#dawnheart

Born under the aggressive reign of Beetlestar in ThunderClan, Dawnpaw never felt that she belonged in her clan. After conversing with some ShadowClan apprentices during her first gathering, Dawnpaw decided right then and there that she wanted to switch clans. After some initial shock, (and a mortified Beetlestar as he couldn’t do anything during a waking night) Dawnpaw said goodbye to her family and friends and followed the ShadowClan cats home. Initially, Dawnpaw struggled in this new environment. It was hard to take her superiors seriously when she towered over them, and her thick pelt and giant paws made her clumsy and slow in the marsh. Dawnpaw tried to be kind and respectful to her new clanmates, but often got into trouble as she challenged any orders or rules that went against her morality. More often than not, her mentor would have to chase after her as Dawnpaw instantly challenged any stray in the Aulmir that gave ShadowClan a funny look. It was also hard to train with her fellow apprentices when a single paw swipe would send them flying. Just when she was giving up hope, on one chilly winter night an elder asked in a creaky voice if Dawnpaw could shield her from the cold. Dawnpaw was happy to agree, and as more and more cats filed in camp after patrols, before long all the Shadowclan cats were snuggled up together as Dawnpaw served as a giant heater. (I remember asking about a giant cat being in Shadowclan and someone replied with the idea of a cat snuggle party, it was so darn cute I had to snatch that idea, props to anon for that idea) This served as a turning point for her, and Dawnpaw began to put in the work and effort to help her clan, like volunteering for patrols, teaching younger apprentices, and babysitting kittens whenever the queens wanted a break. It took a while, but as she earned her clanmates’ respect she learned self control and patience. Before long it was time for her warrior assessment, and she was chosen to help escort the elders across the territory. Unfortunately, that night the patrol was ambushed by Beetlestar and his rogue goons. Dawnpaw refused to back down and protected the elders before reinforcements could arrive, and even went toe to toe against the ThunderClan leader too. She managed to claw out his eye before ShadowClan patrols came to their rescue. Dawnpaw was severely injured from her wounds, but after a moon of rest and healing she was able to happily accept her new name of Dawnheart.