#thunderlan

There have been deaths before, but they're very rare and completely accidental. ThunderClan and RiverClan fight hard for the Sunningrocks, but they, like the other Clans, do not like to kill, even over territory. It should be noted that the Sunningrocks conflict is treated almost casually now - like it's just a thing everyone does normally and with little anger. We'll touch on that in A Kindling more, so I'll save the rest for that.

Greystripe coughed, he coughed hard trying to draw the river water out of his throat, it stung and shook him to his core. He saw the sun shining down through Silver fur and he purred.

The visions faded as he craned his neck to nuzzle her face. Greystripe sighed as his joints creaked and his lungs ached. He had survived Greencough before but this time it held tight. Greystripe hurt everywhere. His breathing hurt and caused shivers, his legs ached, his eyes ached, Greystripe just ached. Sitting in the quiet Medicine den Greystripe purred laboredly as Blossomfall entered.

“You shouldn’t wait on this old man Blossomfall. I dont want you to get sick.” His daughter purred lightly, her dilute Torbie fur was hard to mistake. Greystripe always loved it. “You look good dear. Healthy, strong, it’s a hard leafbare and you will need that.”

“Yes dad, I know. I just wanted to see you, Jayfeather insisted I give you some herbs if I did.” Greystripe flipped himself onto his stomach, and lazily lapped up the Herb mixture before him.

“Do you know if Bluestar is busy? I think she may need to send patrols for herbs if Spottedleaf is running low.” Blossomfall sucked in a deep breath.

“I-I’ll check. But you should sleep, Mom… mom would worry if you didnt.“Greystripe looked around confused, then saw Blossomfall once more.

“Ah! Blossomfall! Are you here to join me to see Silverstream? I can smell the river from here…” Tears pricked Blossomfall’s eyes.

“Later dad, get some sleep first… you are recovering from Greencough.” Greystripe huffed but curled up tighter.

“Alright dear, I’ll take a little nap. You should go take a break, get some food!”

“Sure dad, rest well.” Greystripe shut his eyes and listened as his daughter walked away before drifting off a little.

“Greystripe…” Greystripe cracked an eye open and purred once more.

“Millie…” Greystripe coughed again, as Millie was joined by several others. His purr grew stronger as he slowly recognized the figures.

“Feathertail, Silverstream, Briarlight? What are you doing here?” He asked.

“We were heading to the river to swim a little, come on Dad!” Feathertail exclaimed pushing Greystripe onto his feet. Greystripe hesitated as he rose.

“But, Fireheart and Ravenpaw-”

“They’re waiting! Come on love. I think you waited long enough.” Silverstream purred moving alongside Greystripe with Millie as Briarlight and Feathertail joined them.

“Come on dad, Blossomfall, Bumblestripe and Stormfur will be along soon. Let’s go.” Briarlight said pushing forward. Greystripe laughed.

“I guess I left you all waiting long enough. I’m sure Fireheart is flailing without me.”

Blossomfall sat besides the silent body of her father red berries beside her as she sighed.

“Blossomfall? You didnt have to…” Alderheart began only for Blossomfall to turn to him quickly but not in anger.

“I preferred if he had someone he knew with him not someone he could mistake for… for the dead.” Alderheart simply nodded. “It was right yeah? Putting him to sleep?” Blossomfall asked.

“He wasnt healing and Jayfeather said it would be cruel to keep him alive like this.” Alderheart whispered, gently nuzzling the warrior. Blossomfall nodded numbly.

“At least he won’t be lost or in pain now.”

_____