On the third day is when DewSplash made their move, if AntlerTine had been any less observant, or more inclined to sleeping in, she may have missed DewSplash slipping out the camp entrance just after dawn, before any other in the clan had woken up. AntlerTine sprang up as fast as her aging joints would allow so early in the morning. She trotted out the entrance and immediately scented the air. As she followed her clanmate it became clear they were heading to the same meeting place as before. AntlerTine was careful to stay down wind as she approached the clan's border. She made sure to creep quietly, closer and closer so she could hear their conversation this time.
“Kazoo! I’ve missed you, I don't like these secret meetings. Have you given any thought to joining the clan?”
“You know I want to but how could your clan accept me? I’ve been a kittypet my
whole life, even with the training you’ve shown me I still don’t think I could pull my weight.”
“They will come to love you just as I have.”
AntlerTine had only heard the small snippet of conversation, but it was enough, while it was uncommon to take non-clan cats as mates it wasn't unheard of. She stood up, deciding to make her presence known. “While some in the clan might not love the idea of a Kittypet joining the ranks, in the beginning, all the clans were built on Loners, Roughs and Kittypets.” The two cats puffed up and twirled around, eyes wide as AntlerTine continued to speak. “The first clan cats knew it was safer to live as a group. Our clan will come to accept you.”
“AntlerTine?! What are you doing here!” DewSplash exclaimed. “I saw you here a few days ago, I thought maybe you had bad intentions, meeting a non-clan cat in secret, so I followed you here today. I’m glad I was wrong.” AntlerTine replied. The two cats only stared at her, DewSplash with surprise, Kazoo with suspicion.
