sniffed incredulously. The others just stared at the scene in disbelief. It wasn't as if Hollyleaf was wrong. Dovestar swallowed hard when she realized that few cats sided with either Hollyleaf or Minnowtail. In fact, they looked confused over the fact that they were fighting over something so mousebrained.

The outsiders were only just beginning to understand the importance of Clan blood and what it meant to the warrior code. Dovestar wasn't in any hurry to explain how prejudice some Clan cats were to that notion. So she had to bite back the urge to spit at Minnowtail over her outrage. She knew that wouldn't get them anywhere, and it was exactly what Minnowtail wanted.

She's just looking to pick a fight with everyone, she realized.

She tried pushing away those uneasy feelings again. She knew Minnowtail would win if she gave in to the temptation. As it was, she had a hard time keeping her fur flat as Hollyleaf glared at the dark gray queen. Minnowtail merely raised her chin and glared back with equal defiance.

"As it stands, I will continue leading this Clan for as long as I can," Dovestar continued after letting things cool down. "Hollyleaf has already shown what a competent deputy she is, and I have faith in her to continue leading the Clan in my absence."

Hollyleaf nodded her thanks, though she was still glaring at Minnowtail.

Thankfully the meeting came to an end after that.

Dovestar let out a heavy sigh once everyone split up. Emberleaf and Aspencreek had already agreed to show their new apprentices the territory, while Maroonpelt agreed to go with Forestpelt. Smoketuft went out hunting with Olivelight and Perchfang, leaving the clearing practically empty save for Tigerheart and Minnowtail.

"That was intense," Tigerheart meowed once everyone was gone. Only Nightpaw stayed behind, though Tigerheart planned on taking him out later in the evening. Even if they had gone out hunting just before the sun rose, Tigerheart enjoyed going out for battle training. "I'm surprised Hollyleaf didn't claw Minnowtail's ears off."

"I don't know what I'm going to do with Minnowtail," Dovestar muttered. "She's constantly challenging my decisions."

"She's always been competitive even when we were apprentices," he explained with a shrug. "I can remember a few Gatherings where she challenged us, even at a time of peace."

Her ears flattened as realization dawned on her. She had a feeling that if she didn't deal with Minnowtail's situation sooner rather than later, it would come back to bite her in the tail. She couldn't flat out confront Minnowtail in her current condition. She also knew that if she started hurling accusations at Minnowtail, it would lead to further conflict later down the path. For now, she would have to keep an eye on Minnowtail's behavior. It was the only choice she had for the time being.