#airswift

Branchsnarl and Airswift argue over nesting space in the warrior's den. Cloudthunder is frustrated when she has to break them up. Airswift scoffs and storms off.

(Branchsnarl, warrior, trans male, 16 moons. Ambitious.) (Airswift, warrior, male, 11 moons. Charismatic.) (Cloudthunder, warrior, female, 54 moons. Loyal.)

Deerpaw brought back some feathers for the kits to play with.

(Deerpaw, apprentice, female, 11 moons. Righteous.) (Hazelkit, kitten, male, 1 moon. Charming.) (Ghostkit, kitten, male, 1 moon. Shy.) (Mulberrykit, kitten, female, 1 moon. Quiet.)

Morningspot teaches Owlpaw battle moves. Owlpaw focuses intensely on this, excelling in the lesson. Morningspot praises her during sparring. The excess effort releases enough of Owlpaw's stress for her to no longer feel helpless. Owlpaw is no longer Afflicted.

(Morningspot, warrior, female, 23 moons. Nervous.) (Owlpaw, apprentice, female, 8 moons. Adventurous.)

Perchwatcher appreciates Brackenfreckle's hard work, even if Brackenfreckle acts grumpy at times.

(Perchwatcher, warrior, female, 16 moons. Responsible.) (Brackenfreckle, healer, female, 19 moons. Grumpy.)

Blackpaw and Riftgorse catch Branchsnarl doing something embarassing and promise not to tell.

(Branchsnarl, warrior, trans male, 16 moons. Ambitious.) (Riftgorse, warrior, male, 19 moons. Charismatic.) (Blackpaw, apprentice, female, 6 moons. Insecure.)

Redstar takes Cottonpaw and Deerpaw out training, and brings Barleywave with them. Redstar teaches the apprentices the new procedure of how to handle Nature's Mockeries.

(Redstar, leader, female, 80 moons. Strict.) (Barleywave, warrior, male, 50 moons. Playful.) (Cottonpaw, apprentice, female, 11 moons. Bold.) (Deerpaw, apprentice, female, 11 moons. Righteous.)

---

Things had moved quickly while Redstar was sick with whitecough. It had only been two moons since the Gardener attack, but already ForestClan was shifting in a new direction. Redstar was somewhat grateful that she managed to iron out new lockdown and out-of-camp procedures before she became too sick to think straight. Now, with a clearer head, she could really observe the results.

The slick, green Twoleg linen that Lucifer had gifted them was waterproof - to the Clan's excitement. There was a bit of bickering about where it could best be used, before settling on using it to shield the cooking fire and drying racks, to keep the area free of snow in the coming leaf-bare.

Barleywave led the charge in helping with wall repairs over the past two moons - they only had to fully replace one full tree trunk in the end. Other pieces of the wall were being repaired by cutting away broken sections, and flattening out logs to stack on top of each other; securing them with twine and pine sap. It was an all-day affair to drag and erect a suitable replacement for the completely obliterated section. She remembered hovering around anxiously as it was being dragged with rope, group effort, and careful guidance. She would've assisted, if it weren't for literally everyone telling her to go away before she spread whitecough to them. But still - they succeeded, and the wall was replaced, even if a few sections were uneven.

Cottonpaw's idea for a bunker closer to the ground was well received - and it was decided to be made closer to the medicine den. It would need to be built in newleaf, since the snow would get in the way of hollowing out the space. Still - Redstar's heart warmed when she saw a pile of design concepts etched in birch bark laying next to Cottonpaw's bedding.

Torch bearings were erected near the gate doors. Repairing the broken pulley for the gate took a few weeks - until then, cats mostly weaved through the gap made by the loose door. She was grateful that Branchsnarl, Olive and Perchwatcher had managed to find an oak log suited to replacing the pulley; with enough carving and wearing down. It was a good beginner lesson for Blackpaw and Shadepaw in camp-keeping. A shame Shadepaw caught yellowcough after all that - he seemed enthused.

So much more had changed that caused Redstar's head to spin. She learned that Olive was learning some proper sparring techniques with Barleywave - pushed by the new rule of needing to learn combat with fire. Owlpaw was still distant, but Redstar learned that Owlpaw taught herself how to craft frames with twine and sticks as meditation, and Daffodilpaw started putting them together. The sisters created in silence with no expectations - and now, a cube, a pyramid and a ball-like toy were strewn about the entrance of the nursery, with Iciclepool and Hopechase's kits batting at them. Cats were going over how to deal with Woodcrawlers and Fake Cats if they were encountered in the woods. The only true roadblock was the red, fleshlike Woodcrawler that Shiverstep spoke of - and that Brackenfreckle confirmed the existence of. The only method of defense they knew was backing away from it slowly - but even then, the two mollies weren't sure of anything beyond that. Fire would be their weapon against it until they knew more.

Redstar decided today to teach the procedure against Nature's Mockery.

She gathered Cottonpaw, and Deerpaw, and had Barleywave join. After all, he was the one who found one growing in a small clearing devoid of shrubs or wilted overgrowth. They needed to handle it soon, before the first snowfall came and buried half of it.

"Cottonpaw, watch where you're turning here. Shrub branches," Barleywave meowed.

"Yeah, I know, I'm careful," Cottonpaw replied. Redstar suppressed a scowl. She twitched her ear.

"You're carrying our flame. He's right to warn you," she said.

"Well yeah, I know, but I think you guys underestimate how sturdy these containers are! What did Lucifer call them, jars?" Cottonpaw asked as she glanced down at the transparent, Twoleg container that was strapped to a leather harness at her side. In the container was a pile of hot cinders, cushioned by a thin mouse pelt at the bottom. A golden lid with many small holes allowed strands of smoke to escape. Her hazel eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. "Perchwatcher's brilliant! She came up with the idea to use these to - "

"It doesn't matter, Cottonpaw, those things still can break! Remember the one mom dropped?" Deerpaw interjected, her tail flicking. "The pierces were sharp! We have to be careful anyway."

Cottonpaw's fur bristled as she carefully moved around the shrubs. "I know that! I'm just saying that - "

"Hey." Redstar interjected firmly. The two littermates fell silent. Redstar's ear swiveled, keeping her voice leveled. "You are in the woods. Our opponents are ambush predators. Be alert and aware."

Barleywave, who was leading the front, flicked his tail once in agreement. "It's worth keeping an ear out."

Cottonpaw and Deerpaw were silent for the remainder of the patrol.

Finally, after a few minutes, Barleywave stopped before the start of a clearing, sloped down in a path of tree roots and scattered stones. He beckoned Redstar with his tail quietly. The leader padded beside him and scanned the scene before her. The ground was cold and dry with wilted nettles and blackened leaves, seasonal weeds and plants had wilted and died out in the leafbare chill. In the shadows of the spruce trees, Redstar spotted it. It could've been mistaken for the burned remains of a Twoleg fire from afar - laying in a triangular shape. But ForestClan knew better.

Cottonpaw and Deerpaw slowly crept beside the two warriors, spotting the Nature's Mockery nestled near a set of trees below. Deerpaw cautiously raised her nose and tasted the air.

"The wind is blowing the opposite direction," she noted.

Redstar nodded. "Yes. Otherwise, you likely would smell something by now, though faint." Redstar cautiously took a few pawsteps forward. "We should be safe - stay two foxlengths away from it."

Cottonpaw and Deerpaw obeyed as they shuffled their way down, careful not to drag any nettles or stones with them. Barleywave staggered forward more confidently, removing a long, makeshift torch from the harness he strapped on his back.

"Barley," Redstar hissed in warning.

"This one's already hatched, Redstar," he pointed out.

"Yes, I know that, but we're teaching a procedure. At least treat it like one."

Barleywave mumbled something, his ears flattening. He sat down opposite of Redstar, as Cottonpaw and Deerpaw sat side by side, staring at the Nature's Mockery apprehensively. Cottonpaw twitched and started withdrawing the glass jar from her pouch with her mouth.

"So. Brief refresher - Cottonpaw, give us a description of the Nature's Mockery," Redstar asked. Cottonpaw let out a grunt as she pulled out the jar.

"A' a'ure's 'ockery ish - ack, 'old on," Cottonpaw slowly placed the jar on the ground, then licked her teeth and let out a quick yawn. "Sorry! Nature's Mockery are plants created by Deep Root entities. They tend to just appear overnight, so we're not sure how they make them. They look like that," she said as she pointed towards it. Her attempt at levity brought a smirk to Barleywave, but Deerpaw and Redstar seemed unamused. Cottonpaw cleared her throat awkwardly. "Er…but they can be brown or more reddish too."

"Good," Redstar nodded. "Deerpaw, tell me what it does."

Deerpaw straightened. "If you touch one, you're likely to experience horrible symptoms. The most common are hallucinations and paralysis. Stay in contact too long and your cuts stop healing and bones can fracture."

"Yes, close."

"Close?" Deerpaw repeated, baffled. "But - that's what Riversnow taught me!"

"And she's right," Barleywave interjected. "But it's the, uh…polite way of putting it. You're almost of warrior age now, it's fine to be blunt about it." Barleywave winced as he continued. "The, uh…official symptoms for prolonged contact are body disfigurement and flesh decay."

Cottonpaw and Deerpaw both bristled. Deerpaw recovered, her fur flattening quickly. Cottonpaw a little less so - her hazel eyes intently focused on the splitting effigy before them.

"You've been advised that red or brown Mockeries are to be avoided. Correct?" Redstar asked. Both apprentices nodded.

"Then today, I'm showing you how to destroy one, per our new procedure."

Cottonpaw raised a paw, then spoke without waiting for an answer. "Was Airswift shown this before he graduated?"

Redstar frowned at her apprentice. Cottonpaw blinked, somewhat regretful, but still kept her gaze. Redstar knew that Cottonpaw and Deerpaw weren't pleased that their brother became a warrior before them, but she had good reasons for it. Namely, Airswift was incredible at taking directions and listening to older warriors. He was volunteering to join patrols of his own accord, and performed apprentice tasks like cleaning out bedding and kit-care without complaint. He had shown considerable maturity during his apprenticehood - and she had no reason to doubt that Airswift would learn this procedure alongside the younger warriors tomorrow.

"I plan to have him join Branchsnarl and Perchwatcher tomorrow for an outing. They will also need to learn this. It's a new procedure entirely."

Cottonpaw's ear flicked. She placed her paw back down and stared at the jar before her. "Okay. So, how do we start?"

"Step one: big stick," Barleywave piped up, picking the stick back up. "Step two, light stick on fire. Step three, set mousedunged plant on fire."

Redstar glared at Barleywave with exasperation. "No, not quite."

"I mean, that is the long and short of it," the tom insisted.

"Barley, you were at the meeting."

"I know! I know, I'm teasing," Barleywave said defensively. Redstar rolled her eyes, deciding she'd lead the lesson. She approached him, and Barleywave decided to surrender the floor to her and gave her the stick. Redstar turned towards the Nature's Mockery.

For a moment, she observed it intensely. Its form told a story of tangling vines reaching and circling towards the sky, until their own weight caused them to bend and fall into one another. Stems would split and reach towards a perch - another tree, their own bodies, whatever it took - and thick, flesh-like membranes would fill the gaps left behind by the engulfing roots. A horrible mimicry of a protective shield - an egg, a womb, a den.

There was a final feeling of anger and determination that filled her chest. Then, she began.

"First - determine the life stage of the Mockery. This is important." Redstar turned to glance at her apprentice as she said this. "Do not skip this stage. Red or brown Mockeries are fresh, and likely to inflict more harmful symptoms. They are more likely to have roots that extend further out from their base - meaning that you can step on one without realizing it. Watch your step and ensure you have a clear, stable path to both approach and leave as fast as possible."

Deerpaw and Cottonpaw glanced around at their feet, then the Nature's Mockery. Deerpaw's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the plant's exterior.

"This one's black. Is it dead?"

"Correct. This is a dead or dying Mockery. It is the safest variant, but you can still be afflicted by mild symptoms if you touch it."

Cottonpaw flicked her ear and got to her feet. "Okay. Which one is more dangerous - a red or brown one?"

Barleywave shrugged and responded. "We don't make it a habit to test that, so we don't know. We assume the red one is more dangerous, since it's still growing - but both are hazardous."

"Regardless," Redstar interjected, "Stay alert at all times. For the second step of the procedure - carefully light the torch with the cinders brought. Do not do this alone. For the sake of demonstration, I'll be burning this Mockery today - we'll practice technique on a dummy near camp."

Cottonpaw seemed to brighten with recognition, her tail flicking "Oh yeah! Perchwatcher was working on that," she said.

Deerpaw rolled her eyes. "You were also distracting her a lot." Deerpaw immediately regretted it as Redstar whipped her gaze on her. Barleywave waved his tail in front of Redstar, prompting peace. He gestured his head to Cottonpaw. The apprentice just made a face and shrugged, unbothered. The calico suppressed a sigh.

"Open the jar, please."

Cottonpaw held it down with her paws and gnawed it slightly to force the lid to turn. When it loosened, she batted at it with one of her paws until it came off. She held it out and watched Redstar expectantly.

"Hold it in place," Redstar ordered. Cottonpaw obeyed, and Redstar tilted the torch into the cinders. After a few moments, smoke emitted from the torch, rising upward.

"Now tilt the jar slightly, so I can remove the torch without extinguishing the flame." Cottonpaw obeyed, and Redstar grasped the torch tightly in her jaws before removing it slowly. The moment the torch came into contact with the air, the resin-covered birch bark was set ablaze brightly, causing the two apprentices to recoil in surprise. Barleywave let out a mrrow of amusement.

"You've seen how birch bark burns before. It doesn't make cinders, but it burns bright and fast."

"The pine resin maintains the flame and burns the torch for a while - but not too long. Enough to create cinders to burn the Mockery with," Redstar added. She turned solemnly to the Mockery. "The final steps - approach the Mockery slowly. Do not rush. If the flame goes out - so be it. Your life is more valuable than doing this task quickly. Watch me carefully."

Redstar slowly scanned her feet, taking careful steps forward. She scrutinized the ground for any stray deep roots and foreign things. She could hear Barleywave lightly continuing the lesson - pointing out how the leader looked carefully around her every time, and made sure each of her steps was safe and calculated. Finally, when Redstar came within reach, she held her breath as the Nature's Mockery imposed itself upon her. Like it dared her to take another step.

Redstar paused as she stared at the interior of the Mockery - rotting and collapsing like a destroyed nest. Bits of debris and flesh-like webbing still clung onto the branches.

For a moment, she thought she saw curled branches within its heart, like the corpse of a dead insect. Apprehension surged through her; her body warning her that she was poking a sleeping bear.

She pushed it aside. The Mockery was dead. There was nothing inside.

Redstar slowly extended the torch within the plant's cavity. The flames licked at the black fibres above it, until another flame was born, consuming the webbing like clouds swallow sunlight. Redstar continued to bring the torch to other flammable locations, and eventually, whisps of fire slowly ate away at every strand and tendril. Redstar then slowly withdrew the torch, turned around, and retraced her steps. The apprentice's gazes were focused intensely on the spectacle that the torch had given - there were no flames, or heat. It was like swarms of insects were devouring every inch of the Mockery at lightning speed, leaving red imprints before dissolving into ash.

Redstar dug a small hole in the cold, wet ground, and stabbed the lit torch into it, extinguishing the cinders. "I can do this because it's leafbare, and the ground is wet and frozen. Do not do this in any other season, or you'll risk causing a forest fire. Normally, we'd bring water - to both extinguish the torch, and douse the Mockery once it's finished burning."

And for a while, that was it. The four cats grimly stared as the Nature's Mockery burned away slowly, until one of its structural branches snapped and collapsed. The structure fell apart like firewood, until all that was left was soot-colored debris.

"The point isn't to make every bit of it dead - just destroy its structure. It's…similar to destroying a tree. It won't grow leaves or spit sap if it's a mere stump."

From the look in the apprentices' eyes, Redstar knew they absorbed the lesson.

As the patrol packed up and headed back towards camp, Deerpaw and Barleywave treaded further ahead, with Redstar and Cottonpaw trailing behind.

Cottonpaw spoke. "Hey, Redstar?"

Redstar's ear twitched in response.

"There's something that's been on my mind for a while. I've put it aside for the most part, but…I guess it came back to me today."

Redstar glanced at her apprentice. Cottonpaw stared straight ahead, wordlessly putting one foot in front of the other. The way Cottonpaw began her sentence seemed heavy, which concerned Redstar.

"What is it?"

"I guess seeing the dead Mockery just…had me remembering something is all." Cottonpaw swallowed. "...Fake Cats. I've never seen one. The cats are…dead. Right?"

Redstar flinched, stopping briefly in her tracks before restarting. "Sorry. Yes, they are. We know this with certainty."

"How? If you don't mind me asking." Cottonpaw sounded uncharacteristically timid.

Redstar let out a purr of reassurance. Fake Cats were unnerving as a concept, nevermind a real, existing threat. It was a common fear that Fake Cats were not truly dead - one she was happy to dispel. "First, we know through our connection with StarClan. Clerics would reach out to StarClan to find if a lost cat was among them - and if they were, their Fake would be found after a few days. I've seen it happen myself when I was younger. Second, in the rare occasions that we'd fight and defeat them - Fake Cats were always husks, inhabited by Deep Roots. No eyes, no organs, just puppets." Redstar glanced at Cottonpaw. "Fake Cats are not alive. That much I can promise."

Cottonpaw said nothing.

"...Is there something else bothering you?"

"...What about Fake Twolegs?"

Redstar shook her head. "We don't know enough about them to say. They're far more dangerous than Fake Cats are. We don't go near them." Redstar paused. "...I know you and Deerpaw encountered one last greenleaf."

"Yeah…I guess I just…" Cottonpaw stared at the floor before taking a deep breath. "I dunno. It feels weird to say, but…I hope they're dead too."

"I imagine they would be. Woodcrawlers hunt and eat. It'd be like if we kept mice alive in camp for whatever reason - tedious and disruptive."

This drew a short laugh out of Cottonpaw. "Aw, are we sure we don't want mice eating our jerky?"

"No, we do not," Redstar meowed. A smirk broke on her face, despite herself. But after some time, discomfort nestled in Redstar's chest. A thought occurred to her, and it refused to stay bottled. Reluctantly, she meowed, "Is there a reason why you doubt their deaths?"

Cottonpaw fell silent, her hazel eyes distant. She didn't stop moving, letting the silence hang uncomfortably with every step they took. For a moment, Redstar thought that Cottonpaw was going to pretend she didn't hear her. Unfortunately for Redstar, Cottonpaw had an answer.

"...It chased us, you know. The Fake Twoleg."

Redstar bristled. "You never said it chased you."

"I know. I'm sorry about that." Cottonpaw sounded genuinely remorseful, forcing Redstar to flatten her fur. "At the time, I told myself I didn't want to be in even more trouble than I already was. But…I think I was just scared to acknowledge it. I think Deerpaw was too." Cottonpaw looked up at Deerpaw and Barleywave up ahead, watching them converse like a pair of songbirds. "I didn't want to make anyone overthink things. Especially if we're sure that we're okay, you know?"

There was a long pause. The leafbare breeze picked up. The sun barely gasped through the surface of the grey sky. "It's just...the Fake Twoleg had eyes, still. That's why I was worried."

---

Airpaw has graduated early, after moons of being diligent in his training and passing and early assessment, now named Airswift. He feels proud of himself, although he sees his sisters are somewhat jealous of his early promotion.

(Airswift, warrior, male, 11 moons. Charismatic.) (Redstar, leader, female, 80 moons. Strict.) (Deerpaw, apprentice, female, 11 moons. Righteous.) (Cottonpaw, apprentice, female, 11 moons. Bold.)

Wanting to keep the peace, he pads to up his sisters and says that he's really sorry they're not with him. He points out that Redstar and Riversnow were in the medicine den for a while, and that didn't help their training. Cottonpaw perks up upon realizing that, saying they'll get there eventually and congratulates Airswift, but Deerpaw just stares at her paws.

(Airswift, warrior, male, 11 moons. Charismatic.) (Deerpaw, apprentice, female, 11 moons. Righteous.) (Cottonpaw, apprentice, female, 11 moons. Bold.)

Blackpaw is apprenticed to Riftgorse, and Shadepaw was apprenticed to Perchwatcher. Both young cats seemed competent and eager to teach, especially Perchwatcher, and Riftgorse's outgoing personality might help Blackpaw feel more confident in herself.

(Blackpaw, apprentice, female, 6 moons. Insecure.) (Shadepaw, apprentice, male, 6 moons. Competitive.) (Riftgorse, warrior, male, 19 moons. Charismatic.) (Perchwatcher, warrior, female, 16 moons. Responsible.)

And as for Nectarpaw - the molly hesitantly asked Redstar before the ceremony if she could learn to be a mediator like Olive. Redstar asks Olive, who happily agrees to take her on.

(Redstar, leader, female, 80 moons. Strict.) (Olive, mediator, female, 77 moons. Calm.) (Nectarpaw, mediator, female, 6 moons. Charismatic.)

...However, when Redstar, Barleywave and Olive had a chat over fresh kill, Olive made a passing joke about Redstar trying to play matchmaker with her daughter. Barleywave laughed, but Redstar is very confused.

(Redstar, leader, female, 80 moons. Strict.) (Olive, mediator, female, 77 moons. Calm.) (Barleywave, warrior, male, 50 moons. Playful.)

---

"Very subtle of you, Redstar. I didn't expect you to play matchmaker with my daughter."

Redstar lifted her head up from her meal, looking perplexed. A flicker of defensiveness passed through her until she saw Olive's warmhearted expression.

Barleywave was tending to the stew boiling over the fire, and he let out a mrrow of amusement. "Oh yeah! Good eye on that one, Redstar," he purred.

She paused for a second, before her blue eyes narrowed in confusion. "...What?"

Olive's ear twitched. She looked at her quizzically. "...Wait, was that not on purpose?"

"...I repeat, what?" Redstar emphasized.

Olive blinked back with surprise. "Oh! I'm so sorry. Did you not notice Riftgorse was always offering to join patrols with Perchwatcher? Really, he was always finding some kind of excuse to spend time with her."

Barleywave's whiskers twitched. "I thought you at least would've noticed Perchwatcher saving him chipmunks - he said those were his favorites and she's made sure to catch a few since then."

"...No?" Redstar's face scrunched. "Wait, how am I involved in this again?"

"Well, you gave Shadepaw to Perchwatcher and Blackpaw to Riftgorse. We assumed you did that on purpose," Barleywave replied.

Redstar looked at him blankly, still not understanding. Barleywave gestured vaguely and rambled, "Like, you know! Two apprentices will have to learn things together and all that, so their mentors will have to hang out together at the same time, and all that…"

"That's not what I had in mind at all."

Olive's whiskers twitched in amusement. "A happy accident, then."

Redstar sighed and rolled her eyes. She never understood romance.

---

Iciclepool and Hopechase have been sickeningly lovey-dovey all week, bonding with each other as they stand watch over their children playing.

(Iciclepool, queen, female, 77 moons. Ambitious.) (Hopechase, warrior, female, 103 moons. Playful.) (Hazelkit, kitten, male, 1 moon. Charming.) (Ghostkit, kitten, male, 1 moon. Shy.) (Mulberrykit, kitten, female, 1 moon. Quiet.)

Shadepaw got yellowcough, before passing it to Tree. Both are confined to the medicine den. Shiverstep offers to help groom a spot that's been bothering Tree, especially since they're sick.

(Shadepaw, apprentice, male, 6 moons. Competitive.) (Tree, warrior, non-binary, 52 moons. Ambitious.) (Shiverstep, cleric, female, 21 moons. Loving.)

---

Shiverstep was not feeling well at all for the past few weeks. Physically, she was fine. Mentally, she felt like the universe hollowed out her spirit.

Ever since she last saw Rootgrove at the Half-Moon Dome, she felt like she was just waiting for something bad to happen all the time, and it often did. Her greencough. The Gardener. Riversnow's injury. Her mother's stillborn kit. She didn't know what would happen next, and it made her anxious.

The only cat who seemed to lower her anxiety whenever they spoke, was Tree.

Tree was a kind cat. She was grateful for their presence in her life. Ever since she was an apprentice, Tree enjoyed the company of the medics. They liked coaxing answers to herb-related curiosities out of her and Windfur, and rarely rejected joining an herb-collection patrol. Tree became a regular presence near the medicine den, and Shiverstep enjoyed it. She eventually realized it meant a lot to her. Windfur and Brackenfreckle were reserved cats, and didn't do small talk. Shiverstep didn't realize how isolated she felt while working, and while others were certainly happy to speak to her, she felt like only her mother, and Tree really sought her company. 

Tree was always interesting to talk to - they always had a story to share. She loved new stories - and Tree always seemed to have one. It started small, during her time as an apprentice - they gave her brief fables they heard from their own family, and into her adulthood, they delved into more mature or complex subjects. She cherished them all. 

She remembered fondly teaching them one of her many nursery rhymes for the uses of honey, and after Tree jokingly butchered the melody and added their own lyrics, the two cats shared a genuine laugh. Tree purred, their whiskers twitching with mirth.

"Thank you for entertaining my constant curiosities, Shiverstep."

"Of course. You're always welcome to talk, Tree," she replied.

"I'm happy to hear it! I presume every medic is tired of my same old stories at this point."

"Oh, no! I enjoy them a lot." Shiverstep's tail raised high. "I always like hearing stories."

"And I'm glad to have a friend willing to listen to them," Tree answered with a purr. Shiverstep's heart swelled and her tail flicked, feeling a surge of excitement. All at once her thoughts were scattered - a friend. Did she have a genuine friend before? She blinked slowly at them, and for the rest of the day, she felt lighter. There was someone in the Clan who genuinely called her a friend - something, maybe, that she was missing.

She cherished her memories with Tree a lot. When Sparrowkit failed to be resuscitated, and those beyond StarClan didn't - maybe couldn't, in retrospect - respond, she held onto simple truths to grant her comfort. Her name was Shiverstep. The sun would rise in the morning. She was alive. And Tree was her friend.

Which is why she couldn't help but feel anxious when Tree caught yellowcough.

They only started showing symptoms shortly after Shadepaw. They couldn't make it five steps out of their den without coughing, prompting Windfur to confine them to the medicine den. Riversnow was relocated back to the warrior's den on strict bed rest, in order to prevent a sickness outbreak.

It wasn't too bad, at first. But both Tree and Shadepaw's symptoms worsened over two days, and it hurt to see them try and force their breathing.

Shiverstep was trying to keep a brave face. She set her clay teapot over a small stove she prepared in the corner of the medicine den. She hoped that hot steam would help relieve the sinuses of her Clanmates - a brew of lungwort and tea leaves would help. At least, she hoped. That's what helped with yellowcough, right?

"Wishing well, wishing well, I have a wish to wish you well, I need an herb, to tame a bug..." she muttered to herself under her breath.

"I need a sign, to cure the lungs?"

Shiverstep startled as she heard Tree rasp this flatly from their sickbed. They gave a slow blink in reassurance.

"Heard it from you before," they said simply. Shiverstep's ears flattened at how haggard they sounded. She felt a pain roil in her chest.

"You should be resting," she meowed.

"I am, though."

"Sleeping, more precisely."

"A bit hard to do that right this second," Tree replied. They turned away quickly before bursting into a brief fit of coughs. Shiverstep's heart tightened with worry.

"Are you okay?"

"Well, as okay as I can be," they answered before tucking their paws beneath them. Tree's tail flicked as they tried forcing air out of their nose. The sound came through restricted and taut. They groaned. "Appreciate your nose while it's working."

"I will. I understand the pain," she answered, remembering her greencough. Greencough affected her throat more than her nose, but it still blocked it for quite some time. With renewed eagerness, she returned to the boiling pot and grabbed a clay bowl. She carefully took a piece of leather cloth and draped it over the handle of the pot before grabbing it by the teeth and gently tilting it into the bowl.

"Making tea?" Tree asked.

"Yes," Shiverstep answered. She glanced at Shadepaw at the back of the den. The apprentice was asleep - a good thing, she thought. He complained for several hours about not being able to sleep without breathing from his nose. Now his mouth hung open, his body having surrendered to exhaustion. "I was going to offer some to Shadepaw, but he's sleeping now. Maybe later." Shiverstep gently put down the pot, and nudged the bowl of tea across the medicine den floor, until it was by Tree's head.

Tree slowly leaned down, but Shiverstep placed a paw on their forehead. "Oh! Be careful, it's very hot right now. The steam should be nice to inhale, though," she said with a small smile. Tree gave a grin in return, one that made Shiverstep's heart swell.

Tree rolled their eyes. "Yes, ma'am," they teased.

"Ma'am? Forgive me for preventing you from burning your tongue," she piped up. Tree let out a brief mrrow of amusement before placing their muzzle near the bowl's edge to breathe the steam. After a few moments, Shiverstep's tail twitched.

"Is there anything else I can do to help you?"

"Well…" Tree started, then stopped, their green eyes pensive. Shiverstep waited eagerly, but they shook their head. "No, nevermind. Not a good plan."

"What is it?" the cleric pressed.

"I think there's a mat next to my right ear, but it's really not a good idea for anyone to get near my face at the moment," Tree replied sheepishly. "I've been trying to find a way to get it out myself."

"I can help!" Shiverstep nearly jumped behind them. Tree recoiled away from her.

"Shiverstep, no, I'm sick. You'll catch this."

"Tree, I'm a cleric. It's my responsibility to help patients, even if it also puts me at risk," she protested.

"Shiver, come on, be reasonable. It's just one mat."

"Tree, do you remember the story of Finchquill?"

"Ah, don't start with that one," Tree groaned.

"But it's a good lesson! Sometimes a small sacrifice can mean the world to another," Shiverstep meowed. She tried to reach down, but Tree swatted her paw away.

"By that logic, I should make sure you're not sick, even if I have this annoying mat," Tree argued.

"Tree, I'm in the medicine den most of the day. Between you and Shadepaw, if I catch it, so be it. We have enough lungwort to last."

Tree hesitated. The tip of their tail tapped against the floor. "...You sure?"

"I'll make it quick, Tree. Promise," Shiverstep offered with a smile. After a few more seconds, Tree sighed, then brought their head back down to the steaming tea.

"Okay. Be careful," they warned.

She didn't need to be told twice. Shiverstep brought her paws near the back of their ear and searched for the mat. When she found it, she began grooming it out, gently passing her tongue across to dislodge the tangled hairs. Little by little, she used a claw to gently cut away the knots.

Tree seemed to relax, closing their eyes and finding brief rest. Shiverstep continued to work, allowing her mind to wander.

Tree was kind to be worried about her. But she wanted Tree to be okay. If this would help, she would do it.

…It was nice. Tree's fur was dense with the smell of pine, earth and river water. A slight tinge of campfire. Shiverstep's ears turned warm. Tree was…was like the memory of the forest around them. Despite the monsters out there, it still stood around them - tall and defiant. Stable. Strong. Even in leafbare, where the forest trees were silent and resting, there was the promise of return in spring. Tree was loyal to other cats. They protected Riversnow from Stone. They protected the camp from tendrils. They saved her from the Woodcrawler…

Shiverstep's thoughts went quiet as she kept working through the mat, until finally, she managed to cut it away completely. She gently pulled the mat out and threw it in their disposal basket. Softly, she said, "All done."

Tree let out a grunt, their eyes narrowed open. "Thanks. I appreciate it a lot, Shiver."

Shiverstep's heart thundered. "You're welcome."

"...So, think I can drink this now?" Tree asked, pointing their nose to the tea.

"Oh! Yes, it should be ready."

Shiverstep sheepishly tended to her herb stocks as she heard Tree gently lapping the tea.

---

Cloudthunder approaches Tree, gifting them with a meal made of their favorite prey. For some reason, Shiverstep feels a pang as Tree seems receptive to Cloud's gift.

(Cloudthunder, warrior, female, 54 moons. Loyal.) (Tree, warrior, non-binary, 52 moons. Ambitious.) (Shiverstep, cleric, female, 21 moons. Loving.)

---

After a few more minutes of silence, Shiverstep heard the sound of footsteps approaching from the outside. She assumed it was just Windfur, and kept minding her tasks.

She was surprised when, after the sound of the drying ferns parting, Tree spoke.

"Oh, Cloudthunder!"

Shiverstep veered around to see the pale grey and white warrior that had entered the den. The smell of roasted mouse and stew wafted from a small basket she carried in her mouth. Cloudthunder's copper eyes beamed. "Hi Tree. And you too, Shiverstep," she meowed with a small bow. "It's lunch time!"

"Oh, is it?" Shiverstep chirped, hiding her nervousness. She…she forgot.

"Yup! I know you're busy, so I brought you some roasted mouse, if you'd like. It has a hint of portabello," she said, putting down the basket and unravelling a small leather wrapping. Cloudthunder pushed it towards Shiverstep with a twitch of her whiskers. "You and Windfur are always getting lost in your work. You should join us next time."

Shiverstep's heart sank. She guessed she had been fairly stressed lately. She took a bite out of the mouse. "Thank you, Cloudthunder. I'll try."

"Good. I also brought some for Shadepaw, but it looks like he's sleeping," she said as she pulled another bundle of leather. Shiverstep gingerly took it and tucked it away from her herbs, near the tea kettle.

"I'll make sure he has some," she reassured.

"And for you, Tree," Cloudthunder lifted a bowl from the basket and pushed it over towards them. Tree brightened, their pupils dilated with curiosity.

"Oooh, is this a recipe of yours?"

"Oh, I wish," Cloudthunder purred, her tail twitching. "Barleywave was on cooking duty today, but Daffodilpaw helped! I requested a soup or stew using bits of vole today, just for you."

"Vole? My favorite, just for me? Aw, Cloud," Tree let out a brief purr, before being interrupted by a series of coughs. They looked embarassed, shaking their head out. "Oof! Sorry."

Cloudthunder winced. "Nothing to be sorry about, Tree. I'm sorry about your yellowcough, that must be awful. Figured this soup would help make it a bit more bearable."

"Ah, soup and tea, I'm a spoiled cat today," Tree joked.

Cloudthunder mrrowed in amusement before glancing at Shiverstep. "How's your stash of lungwort?"

"Um…fine. Windfur and I collected a lot of it before the frost started to set in," the cleric answered.

"That's good. Let me know if you need anything else. Snow might come in soon, I feel," she meowed. Shiverstep nodded. She turned away and decided to take a few more bites out of her food.

Tree practically slurped the soup they were gifted, causing Cloudthunder to laugh.

"Slow down there, Fleetfoot," the molly teased.

"And allow a gift from such a pretty molly go to waste? Be reasonable," Tree quipped with a wink. Cloudthunder's skin turned pink under all her fur, scoffing and batting away at the air dismissively.

"Oh, stop that, you know I can't swat at the sickly," she retorted, failing to hide a grin on her face.

"Great StarClan, whatever will you do now? I guess you'll have to tolerate my compliments," Tree chuckled.

Shiverstep slowly turned away, resuming her herb counting. She listened to Tree and Cloudthunder share flirty banter before they shifted to more polite conversation. Tree turned away to avoid spreading sickness, and Cloudthunder recounted recent events and procedure changes that were being considered. Tree congratulated Cloudthunder on her son's early graduation. Cloudthunder beamed with pride for her children.

Shiverstep slowly tuned the conversation out. Her heart sank. For some reason, her appetite went away. She stared at her half-eaten food and slowly wrapped it up, not wanting Cloudthunder to see it. Eventually, Shadepaw stirred awake from the noise, and Shiverstep gingerly gifted him the roasted mouse and a bowl of her tea. Shadepaw just glared at Tree and Cloudthunder in annoyance, as though wishing they would banter elsewhere. Shiverstep didn't tell Cloudthunder to leave, though. She…she made Tree happy.

Finally, Cloudthunder must've realized she dawdled too long. She wished goodbye to Shiverstep and Tree, her tail held high as she left. Tree curled up in their bedding, letting out a prolonged purr before eventually falling asleep for a sunhigh rest.

Meanwhile, Shiverstep felt her heart sinking. She felt…strange. Why did she feel almost…sad? She didn't get it.

Cloudthunder was a good cat. A pang of guilt coursed through her. Why did she feel like this?

After a few moments of numbness, Shiverstep hissed quietly to herself and shook her head. StarClan, what was wrong with her? Cloudthunder was just being kind to everyone. And yes, she spoke with Tree for a while. Why did that matter? Tree was a good cat to be with. She liked being with Tree, of course others would too. And, yes, sure, Shiverstep wasn't an ignorant kit - she knew what flirting looked like. Great StarClan, so maybe Tree had feelings for Cloudthunder! That was completely reasonable and totally fine, it's not like Shiverstep hadn't seen them act like this before. So why was she acting like she -

She…

Oh.

Oh no.

Shiverstep went outside and stared at a wall for twenty minutes. Brackenfreckle saw Shiverstep today but didn't get to say hello. Shiverstep seemed...busy.

(Shiverstep, cleric, female, 21 moons. Loving.) (Brackenfreckle, healer, female, 19 moons. Grumpy.)

---

He wasn't that happy. In truth, he still thought that Cottonheart was too impulsive and Deerspring was too hardheaded. But he wasn't Redstar, and if she thought they were good enough to be warriors, so be it. After his sisters' night time apprentice trial with no consideration over what he or mom thought, he trusted them less. Oh, sure, nobody said it was an apprentice trial, but that's what it was, functionally. 'I saw something in a dream' was no excuse to run off in the middle of the night, and if either of them bothered to talk to him, he would've talked sense into them, or at least got mom to stop them.

He was well aware that these feelings were mousebrained and petty, especially after spending half of his life with them as apprentices and training with them every day. He shoved these feelings aside when they were apprentices and got along with them just fine during that time, which is why it was annoying to him that these feelings were resurfacing now. They were warriors now, and it was mousebrained to still be upset about something his sisters did when they were six moons old.

Well, at least he proved to everyone that he was the most reliable cat out of the three of them, in the end. He worked hard, listened closely, didn't argue or moan about chores, and didn't talk back for his whole apprenticeship, and he was rewarded for it by graduating early. Cats trusted him and his judgment way more than they trusted his sisters, and he was grateful that -

"Ai'swif!"

Airswift let out a confused mrrp and sat up. Hazelkit pawed at his back. Interrupted from his thoughts, he blinked a few times.

"Uh…hey, Hazelkit. Need anything?" he asked.

"Ai'swift, why is Cottonpaw now Cottonheart?"

"Well...I mean, she's a warrior now. That's why."

"But why does her name change?"

Airswift blinked quizzically. "...Well, because it just does. You won't be Hazelkit forever either."

Hazelkit frowned, tail twitching. "I know! But isn't 'paw' a grownup name already?"

"No?" Airswift sat up, whiskers twitching. "All apprentices are 'paws', just like all kits are 'kit'."

Hazelkit pouted, tail thrashing. In across camp, Mulberrykit retorted, "See? I told you."

Airswift's ears twitched and licked his paw. "It's okay, Hazelkit. Now you know."

"But why is 'paw' just an apprentice name? There's 'foot'! And 'toe'! And fur, and pelt, and, and..." Hazelkit sputtered, then hissed in annoyance. "It's - it's dumb! Everyone has paws! Why isn't 'paw' a warrior name?"

Airswift knew the kit was embarrassed. Deerspring was like that too as a kit - she hated making mistakes. Remembering how he would smooth things over before, he shrugged and responded casually. "I dunno. It is a bit weird. Maybe there's a reason for it. You could ask Redstar? She's into history stuff."

"Well, I think the reason for it is dumb anyway!"

"What suffix would you give apprentices then?"

Hazelkit opened his mouth, then closed it. Thoughts rotated behind the kit's blue eyes.

"Why don't you come up with ideas with your siblings? You'll be apprentices in a few moons, after all."

Hazelkit brightened, then hopped back towards his siblings without another word. Airswift watched him go, and watched as the kits started bickering and coming up with ideas.

"That was nice of you."

He glanced behind him to see his mother approaching. Cloudthunder sat beside him and gave a knowing look, her copper eyes beaming. Airswift shrugged.

"It was nothing, really."

"Still, I'm sure the kits will remember that as they grow older." Cloudthunder twitched her whiskers. She looked at him fondly. "It wasn't that long ago that you were that small, you know."

Airswift avoided her gaze, embarrassed. "I guess kits do grow up really fast, given how old cats get," he mused half-heartedly.

"This is your second leafbare - and I'm guessing you can barely remember your first."

"Yeah, that's true. I remember the snow melting more than anything." Airswift's ear twitched.

The two cats paused. Airswift didn't like it. His mom did this often - when she could tell that something was bothering him, she'd say nothing and wait for him to speak up. Unfortunately, it worked.

"...Did you ever worry about us?" he asked.

"Of course. Every day. I still do."

"I guess Cottonheart and Deerspring terrified you, then."

Cloudthunder tilted her head. "Did you mean the night they vanished from camp?"

Airswift tensed. "...Yeah."

The molly sighed and shook her head. Her ears flattened. "I will never forget how hurt and angry I was."

A flicker of validation sparked through him. Airswift fought to keep it bottled up. He failed. He wasn't sure if he'd get a chance to ask later. He glanced at her, then said, "Are you worried they'll do something like that again?"

Cloudthunder didn't answer immediately. Instead, she gave her son a thoughtful look, and her tail tapped the snow. "Are you worried?"

That was a good question. Was he worried about it? Sure, his sisters had grown older and were much better at managing their impulses. He didn't think Cottonheart would try to play 'hero' again, and Deerspring learned her lesson about trying to fix problems by herself - to an annoying degree. He didn't know an adult could still be a tattletale. So, not really.

But he couldn't say that he trusted them to lead patrols or be good mentors. It's foxhearted for him to think that, but it's true. And he was pretty sure that if he said that to Cloudthunder, that he'd get some kind of speech about giving them another chance.

Cloudthunder stared at the fire. After a while with no response, she finally said, "I don't think it's wise," the molly glanced at Airswift, "to imagine that they'll do it again."

"I don't think they will," Airswift reassured.

"But you don't trust them."

The tom said nothing.

"Listen, Airswift," Cloudthunder's voice softened. She sidled next to him, then began grooming his head. Airswift sighed, and let out a purr of reassurance. "You have no idea how grateful I am that StarClan blessed me with five beautiful kits. In these horrible woods, two were stolen that night. Ever since then, I've been blessed every single day that I get to spend with you three."

Airswift's heart sank. He knew the story - Cloudthunder told it to them before. She didn't shy away from the fact that they had two other littermates. He was never sure how to feel about it.

"Yes, you make very, very stupid decisions. Dangerous ones, too. They terrify me. But I also know that you can't learn anything without making mistakes, as unfortunate as it is. Maybe if your sisters woke you up that night, trying to convince you to join them, you would've gone too. Or, maybe you would've talked them down, or ran to tell someone right away. We never know what we'll really do until we're put in that position." Cloudthunder stopped grooming her child, and let out a mrrow of amusement. "After all, Deerspring, a rule-follower if I've ever seen one, chose to go with Cottonpaw! You'd think she would have told someone instead, but she didn't. It's easy to say what we would've done in hindsight."

Discomfort balled in his chest.

"All this to say," Cloudthunder finished, "that I am so proud of all three of you. Yes, your sisters made some choices that terrified me in the past. But they learned from them, and they're still here by my side. And I hope when you also make a really stupid mistake," the molly purposefully tilted her head into Airswift's line of sight. Airswift awkwardly glanced away. "That you will have cats by your side that will help you correct it. Although, for StarClan's sake," Cloudthunder's tail twitched, "try not to give us a heart attack like your sisters did."

Airswift let out a mrrow of amusement. "I won't. I promise."

"And please, Airswift. I know you're not the one to be confrontational. But do try to have some trust in your littermates."

"I never said I didn't," he protested.

"I've watched you three for long enough to know when you have doubts about each other," the molly replied.

Airswift opened his mouth to say something, but quickly closed it as he caught Cottonheart and Deerspring from the corner of his eyes rapidly approaching the campfire. He straightened up and greeted them wordlessly with a raised tail.

Cottonheart bounded up to them with her tail held highly, her face beaming. She purred as she pressed her head against her mother's, then returned the gesture to Airswift.

"Deerspring and I are all set up now!"

"That's wonderful, loves," Cloudthunder purred.

Deerspring approached more casually, careful to not crowd around the fire too closely. She made the same gesture her sister made to her mother and brother, then sat down next to her mother. "Do you know what time Redstar will give us our vigil?" she asked.

"Probably when the sun goes down," Airswift replied. "It's what happened to me."

"What are we even supposed to do during the vigil, anyway? Stand guard?" Cottonheart asked. She flopped over between her mother and brother, rolling on her back playfully.

Cloudthunder chuckled and nipped at her daughter's ear. "Hey, space-hogger. Sit up."

"Nuh-huh, I'm a warrior now, you can't tell me what to do," Cottonheart teased.

"Actually, warriors tell each other what to do often," Airswift replied.

"I know, Airswift. It's not like I haven't lived in ForestClan my whole life or anything!" Cottonheart reached out her paw to boop her brother's nose. Airswift recoiled and frowned.

"Don't do that."

"Fine, fine," Cottonheart laughed. She sat up and stretched. "Look at us, though! The whole family, finally warriors!"

Deerspring blinked, her ear twitched. "I guess the only person we're missing now is Tree."

Cloudthunder looked at Deerspring quizzically. "What do you mean?"

Deerspring gave her mother a flat stare. "...Mom, I have zero interest in mates, and even I can see that you like them from a mile away."

Cloudthunder's eyes widened to the size of moons and froze up. Cottonheart burst out laughing.

Airswift's heart softened. His tail tapped the cold earth, and his fur was warmed by the small fire. Cottonheart's long fur against his own, and Deerspring's dry commentary to his ears, were familiar and comforting.

...Maybe he had to get out of his own head more.

---

Owlpaw goes to get some fresh kill...and gets attacked by rats that went to scavenge the pile! She gets a torn pelt, and complains about it the entire time.

(Owlpaw, apprentice, female, 9 moons. Adventurous.)

Olive gives Perchwatcher some pink poppies, which she decides to wear.

(Perchwatcher, warrior, female, 17 moons. Responsible.) (Olive, mediator, female, 78 moons. Calm.)

Iciclepool and Redstar get into a very heated argument. Iciclepool wins. Redstar takes it down...and carves a line on a piece of wood that she hides under her bedding.

(Redstar, leader, female, 81 moons. Strict.) (Iciclepool, deputy, female, 78 moons. Ambitious.)

ForestClan gets into a battle at the border with Endless' group, despite their attempts at diplomacy. They're all spooked off by a familiar screeching before anyone can get seriously hurt. Relationships with the outsiders have worsened.

(Daffodilpaw, apprentice, female, 9 moons. Careful.) (Cloudthunder, warrior, female, 55 moons. Loyal.) (Barleywave, warrior, male, 51 moons. Playful.) (Endless, rogue, female, 58 moons. Sneaky.) (Stone, rogue, male, 66 moons. Charismatic.) (Plume, former kittypet, female, 47 moons. Childish.) (Fake Cat. If you hear them, they have already heard you.)

Hopechase catches greencough. Brackenfreckle can't stand her clanmates today.

(Shadepaw, apprentice, male, 7 moons. Competitive.) (Hopechase, warrior, female, 104 moons. Playful.) (Brackenfreckle, healer, female, 20 moons. Grumpy.) (Tree, warrior, non-binary, 53 moons. Ambitious.)

Shiverstep thinnnksssss (ERROR 401 AUTHORIZED.)

Airswift is happy to run into Shiverstep today.

(Airswift, warrior, male, 12 moons. Charismatic.) (Shiverstep, cleric, female, 22 moons. Loving.)

Riversnow recovers from her bite wound. Riversnow is glad to have a clanmate like Branchsnarl.

(Riversnow, warrior, female, 71 moons. Adventurous.) (Branchsnarl, warrior, trans male, 17 moons. Ambitious.)

---

Riversnow was relieved when Brackenfreckle told her that her wound healed. She didn't need to be careful anymore - thank goodness. She had been cleared for patrols a moon ago - enough to finish Deerspring's training and see her become a warrior, thank goodness - but waiting for scabs to close and getting checked regularly just reminded her of Stone's existence. Good riddance, she didn't have to worry about it anymore. She carried herself with her tail held high and glanced around camp for work that needed to be done.

She saw Branchsnarl patching up a part of the camp wall with sap, poking at cracks and corners with a stick. Branchsnarl scowled in annoyance as he kept failing to angle his head in such a way to correctly stab his stick in the corner he was patching.

Riversnow let out a mrrow of amusement and approached him. "Need help, young tom?"

Branchsnarl's ears perked and his green eyes beamed. "O'ly i' you 'an - " Branchsnarl stopped and spat the stick on the floor. "Sorry - only if you want! Messy job though, I wouldn't want to get sap on your paws."

"Oh, believe me, I've gotten sap on my paws before. I can handle it," she purred with amusement. "Here, let's give you an easier target to see."

Riversnow used her paw to act as a clearer marker for Branchsnarl to rest his stick on, and together they managed to fill in the cracks, re-securing the wall. The two cleaned up behind them, with Branchsnarl returning the sap back to the supply storage near the medicine den, and Riversnow grabbing some flax oil to remove stray globs of sap that got on her paws.

"Need help with that? I've done it for mom before," Branchsnarl asked with a raised tail.

"Thank you, but it's just the top of my paw. I should be good," Riversnow mewed.

"If you say so! I don't mind helping."

Riversnow's whiskers twitched. Then, she let out a purr. "That you do."

Branchsnarl noticed the look on her face and returned a playful frown. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, don't be daft. You hoarded mounds of fresh moss to replace my bedding every three days when I was pregnant," Riversnow laughed.

"Hey! In my defense, you complained about not being able to sleep comfortably. And you didn't stop me," Branchsnarl retorted with a smirk. "Tree didn't stop me either, so if anything, it's their fault."

"Oh no, you were willingly doing chores. How dare no one stop you." Riversnow's whiskers twitched in amusement as she rubbed the sap off her paws with a leather cloth. "You were a good cat."

Branchsnarl sat down in the snow and shifted uncomfortably. "Ehhh, I mean, I dunno about that. I've, uh, said mousebrained things too."

"If this is about Owlpaw blaming you for Warblerkit, I understand your reaction. It was very hurtful, and I was upset that it happened in the first place, but I understand." Riversnow raised her head and looked at him sympathetically. "Warblerkit's death isn't your fault. You were being born."

"Yeah, I know." Branchsnarl paused. He gently prodded at the snow with the back of his paw, deep in thought. He licked his teeth, then said carefully, "I just...feel like I upset a lot of cats. Redstar especially."

Riversnow blinked as she remembered how distant Barleywave was for a few weeks. He spoke to no one and couldn't look at anyone in the eye. The second he broke out of a hollow stupor, he threw up a hairball and looked like he had spent days crawling in a swamp. She couldn't deny that Owlkit and Branchpaw had deeply hurt each other, and other cats. She didn't push anyone to tell her why they spiraled out of control, but she wasn't stupid. She did live for a few seasons on the outskirts of the Twoleg Campground. Distant screams like those of cougars.

She put two and two together eventually.

"...You, um...could reach out to them, if you're worried."

Branchsnarl shrugged. "Eh, maybe later. For Redstar, anyway. She's been kinda tense, I think, since..."

He trailed off, and Riversnow said nothing. Her chest tightened. She didn't know how to talk about what happened to Blackpaw. And Shiverstep not long after. Windfur tried to keep her escapade on the down-low, but others could see how on edge she was since then.

Branchsnarl shook his head, and changed the subject quickly. "But uh, hey, if I was a little mousedung back then, at least I'm better now, I think," he chuckled.

"Oh, you weren't mousedung," Riversnow protested as she finally cleaned the rest of her paw and folded the cloth. "In fact, you were very adorable when I first arrived in camp."

"What? No. What did I do?" Branchsnarl got to his feet with a confused look.

"Don't you remember?"

"Well, I was a kit, that was ages ago!"

Her whiskers twitched with amusement. She picked up the oil by the handle. "You said hello, that I was very pretty, and you were glad to have me as a Clanmate. You ran away and tackled your sister before I could say anything."

Branchsnarl burst out laughing, and followed Riversnow in the medicine den. "No way, really? That's hilarious!"

"It's true," Riversnow said as she tucked the oil in a corner where she found it.

"Aw, well, my kit-self wasn't lying, you are pretty."

"Oh, stop it, you," Riversnow chuckled and lightly cuffed the tom's ear. Branchsnarl's ear twitched and he had a big, dumb grin on his face.

"What? Am I wrong? Everyone in the Clan thinks that - the kits say you're fluffy like a cloud too! Of course Barleywave fell for you!"

Riversnow now felt flustered, suddenly regretting bringing it up. "Ah, well now, I doubt that - "

"Aw, you're way too modest, take the compliment, fight anyone who says otherwise," Branchsnarl insisted with a swishing tail and dilated pupils.

"Branch, come on, every molly is beautiful in their own way, surely I'm not - "

"Ah ah ah! But you're a molly, so you're also beautiful. I win," Branchsnarl snickered as he got into a playful crouch. He blocked the entrance to the medicine den.

Riversnow's neck bristled instinctively at the bodily memory of being cornered, but she saw the stupid look on his face and couldn't help but replace it with the moment of being confronted by Branchkit greeting her. A realization dawned on her, and her neck fur flattened. The young tom wasn't being aggressive, but competitive. Oh stars, she thought Windfur said his "second puberty" was done by now. Branchpaw might've bolted away giggling at this point, but this idiot was grinning with dialated pupils and waiting to be batted over head again. She fought the instinct to stay quiet, and instead retrieved her voice and spoke her needs.

"Branch," she began calmly and raised her paw. "I'll take the compliment, but you're acting like a six moon old tom. And, uh, you're blocking the entrance."

"Oh mousedung, sorry!" Branchsnarl's pupils shrunk and he sat up, embarrassed. He licked his shoulder before straightening out. "Ah, that's embarrassing, sorry River. I dunno what came over me."

"It's alright. I thought your treatments were finished?"

"Uh, yeah, but I guess I've been told I might still act like a mosquito. Hey, don't - like, don't be scared to call me out, I'm not trying to be rude, I'm just mousebrained," he meowed.

"It's alright, Branchsnarl. Thank you for telling me."

He paused, stared into the distance, then his face flattened out as though an epiphany came to him. "...Oh foxdung I forgot I was supposed to help Perchwatcher with something, I gotta go SORRY, thanks for the help earlier, talk to you later!" And with that, he suddenly bolted towards the gates and climbed over the gate itself and leapt out of camp. This was extremely inefficient, with all the energetic rush of a young tom.

Riversnow let out a sigh, but then purred with amusement and affection.

Branchsnarl was a good Clanmate. Sometimes made mistakes, but she was glad to know him.

---