Three days flow by fast before Ashfur, between hunting and training Lionpaw. Brambleclaw agreed to let Ashfur come along to tonight's Gathering without much discussion, seeming pleased that his old denmate approached him about something. Although Ashfur had thought for a moment that he saw caution in the tabby's eyes during their brief talk, but dismissed it. Brambleclaw is deputy, he certainly has many things on his mind. Many things… and she must be at least half of them. Ashfur shakes his head to free it of his thoughts. Laying near the warrior den, counting down the moments until Firestar calls together Thunderclan's delegation for tonight, he calmly observes the camp. There is no point in letting thoughts wander to her now. Tonight there is a different cat he'd speak to if given the chance. He'll likely be there. He seems like the type to attend the Gathering as often as he can. That and he basically invited Ashfur to meet him there again. For a moment, a doubtful shadow lays itself over the grey warrior's thoughts. Is it wise to make friendships like that outside Thunderclan? Humming quietly to himself, pondering this for a while, he ends up sighing. Hawkfrost is Riverclan, they share no immediate border. It is not very likely that they'd be called to fight over borders or the like anytime soon. Both that, and Onestar probably keeps Riverclan as busy as Thunderclan. Especially ever since the fiasco with Riverclan relocating their camp to the island temporarily Windclan's been irritating. In time, that will suit Ashfur just fine when his training ends. Until then, he will find other ways to keep busy.

His ears perk up as cats are gathering near the Highledge. It must be almost time to go. With a quiet grunt, he rises to his paws and pads over. Among the gathered clanmates he quickly spots Cloudtail, remembering Talon's words to him. He hasn't asked yet if his adoptive sibling would care to train with him, perhaps now would be a good time. Cloudtail's ear swivels atop his head before he turns his head to face his approaching denmate, a content smile plastered on the white pelted tom.

„Hey Ashfur. Going to the Gathering too? I heard you asked Brambleclaw"

„So it seems. How are you and Brightheart?"

The fuzzy white warrior seems to beam a little at the mention of his mate

„We're well. Brightheart already misses Whitewing a bit ever since she got busier training Icepaw, but otherwise we're as fine as ever."

A mixture of jealousy and honest joy for his kin rise up in Ashfur. Never would he deny Cloudtail his happiness, and Brightheart more than deserves hers as well. Yet he can't fully shake that this was what he had hoped for himself as well at this point. But he may still get there, not all is yet lost. And to that end, Cloudtail's help would go a long way.

„I am glad to hear it. I was content to hear Whitewing becoming Icepaw's mentor, she will do well I'm sure. Speaking of training however, I did have a question. I could use your help, Cloudtail"

Cloudtail's ears perk up attentively. Mild surprise flashes in his eyes, but an earnest look of content trust overtakes his expression a mere heartbeat later. Just as he sets upon answering Ashfur however, Firestar's howl interrupts their and any other ongoing discussions. All eyes moving up to the Highledge, they behold the flame coloured leader overlooking the patrol he's to take with him tonight.

„We set out for the island now. We shouldn't arrive late. The sky is littered with clouds tonight, this Gathering might be a short one as it is already"

As the Thunderclan leader leaps down from his high perch, Ashfur looks up to the stars. He is right, large clouds blocking out vast clusters of silverpelt's sparkles. With mild frustration Ashfur realises that any talk with Hawkfrost will not be a long one tonight. At any point could the full moon be shrouded and the Gathering over. He's need to find him fast once they arrive and hope the leaders don't waste time bickering. He turns back towards Cloudtail

„I'll tell you on the way. Let's not fall behind"

The white furred warrior nods and falls in beside his slightly larger sibling, but not without waving his tail in goodbye to Brightheart, whom stands near the warriors den and waves back. Ashfur silently observes from the corner of his eye. Cloudtail is lucky indeed. No cat could doubt that they are made for each other. Patience, in due time it may yet come to pass. Patience… and proving the clan and Squirrelflight that he is the worthier choice. Ashfur's waited his long, what's a little more.

As the patrol moves along the edge of the lake, the chill air frosting their breath and light snow crunching under their paws, Ashfur once more turns to Cloudtail.

„I was wondering if you would spar with me Cloudail"

Cloudtail tilts his head and raises an eyebrow

„To demonstrate something to Lionpaw? Sure, I can do that. Any particular move you're trying to teach your apprentice?"

Ashfur shakes his head calmly

„Not for Lionpaw. I figured with everything going on, it might be wise to train more regularly as warriors. I mean, we've had several fights with Windclan alone in just the past moons. It might be more cautious to make sure we don't get rusty, maybe even grow stronger…"

Cloudtail hums at this. His expression gives away that he's not entirely against the idea, but something seems to bother him

„You're not wrong, Ashfur, but Brightheart is already feeling a bit lonely with Whitewing living her own life now. It would not feel right to leave her alone for this. Besides, she does not show it, but Jaypaw ditching her as mentor has shaken her confidence somewhat. I need to be there for her."

Ashfur hums quietly. Hard to argue against Cloudtail's points, but abandoning his growth as a warrior might have cost Ashfur his matehood with Squirrelflight. Cloudtail would be devastated if Brightheart ever left him. He might not take kindly to the suggestion however, Ashfur knows that he himself would have probably shredded any cat suggesting such a thing before it happened.

„You could bring her along. She is a warrior too after all, why not let her spar with us."

Cloudtail shakes his head, his ears drooping in regret

„I don't think she would like the idea much right now. I'm sorry, Ashfur. Your idea is good, but I fear I can't help you right now"

A deep sigh escapes the grey warrior before he can suppress it, but after a few steps, he slowly nods. It is difficult to hide his disappointment at Cloudtail's decision, but he can't really fault him either. He has a mate and kits, now he must look after then, it's only right.

„Very well. It's fine, maybe Dustpelt has time"

After a few heartbeats of silence, Cloudtail looks back over to Ashfur

„Have you asked Brambleclaw?"

Ashfur closes his eyes for a moment, a smidge of annoyance rising in him. Talon has suggested that already, but sparring with Brambleclaw would be risky. Lionpaw already gets Ashfur's blood to a boil from time to time, but fighting Brambleclaw, the cat that took Squirrelflight… the risk of Ashfur acting out would be constant and it's inevitable repercussions would hang over the endeavour at all times. But why ask? Talon only asked because he only knows what Ashfur told him. Cloudtail should know a bit better. Finally, Ashfur opens his eyes again and looks ahead as they keep walking

„No, I haven't yet. Why?"

Cloudtail hums, returning his gaze to the path ahead after a moment as he realises Ashfur's not going to return it

„I just wondered. It seems like something Brambleclaw might do. Might already be doing even"

Ashfur's ears perk up and turn towards the white warrior, looking at his sibling from the corner of his eye. He attempts not to let his interest show too much, but internally his thoughts are beginning to race

„What do you mean by that, Cloudtail?"

„Haven't you noticed?"

Cloudtail looks at Ashfur, then up ahead at the deputy walking at the front of the patrol, walking in sync with Firestar at the leader's side

„He regularly has small gashes and such. Brightheart noticed because she's regularly around the medicine den. Looks like training injuries, she told me. He regularly gets Leafpool's aid for small injuries like that, and since quite a while too"

Ashfur slowly nods, his eyes fixing on Brambleclaw as they would on a vole during a hunt

„I see… good for Brambleclaw then"

That must be how he's done it. Talon was more right than even he knows. Brambleclaw has been training in secret all this time. That sly foxheart. He did not surpass Ashfur just like that, he actively worked on it behind the clan's back. But who with? It takes two to spar. Training battle moves alone is like hunting air, you won't get much out of it. How and with whom? Ashfur finally tears his gaze away from the deputy, instead just blankly staring ahead. Brambleclaw and Hawkfrost are kin and get along well… perhaps his half-sibling knows more. Even more reason to find him tonight. There must be answers and he will find them.

Before too long, the clan at last arrives at the fallen tree, beginning to cross it to arrive at tonight's destination. As it comes to Ashfur's turn to cross, he effortlessly leaps up onto it and pads over, tasting the air as he does. Judging by scent, Thunderclan are the last to arrive. The other clans must have hurried because of the clouds too. Good. That means the leaders can begin right away and get their reports out of the way, hopefully leaving some time for Ashfur to find Hawkfrost. Arriving on the other end of the tree, Ashfur leaps off and onto the island, following behind the row of Thunderclan cats making their way to the clearing of the Great Oak. The noise and scents of the other clans flood the grey warrior's senses as he pushes through to the clearing himself. Taking a bit of distance from his clanmates, he wastes no time searching for the cat he's looking for, his eyes scanning the crowd as Thunderclan warriors move to sit in circles of warriors from all clans or specific friends they care to speak to themselves. Thankfully, it takes the blue eyed warrior not long before meeting the attentive gaze of the Riverclan warrior he seeks, sitting not far from a larger group of cats from his own clan. Was he actively waiting for Ashfur? Huffing quietly, Ashfur bounds over to the waiting tabby.

„Ashfur. I'd hoped you might show up"

„Here I am, Hawkfrost. Looks like you've been waiting for me"

Hawkfrost smirks slightly, amusement shining in his eyes

„Perhaps I was. Shall we talk? I suspect the leaders won't have much of interest to say tonight. Contrary to us, that is"

Ashfur's pelt bristles lightly. Hawkfrost's playing a game with him and doesn't even even care to try and hide it. But he might hold answers, answers that could help Ashfur.

„Fine. Lead the way"

The Riverclan warrior nods and rises to his paws before padding further away from the Gathering. To Ashfur's surprise however, Hawkfrost does not suffice himself by finding a quiet spot at the edge of the clearing today, instead pushing through the vegetation and leaving it altogether. The grey warrior hesitates for a moment before following. Is it even allowed to leave a Gathering like that? He can't recall any rule that'd state the opposite, but it feels off. As if he were off to conspire with this son of Tigerstar. Looking back, he sees the leaders still exchanging their greetings, threats and all in between. Once they begin reporting, they'll have the clearing well in view, they would see any cat trying to sneak off. It is now or never. With an annoyed hiss, Ashfur advances and pushes through the foliage, out of the clearing. Hawkfrost better have something worthwhile to say for this. The Riverclan warrior waits patiently, seated on a tall grown tree root, smiling confidently as the Thunderclan warrior approaches, clearly pleased that Ashfur chose to follow him out here.

„Now, here we can talk with no interruptions. And we both have much to say, don't you agree?"