Life 2:6

Due to the clan's recent successes gathering food via Wander tunnels, Tallstar found that they had some time for leisure. In fact, since more than one patrol was coming back with multiple hares whenever a tunnel was found, they had a stockpile and needed to hold off hunting for a day or two. For that reason, Tallstar and Snakepaw found themselves out lazing in the early dawn's light just past the underpass where the Twolegs would gather and light a fire. Tallstar felt the breeze lightly tug at his fur. The simple sound of the grass being pushed in the wind was pleasant to him. It felt like home. Tallstar peeked through his squinted eyes at his apprentice, noting that he seemed to be basking in the moment as well.

Tallstar almost drifted off into a nap when he heard Snakepaw softly inform him. "You know, things like this are the point of the Wandering. This moment where we can bask in our success and know we've proven ourselves not only as just warriors but individuals… Nothing can replace it. As grandiose as the Moonstone is, the Wandering beats it every time."

Tallstar purred remembering his own 'wandering' when he'd set out to avenge his father. As angry as he was at the time, that journey shaped him as a cat. He'd never forget the face of his lifelong friend and first love Jake, the cat who showed him the wider world. A faint pang hit him as he remembered their final parting. It was a bitter feeling to know that they both existed in separate worlds, Tallstar of Windclan and Jake the kittypet.

Graystripe and Fireheart had just crossed the scent parkers they identified as Windclan. Having spotted the Twolegs at the underpass, they maintained their stealth, hoping to track Windclan's scent back to their camp. They caught two fresh scents and decided to follow them. It wasn't long before they spotted the pair, an older tom of white and black coloration and another they couldn't quite make out completely since they were sprawled out in the grass.

"That's Tallstar!" Graystripe quietly mewed. "But who's that with him?"

Fortune favored Fireheart because at that moment the prone form raised its head and began to speak to Tallstar. They couldn't hear the pair at this distance, but seeing the other cat made Fireheart's heart start to pound. He could recognize that leopard spotted pelt and green eyes anywhere. Sure, he was smaller and younger than he remembered, but it could only be one cat. A brilliant smile lit up Fireheart's face as he couldn't bring himself to wait a moment longer.

"Snakepaaaaaaw!" Fireheart yowled, sprinting in and tackling his lost friend.

Tallstar was bewildered as some cat came barreling in and tackled his apprentice only to bury him under affectionate licks. As Tallstar looked closer, he noticed this cat was the spitting image of Jake except younger and thinner. Meanwhile Snakepaw was just giggling as he was held down and forced to accept the affections of the stranger cat. Tallstar then caught the scent, Thunderclan. Another Thunderclan cat emerged from some nearby bushes looking confused at the first Thunderclan cat.

"Alright! Alright! Let me go. I didn't expect to see you again so soon Firepaw." Snakepaw mewed, pushing Fireheart off of him.

"Actually, it's Fireheart now, and Graystripe got his warrior name as well." Fireheart answered.

Snakepaw's eyes lit up at the announcement. "Ooh! You got your warrior name early! Congratulations, and Heart, a very fitting suffix for you. It describes you perfectly. You'll have to give me the story on how you earned it."

Tallstar cleared his throat, reminding them that he was present. Fireheart, realizing how compromising what he'd just done looked, scrambled off of Snakepaw and gave an apologetic bow. "Tallstar! I apologize for my behavior. It was unprofessional. I am Fireheart of Thunderclan, and my companion is Graystripe of Thunderclan. We've been sent by Bluestar to return Windclan to their territory."

Tallstar looked at the pair before gently shaking his head. "Windclan is unwilling to return while the threat of Shadowclan remains."

Graystripe decided to chime in at that moment. "I don't think you need to worry about Shadowclan anymore. Brokenstar was driven out by both Thunderclan and a coup. He's no longer the leader of Shadowclan."

"And the other clans?" Tallstar pressed, sensing an underlying problem.

"They won't stop Windclan's return." Was Fireheart's answer, telling far more than one would think. Seeing as it was only two fresh Thunderclan warriors here and no other clans, and given Fireheart's words, Tallstar picked up that Shadowclan and Riverclan didn't necessarily want Windclan to return but wouldn't put in effort to prevent them from doing it. Windclan had recovered from their defeat and starvation. They wouldn't be as easy to push around as the other clans thought. Maybe it was time to make their return and remind the forest why Windclan was feared and respected.

Tallstar met the eyes of Fireheart, knowing he was the leader of the pair. "You've swayed me. Windclan will return, but we require some time to make arrangements. Moving an entire clan takes coordination and effort. You may join us for the day and we'll see about beginning the return trip tomorrow." Tallstar answered in a tone that displayed both his wisdom and ability to take charge of the situation.

Snakepaw and Tallstar guided the pair to their camp, keeping the duo between them so the rest of Windclan wouldn't get the wrong impression. Cats stood as Tallstar entered, somehow sensing Tallstar was about to make an announcement.

"Windclan! The time of our exile has come to an end. Brokenstar has been removed from Shadowclan. This does not mean we are without threat. As we speak, Riverclan and Shadowclan are tainting our land, attempting to make it theirs. What they do not realize is that we have not just been licking our wounds. We've recovered and grown stronger. They will not catch us off guard again. Beginning tomorrow, we will be making the journey to reclaim our home. We will remind those who do not respect our power and our borders why they should. We will remind them why we rule the plains. We are Windclan! Prepare for the journey. The light of dawn will announce when we'll begin our return." Tallstar commanded, the wind somehow silent throughout the whole announcement despite it being a breezy day. Barkface took particular elation in that because he could feel the mark at the back of their refuge being the origin of the effect. A feast would be held tonight to celebrate their return and finish off their stockpiles so they wouldn't be wasted. Things were looking up for Windclan.