nine wrote:AspenClan
Number of Cats: 06
Next Moonpool Visit: Jan 21
Sootpelt made his way back to camp, stuck between disappointment and satisfaction. He had been hoping to come across that Birchclan medicine cat, but to no avail. He had, however, come across some catmint, which would definitely be helpful in the moons of leaf bare. When he entered camp, he immediately noticed the small russet she-cat standing beside Robinstar. Sootpelt ducked into his den and quickly sorted out his new herbs, then sat outside the entrance, curiously watching the new cat.
Tanglestep eyed Brambletooth as they returned to camp. In his opinion, the large ginger tabby wasn't well-suited to be a deputy. He seemed very distracted during their entire patrol. Tanglestep knew that he, himself, would make a much better leader than the clumsy tabby. All her had to do was win over Robinstar's trust, then stage a little... accident for Brambletooth. The warrior purred at the thought of leading the clan. Under his reign, Aspenclan would surely thrive, and possibly be able to drive out some of the weaker clans. Of course, becoming deputy was one thing, but he would have to get rid of Robinstar as well, and those nine lives could be a challenge. Tanglestep's tail lashed in frustration, but luckily, the deputy didn't seem to notice.
Once the clan had gathered, Robinstar leapt up onto the Half-Fallen Tree. (The tree's fall appeared to have been stopped halfway by the rock that served as Robinstar's den so that the top rose into the air at an angle.) She felt no need to call for a meeting, as the cats had already noticed the soon-to-be-apprentice. "While I was at the moonpool, I asked Starclan for an apprentice, and on my way home I came across the young cat standing before you today." Robinstar motioned with her tail and the small she-cat warily padded forward to stand at the base of the tree. "From this day forward, this she-cat will be known as Cherrypaw. She has been accepted into AspenClan and will train as the clan's first apprentice," the leader announced with a proud smile. "Brambletooth, you will be Cherrypaw's mentor. I trust that you will pass on to her not only your skills, but your noble spirit." Tanglestep sneered. Noble! That tabby doesn't even know what noble means! he thought angrily. Brambletooth stepped forward to meet Cherrypaw and bent down to touch his nose to hers. Cherrypaw pulled away at first, but then returned the gesture. "Don't worry," he murmured, giving her a reassuring smile. "You're doing fine. Get some rest; we'll start training tomorrow." Swiftfern watched him, purring. He would make an excellent father, she thought wistfully, and for once she didn't chase the thoughts away. Once Cherrypaw had padded away to the apprentice den, Brambletooth approached the leader. "Robinstar, while Tanglestep and I were patrolling, we came across a trail." At the sound of his name, Tanglestep's ears swiveled curiously and he padding over to the two other cats. The large tabby turned to the warrior. "Tanglestep, you know the way. Go there with Robinstar and see what you can find," he ordered. Robinstar nodded, a hint of worry etched onto her face, and followed Tanglestep from camp.
The truth was, Brambletooth had been distracted for a while now. After Tanglestep and Robinstar had padded off, Brambletooth padded up to Swiftfern and cleared his throat. "Swiftfern, would you like to go on a, um, a hunting patrol with me? I found a really good spot earlier while on patrol," he mewed. Swiftfern smiled, hearing the nerves in his voice. "Of course," she purred, her fur brushing against his as they walked. Brambletooth seemed to make a few random turns as he went in order to arrive at the lake just as the sun was setting. Swiftfern padded to the edge of the water, gazing at the reflection of the colorful sky. When she turned around, Brambletooth was holding a small bouquet of daisies, which he set gingerly at her paws. "Swiftfern, we've known each other for a few moons now, and I've been wanting to do this since our first patrol together." He paused, his heart pounding. Swiftfern stretched up to lick his forehead. "I was wondering when you'd finally ask," she purred. The question hung unspoken in the air, but it might as well have been shouted from a mountaintop. "So can I take that at a yes?" Brambletooth mewed, feeling as if he might burst with joy. "A thousand times yes," Swiftfern purred, and Brambletooth licked her cheek affectionately. "I love you, Brambletooth," she murmured softly. "And I love you, Fern," Brambletooth whispered. "No matter what your name is." Swiftfern closed her eyes, pressed against her new mate as the lake water washed over their paws. They were both lost in the moment, a moment that they hoped to preserve forever.
[Tanglestep and Robinstar patrol]
[Swiftfern and Brambletooth are now mates]
