(Responding to the review left on the previous chapter, as unfortunately their private messages are turned off it seems: close. Not quite, but close. I'm not from Germany, but from Luxembourg. Well done spotting the difference in typing though. And yes, I think that there was a lot Thistleclaw, both with who he was, as well as his believes, could have been used for, beyond a cardboard cutout of a bully essentially. I am very glad you like the story thus far and I shall be thrilled to continue it. We are, roughly speaking at the three quarter mark of the story, give or take, as some ideas very actively still develop as the writing goes along. I hope you'll be around for the rest of this "book", as well as the following two pieces of the trilogy. And with that said, and of course equally applicable for everyone still there reading this story, without further ado, please enjoy the next chapter ^^)

Returning to the alley Talon shakes out his pelt before proceeding back to his spot atop the wall, while the patrol he led begins to scatter. Almost time for a gathering with the other leaders again, how time flies lately. Between leading during the day, regular visits to the forest at night, and even more regular training with Scourge in his sleep, the last ten days have passed like a singular bat of an eye. Three days till their gathering… and soon after the Gathering of the forest clans and their next raid at last. Anticipation for it has been steadily rising among his clanmates as the day approaches. Seated on his wall, he observes the coming and going of his faction. Led by Soot, a patrol regularly descends to the horse place, from the hight of the barn overlooking part of the Windclan territory. With a rough idea of how many they are and the plan in place, it is now just a matter of patience… and due preparation. With a small grin Talon watches Frost, Quail and Ferret returning to the alley, all looking battered and dishevelled from training, heading into the healer's den. Nigh everyone wants to be with the raiding party, many training intensely in hopes to be noticed as strong and picked, especially the younger warriors.

Frost looks up before slinking into the healer's den, giving an acknowledging nod up at Talon, which is answered with a sway of the dark grey leader's tail. The white pelted veteran slipping out of sight, Talon finds himself pleased. The former second-in-command has been very accommodating later. Though there is certainly still no love lost between them, there has been no more fights with Kestrel. Trying to take a slightly more direct, slightly more Scourge-like approach to leading, Talon found it quite noticeable that Frost seems more at ease. His displeasure at some things remains palpable, his darkening and diverted gaze the few times when the subject of Ashfur is mentioned, his visible uncertainty when having helped Wrath is spoken of, his subtile suggestions that perhaps it would send a stronger message to kill at least a few during the upcoming raid. Beyond that, he has turned pleasantly docile. Not only Talon noticed either, Frost seeming to have expanded his circle of friends, semi-regularly spending time with Moon and Rover, now that their search ended and they have more time to spend among the rest of the faction.

While in almost full automation speaking with Clover and advising her about an apparent dispute on the location of a new den between her and Spider, listening much, speaking little, but making sure his words are clear and understood, his mind meanwhile wanders. While Daze doesn't reject the kit, it's as noticeable as she said it might be that she differentiates between her own litter and the little rogue-born. Moon clearly shows interest in mothering the little one, but presumably she hesitates due to her promise to Rover. How well would the adopted kit fit in if she herself is to have a litter. Perhaps well, perhaps not at all. And while, at least to Talon, it seems likely that the dutiful she-cat would love the little one, would Rover? With so many questions, her trepidation to make a choice is understandable. Still, with the kit's eyes open by now, some choice will need to be made eventually, even as the tiny she-kit remains reliant of Daze's milk. Not the kind of problems Talon expected to have to contend with, though certainly preferable to worrying about dogs, starvation or their clanmates launching an attack on the faction. No, luckily things have thus far remained decently peaceably. The only thing that drew a cold sweat and a few sleepless nights out of Talon had been when a patrol thought to have caught scent at Wraith's border, scent crossing into Talon's territory, a single she-cat's scent. But that was three days ago and so far no unfavourable nighttime visits have occurred, his neck remains intact. Perhaps some of the warmer, half-rain snow that's been descending regularly the past week moved some scent where it shouldn't be.

Clover clearing off at last, seeming somewhat content with the rather mundane compromise of the two warriors simply making their new dens on opposing sides of the same street, Talon let's out a small huff. They still come with the oddest little problems to their leader. One can only wonder if the other leaders keep this little tradition alive. Not that it matters all that much. In time, it will be Talon's decision wether to keep it or not. Leafbare is not yet over and is almost certain to get colder again, but until then the reprieve is welcome. But once it ends at long last… though it took some pondering and convincing himself, the decision has been made; they will take Granite's territory, before he can do anything foolish with the dogs at the dog-fight place. Kestrel is in on it, early plans are made, nothing solid yet, but it remains moons before anything happens. They will need to start somewhere and of all the threats they might face, Granite seems the most likely to strike at Talon's faction, given half a chance. And if luck is on their side, as far as Flame is concerned, there is a chance that he simply decides not to want to do anything. Talon is no challenge to the enormous ginger warrior and they both know it, nothing that would get Granite's son motivated. It's unlikely anyone from Talon's faction beside Edge could give him a proper fight anyway and the blind warrior is best used to defend territory, rather than sending him on the offensive on grounds he doesn't know as well.

„Staring off again?"

Talon flicks his nicked ear, slowly turning his head down to Silver, the aged veteran warrior sitting calmly beside the dumpster, looking up at his leader.

„Pondering a thing or two. Is there something to report or requiring my presence?"

Talon leaps down onto the dumpster, Kestrel being off somewhere leaving plenty of space for Talon to do a long stretch before taking the two more steps to the edge, leaving him closer to the white and grey furred warrior.

„Nothing major. Food runs have gone decently, rogues remain at distance and from what I hear Gash is recuperating well from his case of whitecough. Everything is going well, as far as I can tell"

Talon nods, looking through the alley with a brief hum before jumping off, landing beside Silver.

„Good. I was hoping Gash might come along for the raid, it'd be good if he were doing well again by then. What about you, Silver? Would you care to accompany us? You did well last time"

Silver shakes his head, slowly beginning to walk down the alley, Talon padding beside him

„No, I don't think so. Truth be told, I've been spending more time with the young ones, helping to train them for their trials when new-leaf comes, rather than train much for myself lately. Edge and Viper seemed appreciative to be left with some time to themselves."

A small chuckle escapes Talon as a faint smile forms upon him

„No less important than the raid, making sure the young ones are prepared. It's a dangerous world out there, everything to better their odds is wise. How old are they now? Must be six moons by now at least"

Silver returns the chuckles as the two stride on at a calm pace. The sky is mostly blue today, few clouds in sight, the treacherous warmth of the sun belying the freezing breeze whistling by from time to time.

„Edge's are seven moons. Lantern's is six moons. By the time new-leaf has truly begun, none of them should be any less than eight moons."

Talon nods. Arriving at the entrance of the alley, he waits for a few heartbeats to see if Silver has any direction he'd care to venture into. As the moment of the two toms standing there draws longer, Talon seizes initiative and leads them off towards the right.

„Good. We'll see if they are ready by then. Although unless they prove truly exceptional, I'd prefer that they were ten moons before their trials at least."

Silver remains right by Talon's side, giving a short nod before looking over to the other side of the thunderpath, seeming to observe the various twoleg dens

„Wise. They'll be bigger by then, had more time to train. If we send all three together once Lion is ten moons old, their odds should be good. If the rogue kit grows up well, you can send her out with Soot and Daze's kits when their time comes too."

„That's the plan, as far as there is one so far. Twoleg-place is not forgiving, being in a small group will aid their survival considerably. We can't afford to lose potential warriors with the way things are shaping up to be. Nor would I wish that on their parents"

Talon briefly stops to ensure no monsters are approaching before, with quick steps, making his way from one sidewalk to the next. Not many monsters seem to be out today, nor many twolegs. Twoleg-place seems a lot quieter than most days, pleasantly so. The off smell of the monsters doesn't sour the air. A good day thus far by any standard. Should it remain this way, perhaps he could go hunting later with Grail. That would be good. Unnoticed by himself, a warm smile forms on Talon's face, only coming to his attention as Silver's soft chuckle has him looking over to the veteran warrior. The older tom observes his leader with a kind grin.

„Thoughts ever wandering, it seems. Somewhere nicer this time. A certain clanmate, by chance?"

Talon rolls his eyes before looking away, a small smile remaining still as his ears heat up a little.

„Possibly. I remain uncertain how or when to actually ask the big question. It seems early still. At the same time, it's difficult to deny that there is… I'm not even certain on what words would best describe it. Solace? Comfort? How come you never took a mate, Silver? Surely it can't have been out of a lack of choices."

Silver lets out a small laugh, shaking his head

„Perhaps. But I never really cared to go chasing such things when I was younger and now it is just way too late. Perhaps Argent will keep our bloodline going at some point, he is still a bit younger than I after all. And if not, so be it. Bloodclan is my family and that family will go on. As long as that remains true, I can feel like I've done my part. I just hope to still see it handed to someone, who cares for it the way it deserves to be cared for."

Talon gives Silver a look from the corner of his eye, more neutral in expression once more

„I will try my best, to get there and to live up to that wish."

„I never doubted that. You have come far. Your efforts, both for and how you lead us are not going unnoticed."

A deep sigh escapes Talon, the aimless wandering leading him onward through areas he doesn't visit very often.

„I just dread the blood that will need to be spilled before this is all over. Were it not for that, this would be much easier. I don't mind extinguishing a few rogues, but our clanmates… I didn't have to take the life of one of them, not with my own claws. Part of me hopes and partially reassures me that I have the strength to do it when the moment arrives. Another part of me wretches at the thought."

It takes Talon a few steps to notice Silver no longer walking by his side. The grey leader stops and turns, to find the veteran warrior sitting, by now over a tail-length from Talon, observing the red eyed tom with calm and understanding eyes.

„It won't be easy, no. I find no joy in the thought, I believe very few of us all do, even in the other factions. That is why you will make a good leader. You don't risk shedding blood, if we don't stand to gain far more in return, all of us, yet you don't shy away from action to help your clanmates. And once, in due time, you find the certainty to silence your own doubts, Bloodclan will have it's new leader. Of that I am certain and for that I would fight."

Talon remains motionless for a few heartbeats, before scoffing quietly and approaching Silver with a small grin.

„I could only hope to grow worthy of your words, Silver. Time will surely tell. Until then, I am grateful to have you at my side. You've always been there for me since the beginning, I've never forgotten that"

The green eyed tom laughs, whiskers twitching in amusement before he tilts his head and responds

„I've only given some advice once in a while and trained with you some times. Nothing that cats like Bone or Claw didn't do as well and Bone since before I even became a Bloodclan cat. He was your first trainer, wasn't he?"

Talon lets out an amused scoff

„When I joined, yes. Tossed me around a fair number of times. But it's different, still. Bone was always a friend and I looked up to him in many things, but you always felt more like older, wiser kin. The father of my father, perhaps, although I would never wish such ungrateful progeny upon you"

Silver hums, his head remaining somewhat tilted as his smile eases up

„You never spoke much of your father, not once as far as I recall. You only ever mentioned your mother a few times and even that seems long ago"

The red eyed leader rolls his eyes, mildly displeased to have steered a cheerful conversation onto this course.

„Because I have nothing to say. I do not know him, never once saw him. If my pelt is any indication, perhaps he had black fur, but I know that that's not always how that works, inheriting traits from one's parents. So, essentially, the only defining trait he ever had was that he abandoned his mate and kit. I am not even angry, not anymore at least. I am simply indifferent to his existence. If he's alive or if the crows picked his bones clean, I am unable to care. Another rogue in twoleg-place"

Silver nods slowly before sitting down on his haunches

„Or parents were proper rogues, Argent and mine. Part of a small group that held a few alleys in the far reaches of what is now Wraith's territory. Fairly close to the former territories of the forest clans."

Talon sits down beside the older tom, observing him from the side of his eye

„The group split when Bloodclan rose, if I remember your stories correctly."

„Indeed. Most of the younger ones wanted to see if joining this new, rapidly growing group could be a better life than the one we had thus far. The elder, our parents included, were more territorial, wouldn't give up what they had. Lived in alleys of twoleg-place all their lives, thought thy knew how everything works. Groups that big never last long, someone will try to grab power, the group divides into two opposing factions, tears itself apart until what's left is like any other group again. So they insisted anyway. And while we left, they stayed and waited for their little prophecy to come true. Waited for us to come crawling back to them, admitting that we were wrong and they were right. They waited and waited, until Bloodclan bordered them, expanded one more time, and they had to leave. They weren't bad cats, no worse than any other alley cats at least, but they were so sure that they were right, that they staked ever seeing their kits again on it. A wager they lost. They could have joined alongside us, but they didn't"

Talon nods slowly, turning his head to look down along the thunderpath.

„Do you ever miss them?"

Silver lets out a calm little chuckle

„They were older cats back then, by now they are long dead no doubt. At first, sometimes. He would never admit it these days, but Argent missed them a lot for a while. But we found everything we had hoped to in Bloodclan, as well as things a bunch of alley-borns never would have thought of at the time. It was no easy choice, but it was the right choice. Just as you both will and did face difficult choices. And so far, you've shown that you will choose wisely."

Talon pulls a slight grimace

„We shall see. Scourge has been pushing me a lot lately. Both in fighting training, as well as in his instructions how to lead. He doesn't seem too disappointed, so I figure I'm making some progress… although he doesn't make it easy to tell"

„He never did. But Scourge would not waste his efforts. If he keeps training you, it mus…"

The loud howl cuts Silver off, both he and Talon immediately rising up, heads snapping into the direction of the nearby sound. No dog, for sure. A signal from one of their own. As Aspen bounds their way with speed, it can only be assumed she signalled. Is the faction looking for Talon? He's been gone barely a moment. Curiosity, tempered by worry shoots through the dark pelted leader, at rapid pace padding to meet Aspen.

„What's going on? Report!"

Talon barely notices the hardness of his voice, the tone of authority that infuses his words as stress builds, making his paw pads sweat under him. The slender she-cat literally grinds to a halt as a small patch of ice on the asphalt preserves her momentum for a heartbeat.

„I don't know. Kestrel, he came racing into camp a moment ago, said something happened, that you'd want to know without delay. Send out several of us to find you right away."

Talon nods at the sleek warrior, before bursting into a run back to his alley. The clacking of bone on pavement letting him know that Aspen and Silver both are barely a tail-length behind him, keeping pace. Just a moment, he'd been gone for just a few heartbeats. What calamity could occur in that small timespan? Grinding his teeth in a snarl, pushing out breath as he darts onward, Talon's head already races. What? Are any of the others attacking them? That would be foolish. Dogs? Shouldn't be any around, and Granite has left the dog-fight place in peace for a while. What then? A tinge of panic enters Talon's heart. Grail, she's alright, she must be. No, no, it couldn't be, she can defend herself. Can't be. It must not be!

With the grinding crunch of small loose pieces of sediment under his paws, Talon turns the corner into the alley at top speed, his heart beating loudly in his ears. Slower, but still at bounding speed, he proceeds down the alley, eyes quickly focusing in on Kestrel's pelt. The second-in-command is breathing heavily, no doubt having come here as quick as he could himself. Most other shapes in the alley, Talon does not fully compute. He vaguely recognises cats, but his focus is nigh entirely on Kestrel. Only for a brief moment does that waver, almost at his destination, as he sees a familiar shade of russet to the side of him. Turning his head, it takes a moment for his eyes to focus, but sure enough, Grail is sitting there, near the healer's den, an expression between curiosity and worry in her face, her right ear flicking almost rhythmically, but unharmed. She's fine. She's alright, nothing happened. The sudden relief easing the sensation of jaws biting down on his heart eases away, almost sufficiently so to stop Talon in his movement. He catches himself just in time, forcing his legs onward. No, no time, not now. Something still happened. Returning his gaze to Kestrel, Talon's now close enough to see the a mixture of frustration and unease in the brown coated tom's eyes. Talon is offered a quick bow, before Kestrel immediately slinks into the leader's den, before either of them gets much chance to say anything. Fine… if it's this important, that may be the wiser choice anyway. Stopping briefly before the entrance to his den, Talon looks behind him, Aspen and Silver still close behind, but having already allowed another tail-length between them and their leader as they approached his den.

„Guard the den. No-one approaches, no-one listens in."

Both immediately nod, padding forth a little more to sit on either side of the entrance. By the time they are both seated, Talon already descended into his den, finding Kestrel at the far side of it. Out of public view, a rare snarl is seen on him, a quiet hiss escaping the tom as he looks off into nothing.

„I thought they'd at least wait till new-leaf… Damn Granite, how did this miserable old flea peddler…"

Talon steps closer, raising his voice with the volume of a larger dogs bark

„Report!"

Kestrel's eyes snap over to Talon, a brief moment passing, before the second-in-command takes a deep breath, his expression easing up a little, all be it not sufficiently to hide the remaining agitation. His voice starts out fairly quiet, forcing Talon to perk his ears to hear him well enough

„Do you remember, a silly little prognosis I made some time ago, when I noticed Granite's cats giving the twins border more attention? That if they would want to capitalise on anything Wrath does, they'd need to know what was going on and should have no means to do that?"

Talon's tail lashes behind him as he sits down, a bad feeling weighing down his stomach.

„I remember…"

Kestrel scoffs with a mildly stressed laugh

„Well, I was wrong! It seems, our clanmates under the twins grew tired of them, their nonsense, their failing… when they found out Wrath was still alive, they knew that big mountain of displeasure was going to come for them and they decided the Ice and Snake are not worth dying for"

Talon's teeth are grinding against each other behind closed lips, his tail tapping against the ground, but no words escape him as he waits for Kestrel to continue.

„Turns out, some of them must have made a deal with Granite. And Granite, ancient fox-heart that he is, has been waiting ever since for Wrath to attack. Predictable that the twins were going to use the rogues again as a first line of defence, to preserve and keep close their Bloodclan warriors. Warriors that apparently sold them out a while ago already, probably."

Talon's face lowers, eyes firmly shut. His claws unsheathed under the dogteeth, hooked into the ground beneath

„And now, Wrath attacked. Right?"

„Rolled over the rogues like a iron snake from what I hear, meanwhile Granite led a patrol over the border on the other side, politely invited in with no resistance. I don't know what happened deeper in the twins territory, still have not many eyes there, but both Wrath and Granite's patrols entered it and left it, mostly intact. I smell a deal was made, Talon. And whatever it is, it is not in our favour. Granite has made his big opening move and I fear it's a considerable one…"