#chivestar

"You're late again!" Silvia chimed in a sing-song tone as she watched the other she-cat bound over to the yard.

"I know you're better at swimming, but you can at least try to run once in a while."

Chivewhisker opened her mouth to speak, but the black cat interrupted, purring as she brushed against the warrior and licked her forehead adoringly.

"Don't look so sour, puss. You know I'm only teasing you."

Chivewhisker grit her teeth, avoiding the kittypet's gaze. "Silvia, I can't do this anymore."

The housecat snorted, sitting back to scratch at her ear with a hind paw. "Okay, here's a reminder — You say this every moon, and every time, I reassure you and comfort you and we tell each other it'll be alright. And guess what! It turns out alright."

The she-cat seemed relatively unfazed by her mate's concern, heavy though it was.

Chivewhisker lashed her tail. "I'm serious this time!" She snapped. "I can't anymore. I'm a deputy now! Grainstar appointed me last night!"

Silvia frowned, quirking a brow. She looked to her paws, then back to her partner. "Congratulations...?" She offered a smile.

"No! No, not congratulations!" Chivewhisker hissed in frustration. "I have cats that depend on me now, all the time! I'm the one who sets the patrols, who advises Grainstar, who sets rules and punishments and schedules — If they find out I'm with one of you, they-"

"One of me?" Silvia's nose wrinkled in offense.

Chivewhisker inhaled, then hung her head bitterly. "You know I don't mean it like that. But this is how it has to be. From now on, we don't know each other. We've never met, touched noses, or even seen a hair of one another's pelts."

Silvia bared her teeth, expression full of hurt. "You don't mean that... You don't mean that! You want to throw away everything for some cult in the woods? I thought you said these were the best days of your life, the ones you had with me!"

"It's not a cult!" Chivewhisker snarled insistently, whirling around from her pacing to get nose-to-nose with Silvia. The dark feline didn't even flinch, luminous yellow eyes staring deep into her.

"I don't need you," Chivewhisker growled. "I have a family, and it's a responsibility. If you'd just understand that, you'd -"

"Be a brainwashed rat," Silvia spat. "You'd rather worship a bunch of dead cats and sleep in the cold than be with someone who loves you?"

Rage bubbled in the pit of Chivewhisker's stomach. She kept silent, turning to pad away. She trudged along.

"Come back!" Silvia screeched, finally giving chase. "Chive!"

"Leave me alone!" Chivewhisker yelled.

"Just talk to me!" Silvia pleaded, springing at the tabby.

The two rolled together, screeching, which resulted in Chivewhisker pinning the feline to the ground. Silvia squirmed, shrieking in surprise as she was assaulted with claw slice after claw slice with unsheathed claws, mercilessly marring her.

"I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE." Chivewhisker snarled closely to her face. "What's it going to take for you to leave me alone?! You're everywhere! Every time I'm on patrol, you're there! Hunting, you're there! Don't you ever do anything but stalk me, you piece of crowfood?!"

"Chive, stop!" Silvia yelped. "Chive!"

Again, a slash across the face. Across the throat. A bite. A tearing of an ear. Silvia did her best, fighting feebly against the well-muscled warrior.

"Don't call me Chive! It's not my name! It's not my name! Shut up! Just shut up!" Chivewhisker shrieked.

"Please!" Silvia begged for mercy as a teeth snatched at the back of her collar. The bell jingled wildly as it was pulled, pressure becoming increasingly unbearable on her throat.

Chivewhisker was suffocating her.

Silvia sputtered for air, letting out squeaks and croaks in plea for mercy, but to no avail. Her thrashing became weaker and weaker until it ceased altogether.

Only when Silvia stopped moving, did Chivewhisker drop the body, staring. Slowly, realization of what she had done pieced together.

"That's not what Kestrelstar said," Howlpaw argued, frowning as he flicked his gaze ahead. "Well fine, if you're going to be like that. I'll just introduce myself without your help."

A mrow of laughter caught Howlpaw off guard, Softpaw not even attempting to muffle his snickering as he rolled his eyes. "Ok Howlpaw. I'll see you at Dandelion Memorial. Good luck." Softpaw trotted ahead after Goldeniris and Honeyeagle, his tail tip flicking to hit Howlpaw's nose.

The gray apprentice jumped, swatting at the air where the tail once was, before huffing. As his fur began to lie flat, he gave himself a few quick licks before eyeing the gathered cats. He eventually noticed a smaller, younger looking tom. He was white and spotted with pale brown patches, standing alone.

Maybe he's nervous to meet other apprentices, just like me!

With a steady breath, Howlpaw trotted over with his head raised high, flicking his tail in greeting. "Hello there! I'm Howlpaw of SeedClan. Are you..." He paused only a moment, scenting the air. "...a SorrelClan apprentice?"

"I am." The tom's smile was small. He dipped his head in greeting to Howlpaw. "My name is Bumblepaw. I've been training for 4 moons now under Cranefang. You train under Kestrelstar, don't you?"

Howlpaw's eyes widened. "Wow, you know a lot!"

Bumblepaw purred with a small laugh. "Word gets around, especially when a leader trains an apprentice."

Pride swelled within him, Howlpaw unable to keep from flattening his ears with a show of embarrassment. He opened his mouth to speak further, but was interrupted by a flash of gray nudging her way between them, a bright smile on her face.

"Hi there! Socializing today, huh? Ooh, I'm glad there's a SeedClan cat willing to chat. That Softpaw is always telling me to bug off." She laughed loud enough to make Howlpaw duck his head, wary of others around them who glanced over with somewhat annoyed glances.

The dark gray tabby waved her plume-like tail. "I'm Rainpaw - CoyoteClan apprentice. I see you've met Bumblepaw. Got any scoop for me before the Gathering starts?"

Blinking at her in shock, Howlpaw stuttered. "I don't think uh- I mean I think that's Kestrelstar's job, not mine. That is uh..." He glanced away. While he was glad they were friendly, he hadn't exactly expected this.

"Rainpaw, quiet down," Bumblepaw whispered calmly. He nodded ahead to the Leaders, who stood proud as a hushed silence fell over the group. Howlpaw too straightened up, turning to pay attention.

The Gathering was starting.

Ryestar stepped forward, setting a Petunia down before his paws. "CoyoteClan is steadily recovering from the flood. Plummoon has taken up his deputy duties, but unfortunately we ran into a nasty fox that managed to mangle his leg. Lakeburn says he will make a full recovery." Murmurs of well wishes were exchanged, a few glances being cast towards Rainpaw, causing Howlpaw to glance at her as well.

Ryestar continued. "Rainpaw bravely finished chasing the fox off, and helped her mentor back to camp. I would like to acknowledge her tonight and thank her for protecting our new deputy."

Wow! Howlpaw gazed at Rainpaw with admiration. He couldn't imagine chasing off a fox and taking care of Kestrelstar like that. And her mentor was a deputy! Rainpaw was pretty amazing!

The she-cat noticed his look, puffing out her chest with a smile of delight. "You should've seen the way it yipped when it turned tail and ran. It won't mess with CoyoteClan again, that's for sure!"

As Ryestar stepped back, Whisperstar went next, the CherryClan leader dropping her pinkish colored flower to the ground. "For this Gathering, I bring Gladiolus. It represents strength and growth, which I believe CherryClan has been experiencing. We will not let hardships keep us down." Her voice sounded more powerful, making the raspy tone that betrayed her age. "CherryClan welcomes a new apprentice. Icepaw has been apprenticed to my deputy, Quiverwatcher, and we believe he will continue to uphold CherryClan's values."

Icepaw?

There was a new apprentice in CherryClan? That meant he was just a moon younger than Howlpaw! He'd have to say hi and congratulate him before they left.

"Icepaw! Icepaw! Icepaw!" the gathering cheered, Howlpaw raising his voice as he craned his neck and looked around for the apprentice.

He finally spotted him. A spiky white tom stood fierce and proud, a smile not even cracking his features. Howlpaw could see why he was named Icepaw. His eyes were like sunlit ice, and his cold exterior and white pelt made him fit for the chills of leafbare.

"We also have a new member of our clan. Apricotfeather has moved to the nursery with kits, but we have learned her mate is an outsider. As the code is to protect kits, we have taken him in to strengthen our ranks, as will the kits when they are born."

Chivestar's lips curled back in a snarl, and Ryestar even seemed surprised. "You took in an outsider, even after Bushclaw's death?" he asked warily.

"Churro has already proven his innocence," hissed Whisperstar, not explaining herself further. "Apricotfeather has suffered enough this past moon." Her fur bristled, before she stiffened and straightened herself. "And unfortunately, so have we. The truth is that twolegs came into our territory... and they managed to capture Tadpolefern. He was taken."

Everyone gasped, fur bristling as panic seemed to rise from the crowd.

"T-Taken?" a white SorrelClan she-cat timidly cried out

"Does CherryClan not protect their own?!" snarled Quillbeak.

"Silence!" Whisperstar cried, lashing her tail as her silver eyes betrayed the pain she felt. "CherryClan is feeling great shame. We loved Tadpolefern, and we have sent countless patrols out in search of Twolegs. But alas it hasn't led to any success..." She trailed off, sighing. "CherryClan is rebuilding, but with what is sounding like a large litter, we will be stronger than ever," she insisted, admittedly rather defensive.

"I also have a warning to my fellow clan cats." Whisperstar's voice was stern and serious. "As you may have noticed, our medicine cat Maplefern has been absent two Gatherings now. I'm informing you all now that she has been exiled from CherryClan."

Howlpaw's ears flattened as shocked whispers flooded the clearing. His pelt felt hot, knowing well where Maplefern was. He lowered his head, yet kept his eyes looking at Whisperstar as she continued to speak.

"As is the code of Healers, they must not take mates, nor carry kits, as it impedes upon their relationship with StarClan. When we learned she had been seeing a loner, she lost her rights to our support."

Kestrelstar eyed the white she-cat, frowning. Her demeanor did not go unnoticed, as Whisperstar glared back. "Do you have something to say, Kestrelstar?"

"Only if you're finished," Kestrelstar replied coolly, voice muffled by the large yellow flower she carried.

Whisperstar huffed and stepped back, eyeing the SeedClan leader with her silver eyes as they traded places. Kestrelstar set her offering down, raising her tail as she gazed upon the gathered cats.

"I have brought a Sunflower because SeedClan has unwavering faith, and are looking towards the light that is the sun. This past moon has brought change, but we are strong and certain in our actions." She took a soft breath, puffing out her chest as she spoke. "The truth is that SeedClan has taken in Maplefern."

"You what?!" Whisperstar bared her fangs, silver eyes blazing with fury. "Does SeedClan spat in the face of StarClan's word?"

"I should be asking CherryClan that," Kestrelstar hissed back without hesitation. "Does CherryClan leave kits to die and fend for themselves?"

Whisperstar sat upright in shock. "Kits? What do you mean?"

"Maplefern had kits with her. They appeared to be almost 2 moons old. She most certainly had to have been pregnant when you cast her out." Kestrelstar's amber eyes hardened. "Maplefern may have broken the healer code, but she is still a queen, and the code says to never neglect the innocent."

CherryClan cats spoke up, eyes wide with horror.

"We didn't know!" Icepaw declared, catching Howlpaw's attention. He was surprised a new apprentice would speak out so loudly. But the white tom stood tall, not even flinching as the other cats gazed at him. "CherryClan would never harm innocent kits!"

Kestrelstar waved her tail for silence. "We have been taking care of Maplefern and her kits. While it is Maplefern's decision, we believe the kits will grow into fine warriors of SeedClan, unless CherryClan wants to change their mind?"

A hushed silence fell through the air. A look of shame was plastered on Whisperstar's face. She lowered her head before shaking it. "We will start no conflict over the kits. I admit the wrong I have done to Maplefern." Her voice hardened as she met Kestrelstar's gaze though. "However, she is not welcomed back in CherryClan. While she should've been taken care of as a mother, she has chosen to flee rather than use the code that would've saved her. CherryClan wants no part of her, nor her kits after her banishment."

"I want to apologize too," Ryestar spoke up. The elderly tom would stand as she looked to Kestrelstar. "Maplefern came to CoyoteClan asking for herbs, but we did not give them to her. Her kits were no where in sight when she came, and she didn't speak of them to us. Had we known, we would've provided her the care she needed."

Kestrelstar appeared unimpressed, glaring at both of them. "She was injured. Did you not know that either?"

To her surprise, Ryestar shook his head. "She smelled like garlic actually when she came. She looked to be in fine condition, and merely left when we explained we didn't have herbs to spare. We weren't even aware of her banishment at that point in time."

Howlpaw tilted his head in confusion. Why would Maplefern not tell those around her the full story? She could've gotten help so easily it sounded like, and yet she hid her kits and what happened. It was like Softpaw had caught her or something.

Kestrelstar dipped her head, accepting Ryestar's answer, albeit with a still displeased expression. With a soft sigh, she continued to speak. "Softpaw completed his Border Trial, bringing him closer to becoming a warrior of our clan. This is where he found Maplefern, escorting her back to camp without conflict. With her came her three kits - Slatekit, Bluekit, and Hollowkit."

The gathered cats seemed restless, surprised still with all they had heard so far. However, as Chivestar stood up for his turn, his uncharacteristically hostile expression caused near everyone to hush up. As he set down the Forget-Me-Not, everyone seemed to stiffen.

"SorrelClan is in mourning. While our apprentice Bumblepaw completed his Training Trial, we bring unfortunate news of the death of our sole Healer, Fireleopard."

Most seemed to murmur condolences. The tom was rather old after all, but with no apprentice to follow in his pawsteps, what would SorrelClan do?

Chivestar continued. "We are not without a Healer though. Icywish has stepped forward, volunteering to become a Healer after Fireleopard's passing. She has already begun receiving additional training from Lakeburn of CoyoteClan, however Icywish has impressed us with her knowledge of healing and herbs she already knew."

Kestrelstar spoke up. "Chivestar, know if Icywish needs any further training, Fallendapple is very able."

"I'm afraid I'll have to pass, but thank you, Kestrelstar." Chivestar's voice was short and curt. Howlpaw noticed the way Kestrelstar's pelt prickled in surprise, before she dipped her head with a nod.

"But while Fireleopard was old, it was not StarClan who came for him," he declared, green eyes looking to Whisperstar. "We found Fireleopard on the CherryClan border. Do you care to explain yourself, Whisperstar?"

It was one surprise after the other, the cats bristling in shock as they begun to turn on each other. Bumblepaw remained calm as he sat with the other apprentices, but his green eyes shifted to look over at Icepaw, who was lashing his tail in fury.

"Are you accusing CherryClan of killing a Healer?!" Whisperstar spat.

"Well you're willing to cast out kits. What other rules of the code are you breaking?" Chivestar snarled back, lashing his tail as he approached the CherryClan leader.

"Chivestar!" "Whisperstar!"

Kestrelstar pushed herself against Chivestar, nudging him back with a growl. Ryestar's form towered over Whisperstar, pleading for the she-cat to not launch herself at the SorrelClan leader.

Whisperstar huffed. "I'm sorry for your loss. You have my condolences, really. But CherryClan had no part of it. Though perhaps if SorrelClan cats are such fox-hearts, they deserve to lose a life to even the score."

"Why you-!" Chivestar raised his haunches, but Kestrelstar blocked him, giving him a pleading gaze. The gray tom seemed to stare at her, before flattening his ears and looking to his clan.

"SorrelClan, we're leaving!" he called, trudging ahead and smacking his tail against Kestrelstar as he left. The SeedClan leader flinched, amber eyes wide.

Howlpaw shifted uncomfortably. He and Rainpaw both glanced over at Bumblepaw, who stood up without a word.

"Yeah, turn tail and run back to your camp!"

Looking up with a shocked gaze, Howlpaw saw the spiky white form of Icepaw pushing his way through the crowd. He bared his fangs, snarling at Bumblepaw, who was far bigger than the new apprentice. "Your leader is a liar. Fight me here and now and we'll settle this!"

Bumblepaw's expression barely shifted. It was only now that Howlpaw noticed his smile didn't reach his eyes, and that his green gaze was cold and lifeless.

"I wouldn't waste my time on a scrap of fur like you," he murmured, voice velvety smooth. He dipped his head to Howlpaw and Rainpaw, before turning to leave.

Rainpaw look stunned, mouth agape in a grin. Despite the terror sweeping through Howlpaw, Rainpaw seemed to be relishing in this animosity.

Maybe because it's not her clan...

Icepaw snarled, glancing at Howlpaw and Rainpaw before puffing himself up to look bigger. Even when he did though, he was easily the smallest still.

"Ah um, hi!" Howlpaw greeted, offering a nervous but friendly smile. Icepaw looked ready to claw his fur off, but Howlpaw wasn't sure what else to do. The white tom would glare before turning around and sauntering off, lashing his tail in annoyance.

Rainpaw craned her neck to watch him go, before snickering. "Wow, now that was a dramatic gathering. Phew, I'll have a lot to tell Plummoon about."

"Are you not scared? Or feeling um... bad for everyone?" Howlpaw asked, astonished at first before trailing off into a more meek and nervous tone.

"Well it doesn't affect my clan," she spoke simply. Rainpaw flicked her ear before nudging Howlpaw with a smile. "Yours just grazed some trouble though. Congrats on your new Healer and kit combo though. And hey, let's chat more next time." The dark gray tabby would perk up as a ginger she cat raised her tail to follow. "I gotta go, but see ya around, Howlpaw."

And just like that, he was alone. He saw the rest of his clan leaving, Kestrelstar at the helm. Her eyes looked troubled, trained ahead as her tail lashed with irritation. Howlpaw felt a knot within his stomach, tightening with every pawstep. He gulped, uncertainty clear in his dark colored gaze.

"Kestrelstar, is something wrong?"

"Why do you ask, Howlpaw?"

"Well... I normally can't knock you off your paws that fast."

There was no response from the leader, only a faint twitch of her tail indicating her annoyance.

"And normally you'd tell me off for even asking you something like this."

"Then why are you asking?" Kestrelstar muttered with a growl.

Howlpaw tilted his head, frowning in thought before looking back down at his mentor. "Are you thinking about Maplefern and her kits?"

With a sudden push being felt under his paws, Howlpaw yelped as he tumbled back, Kestrelstar stretching herself out with a huff. The SeedClan leader eyed her apprentice, ears flattening before she glanced away.

"...How'd you know?"

The fluffy gray tom lowered his gaze nervously, tail wrapping around his paws. "You just seemed a little out of it ever since you and Fallendapple spoke," he admitted. His gaze shifted uncomfortably as he finally met Kestrelstar's gaze. "It's no secret she's not very happy about Maplefern being here."

"Well, she needs to get used to it," Kestrelstar growled, licking her paws before brushing it over her ear, frowning slightly as she caught Howlpaw's worried gaze. "Look Howlpaw, it's a bit complicated to explain. You're young so-"

"I wasn't around for The Great Division, I know..." Howlpaw's ears flattened with a solemn gaze. His dull expression flicked to the side, paws kneading the ground as he resisted speaking further.

Kestrelstar paused. "...We haven't told you stories, have we?"

The apprentice seemed to stiffen a bit before giving a small nod. "No one likes to talk about it..."

A pang of guilt clawed at her chest, Kestrelstar dipping her head with an apologetic gaze. "I'm sorry... When we found you... well you were so full of life. You came to SeedClan without any of the burdens we carried. None of us felt prepared to tell you what happened... Not the full tale that is."

Howlpaw's gaze widened, a mixture of fear and intrigue present in his wide hazel eyes. However, very quickly did he seem to feel guilty for wanting to know more, lowering his head.

"I know about Serpentpelt..." he slowly admitted. "He was Quillbeak's father... and the former Mediator?"

"That is right." Kestrelstar would take a seat next to her apprentice, her fur brushing against is as her voice remained low and calm. "He was a quiet, but very kind cat. He swore his life to keeping SeedClan at peace, always doing everything in his power to avoid war."

Howlpaw tilted his head slightly. "But Quillbeak seemed to always want a war. Why would he if his father was so against it?"

"Well..." Kestrelstar held her breath, flicking her ear in thought as to how to put this. "Serpentpelt wasn't a fighter - not like Quillbeak that is. He tried to prevent war... but war was ultimately what killed him. That was what The Great Division was, Howlpaw. And Quillbeak..." She trailed off, amber eyes seeming to darken. "...Quillbeak has a hard time forgiving those who took his father away. And so do many cats."

"Like Fallendapple?" Howlpaw softly asked.

"...Yes. Like Fallendapple." Kestrelstar's eyes welled with grief as she thought back to the small scrap of light brown fur - the pathetic pile that Fallenkit was when Quillbeak carried her back to camp, covered in blood. She had avoided thinking about that day... about Serpentpelt and the others, about Havenbramble and Chiveleaf - and the dark gaze of Locuststar.

"Kestrelstar?"

Howlpaw's soft mew snapped the she-cat out of it, shaking her head as she gazed at her apprentice. "I'm sorry. I promise I can tell you more. It's just..."

"No, it's ok." Howlpaw offered a small smile, reassuring as he tilted his head. "I think I can understand Quillbeak, Fallendapple, and the others a little better at least so... It's ok. Maybe just... another day."

"You will know... one day," Kestrelstar affirmed. Touching her nose to her apprentice's ear, she flicked her tail, nodding for him to follow.

"Now let's do that again. And this time I won't be distracted, so it won't be as easy, alright?"

The dark brown tabby caught the speckled brown she-cat’s attention. As she padded over, she’d cast a quick look at the ginger tom beside him.

“Lakeburn,” Fallendapple greeted, dipping her head to the brown tom. “Fireleopard. Moonbumble.” Both cats dipped their heads as well, though Fallendapple was quick to notice they were one short amongst their little group here.

“Moonbumble, where is Maplefern tonight?”

The black and white she-cat had a rather glassy expression, not even acknowledging the SeedClan Healer. Lakeburn gave her a small nudge, causing the she-cat to straighten up as her ears pricked to attention.

“Oh umm-umm-umm... She won’t be joining us this evening.” Moonbumble’s voice was quick, if not a bit curt. It was evident enough to the group that pressing further just begged for the soft spoken she-cat to get anxious. Fallendapple would instead dip her head respectfully, taking the she-cat’s words as they were.

Lakeburn offered a smile to the group, waving his tail as if to escape the subject. Alas Fallendapple could see though that his smile never quite reached his eyes. “I see everyone looks quite healthy. We should be grateful the flow of prey has been kind to us.”

It’s Newleaf, Lakeburn. Of course prey is plentiful!

Fallendapple thought said remark, but would never say that. In fact most of her remarks went unsaid because Fireleopard was always willing to say such things. It came as a shock to the brown she-cat when there was not a peep out of the ginger tom. Instead he sighed tiredly, leaning forward as he found it difficult to sit up straight.

“Indeed. I think we best enjoy it while it lasts,” he mumbled in a raspy tone.

Moonbumble remained quiet, only lifting her eyes up as Chivestar’s gray tail was raised to the moonlight.

Cats were settling into their chosen spots, and the leaders had all taken their place at the front. As the murmurings became hushed and quiet, the gathering would officially begin.

This time, it was Chivestar’s turn to go first. The SorrelClan leader padded forward, placing a fresh sprig of green leaves at his paws. “SorrelClan has little to speak about I’m afraid. A pretty boring past moon,” he chuckled, eyeing the cats as if they may just chuckle, but alas no one dared even purr. Chivestar cleared his throat. “Well, this evening I brought Basil. With it I bring good wishes to the others, and good wishes for my clan these next few moons. Bumblepaw has completed his Hunting Trial. He caught a sizable black bird that fed us all well. We especially needed it after the heavy rain.”

Fallendapple noticed Lakeburn’s pelt prickle as Chivestar spoke. His fluffy brown tail twitched slightly, and yet his facial expression itself remained calm, if not happy looking. The she-cat glanced back up at the leaders, blue eyes traveling to the large tom that was Ryestar. The CoyoteClan leader had a rather sorrowful expression, stepping forward as he placed down an ominous pale blue flower that every cat knew. The silence of the gathered cats was chilling, and those of CoyoteClan lowered their heads with somber gazes.

“I have brought the Forget-Me-Not. With great sorrow I must announce that our deputy, Barleytail, has passed on to join our ancestors.”

Fallendapple whipped her head around to look at Lakeburn, who had lowered his head, but his expression was just neutral. It was hard to tell what the medicine cat was thinking, and even his tail had been tucked closely to his side, as if he knew he may have given himself away just mere moments before.

“Our camp’s trenches struggled with the heavy rain. We faced a terrible flood and Barleytail... she bravely saved her apprentice, Rainpaw.” Ryestar attempted to speak clearly, though his elderly voice choked as he tried to take a steady breath. “Rainpaw had been injured during his border trial after a monster caused grave injury to his leg. Barleytail made sure he made it out safe. She always put her clan first, and was the image of a true CoyoteClan warrior. We will never forget her.”

Sympathetic expression crossed many of the gathered cats. Chivestar had flattened his ears, realizing his comment about the rain hit a sore spot for CoyoteClan. Kestrelstar would dip her head in respect, while Whisperstar paused before dipping her head as well. Ryestar’s eyes held little anger, merely sadness as he nodded back to his fellow leaders.

“Plummoon has been made CoyoteClan’s new deputy. StarClan spoke to Lakeburn that very evening, where the was just almost full. Against the starry sky, our ancestors spoke to Lakeburn, giving us guidance when we needed it. I believe Plummoon will be an excellent deputy for CoyoteClan.”

Plummoon...

Fallendapple was surprised. The tom was rather... ordinary, all things considered. He was known for being careful, passive, and not being much of a presence all things considered. He often faded into the background, and never would anyone have expected him to be the right fit for a position as important as deputy.

“Odd choice...”

“It’s as StarClan wills.”

Fallendapple’s pelt grew hot, realizing she had spoken aloud. She slowly turned to meet Lakeburn’s calm expression. Despite no anger being evident on his face, his eyes were deep blue pools of hollowness. It was almost scarier than Lakeburn actually being aggressive towards her.

“It’s an odd choice, Lakeburn,” Fireleopard spoke up.

Both medicine cats turned to look at the smaller ginger tom, who sighed. “But everything is odd now, isn’t it? Please remember Fallendapple is young, and have some understanding.”

“... Yes, Fireleopard.” Lakeburn would dip his head in acknowledgement to the older medicine cat. respect glimmering in his gaze as his dark blue gaze looked away from Fallendapple’s.

“And Fallendapple, do remember we aren’t exactly working with much. You have a lot to learn, and you should mind your tongue.” Rather than being a stern scolding, Fireleopard’s voice was low. Fallendapple couldn’t deny he was right. After all, it was either Plummoon or Aphidsun, and the young ginger she-cat was a very new warrior. Many might say StarClan wasn’t even needed to make this choice.

Ryestar would finally step back, giving Whisperstar her turn. The small white she-cat would place down a purple flower with long, curled petals, raising her head high. “For this gathering I have brought an Iris. The iris means many things - things that CherryClan needs right now. Faith, wisdom, valor...” The older she-cat sighs as she continues. “Apricotfeather has announced she is expecting kits. We look forward to new additions to our clan.”

Murmurs of congratulations traveled through the gathered cats. Fallendapple tilted her head to get a better look at the gray tabby she-cat, her belly beginning to get plump. Sitting at her side was a silver tabby tom, who grinned sheepishly as other cats came up to him to wish congratulations.

They must be mates then.

“Umm-umm-umm-umm...” Moonbumble stuttered.

Fireleopard’s ears curled back slightly at the sound. Lakeburn would whisk his tail over the she-cat’s back, rubbing it gently to assure her. Fallendapple had come to know Moonbumble well enough, her fellow medicine cat Maplefern having done well to educate her on the white and black she-cat’s tics. Eventually though, Moonbumble stopped, dipping her head as she acknowledged the blessing that were new kits, especially in these times.

Whisperstar would continue. “We are patrolling our borders carefully. Do not think we have forgotten about Bushclaw’s murder. Whoever it was will see justice.” The white she-cat stepped back with a pointed gaze, before turning to Kestrelstar with a content expression.

Finally, the dark gray tabby took her place, dipping her head to Whisperstar before setting her rather bushy purple plant down. “This evening I’ve brought Thyme, a plant representing courage and strength. This moon I have focused on keeping my clan unified. Just as we take care of ourselves, I believe we also need to take care of each other.” Kestrelstar eyed Whisperstar, who glared back at her with a narrowed gaze.

“For instance,” Kestrelstar spoke. “Whisperstar, not too long ago, my patrol encountered what we believe is a loner lurking on your territory. He smelled distinctly of CherryClan, as if he was part of your clan, and yet I’m fairly certain he is not one of your cats.”

Whisperstar’s eyes widened, blinking incredulously. “Impossible! There’s no way some loner could go undetected.”

“I promise you, it’s true,” Kestrelstar spoke firmly. “He was a pale ginger tom, with dark her markings. He had an odd name. Churro.”

“Umm-umm...”

Whisperstar would scoff. “Well... we’ll keep our eyes out then. If this is your attempt at looking out for one another, then so be it, Kestrelstar. If this does prove to be true, then you will have my gratitude.”

Fallendapple had heard a bit about the strange loner Kestrelstar’s patrol had encountered. Howlpaw had babbled about it to her while Goldeniris insisted they too should check their own borders more. Outsiders weren’t uncommon, but cats were wary of them after The Great Division. Who willingly wanted to throw themselves into the broken up fragments that were their once single territory. Fallendapple loved her clan, but she couldn’t imagine outsiders finding clanlife appealing in its current state.

Kestrelstar would continue. “Softpaw has completed his Hunting Trial, bringing him one step closer on his path to becoming a warrior. We also have a new apprentice - Howlpaw. It is my honor to be training him myself.”

“Howlpaw! Howlpaw! Howlpaw!” the gathering cheered.

The fluffy gray apprentice straightened up with a sheepish smile.

“Ryestar, I truly am sorry for your loss. Know that if you need extra herbs, Fallendapple can provide some to your clan.” Kestrelstar flicked her tail towards the speckled brown she-cat, eyes turning to her.

Fallendapple would tense for a moment before nodding. “Of course, Kestrelstar.” In truth, she had mixed feelings herself on her current herb supply, nevermind handing it over to another clan. Fallendapple glanced away, catching a familiar gaze across the clearing. Quillbeak nodded to her, understanding in his wary gaze, before the two cats turned to look back to the gathered leaders.

Ryestar would simply dip his head graciously to Kestrelstar. With nothing left to share though, the gathering was commenced. Havenbramble padded over to Apricotfeather, congratulating her personally on the little bundles that would be coming. Fallendapple would watch as Lakeburn went to congratulate her as well, and she’d debate following him herself.

“Do you know how many you’ll be having yet?” Havenbramble asked cheerfully.

“Um, I believe Moonbumble thinks it’ll be a larger litter,” Apricotfeather replied, lowering head with a hit of embarrassment.

Moonbumble had padded over with Lakeburn, nodding as she offered a soft smile to Havenbramble. “She’s already showing and there’s still much time before she’ll actually have her kits. It’ll be umm-umm-umm great life for CherryClan, as Whisperstar said.”

“I’m sure you’re very proud, Tadpolefern,” Lakeburn spoke up, nodding to the silver tom sitting beside Apricotfeather during the gathering.

“Hm?” Tadpolefern blinked, perking up with a slight tilt of his head. “Well yeah, Apricotfeather is going to do great! I’ll make sure to bring her everything she needs, and those kits are going to be strong warriors! Oh, or maybe one will even become a medicine cat. We could use one, right Moonbumble?”

“Umm-umm-umm-!” Moonbumble’s ears fell as she shook her head. “I mean umm-umm-umm yes quite!” She smiled with a soft giggle, scrunching her shoulders up as she rolled her head.

Fallendapple wasn’t one to mingle with the other clans too much. It still felt... odd. Then again she had never known a world where they didn’t live world’s apart. Her instinct was to find Quillbeak, walking alongside him as they returned back to the safety of SeedClan’s camp. As the medicine cat turned to try and find her clanmate, a raspy voice would stop her.

“Do you have a moment, Fallendapple?”

Fallendapple tensed. Seeing Fireleopard, the she-cat lashed her tail slightly with narrowed eyes. “What is it?”

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior last gathering.”

Huh? Fireleopard apologizing? Was she dreaming? This ragged tom never apologized. This kind of tune shocked Fallendapple, the she-cat having to pause as if Fireleopard might pull one over on her. But... he didn’t. Instead the ginger tom apologetically dipped his head.

“I’m a grown tom. I shouldn’t have been acting like a sniveling kit. The Healer Code states we shouldn’t fight under the stars, and for that I’m sorry - to you and your clan.”

“I...” Fallendapple blinked, her fur beginning to lie flat. “...Thank you, Fireleopard. That... That’s kind of you, really.” A genuine smile passed on to Fallendapple’s face, the she-cat whisking her fluffy tail around to cover her paws. “You were right earlier as well though... about me having much to learn.”

A light chuckle escaped the SorrelClan tom, before he coughed. Clearing his throat, Fireleopard sighed and nodded. “As you were, Fallendapple. Do take care of yourself this next moon.”

“And you as well,” Fallendapple called after. She’d watch as Fireleopard sauntered towards a brown and white she-cat, who touched noses with him before following alongside him with the other SorrelClan cats.

“There you are.”

“Eep!” Fallendapple whipped around, tired of these cats spooking her. Maybe she was the problem - too easy to scare.

Quillbeak eyed her, tilting his head. “You should know my paw steps by now, especially with our training.” His tail tip twitched. “What did that old pile of burrs have to say to you?” he asked, lip slightly curled as he watched the other clan cats leave.

Fallendapple would frown, glancing down at her paws. “Nothing really. He actually um... and you might find this kinda funny but uh... he apologized to me. For what happened at the last gathering.” She looked up hopefully at Quillbeak, chuckling to herself as if she also found it a bit funny.

“Oh please,” Quillbeak scoffed, waving his tail dismissively. “They probably heard Kestrelstar volunteer us herbs and now want to stay in our good graces. You shouldn’t be so naive, Fallendapple. You know we can’t spare herbs for CoyoteClan, much less SorrelClan.”

She thought of their brief moment of eye contact, agreement on their current supply. What Quillbeak said was true but... was that really why Fireleopard apologized? Was she naive to think he actually meant it...

The Gathering - a time for sharing news with the other clans and coming together under an oath of peace.

It was tradition, honored by generations of cats before her. As leader of SeedClan, Kestrelstar took great pride in the Order of the Flowers.

She led her clan to Rainbow Fields, gentle with the golden plant in her mouth. She dare not let it wilt, something she always worried about despite its fresh picking. Still, under the eyes of the full moon, knowing this was when StarClan was closest, she couldn't help but always feel a twinge of dutiful anxiety.

As her clan began to settle in, Kestrelstar took her place next to a familiar gray tom. His hazel eyes gleaned with interest, already eyeing her offering.

"Guh evenun, Kestrasta. Wha flowa ha yo brough?"

Watching as his own flower flopped about only made Kestrelstar's nose scrunch up. Amber eyes looked away, giving Chivestar only a flick of her ear in acknowledgement. With this movement, the clans lulled into a hushed murmur before falling silent, eyes fixed upon the four leaders before them.

Kestrelstar took a step forward. Gently, she placed the golden plant down, and looked out amongst the crowd of cats. "Under the honor of the full moon, I have the blessing of going first this moon-lit gathering. Today I have brought with me Goldenrod. Representing prosperity and good fortune, that is what I believe SeedClan has had this past moon. Softpaw has been continuing his training and completed the Trial of Training. Young Howlkit has also been growing stronger every day, and will be beginning his apprenticeship very soon."

Her gray paw rested atop the stem of the goldenrod, always worried the soft breeze might just blow it away. Amber eyes would give a firm nod as she completed her words, turning to the smiling Chivestar as if to say, finally you can speak.

Placing the purple plant down, the fellow clan leader could only chuckle softly before speaking up. "Today I have brought Borage," he announced, his voice stronger now that it wasn't muffled by leaves. "Borage is used to reawaken the heart, and grant courage. I will first say that we have a new warrior in our presence. Having completed the Trial of Herbs, we are proud to welcome Icywish as a full warrior of SorrelClan."

The clan cats erupted into cheers, chanting Icywish's name, others murmuring congratulations to the proud brown she-cat.

Chivestar continued. "Bumblepaw continues to work hard, and completed the Trial of Borders. SorrelClan continues to grow stronger, and I believe our hearts only continue to awaken and grow stronger with it." As he finished his words, Chivestar cast a lasting a glance at Kestrelstar, a knowing smile on his face before flicking his tail, turning away to look at the elderly gray tom who would be next.

"Ryestar," Chivestar murmured with a dip of his head.

The CoyoteClan leader sighed calmly under his breath, adjusting his aching bones as he gently placed his flower down before him. He had to clear his throat, voice raspy as he spoke up. "I have brought with me Violet today. It represents humility, peace even. That is what CoyoteClan has been. Rainpaw has completed her Trial of Training, and Havenbramble has made great strides in his visits recently to the other clans. I understand SorrelClan welcomed him as a guest for a few sunrises this moon, to great success." Ryestar turned to look at Chivestar expectantly.

"Certainly. Havenbramble is a welcomed cat in my clan, and myself and my clanmates were honored to have him," Chivestar replied, dipping his head.

A small scoff could be heard, causing Ryestar's ear to twitch. Dark blue eyes shifted to the small white she-cat next to him, the final leader to speak. Clearing his throat, Ryestar cast a gentle look upon her.

"Whisperstar, would you care to go next?"

"As the stars decree, yes?" the white she-cat snarled back. The other leaders would look to her with wide eyes, surprised by such an openly hostile tone at the sacred gathering. Whisperstar practically flung her flower to the ground, the sharp inhale of breath from Kestrelstar unable to be missed.

"This evening I have brought the Petunia. With it I bring anger, because one of my own was murdered," Whisperstar hissed.

Murdered?! Kestrelstar's eyes widened, staring in shock as hushed murmurs echoed through the gathering. Some CherryClan cats looked down with sorrow, while others bristled and carried the same anger their leader did.

"CherryClan had welcomed Bushclaw as a full warrior of their ranks, however... in the dead of night, something..." Whisperstar paused, bristling as she raised her head and her voice in turn. "Someone killed him. The claw marks along his throat are unmistakably from a cat. So I'm going to ask you all right now, who was it?!"

"You dare accuse us of such a thing?!" Ochreclaw shouted. The SorrelClan deputy's tail lashed.

Fireleopard would snarl as he sat amongst his fellow medicine cats. "Don't look at SorrelClan. Perhaps instead look at SeedClan. Perhaps they seek vengeance for their fallen mediator."

Fallendapple's eyes widened in shock, immediately backing away from the SorrelClan medicine cat. "Fireleopard?! You dare say such things? To instigate fighting under the light of the full moon is blasphemy!"

"Don't think just because you're a medicine cat that I won't claw your ears off, you old sack of bones!" Quillbeak had stepped forward, protectively standing in front of Fallendapple and forcing Firelopard to back up.

Kestrelstar began to feel the hair on her pelt rise. Her amber eyes saw the clouds beginning to gather overhead. The winds pushed old air into her ears, and the petals of her goldenrod would waver with their touch. She knew that this had to stop!

"It is unfair to accuse SeedClan and use our grief against us," Honeyeagle called out. He gently pushed Quillbeak back, looking to his clanmate with a sympathetic gaze.

Kestrelstar felt a sense of calm rush over her, thankful for her kindhearted deputy.

"Besides-" Honeyeagle raised his head with a narrowed gaze. "You didn't even talk about CoyoteClan."

Honeyeagle!!

That was not helpful. Yowls of fury echoed from Ryestar's cats, the elderly leader frowning as he cast an unapproving gaze at Kestrelstar. Her ears burned with embarrassment. Kestrelstar knew she'd have some stern words for Honeyeagle later.

A soft tail brushed against her back, causing the she-cat to look up. Chivestar smiled at her with those same gleaming eyes. "No hard feelings, Kestrelstar. I will be having words with my cats as well. I assure you that we are allies in this troublesome time."

While she hated to admit, she was grateful for Chivestar's patience and kind words. "Thank you," she murmured back, softly so that no cat heard.

Clouds rolled over the full moon, the peace having been broken. Kestrelstar knew they should take their leave before blood should dare be spilled. With a quick dip of her head, she said her goodbyes to Chivestar, only giving a quick glance to Ryestar and Whisperstar.

Amber eyes fell down upon the goldenrod she had brought. Prosperity. Growth. So much for that... Quickly, Kestrelstar shook her head. She mustn't forget the traditions of their ancestors. Before she took her leave, the dark gray tabby tenderly picked up her plant before any other leader could do the same to theirs, placing it softly within the Rainbow Bend. Soon the seeds will fall and spread through this field to create the array of so many colorful flowers. That beauty would never fade, not if Kestrelstar had anything to say about it.

"SeedClan, we are leaving," Kestrelstar called.

With but a flick of her tail, her clan went silent, eyes following her as she padded through the crowd of cats. Mixed expressions greeted her, but one by one the clan followed their leader.